Can We Go to Spiti Valley in December? Weather, Safety & Travel Guide
Yes, you can go to Spiti Valley in December — but only if you’re prepared for extreme winter, sub-zero temperatures, limited accessibility, and a very raw form of travel. December transforms Spiti into a frozen desert, covered with snow, silent landscapes, icy roads, and crisp blue skies. It’s beautiful, but it is also harsh, unpredictable, and not suitable for every traveler.
Unlike the summer months when Spiti is lively and open, December brings a different version of the valley — one that is quiet, isolated, and challenging. Most of Spiti remains accessible only through the Shimla route, while the Manali route shuts down completely due to heavy snowfall around Rohtang and Kunzum Pass.
If you’re planning a winter trip, this guide will help you understand everything clearly — from whether Spiti Valley is open in December, to the actual weather conditions, temperature, safety factors, routes, places you can still visit, and what a Spiti Valley trip in December truly feels like.
This isn’t the month for casual tourists, but if you’re someone who loves winter travel, snow-covered landscapes, and offbeat adventures, December offers a side of Spiti that few people get to experience.
Can We Visit Spiti Valley in December? Is It Open?
Visiting Spiti Valley in December is possible, but it comes with very specific conditions. The region does not shut down completely, but accessibility becomes limited, temperatures drop sharply, and travel requires preparation, acclimatization, and flexibility.
December is when Spiti enters peak winter — the landscapes turn white, villages become quieter, and local life slows down. Only experienced travelers or winter lovers generally choose this month. If your main question is “Can we go to Spiti Valley in December?”, the honest answer is: Yes, you can — but only through the Shimla route, and only if you’re ready for extreme cold and unpredictable weather.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Is Spiti Valley Open in December? Current Situation & Road Status
The Shimla → Kinnaur → Spiti route remains open in December most years. This is the only way to enter Spiti Valley during winter because it doesn’t involve crossing high-altitude passes.
Status of Both Routes in December:
Shimla to Spiti (Open):
This lower-altitude route stays operational as long as snowfall is manageable. You pass through Narkanda, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Pooh, Nako, Tabo, and then reach Kaza. This is the safest and only feasible route in December.Manali to Spiti (Closed):
The road via Atal Tunnel → Batal → Kunzum Pass → Kaza is completely closed. Kunzum receives heavy snow and becomes inaccessible until late May or June.
Once you’re inside Spiti, internal roads to major villages like Tabo, Kaza, Dhankar usually remain open. However, roads to high villages like Hikkim, Komic, Langza may close depending on snowfall.
Can We Go to Spiti in December? Safety, Challenges & Who Should Avoid It
Yes, you can go — but it’s not for everyone.
A Spiti Valley trip in December is totally different from the summer experience. The beauty is unmatched, but the challenges are real.
Who Should Consider Traveling:
Experienced winter travelers
Photographers wanting snow landscapes
Offbeat explorers who prefer silence and raw nature
People looking for a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure
Who Should Avoid December Travel:
First-time mountain travelers
Families with young children or elderly members
Anyone with breathing or heart-related issues
Tourists expecting easy roads, luxury stays, or warm weather
Key Challenges in December:
Extremely low temperatures (often below –15°C)
Possible black ice on roads
Limited accommodation options
Frozen water pipes in homestays
Intermittent electricity
Very simple food availability
No access from Manali side
Higher chances of roadblocks after fresh snowfall
Despite all this, December remains a dream month for travelers who love untouched winter landscapes, peaceful monasteries, and snow-covered valleys.
Temperature in Spiti Valley in December – Weather, Snowfall & Conditions
December brings the true winter face of Spiti Valley — a harsh, frozen, and incredibly beautiful cold desert. If you’re wondering “What is the temperature in Spiti Valley in December?”, the short answer is: extremely cold. Expect long, icy nights, snow-covered landscapes, and breath turning into vapor as soon as you step outside.
This is the month when Spiti transforms completely. The air becomes crisp and thin, the sky turns a deep blue, and the mountains shine in fresh snow. It’s stunning to look at — but challenging to travel through.
Let’s break down the weather clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
Day & Night Temperature in December
Spiti Valley’s December temperatures drop far below what most travelers are used to. While days remain bearable under the sun, nights are brutally cold.
Typical Temperature Range:
Day Temperature: –5°C to 5°C
Night Temperature: –10°C to –20°C
Wind Chill Factor: Makes it feel even colder
Sunlight Hours: Shorter days, long nights
Kaza, being one of the coldest inhabited places in India during winter, regularly touches –18°C to –20°C in late December. Higher villages like Hikkim, Komic, and Langza are even colder.
You must be prepared for extreme winter gear — regular winter jackets are not enough.
