Ideas, tips and stories that make planning a trip feel less like work.
464 posts
Kinnaur is not one town, so the right route depends on whether you are heading to Kalpa, Sangla, Chitkul, Reckong Peo, or Nako. This guide explains the best ways to reach Kinnaur from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla by road, including bus, taxi, self-drive, and the smartest first base for your trip.
Baralacha Pass in May is possible only in the right window, and even then it depends on snow clearance and live road conditions. This guide explains whether the pass is open, how early May differs from late May, what to expect on the Manali side, and whether planning the trip is actually worth it.
Baralacha Pass in April is usually more about snow clearance than actual travel. This guide explains whether the pass is open, how far you can realistically go from Manali, what road conditions are like, and which Lahaul alternatives make more sense if Baralacha is still closed.
Looking for the best places for a photoshoot in Manali? Explore hidden photography spots in Manali including Chichoga Village, Sethan, Hallan Valley, Jana Waterfall, and more, along with expert tips, golden hour timings, and local insights for unforgettable mountain shots.
Chandratal in July can be incredible, but it is not a simple summer trip. This guide explains whether the lake is open, how safe the routes are, what camping is really like, and whether July is the right time for your travel style.
Chandratal and Pangong may both be iconic Himalayan lakes, but the trips feel completely different. This guide compares budget, comfort, road conditions, altitude, travel time, and traveller type so you can choose the one that actually suits your style.
Camping at Chandratal Lake is one of Spiti’s most unforgettable experiences, but the reality is different from what most travellers expect. This guide covers where the camps actually are, how much it costs, the best time to go, how cold nights get, and whether this trip suits your travel style.
Spiti Valley is accessible in March only via the Shimla-Kinnaur route. The Manali-Kaza road via Kunzum Pass and Chandratal Lake are completely closed under heavy snow. Kaza daytime temperatures range from minus 5°C to 5°C while nights drop to minus 10°C to minus 20°C. Key Monastery, Tabo, Dhankar, and Kibber are usually reachable. Langza, Hikkim, and Komic depend on fresh snowfall. Plan 8–9 days minimum with buffer days. A 4x4 vehicle and experienced mountain driver are essential. Best suited for photographers, adventure couples, and experienced Himalayan travellers seeking snow, solitude, and winter landscapes.
Kunzum Pass (4,551m) is usually closed in early May and may open by late May depending on BRO snow clearance. In 2025 it opened on May 24 for 4x4 vehicles only. In 2024 it opened in the first week of June. In 2022 it opened as early as May 3. There is no fixed opening date. Chandratal Lake remains inaccessible until mid-June. The Kaza side clears before the Manali side. Spiti Valley is still reachable in May via the Shimla-Kinnaur route even when Kunzum is closed. For a guaranteed crossing, plan for mid-June onwards.
Kunzum Pass is closed in April. The pass sits at 4,551 metres and remains buried under 15–20 feet of snow. BRO clearance typically does not reach Kunzum until May or June. The Manali to Kaza route and Chandratal Lake are also inaccessible. However, Spiti Valley can still be reached in April via the Shimla-Kinnaur route. Kaza, Key Monastery, Tabo, Dhankar, Kibber, and Langza are accessible from this side. Kunzum Pass usually opens between mid-May and mid-June depending on snowfall and clearance progress.
Spiti Valley is accessible in April only via the Shimla-Kinnaur route. The Manali-Kaza road via Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake, and the full Spiti circuit remain closed. Kaza daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C while nights drop to minus 5°C to minus 12°C. Key Monastery, Tabo, Dhankar, Kibber, Chicham, Nako, and Kalpa are reliably reachable. Higher villages like Langza, Hikkim, and Komic depend on fresh snowfall. Plan 8–9 days including buffer days. Carry thermals, a down jacket, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and sufficient cash as ATMs are unreliable.
May is one of the best months to visit Dharamshala and McLeodganj. McLeodganj temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C during the day and 12°C to 16°C at night. Fresh snowfall in town is extremely unlikely, but snow-capped Dhauladhar peaks are visible on clear mornings. Triund trek is fully accessible with comfortable trail conditions. Best places include Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsu Waterfall, Naddi View Point, Norbulingka Institute and Dharamkot. Plan 2–3 days for a comfortable visit. Stay in McLeodganj for the easiest access to key attractions. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
