Things to Carry while Travelling to Spiti : 2025

Things To Carry For Spiti Trip​ 

As you plan for an exhilarating trip, you may be skeptical about the things to carry while traveling to Spiti and that’s fine. This is not a place where you can just pack your bags and go. You will have to think through, make a list, and pack accordingly.

Keep in mind that due to the remote location of the valley, the number of things to pack will be much more extensive compared to other destinations. Many Thrillophilia's Spiti Valley packages offer guidance on essential packing to ensure a smooth journey. It goes without saying that warm, layered clothes are the most important things to carry for a Spiti trip. Ensure you have all the essentials packed for your adventure.

As it is a cold and dry region, you will need them to protect you from the harsh winds and the hot sun.  Also, with sparsely available amenities on the road, you must keep in mind that the packing should be specific to the mode of transport you are traveling by.

Apart from this, medications, entry permits, and eatables also cover up a vital place in your packing list. So remember, all the fun and frolics in the Spiti Valley is more enjoyable with a bit of planning. 
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Spiti Road Trip Packages Explore All (12)
Explore All (12)
01

Clothing According To Various Seasons

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Spiti is generally visited in two kinds of seasons- peak season in May and June and the shoulder seasons( March-April, September-mid November). The weather is warm and pleasant during the peak season, but it gets a little tricky during the shoulder seasons!

It may be sunny one day and chilly the next day. So to be prepared for all kinds of weather, you need a lot of things to carry while traveling according to the places you will be visiting in Spiti:

1. Summer (May to July)
Even in summer, Spiti remains cold, especially at night. Days are pleasant but bring layers for fluctuating temperatures.

Essentials:
  • Light woolens (sweaters, fleece jackets)
  • Full-sleeve shirts/t-shirts
  • Windproof jacket
  • Sunglasses (to protect from high-altitude sun)
  • Cotton pants/jeans
  • Trekking shoes
  • Hat/cap (for sun protection)
  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
2. Monsoon (July to September)
Although Spiti itself is in a rain shadow region, the route via Manali to Spiti faces heavy rainfall, leading to landslides.

Essentials:
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho
  • Quick-dry clothes
  • Trekking pants (avoid jeans as they take longer to dry)
  • Woolen layers for cold nights
  • Sturdy waterproof shoes
  • Gloves (for high-altitude areas)
  • Extra socks (in case they get wet)
3. Winter (October to April)
Winters in Spiti are extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C. Layering is key to staying warm.

Essentials:
  • Heavy woolens (thermal inners, fleece, down jackets)
  • Waterproof & windproof jacket
  • Woolen gloves, muffler, and beanie
  • Thick woolen socks
  • Insulated waterproof boots
  • Sunglasses (to protect from snow glare)
  • Lip balm & moisturizer (to prevent dryness)
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02

Important Documents

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One of the most important things to carry while traveling to Spiti is a set of documents that include your address proof and travel itinerary. Make sure you carry the following things for trip:
  • The original government-approved ID that has address proof( Aadhar card/ Driving Licence etc.)
  • If you’re planning to visit Reckong Peo and Kaza, then you must carry the Inner Line Permit.
  •  A couple of photocopies of the same
  • Two passport size photos
  • Travel Itinerary
  • If you will be flying either way on your trip then a copy of the air ticket and a photocopy of both sides of the credit/debit card you used to book the tickets
  • If you are a foreign national, then a valid passport
  • If you’re a foreigner, then you’ll need a Protected Area Permit before entering the region.
Also Checkout - Spiti Packages from Delhi
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03

Permits

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Permits are the most important part of the things to carry while traveling to Spiti.

    Permits Required For Both Indian & Foreign Travelers:

    1. Vehicle Permit: If traveling via Rohtang Pass (Manali route), you need a Rohtang Pass Permit, available online from the Himachal Pradesh tourism website.

    2. Inner Line Permit (ILP): If you are a resident of the country but not of Jammu and Kashmir, then you will have to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) depending upon the villages you have planned to visit. Areas that require ILP are:
    • Tabo
    • Dhankar
    • Nako
    • Sumdo
    3. ILP can be obtained from:
    • SDM Office in Reckong Peo or Kaza, Requires passport, visa, and passport-sized photographs
    •  If traveling from Manali side then you can get this permit from Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Shimla or Manali or you can go online on the Himachal Government Website or Rohtang Pass Mobile app. But make sure that you are quick in getting one as there are only 1200 permits issued in a single day. Requires passport, visa, and passport-sized photographs.  Also, make sure that you do not plan to cross this pass on Tuesday as it is closed on this day for the maintenance purpose.
    4. Protected Area Permit (PAP): Needed for traveling to some border-sensitive areas like:
    • Chitkul
    • Shipki La Pass
    • Khab
    5. Vehicle Documents: If self-driving, carry:
    • Valid driving license
    • Registration certificate (RC)
    • Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
    • Insurance papers
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    04

    Bike Accessories

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    Biking across the valley is a rage nowadays, but for this, you must take a ton of precautions! Apart from making sure your vehicle is in excellent condition, it is essential you have the following things to carry for a Spiti bike tour to avoid getting hurt in a mishap:

    1. Summer (May to July)
    Even though the days are warm, high-altitude winds make riding chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.