Snowfall, Ice Formation & Visibility
Snowfall in Spiti Valley in December is very likely, especially after mid-December. Fresh snow makes everything postcard-perfect, but also introduces travel challenges.
What to Expect:
Frequent snowfall in Kaza, Tabo, Nako & higher villages
Frozen water bodies — rivers, small streams & even pipes
Black ice on shaded road sections
Snow-covered rooftops and white-washed mountains
Crisp, clear visibility on most days
Fresh snow can block internal roads temporarily. However, the main Shimla–Kaza highway usually reopens quickly unless there’s an intense snow event.
Snow turns Spiti into a magical landscape — monasteries in white, silent valleys, and untouched snowfields. But it also requires caution.
What December Weather Actually Feels Like in Spiti
The temperature in Spiti Valley in December doesn’t just sound cold — it feels even colder due to wind, altitude, and dryness. The climate is closer to a Trans-Himalayan desert than a hill station.
This is how it feels practically:
Your phone battery drains faster in the cold
Water freezes in pipes, so stored water is used
Your breath turns into fog instantly
Walking outside at night feels like stepping into a freezer
The air is extremely dry, so lips and skin crack easily
Sunlight feels warm but fades quickly after 3 PM
December weather in Spiti is beautiful but demanding. You stay wrapped in layers most of the day, and winters define the rhythm of daily life — early dinners, early sleep, and warmth-seeking moments around bukhari stoves.
If you choose to visit Spiti Valley in December, you get to witness one of the most surreal winter landscapes in India — but be prepared for real winter survival conditions.
How to Reach Spiti in December – Routes, Accessibility & Travel Restrictions
Reaching Spiti Valley in December is absolutely possible — but only through one route. Winter shuts down most of the high-altitude passes, leaving a single lifeline that keeps Spiti connected to the rest of India. If your key question is “How to reach Spiti in December?”, this section covers everything you need to know clearly.
December travel to Spiti is slow, rugged, and uncertain at times, but it’s also incredibly scenic. Let’s break down both routes and what you can realistically expect during this month.
Shimla to Spiti Route (The Only Open Route in December)
This is the only operational route to Spiti Valley in December.
It stays open because it does not involve crossing high passes like Rohtang or Kunzum.
Route:
Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Reckong Peo → Pooh → Nako → Tabo → Kaza
Distance: ~430 km
Travel Time: 2 days (recommended)
Road Type: Narrow, rugged, scenic, and partially icy in winter
What to Expect on This Route:
Roads remain open unless there is heavy fresh snowfall
Border Roads Organisation generally clears snow quickly
Some stretches (especially near Malling Nallah) can get slippery
Expect slow driving and limited visibility early morning or late evening
Staying overnight at Reckong Peo/Kalpa or Pooh is recommended
If you are planning a Spiti Valley trip in December, this route is your only gateway — reliable, dramatic, and the safest winter entry point.
Manali to Spiti Route (Closed Due to Snow)
The Manali route is completely shut in December and remains closed from October to May.
Why?
Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy snow
Kunzum Pass becomes impassable and deeply snowed in
The Batal–Kunzum–Losar stretch is buried under snow and ice
Even though the Atal Tunnel offers access to Lahaul in winter, the road ahead toward Kunzum remains closed for the entire season. So reaching Spiti from Manali in December is not possible at all.
Local Transport, Road Conditions & Vehicle Type Needed
1. Vehicle Type
If driving yourself, a 4×4 vehicle or a powerful SUV with good ground clearance is strongly recommended. Slippery curves, black ice, and patchy roads demand a sturdy vehicle.
2. Local Transport Options
Limited daily HRTC buses (depend on snowfall)
Shared taxis may stop running after major snow events
Pre-booked taxis from Reckong Peo, Kalpa, or Shimla are the most reliable option
3. Road Condition Summary
Main road: Open but icy in parts
Internal roads: Open till Tabo, Kaza, Dhankar
High villages: Access depends on snowfall (Hikkim, Komic, Langza often close)
Black ice: Common in shaded curves, especially early morning and late evening
4. Travel Timing
Avoid driving before 10 AM and after 4 PM.
This helps reduce risk of ice patches and gives you daylight for emergencies.
Places to Visit in Spiti Valley in December
Despite the extreme winter, several places in Spiti Valley remain accessible in December — especially along the Shimla–Kaza route. The high-altitude villages may close depending on snowfall, but the major monasteries, viewpoints, and lower villages remain open and look absolutely magical under fresh layers of snow.
Here are the best places you can realistically visit during a Spiti Valley trip in December.
Villages & Scenic Spots That Remain Accessible
1. Tabo
One of the warmest and most accessible villages in Spiti during winter.
Home to the ancient Tabo Monastery, it stays open and looks picture-perfect with snow-covered cliffs and meditation caves.
