Overview
Kaza sits at 3,800 metres in the Trans-Himalayan Spiti Valley, making it India's highest altitude town with year-round habitation. As the district headquarters and most developed town in Spiti, it serves as the base for exploring Key Monastery, high-altitude villages like Hikkim (home to the world's highest post office), and Dhankar with its 1,000-year-old monastery perched dramatically on cliff edges.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Accommodation
Book ahead during peak season (June-October). Winter options are extremely limited to PWD rest houses only.
Connectivity
Mobile phone coverage and internet access in Spiti Valley is limited and unreliable, especially in villages and on treks.
Money
Cash is essential in remote Spiti Valley; ATMs may be unreliable. Prices mentioned in rupees (rs). Budget approximately 1,500-2,500rs daily for transport and activities.
Transport
Roads are poor and untarred. Shared taxis from Manali cost ~1,500rs (9hrs); HRTC buses ~450rs (12hrs). Local taxi for sightseeing ~2,500rs total.
Weather
Kaza sits at 3,800m elevation. Summers (June-October) are mild; winters are severe with heavy snow closing the Manali route and most hotels.