If you ever wanted to do a daring and adventurous road trip in India with breathtaking views and surreal landscapes, then this has to be it. The Manali to Kaza road trip is one of the most exhilarating road trips that you could take, high above the clouds in the Himalayan passes. This road trip is for the daring few and not for everyone because of the challenges in the road conditions, the weather, altitude sickness, and the harsh climatic conditions. But, it is rewarding in so many more ways than one. This guide will unravel all the details you need to know if you plan a road trip from Manali to Kaza.
Route Planning For The Manali To Kaza Road Trip
Image Credit: Gayatri Priyadarshini for Wikipedia Commons
The route from Manali to Kaza is straightforward, where you take Gurudwara Road in Manali and enter National Highway 3. Once on NH3, it would be best if you crossed the Atal Tunnel and Chandra River Bridge, which are near Koksar. Once you cross the Chenab River, you must get off NH 3 and onto NH 505.
NH 505 is also called the Leh Manali Highway. From here on, you need to follow NH 505 until you pass by Koksar, Gramphu, Chhatru, Batal Mountain viewpoint, Karcha, Batal, Kunzum Mata Temple (Kunzum pass), and drive along the Spiti River until you reach Losar. From Lochar, you cross the Spiti River at Chichong and drive north of the Spiti River until you reach Hansa and Kaito. At Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, you cross the Spiti River again and head south along the river until you reach Pangmo Khas. From there, you must pass Hull, Moorang, Sumling, Khurik, and Rangrik and enter the Spiti Valley. At Spiti Valley, you cross the Spiti River again and drive further until you reach Kaza.
Total Distance: 183 km
Best time to drive: July and September
Also Read: Places To Visit In Kaza
An Itinerary And Road Conditions For Manali To Kaza Road Trip
Image Credit: Sheetal Goel for Wikipedia Commons
Ideally, if you want to stop and visit all the beautiful destinations on the way up to Kaza, the Manali to Kaza road trip should take you about three days if you have good weather throughout. This is because road conditions are often unpredictable, and driving on the mountains is a slow and cumbersome process, only experienced drivers can take up this arduous journey.
Day 1: Manali To Batal, Chandratal, Kunzum Pass And Losar
7 AM: You start your journey early in the morning, at least by 7 AM so you have good visibility of the day. You reach NH 3 via Gurudwara road and then keep going towards Kaza until you cross the well constructed and much hyped Atal tunnel. The streets are wonderfully built and smooth, providing an excellent driving experience until you enter Lahaul Valley and reach Batal on NH 505.
9:30 AM: Batal has many Dhabas, and the Chandratal Dhaba is well recommended. They serve Thukpa and Momos, and you can sip a hot cup of chai while surrounded by snow-capped mountains and clear blue skies. This is the best stop for breakfast.
10:30 AM: Drive towards Chandra Tal. This is a perfect place to go camping and to set up tents for some time and get some shut-eye, both during the day and the night. At ChandraTal you will feel the cool mountain breeze serenade you to sleep as you see the reflection of the mountains on the clear blue waters of the lake.
11:30 AM: Early Brunch at Chacha -Chachi dhaba on the way to Kunzum Pass. Highly recommended for their food and hospitality.
12:30 PM: Drive to Kunzum Pass. It is a motorable pass located at about 4500 m above sea level. Here you will find a small temple dedicated to the Goddess Kunzum Mata. You can pay your respects at this temple and proceed after taking in the views and some much needed photographs to share with friends and family. The views here are absolutely breathtaking because of the 360 degree panorama.
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM : Drive towards and reach Kaza as the sun sets around you.
Day 2: Head to Langza Buddha Statue
9 AM: Have breakfast and head towards Langza Buddha statue, a giant Buddha statue located at a very high elevation. It is a wonderful sculpture of Lord Buddha painted in gold. This sculpture stands as a testament to the culture of the local regions. It is a very peaceful place to be, with the Buddha’s statue radiating peace in an already peaceful setting.
