Kunzum Pass remains open for tourists from the second week of June until 15th of October. Besides that, the snow covers the entire route making it impossible to drive here. Moreover, monsoon month of August is not suggested to plan the trip due to the chances of landslides as well as bad roads.

How do I get to Kunzum Pass?

One can visit Kunzum Pass by road from Manali or Delhi. You can hire a private taxi or take the buses from Delhi to Kunzum Pass or from Manali to Kunzum Pass.

How can I go to Manali from Spiti?

There are regular buses from Spiti and Kaza to Manali which tourists can take. The distance from Spiti to Manali is a rough 196.9 km which can be easily covered by road.

Is Spiti valley dangerous?

Adventurous would be the word to define Spiti Valley. It is a beautiful and enchanting valley of India. With steep terrains, Spiti Valley is an amazing place to visit if you are looking for thrill and adventure.

Spiti Valley

Kunzum Pass, Spiti Valley

About Kunzum Pass

Kunzum Pass is nestled in the high altitudes of the Indian Himalayas. It serves as a significant gateway between the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh. At an elevation of 4,551 metres above sea level, it is one of India's highest motorable roads. The pass offers an unparalleled journey through the Himalayas, presenting breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and rugged landscapes. You can also witness the enchanting Bara Shigri Glacier here, which is the second-longest glacier in the world and the largest in Himachal Pradesh.

This majestic pass offers bikers the thrill of high-altitude riding, and it is also a spiritual haven for believers. The Kunzum Devi temple is situated here which provides travellers with a serene place to seek blessings for a safe journey. Moreover, the surrounding area is adorned with vibrant prayer flags, adding to the mystical aura of this picturesque location. Kunzum Pass also serves as a starting point for the trek to the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake, making it a hub for trekkers. The pass's historical and cultural significance, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Himachal.

Kunzum Pass Highlights

• Navigate the thrilling hairpin turns of Kunzum Pass in Spiti Valley for an adrenaline-pumping drive.
• Visit the Kunzum Devi Temple to seek blessings for a safe journey through the Pass.
• Capture the majestic beauty of Bara Shigri Glacier, the second-longest glacier in the world.
• Marvel at the panoramic views of Chandrabhaga Range and Spiti Valley from the pass.
• Trek from Kunzum Pass to the serene Chandratal Lake, a journey through stunning landscapes.

How To Reach Kunzum Pass

- By Road: One can take HRTC buses or hire private taxis from Manali to travel to Kunzum Pass. The journey from Manali to Kunzum Pass takes a duration of 6-7 hours.

- By Air: The nearest airport to Kunzum Pass is located in Bhuntar town. Bhuntar town is situated 170 km from Kunzum Pass and 50 km from Manali. One can take buses or cars from the airport to Manali as well as the pass.

- By Train: The nearest railway station to Kunzum Pass is the narrow gauge Joginder Nagar railway station located at a distance of 50 km. One can hire taxis to Kunzum Pass from there.

Best Time To Visit Kunzum Pass

The best time to visit Kunzum Pass is from the second week of June to September except August as the pass remains closed during monsoons and winters. During the months of winter, from 15th of October to April, the Kunzum Pass remains momentarily closed due to heavy snowfall.

Although it is open in the monsoon month of August one should not plan their visit due to slippery routes and expected landslides.

Kunzum Pass Essential Information

Location: The Kunzum Pass is located at an altitude of 4590 meters above sea level in the Kunzum Range of Himalayas. It is the connecting link between Lahaul and Spiti Valley.

Mobile Connectivity: The mobile connectivity is very feeble due to the high altitude location of Kunzum Pass. There is net connectivity available for the first few kilometres of the pass which weekends as the altitude increases.

Distance from Manali: The Kunzum Pass is situated at a distance of 122 km from Manali. The road from Manali through Kunzum Pass further leads to Kaza town, which is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti.

Distance from Spiti: The distance between Spiti and Kunzum Pass is 70 km. The road provides an enchanting view of the Spiti valley and its beautiful scenery to the riders and adventure lovers

Altitude: The Kunzum Pass is located at an altitude of 4590 meters (15,090 feet) above sea level. The dangerous turns of the high altitude mountain pass give travellers a thrill to experience for a lifetime.

Temperature: Temperatures in Kunzum Pass fall up to -17 degree Celsius during winters. Summer temperatures in Kunzum Pass range around 17 degree Celsius.

About Kunzum Devi Temple

The Kunzum Devi Temple is located on the Kunzum Pass. The presiding deity, Goddess Kunzum Devi is an avatar of Goddess Durga and is the protector of the pass and the travellers. Visitors travelling through the Kunzum Pass often stop by the temple to pray and seek blessings of the deity for a safer journey.

It is a tradition that whoever visits the temple should take a complete rotation of it in the vehicle. Many Buddhist monasteries and gompas surround the temple. These monasteries with colored prayer flags give a mesmerizing view to the tourists. One can also hear the sounds of bells and prayers of the temple and gompas that resound the entire valley.

