Kunzum La Pass: The Gateway to Spiti’s Wild Beauty
Hidden high in the lap of the Himalayas lies Kunzum La Pass, a windswept gateway between Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. At an altitude of 4,551 meters (14,931 feet), Kunzum La isn’t just a mountain pass — it’s a journey into a starkly beautiful world of rugged mountains, ancient monasteries, and a raw, untouched charm that feels far from civilization.
Kunzum La Pass
A Sacred Threshold
For many travelers, Kunzum La is not just a geographical feature, but a spiritual landmark. At the top of the pass, colorful Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the icy wind. There’s a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kunzum Devi, guardian of the pass. It’s customary for travelers to stop and seek her blessings for a safe journey — a ritual that adds a mystic energy to the already surreal landscape.
The Route and the Ride
Reaching Kunzum La is an adventure in itself. Most travelers pass through here en route from Manali to Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley. The road, open only from late May to October (depending on weather), is a narrow ribbon winding through steep cliffs, glacial streams, and treacherous bends.
Driving or biking through Kunzum Pass demands a certain level of skill, patience, and respect for the mountains. It’s not unusual to see bikers stop every few minutes, both to admire the view and to catch their breath — the air is thin, and the scenery is breathtaking in every sense of the word.
Landscape Like No Other
Kunzum La offers views that are nothing short of otherworldly. On a clear day, you can see the Chandrabhaga Range on one side and the Spitian desert mountains on the other. The contrast is striking — snow-capped peaks meet barren, ochre-brown hills under a deep blue sky.
In summer, the pass is surrounded by small patches of wildflowers, icy streams, and nomadic shepherds guiding their flocks. But the beauty here is raw — no trees, no greenery like in lower Himachal — just rock, snow, and sky.
Chandratal: The Moon Lake
Just 15 km off Kunzum Pass lies one of Spiti’s most iconic spots — Chandratal Lake. Accessible via a bumpy dirt road from the pass, Chandratal (meaning “Moon Lake”) is a serene, crescent-shaped alpine lake that reflects the mountains around it like a giant mirror. Many travelers camp here overnight, under starry skies that look close enough to touch.
When to Visit Kunzum La pass
The best time to visit Kunzum Pass is between June and September, when the snow has melted and the roads are (somewhat) accessible. Outside of this window, the pass is buried under snow and closed due to dangerous conditions.
Always check local road reports before making the journey. Weather in the high Himalayas can change in minutes.
Tips for Traveling to Kunzum La pass
- Altitude Acclimatization: At over 4,500 meters, altitude sickness is a real concern. Spend a day or two acclimatizing in places like Kaza or Keylong before ascending.
- Fuel Up: There are no petrol pumps at the pass. The last reliable fuel stations are in Manali or Kaza — plan accordingly.
- Travel Light, Travel Safe: Carry warm clothes, extra food, water, and a medical kit. Network connectivity is non-existent at the pass.
- 4×4 Recommended: While many make it in smaller vehicles, a high-ground-clearance SUV or a reliable bike is ideal.
Final Thoughts: Kunzum La Pass
Kunzum La isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s wild, remote, and often challenging — but that’s precisely why it remains one of the most magical routes in the Indian Himalayas. Whether you’re a biker chasing high-altitude roads, a photographer looking for untouched landscapes, or a spiritual seeker drawn to the mountains, Kunzum La pass has something to offer.
It’s not just a pass — it’s a passage into a different world.