12 PM: Head to Komic village. Komic village is the highest village in the world. Komic is located at a very high altitude and it literally feels like you are on the top of the world when you are at Komic. The scenery here is mind-blowing and breathtaking all at the same time. Walk in the bylanes of the village and interact with the locals. Komik has a charm which will leave you asking for more.
2 PM: Head to Hikkim, which has the highest post office in the world located there. It is quite a memorable activity to send a postcard to loved ones from the top of the world right from this post office. It’s almost like sending them a part of the Himalayas from where you are and sharing a piece of your magical journey with them through post!
Other places to see on your way back from Hikkim include the Kaza market and the Key monastery. While the Kaza market has a treasure trove of local artefacts, paintings and garments, the Key monastery is a monastery which is many centuries old, coupled with breathtaking views of the panoramic region.
3: Head to Chicham
9 AM: Leave Kaza and head to Chicham where you will find the Chicham bridge. The Chicham bridge is a bridge that is suspended between two large pillars on either side, and as such swings with the Himalayan winds. Crossing this bridge on a motorbike is a surreal experience with the road below swinging with the wind. It’s not for the faint hearted!
11 AM: Take the road back to Manali on NH 505 via Hansa, Losar, Batal and Koksar. The journey will take you about 5 hours depending on the road conditions.
Related Post: New Year Party In Himachal
How To Reach Manali
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikipedia Commons
Manali is well connected to the rest of India, especially by road, in spite of it being high up on the mountains. Here are different ways through which you can get to Manali.
By Air: There is no airport that has been built in Manali, however you can take a flight to Bhuntar airport which is located about 50km away from Manali. You can fly to Bhuntar, Kullu from both Chandigarh and Delhi.
By Road: There are many private and government buses available from Delhi to Manali. If you want to drive, Manali is well connected to Delhi through NH 1 and NH 21.
By Rail: Manali doesn’t have a railway station of its own. The closest railway station is the Joginder Nagar railway station, about 160 km away from Manali. To reach Joginder Nagar railway station you will have to take a train from Pathankot, which is further connected to the rest of India. Another option is to take a train to Chandigarh Railway station and then take a cab from there to reach Manali.
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Khajjiar
Manali is a heaven in Himachal Pradesh, India, and a road trip from Manali to Kaza will provide an exhilarating experience for adventurous travellers of all ages. The sights to see, the vast landscapes and the towering mountains of the Himalayas all provide for a grand road trip you will never forget about in your life. Plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh and do this road trip for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Cover Image Credit: Neerajsinghazm for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Manali To Kaza
How will the road conditions between Manali and Kaza be in 2024?
The roads between Manali and Koskar are good, having been constructed recently. It is only further on that the conditions of the streets may need to be clarified. This is because of the large number of landslides in the area during monsoons, which damage the roads because of falling boulders. However, the government has modernised the streets leading up to Kaza. The work should have been completed for a trip in 2024.
How many days does it make sense to plan an itinerary from Manali to Kaza and back?
Ideally a 3 day itinerary will give you enough time to enjoy all the sights and spectacles on the route, as well as give you enough time to enjoy the sights at Kaza. This also takes into account the condition of the roads which may be questionable depending on the time of the year in which you undertake this road trip.
Which is the best time to take a road trip from Manali to Kaza?
The summer months from May to July are the best months to undertake a road trip from Manali to Kaza because of the absence of the rains. The roads are also likely to be in a much better condition. The route is likely to be less difficult.
What are the different types of vehicles that can be used to drive from Manali to Kaza?
A road trip from Manali to Kaza can be undertaken by SUV, 4X4, or a motorbike. If you are planning to take a motorbike it is better to take a bike that is a 750cc engine upwards. Adventure motorcycles are also a good bet.
What are some of the exciting places to see in Kaza?
While you are at Kaza you can visit the Key monastery, Kaza Market, Komic Village, Hikkim Post office, Langza Buddha statue and other monasteries.
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