How-what-when in Tabo

HOW TO REACH TABO

Where ever you land in India, domestic flights, trains and deluxe buses connect you to NEW DELHI or CHANDIGARH, from where you can plan your entry to Spiti valley. There are two routes from Chandigarh to enter the valley; one via Shimla-Rampur-Recong Peo-Nako and the other via Manali- Rohtang pass-Kunzum pass.

From DELHI/ MANALI-

From New Delhi (12 hour drive or fly to Bhuntar Airport (60 kms to Manali) or overnight bus) to Manali The road from Manali to the valley is only open from around mid June through to mid October. Access to Spiti is over the high passes of Rohtang and Kunzum at 3000 metres and 4500 metres respectively. These passes can temporarily close at any time due to high snow fall or land slide. Local state buses (12 hours) or HIRE / SHARE 4 WD taxis (9 hours) connect Manali to Kaza. Inner line permits will have to be obtained in Manali/ Kaza by Non Indian citizens, for onward journey in Spiti valley.

New Delhi - Kaza (via) Manali – - Rohtang Pass - Batal - Kunzam Pass (790 km)

From DELHI/ SHIMLA –

From New Delhi (12 hours drive or fly to Shimla or by train to Kalka, where change over) to Shimla. - The road from Shimla to Spiti Valley is open all year around except for occasional land slides and/or heavy snow fall. Local buses connect Shimla to Rekong Peo, (10 to 12 hours). An Inner Line permit (this permit allows a Non Indian citizen to travel from Rekong Peo to the valley) will have to be obtained in Recong Peo. HIRE / SHARE 4 WD taxis are also available in Shimla, Rampur and Rekong Peo to travel to the valley.

New Delhi - Kaza (via) Shimla – Rampur - Powari - Puh - Sumdo - - Tabo (800 km)

Travel within the valley - Local State buses and taxis are available for travel within the valley.

WHAT TO BRING

Since the infrastructure is poor in Spiti valley, the roads in/out of the valley can get cut off at any time due to landslides, rock slides and sudden stream overflow either due to rain or snow melt.

July and August are hot; need to carry full arm cotton tops, sun glasses, wide brimmed caps, sun screen creams and chap stick. Other months are cool and could get chilly windy anytime. Carry woolens and thermal wear.

Electricity supply is poor and therefore, carry extra batteries n power bank for camera/mobile,etc.,. Please carry prescribed high altitude and asthma medicines, as the average elevation of the valley is 4200 meters.

Carry cash from Manali, Recong Peo or Shimla ,as there are only two ATMs in Tabo n Kaza and a foreign currency exchange facility in Kaza Branch of SBI.

Only BSNL & JIO mobile network is receptive in Tabo and Kaza; obtain a BSNL or JIO sim card.

Internet services are available in Tabo and Kaza, but the speed is improving !

WHEN TO VISIT

Ideal time to visit the valley is between MAY and OCTOBER. Days are hot and nights cool in the season, though July and August are the hottest months

The valley being a cold desert is extremely cold in winter and precipitation is very scarce in monsoon.

While the road from Recong Peo is open round the year,the road leading from Manali is open only between Mid June and Mid October.

Both the roads are prone to temporary blockage due to snow, gale and landslide anytime.

The roads are built and maitained by the prudent Indian army and therfore are repaired promptly on blockage to keep the traffic moving unhindered.

Nevertheless, road and weather are ideal throughout the year for the daring and adventure lovers !