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.
