Offhorizon Adventures
Happy Diwali: 10% off every tour
Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition — 4×4 convoy on snow-covered road near Kaza, Spiti Valley
Adventure Tours

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition

5.058 reviews

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Facts

India — Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Country, region
Max 8°C, min -25°C at Kaza
Weather
December to March
Seasons
Tarmac, packed snow, ice patches and gravel
Driving terrain
± 1,000 km
Driving distance
9 days / 8 nights
Duration
Challenging — extreme cold and high altitude
Expedition difficulty
10 vehicles
Max group size

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Highlights

What you will remember

  1. Chicham Bridge, Asia's highest suspension bridge at 4,145 m, spanning the gorge between Kibber and Chicham in Spiti Valley

    Chicham Bridge, 4,145 m

  2. Key Monastery on a snow-covered hill in Spiti Valley in winter, without the summer crowd

    Key Monastery on a white hill

  3. Snow leopard on a snowy slope — Kibber and Chicham in February are India's best car-accessible spotting area

    Snow leopard country

  4. Hikkim, home of the world's highest post office, on the high-village loop above Kaza

    A postcard from Hikkim

  5. Snow-packed Himalayan road running beside a river gorge — the Hindustan-Tibet Road in winter

    Kinnaur's cliff road under ice

  6. Kinner Kailash range at sunrise above Kalpa, Kinnaur, in winter

    Kalpa at sunrise

  7. A 4×4 crossing a frozen river bed in the Himalaya — every kilometre of snow in your own car

    Driving it yourself

Where this one goes: Kinnaur and Spiti Valley in winter

The Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition is a 9-day guided convoy in which you drive your own 4×4 from Shimla to Kaza and back through Kinnaur, between December and March, when Spiti Valley sits under snow and temperatures fall to -25°C. We provide the lead car, the backup car, the guide, the radios, the stays and the meals. You provide the car and the nerve.
Spiti in winter is a different place from Spiti in summer. The Spiti River freezes at the edges. Villages above 4,000 m — Komic, Langza, Hikkim — go quiet under a metre of snow. The tourists leave. What is left is a Buddhist valley living the way it has lived for a thousand years, and a road that stays open through Kinnaur the whole time. We have been running the summer Spiti self-drive expedition for years. This is the same valley, the same guide, the same convoy system — built for the cold.
Why through Kinnaur and not Manali? Because Kunzum La and Rohtang close in winter, and the Kinnaur road (NH 5) does not. From roughly November to May the Manali–Kaza road over Kunzum La is under snow and shut. The only way into Spiti is from Shimla, through Kinnaur along the Sutlej — Rampur, Reckong Peo, Nako, Sumdo, Tabo, Kaza. So the winter expedition is a loop: Shimla in, Shimla out. That also solves acclimatisation — you climb slowly over four days before you sleep at Kaza (3,650 m).

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Dates

Upcoming departures

2026

2 dates
  • 10 places left
  • 10 places left

2027

3 dates
  • 10 places left
  • 10 places left
  • 10 places left

Price

$905$745per person

Diwali offer: 10% off the rider and pillion price, taken off automatically. Book by 10 November 2026.

Expedition price

  • Person$905$745

Machine

  • JIMNY 4X4 (AUTOMATIC)+ $53.00Per day, shared between the people in it
  • JIMNY 4X4 (MANUAL)+ $53.00Per day, shared between the people in it

Rooms

  • Single room+ $213Your own room throughout

Prices are set in Indian rupees and converted for display, so the figure you pay depends on the rate on the day. Flights are not included. Offhorizon Adventures may revise these prices without notice.

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Itinerary

Expedition program

9 days

  1. Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition briefing — 4×4 convoy lined up in ShimlaDay 1

    Arrival in Shimla

    More details
  2. Snow-covered apple orchards and Kinnauri houses in Sangla, Baspa ValleyDay 2

    Shimla to Sangla

    More details
  3. Frozen lake at Nako village on the winter road into SpitiDay 3

    Sangla to Tabo

    More details
  4. Kungri Monastery and the snowbound Pin Valley in winterDay 4

    Tabo to Kaza via Pin Valley

    More details
  5. Langza Buddha statue above the snow-covered village in winter SpitiDay 5

    Kaza – Hikkim – Komic – Langza – Kaza

    More details
  6. Key Monastery on a white hill in the snow, Spiti ValleyDay 6

    Kaza – Key – Kibber – Chicham – Kaza

    More details
  7. Kinner Kailash range above Kalpa at sunrise in winterDay 7

    Kaza to Kalpa

    More details
  8. Hindustan-Tibet Road along the Sutlej in KinnaurDay 8

    Kalpa to Shimla

    More details
  9. Shimla ridge under winter snowDay 9

    Departure from Shimla

    More details

Our Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Fleet

The cars that go out with you

Each is hired for the length of the expedition, 9 days on the shortest departure, and shared between the people in it.

