Permits
For foreign nationals coming via Rekong Peo (Kinnaur) Inner Line permits are required which can be made at the DC Office (District Collectorate) at Shimla or Rekong Peo. Passport details are also required to be entered at various locations while entering Spiti. Permits are usually made for a group of 4 or more.
For foreign nationals coming via Manali, permits are not required although passport details are noted at the entry point in Spiti. For those interested in going to Kinnaur, permits can be obtained in Kaza from the ADC office.
Fitness Levels
The Spiti Valley is located between an altitude of 3300 mts to 5000 mts, hence it is advisable that travelers with pre existing problems of the heart, lungs or anemia should consult their doctor before taking this trip. Acute Mountain Sickness (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) is a major threat for those having serious lung and breathing problems.
Medical Facilities
Kaza (headquarters of Spiti) has a hospital with most, basic facilities. Primary health care centers are also available at various locations in the Spiti valley.
Spiti also has its own traditional system of medicine known as the Amchi system. Traditional doctors called Amchis are available in practically every village of Spiti.
Communication Facilities
Phone – STD,ISD and FAX facilities are available at Kaza and Tabo.
Internet – is available at Kaza and Tabo, though the speed is usually slow.
Money Exchange
It is advisable to change currency in Shimla or Manali, as no facilities for currency exchange are available in Spiti.
Weather
The weather in Spiti varies from extreme cold in the winters to bright and sunny in the summer. Spiti witnesses approximately 250 days of sunshine in a year. The table below gives a month wise description of the prevailing weather conditions in Spiti. |
