NH505 over the Kunzum Pass connects Kaza to
Manali in the southwest, and
Kaurik, Sumdo,
Pooh, &
Tabo in east. Kaza-Pooh-Tabo-
Shimla route is open the whole year, but the Manali-Kaza route is closed for 7 winter months every year, during which Kunzum Pass (15,000 ft) is closed.
NHAI is planning to construct a tunnel under the Kunzum Pass to provide all-weather connectivity between Manali and the
Spiti valley. The Kunzum Pass is normally open from June/July to October/November. The dates of opening and closing are dependent on the weather and road repair by the
Border Roads Organisation. NH505 from the Manali-Gramphoo side in the west climbs steeply through fifteen (15) sharp hairpin turns from Batal (el. ) on the Chandra River, testing the driving skills of even experienced drivers. On the Kaza side in east, the road from the small town of Losar (el. ) runs on the right bank of a tributary of the Spiti. It climbs through a dry, semi-desert landscape up to the Kunzum Pass. == Tourism==