  1. JIMNY 4X4 (AUTOMATIC)

    JIMNY 4X4 (AUTOMATIC)

    4 seats

    $53.00a day

  2. JIMNY 4X4 (MANUAL)

    JIMNY 4X4 (MANUAL)

    4 seats

    $53.00a day

  3. MAHINDRA THAR

    MAHINDRA THAR

    4 seats

    $64.00a day

  4. White Mahindra Scorpio N SUV parked on a road, front three-quarter view

    MAHINDRA SCORPIO N

    7 seats

    $80.00a day

  5. White Toyota Hilux double-cab pickup on a dirt track, front three-quarter view

    TOYOTA HILUX

    5 seats

    $128a day

The price

What is in it, and what is not

In the price

10
  • 8 nights of stays

    Hotels in Shimla, Sangla and Kalpa; heated homestays and winter guesthouses in Tabo, Kaza and Pin Valley. Double sharing throughout.

  • Breakfast and dinner every day

    Home-cooked Spitian food in the homestays, hotel meals in Kinnaur. Lunch is not included — we stop at dhabas and homestays along the way.

  • Expedition guide

    A guide who drives this road every winter and re-plans the day around snow, ice and road status.

  • Lead car and backup car

    No vehicle drives alone. The lead car reads the road and shows the line; the backup car closes the convoy.

  • Walkie-talkie radio in every car

    Constant contact with the lead car — where the ice is, when to slow, when to stop.

  • Morning briefings

    Road, ice, fuel and rally points before the convoy leaves each day.

  • Snow chains and recovery gear

    Spare chains, tow straps and recovery equipment in the support vehicles, fitted for you when needed.

  • First-aid kit and oxygen

    Oxygen supply and a first-aid kit with the convoy, on an itinerary built for slow acclimatisation.

  • Inner Line Permits

    Arranged for foreign nationals for the Reckong Peo – Sumdo stretch.

  • Snow leopard spotter at Kibber

    A local spotter joins us at Kibber and Chicham on Day 6.

Not in the price

09
  • Your vehicle, fuel and tolls

    The price does not include a car. Budget fuel and tolls for ±1,000 km; fill up at Powari and Kaza.

  • Rental 4×4

    Optional Jimny or Thar from our fleet at a per-day rate, shared between occupants.

  • Travel insurance

    Mandatory, and it must cover altitude above 3,000 m.

  • Medical evacuation or rescue costs

    Any evacuation, rescue or hospital costs are paid by the traveller or their insurer.

  • Extra nights caused by weather

    Snowfall, road closures or weather holds can add a night; these are paid on the spot.

  • Single room

    Optional add-on. Single rooms are limited in Spiti homestays and must be requested at booking.

  • Personal expenses

    Drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry and anything not listed above.

  • Getting to and from Shimla

    Flights, trains and transfers to Shimla and onward from Shimla.

  • Lunches

    Lunch is paid on the spot at dhabas and homestays along the route.

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Route Map

A lone 4×4 on a rough gravel road running into a narrow valley between steep snow-streaked mountains, under a hazy skySnow leopard resting on a rock ledge — Kibber and Chicham are India's best snow leopard spotting areaOffhorizon Suzuki Jimny and Ford Endeavour parked on the high plateau near Komic, travellers perched on the open doors, with a long snow-covered mountain range behindTwo travellers walk across a dry autumn meadow in Kinnaur below a rocky mountain dusted with fresh snow, on the road towards Spiti

What to expect

What is under the wheels

Tarmac through Kinnaur, then packed snow and black ice once you cross into Spiti. The Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 5) stays open all winter; the high-village roads above Kaza — Hikkim, Komic, Kibber, Chicham — are snow-packed and this is where you learn your car. Shaded bends hide ice, drifts sit on the high loops, and Kinnaur can drop rock. The lead car reads the line, the radio tells you where the ice is, and the backup car carries chains and recovery gear. We never drive after dark.

Our Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition Photo Gallery

See it to believe it

Before you book

Our Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition FAQs

Is Spiti Valley open in winter?

Yes. Spiti stays reachable all winter through Kinnaur on NH 5 (Shimla – Reckong Peo – Kaza). The Manali side over Kunzum La and Rohtang closes from about November to May. Short closures of a day or two after heavy snowfall happen, and we build buffer into the plan.

Is the car included in the price?

No. ₹70,000 per person covers stays, meals, guide, lead and backup cars, radios, permits, oxygen and the snow leopard spotter. Most drivers bring their own 4×4; a Jimny, Thar, Scorpio N or Hilux can be hired from our fleet at a daily rate.