    Essential Accessories:
    • Riding jacket (mesh with thermal liner)
    • Full-face helmet with anti-fog visor
    • Riding gloves (breathable with knuckle protection)
    • Knee and elbow guards or riding pants
    • Sunglasses (UV protection)
    • Neck gaiter (to prevent dust inhalation)
    • Hydration pack (to stay hydrated in dry conditions)
    • Bungee cords & saddle bags for luggage
    2. Monsoon (July to September)
    Heavy rains along the route from Manali or Shimla can make roads slippery and unpredictable.

    Essential Accessories:
    • Waterproof riding jacket & pants
    • Rain cover for luggage
    • Waterproof gloves
    • Anti-fog visor or helmet pinlock system
    • Waterproof riding boots or boot covers
    • Extra pair of dry socks
    • Mudguards for preventing water splashes
    • Chain lube (wet type for better lubrication in rain)
    3. Winter (October to April)
    Extreme cold and snow make biking challenging; thermal insulation is key.

    Essential Accessories:
    • Heated riding gloves or insulated waterproof gloves
    • Thermal inner layers
    • Balaclava or woolen neck gaiter
    • Snow-proof riding jacket with thermal lining
    • Winter riding boots with insulation
    • Anti-fog visor or double visor helmet
    • Heated grips or hand guards
    • Snow chains for tires (if riding in peak winter)
    • Emergency repair kit (puncture kit, extra clutch/brake cables)
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    05

    Car Accessories

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    First of all, you must make sure your car is in good enough condition for driving on rough terrain. It is best if you drive an SUV on the hills for good ground clearance. But if you have a hatchback or a sedan, that is also not a problem. While exploring Offbeat Places in Spiti Valley, having a well-maintained vehicle ensures a smooth and safe journey.
    Then you should stock up on the following things to carry while traveling to Spiti:

    1. Safety & Emergency Gear
    • Tow Rope (for pulling the car out of mud or snow)
    • Jump Starter & Cables (in case of battery failure)
    • Puncture Repair Kit & Air Compressor
    • Basic Toolkit (screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, etc.)
    • First Aid Kit (with essential medicines)
    • Fire Extinguisher
    2. Weather-Specific Accessories
    For Summers & Monsoon (May-September):
    • All-Terrain Tires (for better grip on rocky roads)
    • Mud Flaps (to protect against slush and mud)
    • Rain Covers for Luggage
    • Wiper Blades & Extra Washer Fluid
    For Winters (October-April):
    • Snow Chains (for better traction on icy roads)
    • Antifreeze Coolant (to prevent freezing)
    • Heated Car Seats or Blankets
    3. Navigation & Communication
    • Offline Maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) (as network coverage is poor)
    • Portable GPS Device (for accurate navigation)
    • Walkie-Talkies (for group travel where mobile networks fail)
    4. Comfort & Convenience
    • Car Phone Charger & Power Bank
    • Roof Rack or Roof Box (for extra luggage space)
    • Seat Cushions (for long drives)
    • Sunglasses & Sunshade (for high-altitude sun glare)
    • Thermal Flask (for carrying warm drinks in winter)
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    06

    Electronic Gadgets

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    There are quite a few gadgets you should have within the things to carry for a Spiti trip. 

    Mobile charger- one of the must-haves among the things to carry while traveling to Spiti!
    A fully charged power bank. In case the electricity is out at the homestay or inn( which is pretty frequent in the hills), you need to keep your mobile charged so you can call for help or connect with family!
    A good camera- DSLR, GoPro, or whatever is your camera of choice!
    A spare set of batteries for your camera
    Spare memory cards, so you do not miss out on capturing all those scintillating images!
    Tripod if you plan to click your pictures
    Headphones or earphones( preferably wired, so you need not charge them)
    Make sure you have a JIO or BSNL SIM with you as these are the only two networks that work decently in the hills. The only place where you might not get any connectivity at all is Chandratal.

    Must Checkout - Spiti Tour Packages From Delhi
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    07

    Medicines

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    Firstly, consult your family physician to make sure you do not have any lingering health condition that might be triggered by high altitude conditions. Once you are cleared for the trip, include the following medicines in things to carry while traveling to Spiti:

    Camphor tablets for smelling that will ease your respiratory distress
    Diamox to prevent altitude sickness
    Pain relief spray for sprains
    Painkillers
    Paracetamol for fever, cold and cough
    Medicines for stomach aches( Pudin Hara)
    Digene to prevent acidity and indigestion
    Enteroquinol to effectively stop loose motion
    Nasal spray for blocked nose
    Betadine or any other antiseptic cream to treat cuts and bruises
    10-12 band-aids
    Along with these medicines and other things to carry for the Spiti trip, you should carry the regular medicines you take for specific health conditions.

