Manali to Kaza Distance: Complete 200km Route Guide, Stops, and Travel Tips
The journey from Manali to Kaza distance is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spot from Manali. This route, which is surrounded by mountain peaks, valleys, passes, and ancient monasteries, offers an unforgettable experience to visitors. To understand the Manali to Kaza distance, road conditions, and the spots covered on the way are very essential for your smooth and memorable trip.
Manali to Kaza Distance Overview
The Manali to Kaza distance is around 200 kilometers if we consider the normal route. However, the trip may even take 8 to 12 hours because of rough terrain, high mountain passes, and changing weather.
In fact, this route is functional only between June and October as heavy snowfall in winter blocks the roads. Therefore, it is advisable to keep up to date with weather reports before setting off.
How to reach Manali to Kaza
Bus from Manali to Kaza (Public Transport)
Yes, direct buses are available from Manali to Kaza (Spiti Valley) but only during the season when the Manali, Kaza road is open (typically June to October because high passes such as Kunzum are snow, free in summer).
HRTC Bus Service (Government Bus):
- Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs the bus services for this route.
- Starts early in the morning (around 5:00–6:00 AM from Manali).
- Journey time: ~9–12 hours depending on road conditions.
- Approx. fare:
• Around ₹450–₹800 one-way per person (ordinary seater bus).
(Some sources may show slight variation depending on season and booking method.) - Best to book in advance at the bus stand or online through HRTC’s site.
👉 Note: Because this is one of the most remote high-altitude routes in India, service might be limited to 1–2 buses per day and depends on whether the Manali to Kaza distance route via Rohtang & Kunzum Pass is open.
Train to Kaza?
There is no direct train to Kaza whatsoever — the region is high-altitude and remote with no railway line reaching Spiti Valley.
Nearest Train Options
- The nearest major railway stations to Manali are:
• Chandigarh (commonly used to reach Manali by road/train)
• Pathankot / Joginder Nagar / Kalka (for some regional connectivity)
- From these stations, you would need to continue by bus, taxi, or rented vehicle to reach Manali — and from there proceed toward Kaza.
So in simple terms:
➡️ Train → Manali region → Bus/Taxi → Kaza (Spiti Valley)
Taxi / Shared Cab Options
If you want a more comfortable and flexible option (especially to stop at scenic spots on the Manali to Kaza distance journey):
Private Taxi
- One-way taxi from Manali to Kaza: approx ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 for a small car (may vary with vehicle and season).
Shared Taxi:
- Shared jeep/cab options are more affordable (roughly ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person) but depend on availability and season.
Air Travel
There’s no airport in Kaza. The nearest airport for both Manali and Kaza region is:
- Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) — about an hour’s drive from Manali.
From there, travelers typically continue by bus or taxi to Manali, then onward to Kaza.
Route from Manali to Kaza
The most popular and scenic route that covers the Manali to Kaza distance is:
Manali → Rohtang Pass → Gramphu → Kunzum Pass → Losar → Kaza
This route is famous for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling driving experience.
Manali to Rohtang Pass (Approx. 51 km)
Your journey begins in Manali, a bustling hill station. The first major stop is Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of about 3,978 meters.
- Distance: ~51 km
- Highlights: Snow walls, panoramic mountain views
- Road condition: Steep and often crowded
Rohtang Pass is one of the most exciting parts of the Manali to Kaza distance, but it also requires permits, which should be arranged in advance.
Rohtang Pass to Gramphu (Approx. 20 km)
After crossing Rohtang Pass, the road descends toward Gramphu, where the landscape changes drastically.
- Terrain becomes drier and more rugged
- Fewer tourists and raw Himalayan beauty
- Roads may be rough with water crossings
This stretch marks your entry into the Spiti Valley region.
Gramphu to Kunzum Pass (Approx. 70 km)
This section is considered the most adventurous part of the Manali to Kaza distance.
- Kunzum Pass altitude: ~4,551 meters
- Weather can change suddenly
- Limited facilities along the way
Kunzum Pass is a sacred place, and travelers often stop to seek blessings before continuing their journey.
Kunzum Pass to Losar (Approx. 19 km)
Losar is the first village in Spiti Valley and a perfect place to rest.
- Small cafés and homestays available
- Ideal spot to acclimatize
- Stunning views of snow-capped peaks
This stretch of the Manali to Kaza distance offers calm surroundings after the challenging mountain roads.
Losar to Kaza (Approx. 60 km)
The final leg takes you to Kaza, the administrative center of Spiti Valley.
- Smooth roads compared to earlier sections
- Views of the Spiti River
- Traditional villages and monasteries
Reaching Kaza marks the completion of the scenic Manali to Kaza distance journey.
Road Conditions and Travel Tips
Road Distance Manali to Kaza is a stretch that cannot be covered without preparations:
- Choose SUVs or vehicles with high ground clearance
- Begin the journey early morning
- Take fuel, food, and water along
- Network connectivity will be very limited
- Acclimatize well to prevent altitude sickness
- It is vital to drive cautiously since some roads could be very narrow and completely unpredictable.
Conclusion
Manali to Kaza distance is not more than 200 km, however, the road is full of adventures, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Crossing high altitude passes such as Rohtang and Kunzum, and discovering the remote villages of Spiti Valley, the trip is a perfect mix for travelers looking for thrills and peace.
With proper planning and coming up to the road conditions, the Manali to Kaza distance could be one of the most memorable travel experiences of your entire life.
Moreover, for daily weather updates, temperature details, and road condition reports for this route, you still need to save and check manaliweather.com before planning your trip.
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