View from Kunzum Pass

The Kunzum Pass gives an eye-catching view of the second highest glacier of the Himalayas, the Bara Shigri Glacier. This glacier with snow clad mountains at the backdrop is a mesmerising sight to behold. This glacier feeds the River Chenab which originates in India and flows into neighboring country Pakistan.

The name of the Bara Shigri comes from Lahaul dialect, with ‘Bara’ meaning big and ‘Shigri’ meaning glacier. The Kunzum Pass also gives a view of the Chandra Baga ranges of Himalayas. Spiti Valley is another enchanting landscape one can see from atop the Kunzum Pass. Spiti Valley is a desert terrain landscape surrounded by high snow-covered peaks. One can also catch a glimpse of small villages dotted far away across the valley.

Places to Stay Near Kunzum Pass

There are beautiful home-stays and hotels located in Kaza and Manali for accommodation facilities. Tourists can stay in these places and visit Kunzum Pass from there by road. Some of them are:

1. Solang Valley Resort: This resort in Manali is located in the Solang valley and is a perfect place for people looking for serenity and calmness. The resort has many relaxation facilities for tourists to enjoy a getaway from regular life.

2. Mahadev Cottage: This beautiful accommodation has well-furnished rooms and gives scenic views of the Rohtang valley. Located in Manali, this cottage provides a cosy and comfortable ambience to the visitors.

3. Sakya Abode: This hotel in Kaza offers luxurious accommodation facilities to the visitors arriving at its door. There are also home-stay facilities for guests who are looking for a more homely ambience.

4. Hotel Snow Lion: Spacious rooms, lounge amenities, breathtaking views are the characteristics of Hotel Snow Lion. Located in Manali, this hotel provides a spectacular view of the Sakya Monastery located nearby. The village life and the enchanting sounds of the monastery bells and prayers are sure to mesmerize guests.

Traveller Tips for Visiting Kunzum Pass

Tourists visiting the Kunzum Pass should keep the following tips in mind before planning to ensure a comfortable and pleasant trip:

- It is essential to pack lots of woollens to avoid the cold and getting sick from the freezing environment.

- It is essential to carry medicines for altitude mountain sickness.

- For travellers who decide to hire a car to visit Kunzum Pass, it would be better to hire an SUV.

- It is recommended to carry food supplies as there are no eateries in Kunzum Pass.

- For travellers looking for bus services, it is recommended to confirm the bus running status a day earlier.

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Point of Interest for Kunzum Pass

Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Kunzum Pass

Your journey to Kunzum Pass itself is an adventure. On your way to the pass, you will get a chance to navigate through the winding roads amidst majestic Himalayan peaks. The route presents fifteen hairpin bends, testing your driving skills while offering panoramic views. At each turn, you can witness breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains and valleys. Remember to stop and soak in the beauty of nature’s artwork. This drive is also great for capturing the grandeur and beauty of the Himalayas.

Pay Homage at Kunzum Devi Temple

On your visit to the Kunzum Pass, make sure to stop by the Kunzum Devi Temple. Situated at the top of the pass, this sacred site is dedicated to Goddess Kunzum. Take the time to circle the temple in your vehicle, which is believed to bring safety and blessings to your journey. You can also see colourful prayer flags around the temple. As they flutter in the wind, they create a serene and spiritual atmosphere. On your visit, take a moment to enjoy the tranquillity of the temple and offer your prayers here.

Trek to the Chandratal Lake

Just 21.3 kilometres from Kunzum Pass, lies the enchanting Chandratal Lake which is also known as the 'Moon Lake'. During your visit to Kunzum Pass, set out on this trek to discover a stunning high-altitude lake nestled amidst the mountains. The trek route offers spectacular views of the landscape and its changing terrains. Upon reaching, you can set up camp near the lake under a starlit sky to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Capture the Beauty of Kunzum Through Photography

Kunzum Pass is a haven for photographers. From the pass, you get an eye-catching view of the Bara-Shigri Glacier, which ranks as the second-longest glacier in the world. Here, you can soak in panoramic views of the rugged terrains of the Spiti Valley and the contrasting serene waters of the Spiti River as well. On a clear day, you can also see the snowclad peaks of the Chandrabhaga ranges from the Pass. The landscape is a blend of raw beauty and tranquillity, offering numerous spots for capturing the perfect shot.

Experience Mountain Biking on High Altitude Roads

For adventure enthusiasts, mountain biking at Kunzum Pass offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. You can indulge in a unique challenge to bike at an altitude of over 4,500 metres, on one of India's highest motorable passes. The rugged terrain, sharp bends, and breathtaking landscapes provide an unparalleled biking experience. Feel the thrill as you navigate through one of the most scenic routes in the Himalayas, making it a ride to remember.

Kunzum Pass FAQs

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