    Also Checkout - Spiti Valley Tour Package From Manali
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    08

    Eatables

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    Make sure you always have a bottle of water and a few snacks in your bag when you leave the homestay or inn. This is very important within the things to carry on Spiti trip!

    A 2-litre bottle of water should always be present in your bag as dehydration at high altitude can have severe repercussions on your health!
    Chocolates
    Nuts
    Energy bars.
    It is important to have all three of these as they provide you with an immediate boost in energy.

    Also Checkout -  8 Days Spiti Valley Trip
                                  5 Day Trip to Spiti Valley
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    09

    Personal Essentials

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    These might be different for different individuals, but the below-listed items are essentials among the things to carry for a Spiti trip and will be required by all, independent of personal choice:

    Choose a small bag or rucksack over larger ones. Accommodation option at Spiti generally ranges from a homestay to a small hotel, and neither of these may have an elevator. In that case, you will have to haul your luggage back and forth. Thus, smaller luggage would be convenient.
    Sunglasses- UV rays can hit you directly at high altitudes, so keep a sunglasses with you at all times to prevent the UV rays from affecting your eyes.
    Paper soap- so you can wash your hands properly after the meal breaks on the road
    Hand Sanitizer
    Thermos to keep your water warm
    A towel, if you prefer using your own instead of the one the homestay offers
    A bug spray 
    A torch or a flashlight for emergencies
    A Swiss knife is helpful in quite a few situations
    A bag lock to keep your belongings safe

    Also Checkout -  Spiti Valley in 4 days 
                                 Spiti Valley in 7 days
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    10

    Toiletries

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    At high altitudes, your skin tends to get dry easily, and hence there are quite a few things you need to carry, so that dry skin does not bother you. You can choose the brands that suit your skin but definitely carry these items:

    Sunscreen lotion of SPF more than 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays
    Lip balm to moisten your chapped lips
    A moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated
    Face wash
    Toothbrush and toothpaste
    Tissue paper
    Sanitary napkins
    Shaving kit

    Also Checkout - 6 Days Spiti Valley Tour Packages
                                9 Days Spiti Valley Tour Packages
                               10 Days Spiti Valley Tour Packages
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    18 June 2019
    Excellent
    I went to Spiti Valley with my family from Chandigarh and we booked our trip from Thrillophilia. The place is so beautiful, the view is so captivating. the trip was really wonderful we had a very nice ti me on the trip. Thanks, Thrillophilia for the great experience!!!
    15 October 2019
    Excellent
    We went to Spiti from Shimla. We booked the trip from Thrillophilia and must say they have arranged everything so nicely, the stays, meals everything was so nice. We had an amazing time on the entire trip.
    27 September 2019
    Excellent
    The Spiti Valley trip from Delhi was so amazing, The entire trip was so nicely planned, the meals and stays everything was so good. we had a great time on the trip. The place is so beautiful.
    22 October 2019
    Excellent
    we went to Spiti valley from Delhi and it was one of the best trips ever, The beautiful hills and mountains are so alluring, Key Monastery, Lhalung Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Pin Valley National Park, and Kunzum Pass all are so beautiful. We had an amazing time at the trip. Thanks Thrillophilia for the wonderful experience!!!
    04 November 2019
    Excellent
    Spiti Valley is so beautiful and mesmerizing. The trip to Spiti valley was an amazing experience, I booked the trip from Thrillophilia and they have arranged things so well. The guide provided to us with the tour was so helpful. We had a very good time on the entire trip
    10 July 2019
    Chapala Pothuvaal Spiti Valley Bike Trip
    Excellent
    Thrillophilia just arranged the best trip of my life! The guide was excellent, the bikes were in good condition and so were the other arrangements! The whole trip was so well arranged that we saw the best of Spiti.
    18 May 2019
    Excellent
    I opt for solo bike trips regularly, but this is the best experience- bike in perfect condition, itinerary well planned, and the best support team to help out whenever necessary!
    18 May 2019
    Aanandaswarup Pothuvaal Manali to Spiti Valley Bike Trip
    Excellent
    I opt for solo bike trips regularly, but this is the best experience- bike in perfect condition, itinerary well planned, and the best support team to help out whenever necessary!
    03 July 2019
    Vidur Namboothiri Spiti Valley Bike Trip
    Excellent
    It was a great trip for me. However, there were some pros and cons. Pros: • The bikes were in good condition, and there were regular breaks for riders. • The trip guide was excellent and very clear with instructions. • They selected excellent viewpoints and regular stops. All the pre-decided places were duly shown to us. Cons • The food could have been improved • The internet connectivity throughout was very poor.
    06 August 2019
    Akshaj Dwivedi Spiti Valley Bike Trip
    Excellent
    An unforgettable trip for my friends and me- Thrillophilia arranged it in the best way possible! The trip could not have been better executed! Our operator was the best- he gave us the whole itinerary minute by minute in Chandigarh on the first day and was there for every issue we had!

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