How to Reach
Here are the instructions for traveling from Delhi to Chandigarh, Chandigarh to
Sumdo/Kaza, and Manali to Sumdo/Kaza, including modes of transport, distances, local stays, and timings of public transport:
1. Delhi to Chandigarh.
Mode of Transport: You can travel from Delhi to Chandigarh by either road or train.
(a) By Road: Distance is approximately 250 km. Takes around 4-5 hours
by car/bus, depending on traffic.
(b) By Train: Several trains operate between Delhi and Chandigarh, taking
around 3-4 hours.
2. Chandigarh to Sumdo/Kaza:
Mode of Transport: From Chandigarh, you’ll generally travel by road
to reach Sumdo and Kaza (in Spiti Valley).
Chandigarh to Sumdo: Distance is approximately 380 km. Takes
around 10-12 hours by car or bus.
Chandigarh to Kaza: Kaza is further ahead of Sumdo, approximately
420 km from Chandigarh. Takes around 12-14 hours by road.
Local Home Stays: In village near Sumdo (Nako, Chango, Shalkhar, Giu,
Hurling) and at Kaza, there are guesthouses, homestays, and small hotels
available for accommodation. It’s recommended to book in advance,
especially during tourist seasons.
Public Transport Timings: Buses from Chandigarh to Kaza via Reckong Peo are
available but schedules can vary. It’s advisable to check with local bus stations
or travel agencies for the latest timings.
Manali to Sumdo/Kaza/Tabo:
Mode of Transport: From Manali, you’ll also travel by road to reach Sumdo,
Kaza and Tabo.
Manali to Sumdo: You can drive from Manali to Sumdo via NH505.
The distance is approximately 257.9 km and the journey takes about
7 hours.
Manali to Kaza: You can also drive from Manali to Kaza via NH505.
The distance is approximately 183.3 km and the journey takes about
5 hours.
Manali to Tabo: The distance from Manali to Tabo is approximately
230.1 km and the journey takes about 6.5 hours. You can drive from
Manali to Tabo via NH505.
Please note that the road conditions in this region can be challenging,
especially during the monsoon season. It’s advisable to check the latest travel
advisories and road conditions before starting your journey. Here are some
additional details about the different modes of transport available:
(a) Driving: This is the most convenient way to travel between Manali,
Kaza, and Tabo. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. The roads are well
maintained, but there can be heavy traffic during peak season.
(b) Bus: There are regular buses between Manali and Kaza. However,
there are no direct buses from Manali to Tabo. You can take a bus
from Manali to Kaza and then hire a taxi to Tabo.
(c) Shared taxi: Shared taxis are a popular option for traveling between
Manali, Kaza, and Tabo. They are more affordable than taxis, but
they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
Local Home Stays In village near Sumdo (Nako, Chango, Shalkhar, Giu, Hurling)
and at Kaza also offers a variety of accommodation options including
guesthouses, homestays, and hotels. Booking in advance is recommended.
Public Transport Timings: Buses from Manali to Kaza via Rohtang Pass access
are available but schedules can be irregular. Checking with local bus stations
or travel agencies is advisable.
Note –
The route ahead of Reckon Peo closes after 0800 hrs, Please plan your move
accordingly and you are also requested to confirm the timing from the Police Station of Himachal Police
before planning your move.
Acclimatisation
Acclimatisation is imperative and important if you are planning to participate and run the
Spiti Marathon. It depends entirely on one’s personal body condition as some acclimatise
very fast and some take several days. We strongly recommend arriving in
Sumdo/Kaza/Giu/Tabo at least a week to 10 days ahead of race day so that you are well
acclimatised for the race. The earlier you arrive, the better it is for your run!
Spiti Avengers Challenge – participants are advised to arrive at least 10 days in advance.
For Half Marathon and Marathon – participants are advised to arrive at least 7 days in advance.
For 10 km Run – participants are advised to arrive at least 5 days in advance.
High Altitude sickness occurs when your body does not adjust to the altitude due to lack of
oxygen. It is common to feel light headed when you arrive in Spiti as the air is thin and
rarified. Following the rules of acclimatisation, you need to take things easy in order to
acclimatise properly and not rush around. On arrival, it is imperative to take “complete rest”
on Day 1. You need to sleep on arrival, go slow, not move around too much and not go to the
high points around Spiti. It is also important to keep yourself hydrated so drink plenty of
water, soups and avoid alcohol for the first few days. Diamox, a diuretic, is taken by most
people from the previous night before arriving in Spiti. Those allergic to sulphur drugs should
consult with the doctor for an alternative. Serious conditions of altitude sickness is about
fluid retention in the lungs (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and High altitude cerebral
edema (fluid retention in the brain), taking a diuretic aids the process of acclimatisation. It is
not a medicine for altitude sickness but an aid to help you acclimatise.
With proper acclimatisation, altitude should not be an issue which is the reason we
recommend participants to arrive at least a week ahead of race day to prepare themselves.
With so much to see and do in Spiti Valley, you can spend several days and weeks visiting
the various sites, enjoying activities like trekking and Star gazing and at the same time
practicing for Race Day! So Participants, come early, enjoy this awesome place and run for
Spiti Valley!