2. Dhankar
The road to Dhankar is usually open in early and mid-December.
The cliffside monastery overlooking the frozen confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers is a breathtaking sight in winter.
3. Kaza
The main hub of Spiti.
Shops, stays, and essential services remain open.
The entire town turns into a quiet winter settlement covered in frost and snow.
4. Hurling, Tabo Plateau & Nearby Villages
While simple, these villages remain accessible and offer beautiful views of the frozen desert landscape.
Monasteries Open for Visitors in December
Winter is a peaceful time to visit Spiti’s monasteries because you get to experience them without crowd or noise.
1. Key Monastery
Often remains accessible until late December unless there’s heavy snowfall.
The viewpoint above Key offers one of the most magical winter views in all of Spiti.
2. Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is fully open.
Warm, quiet, and deeply atmospheric during winter.
3. Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Monastery is accessible in early to mid-December.
The snow-covered hike (if open) to Dhankar Lake is challenging but stunning.
4. Kungri Monastery (Pin Valley)
If the road to Pin Valley remains open, you can visit this peaceful monastery surrounded by dramatic winter views.
Photography Spots & Winter Landscapes
December turns Spiti into an absolute paradise for photographers. The contrast of icy blue skies, whitewashed mountains, and brown mud structures creates striking compositions.
Best Photography Spots in December
Key Monastery viewpoint (if road open)
Kaza monastery steps
Tabo caves & monastery complex
Dhankar viewpoint during sunrise
Snow-covered roads between Tabo and Kaza
Frozen streams and small waterfalls along the route
If you’re a winter photographer or filmmaker, December is the dream month for capturing Spiti’s raw beauty.
Places That May or May Not Be Open (Depending on Snowfall)
Some high-altitude villages close after early snowfall:
Hikkim
Komic
Langza
Chicham Bridge
If roads are cleared and weather is stable, you may be able to visit early in the month, but access isn’t guaranteed.
Essential Tips for Visiting Spiti Valley in December
A Spiti Valley trip in December is unforgettable — but only if you’re well-prepared. Winter here is harsh, facilities are basic, and weather can change quickly. These essential tips will help you stay safe, warm, and comfortable throughout your journey.
Carry proper winter gear: You need heavy-duty winter clothing — padded jackets, thermal layers, woolen socks, gloves, mufflers, balaclava, and insulated boots. Regular winterwear won’t be enough for –15°C nights.
Pack a high-quality sleeping bag: Some homestays may not have strong heating. A sub-zero rated sleeping bag makes nights much more comfortable.
Keep electronics warm: Phone batteries drain fast in extreme cold. Carry a power bank, keep devices inside inner pockets, and avoid exposing them to freezing air.
Avoid early morning and late evening travel: Black ice forms easily in shaded areas. Travel between 10 AM and 4 PM for maximum safety.
Stay hydrated, even in the cold: The dry winter air dehydrates your body quickly. Drink warm water regularly to avoid headaches and altitude issues.
Acclimatize properly: Spiti’s altitude is high, and winter air is thinner. Spend at least one night at Reckong Peo or Kalpa before heading to Kaza.
Carry cash: ATMs may not work due to frozen lines or power cuts. Keep enough cash for food, stay, and emergencies.
Expect basic facilities: Hot water may be limited to buckets, bathrooms might be cold, and food options may be simple. Winter is survival mode in Spiti — embrace it.
Check weather and road updates daily: One snowfall can change road conditions overnight. Stay in touch with your homestay or local drivers for real-time updates.
Don’t rely on network or internet: Connectivity is patchy in December. Jio works best in Kaza, but expect interruptions.
Use a local driver if unsure: Driving in snow, black ice, and rugged winter roads requires skill. If you’re not confident, hire a reliable local taxi.
Respect local life: Winter is tough for Spiti residents. Be patient, avoid littering, conserve water, and follow local instructions during roadblocks or heavy snowfall.
Should You Visit Spiti Valley in December?
If you’re seeking a classic sightseeing vacation with easy travel, warm weather, and open cafes, then Spiti Valley in December is not for you. Winter here is raw, silent, and brutally cold, with limited amenities and unpredictable road conditions. It’s a difficult trip — and it’s supposed to be.
But if you’re someone who loves untouched landscapes, snowy mountains, peaceful monasteries, and the feeling of being in a world far away from everything familiar, then December in Spiti is an experience you’ll never forget. The valley looks ethereal under fresh snowfall, the skies stay clear and intensely blue, and the silence of winter creates a calm you won’t find anywhere else.
So, can you go to Spiti Valley in December?
Yes — but go for the right reasons, with the right preparation, and with full respect for the challenges winter brings. If you’re ready for adventure and hardship in exchange for extraordinary beauty, December will give you a side of Spiti very few travelers ever get to see.