Do I need a 4×4 for the winter Spiti drive?

Yes. A 4×4 or AWD with good ground clearance is mandatory. Packed snow, black ice and drifts on the high-village roads above Kaza are not for a 2WD car. City hatchbacks and sedans are not accepted.

How cold is Spiti in January?

Kaza in January averages -5°C by day and -15°C to -25°C at night. It is the coldest inhabited valley you can drive to in India. Kinnaur is milder, 0°C to 8°C.

Is it safe to self-drive Spiti in snow?

With a convoy, yes. The dangers are black ice on shaded bends, snow drifts on the high-village roads, and rock fall in Kinnaur. The lead car reads the road, the radio tells you where the ice is, the backup car carries chains and recovery gear, and we never drive after dark. Most winter incidents involve solo cars without support.

Can I see a snow leopard?

Possibly. Kibber and Chicham, which we visit on Day 6, are India's most reliable snow leopard spotting area, and February–March is peak season as leopards follow blue sheep to lower slopes. We work with local spotters. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.

Why not enter Spiti via Manali?

The Manali–Kaza road over Kunzum La (4,551 m) is closed under snow in winter. Kinnaur is the only open road, so the expedition is a Shimla-to-Shimla loop. It also gives four days of gradual climb before sleeping at Kaza, which is the safest way to acclimatise.

Does diesel freeze in Spiti?

Standard diesel begins to wax below about -10°C, which can stall a car. Use winter diesel where available or an anti-gel additive, keep the tank full, and park facing the morning sun. Petrol cars have no gelling issue.

Where is the fuel?

The last reliable pump before Spiti is Reckong Peo / Powari in Kinnaur; the only pump inside Spiti Valley is at Kaza. There is nothing between Powari and Kaza (±200 km) and nothing beyond Kaza in winter. Fill up at both, every time. A 10–20 litre jerry can is sensible.

What does my car need for winter Spiti?

Coolant mixed for -30°C, a battery under 3 years old, tyres with 4 mm+ tread (all-terrain preferred), snow chains for the drive wheels, cold-weather engine oil, antifreeze wiper fluid, a scraper, a tow strap and a shovel. We check every car in Shimla on Day 1.

Do I need snow chains?

Yes, for at least the driving wheels. We carry spare chains and fit them for you on the day they are needed, but every car should arrive with its own set.

Where do we stay — hotels or homestays?

Hotels in Shimla, Sangla and Kalpa. In Spiti (Tabo, Pin Valley, Kaza) we use heated family homestays and winter guesthouses because most hotels close. Expect bukhari heaters, dry toilets and bucket hot water.

Which is the best month: December, January, February or March?

December has the least snow and easiest roads. January is the coldest and the most dramatic. February–March is best for snow leopards and the Losar-season festivals, with deeper snow on the roads. All four work; pick by what you want.

Is there phone network in Spiti in winter?

Patchy. Kaza has BSNL and Jio (postpaid works best in tribal districts); the high villages and much of Kinnaur beyond Peo have little or none. Radios keep the convoy connected. Tell family to expect quiet days.

Can a beginner driver join?

If you have solid everyday driving experience and stay calm, yes. You do not need off-road skills; you need to follow the lead car and the radio. First-time off-roaders complete this route every winter.

What happens if the road closes?

We wait. Snowfall closures on the Kinnaur road usually clear within 24–48 hours. The itinerary has buffer, and the guide re-plans daily. Extra nights caused by weather are not included in the price.

Do I need a permit for winter Spiti?

Indian nationals need no permit on this route. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the Reckong Peo – Sumdo stretch, which we arrange after booking. Foreign drivers also need an International Driving Permit.

Winter Spiti Self Drive Expedition — 4×4 convoy on snow-covered road near Kaza, Spiti Valley

Ride this one with us

Ask about a date on the list, or tell us when you can travel and we will see what fits.

Hear it from our riders

The clearest account of what we do is not written by us

Riders share their journeys on Google and Tripadvisor. Read what they say about the routes, the landscapes and the crew who kept them moving.

Google · Tripadvisor5.0(58 Reviews)
  • Tripadvisor
    One of the best organiser in Manali Well organised and good driving skills
    Mobile19284706209October 2026
  • Google
    Unforgettable Experience on the Spiti Expedition with Offhorizon Adventures. The Offhorizon team members accompanying us were amazing and took efforts to ensure we get the full experience. We were lucky to get the opportunity of not only exploring the beautiful and rugged landscapes of Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul, but also a breathtaking and sometime scary high altitude drive through snow, ice and slush. The Offhorizon team kept on motivating us and guided us through the treacherous snow and ice clad roads of Himalayas. Thank you Team Offhorizon for this unforgettable experience.
    Jayesh NaikOctober 2026
  • Tripadvisor
    Himalayan memories of Ladakh with Offhorizon Among the best experiences in life ever! I did a curated 14 day Motorbiking trip in the Himalayas. The team at Offhorizon is incredible. We were a diverse group from India, Australia, Ireland and UK/SouthAfrica. We all felt so much at home together because of the OHA team. The routes were meticulously planned to make it a tough and pleasant mix of serious off roading and lovely tarmac in the beautiful rugged mountains. Altitude acclimatization was integrated in the route. No time wasted. Every day was great riding but 3 nearly all offroading stints stand out for me. The 1st day to Hamta pass near Manali. Hunder to Pangong offroading almost the whole time on washed out roads looking like river beds. And Hanle to Umlingla and back. 35 + 35 km of mountain riding, standing most of the time. Wow! The bikes were all near new. Some niggling problems vanished overnight after Pawan moved his magic wand while we slept. Stay and food arrangements were among the best possible in the terrain. The personal care by OHA team ironed out any slips by the hotels. Rahul our lead, Ujwal our tailguide, Rantha our photog and Pawan who doubled as mechanic and backup driver, all in perfect sync and high energy, made the trip THE TRIP! Surya the founder mentor of OHA can advice the top hospitality schools! Looking forward to a trip to North East India soon!
    Joy AOctober 2026
  • Google
    Had a fantastic 15-day Ladakh tour which was extended down to Dharmashala, the extra days were a great addition. Going into this with no prior experience of Off Horizon or my fellow adventurers I can only say that it exceeded all my expectations. Bikes were great, lodging and food was as good as could be expected in the locations we visited, and the team was tirelessly friendly and helpful, with a genuine passion for sharing their country and culture.
    Hugh KennedyOctober 2026
  • Tripadvisor
    Perfect service & Adventure from Off Horizon Team - thank you 🇮🇪🇮🇳 I have just completed the 11 day Ladakh tour with Offhorizon Adventures. Right from the initial contact the team there were extremely helpful and nothing was to much trouble for them to help with, from flight advise from Ireland, transportation, extra accommodation and even possible medical issues like altitude sickness that might arise. If I thought they were good at this stage ? I was blown away by their level of professionalism and hospitality during my trip. Everyone on the Off Horizon Team made this a trip of a lifetime for me. The bikes were well maintained and in excellent condition, any little tweaks, personal preferences or changes to their set were undertaken to suit all riders. Once on the road and starting our adventure, you always felt safe, their advise and attention to detail made the trip truly unforgettable. My exsperience of off road was “0” but with their help, I got through it and enjoyed every minute. We travelled through some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable with every day bringing something new. The accomadation throughout was just perfect with a mix of first class hotels to small family units in the more isolated locations- considering the Irish pallet and diet the food was great and again the team explained every offering. I’m not going to single out any particular Off Horizon team member because each one of them gave 100% of their professionalism, time, hospitality and kindness to every one on this trip- they limit their numbers, which is great because you get that extra attention and help- I could write pages on what I saw and did during the trip but this is something you are going to have to exsperience yourself. Huge thank you to all the other guys on the trip too and a pleasure to meet you all- I would have no hesitation in recommending Off Horizon if you are planning this trip- thank you so much for a truly fantastic adventure 🇮🇪🇮🇳
    Austin OSeptember 2026
  • Google
    Very well organised tour with expert riders, support and backup vehicle. The Offhorizon team new all the routes. Very committed team who took very good care of all of us riding team members, with personal attention. The team left no stone unturned to ensure our entire ride across 2150 kms was exciting, very safe without a single incident. Well paced rides with key halts, refueling stops, zero breakdowns and planned to perfection. I wish this team great succes in the future.
    Ranjit KoppikarSeptember 2026

To everyone who has ridden with us: thank you. Your stories are the reason we keep planning the next one.

You might also like

Other expeditions

  • 11-Day Himalayan Motorcycle Tour: Zanskar and Ladakh

    • 11 days / 10 nights
    • ± 1,480 km
    • 10 riders
    Diwali · 10% off

    Starting at $1,810 $1,629 per person

    See the tour
  • 8-Day Ladakh Motorcycle Tour from Leh

    • 8 days / 7 nights
    • ± 1,150 km
    • 10 riders
    Diwali · 10% off

    Starting at $1,278 $1,150 per person

    See the tour
  • Spiti Valley 4×4 Self-Drive Expedition

    • 11 days / 10 nights
    • ± 1,100 km
    • 10
    Diwali · 10% off

    Starting at $1,278 $1,150 per person

    See the tour

$745

per person2 dates in 2026