"Spiti" means "The Middle Land" in Tibetan — a no-man's-land between India and Tibet, between earth and sky, between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
At over 3,800 metres above sea level, with roads carved into sheer cliff faces, prayer flags whipping in the Himalayan wind, and centuries-old monasteries perched on impossible ridges, Spiti Valley is not just a cycling destination. It is a rite of passage.
This is the complete guide to the Tour of Spiti Valley Bicycle Expedition by Cycle Adventures India — an 8-night, 9-day journey covering 300–350 km from Shimla to Manali, crossing the legendary Kunzum La pass at 4,590 metres. Whether you're flying in from Mumbai or Melbourne, this guide covers everything: route breakdown, altitude sickness prevention, packing lists, dos and don'ts, permits, and what to genuinely expect on each saddle-hour of this bucket-list ride.
What Makes Spiti Valley Unmissable on a Bicycle
Most travellers see Spiti from inside a dusty jeep window. The fortunate few see it from the saddle — and those are the people who never stop talking about it.
Cycling through Spiti is fundamentally different from any other form of travel here. You earn every vista. When you crest a ridge after a punishing two-hour climb and the entire Pin Valley unfolds below you, surrounded by burnt-ochre mountains and a sky so blue it looks painted — that feeling cannot be bought on a package tour.
Here is why the Spiti bicycle expedition stands apart:
Landscapes Unlike Anywhere on Earth
Spiti is a cold desert — an arid, high-altitude moonscape that sits in the rain-shadow of the outer Himalayas. The terrain shifts dramatically: from deep green apple-orchard valleys in Kinnaur, to bleached white and ochre badlands near Tabo, to the snow-dusted grandeur of Kunzum La. No two days look alike.
The World's Highest Everything
Spiti is home to a remarkable concentration of high-altitude superlatives. You will visit the world's highest post office at Hikkim (4,440 m), cycle through Komic — widely considered the world's highest inhabited village with a motorable road — and cross Kunzum La at 4,590 m, the emotional and physical summit of the journey. Post your letter from Hikkim. It will arrive. And you will tell the story forever.
Living Culture, Not a Museum
Spiti's monasteries are not ruins behind velvet ropes. Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 AD, is one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Key Monastery clings to a hilltop like a medieval fortress and actively houses over 300 monks. Riding past these places — unhurried, on two wheels — gives you an intimacy with them that a motorist will never experience.
The Most Rewarding Challenge in Indian Cycling
This is objectively a difficult expedition. Daily ascents of 700–1,200 metres, thin air, unpredictable weather, and remote roads with limited infrastructure. That's exactly the point. The communities formed in shared suffering — pushing through a headwind together, cheering each other over a pass, eating a bowl of hot thukpa in a roadside dhaba — are the bonds that last a lifetime.
"Every kilometre of Spiti demands something of you. In return, it gives you a story you'll spend the rest of your life telling."
9-Day Itinerary: Stage by Stage
The expedition runs from Shimla to Manali, broadly following the Hindustan–Tibet Highway (NH-5) through Kinnaur and into Spiti, with a final traverse over Kunzum La to Chandratal before descending to the Kullu Valley. Total cycling distance: 300–350 km. Support vehicle hauls your bags the entire way.
Transfer from Shimla to Badhal by support vehicle. Bicycle assembly, tuning, and a comprehensive expedition briefing covering route, safety protocols, and high-altitude hydration strategy. A short acclimatisation spin in the afternoon lets your legs — and your lungs — say hello to the Himalayas.
The first pedal strokes follow the stunning Sutlej River gorge. Apple orchards and pine forests line the road as you make a steady introductory climb. The terrain is gorgeous and the gradient forgiving — the ideal opening stage to find your rhythm before the real mountains begin.
The altitude begins to bite. Narrow roads with exposed cliff-edge sections give glimpses of the Sutlej River far below. Nako village, perched above a shimmering lake, is your reward — a truly magical high-altitude settlement where you begin to feel the magic of the valley. Altitude awareness begins today.
The most technically demanding section of Kinnaur: the India–Tibet Road through the notorious Malling Nallah landslide zone. Narrow cliff-carved trails, loose gravel, and sheer drops into the valley below. Harrowing, beautiful, unforgettable. The descent into Tabo rewards everything. Evening visit to the ancient Tabo Monastery is a spiritual reset.
You enter the Spiti Valley proper — the cold desert opens up and the landscape becomes something out of another planet. Pass fossil sites, ancient mud villages, and the dramatic Dhankar Monastery fortress high on a hilltop above the Pin–Spiti river confluence. Kaza, the valley's de facto capital, is your base for the next two nights.
An acclimatisation and exploration day visiting three iconic destinations: Hikkim Post Office (world's highest post office), Komic (world's highest village), and Langza with its iconic Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Shorter climbs, frequent stops, extraordinary views. Return to Kaza for bike maintenance and rest.
The longest and most physically demanding cycling day. Ride past Ki Monastery on its dramatic clifftop, cross the Chicham Bridge (Asia's highest suspension bridge) over a 150-metre gorge, and grind through thin air on a seemingly endless valley climb. Losar, the last settlement before Kunzum La, sits at over 4,000 metres — you'll feel every metre tonight.
The day every rider has been working toward. An early start in biting cold. The road to Kunzum La — festooned with prayer flags, shrines, and the howl of Himalayan wind — is the emotional and physical apex of the entire expedition. The descent to the legendary Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake) completes one of the most extraordinary days on any bicycle in any country. Camping under a star-filled sky at 4,300 m.
Drive via Rohtang Pass to Manali. Expedition wrap-up lunch, medal and certificate ceremony, and a well-earned tour success party. Evening Volvo departure to Delhi. You came, you climbed, you conquered.
- Total cycling distance: ~300–350 km over 7 riding days
- Cumulative ascent: ~6,350 m across all stages
- Altitude range: 2,100 m (Badhal) to 4,590 m (Kunzum La)
- Dates (2026): 15 May – 23 May | Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Start/End: Delhi/Chandigarh ↔ Manali (Volvo transfers included)
How to Train for Spiti
This is rated Difficult — not to scare you off, but to ensure you arrive prepared. Riders who put in three months of disciplined preparation finish with energy to spare. Riders who don't often find the early stages demoralising. Here's your roadmap.
Minimum Fitness Baseline (Before You Register)
You should comfortably be able to ride 40–50 km with 500+ m of climbing before signing up. If you can't do that yet, you have time — but the training plan below is non-negotiable.
12-Week Training Framework
Weeks 1–4 — Build Base Endurance: Three rides per week. Two weekday rides of 20–30 km each. One weekend long ride starting at 50 km and extending to 70 km by Week 4. Focus on steady aerobic effort, not speed.
Weeks 5–8 — Add Climbing Volume: Introduce hill repeats twice per week. If you're in a flat city, use a trainer with resistance simulation. One weekend ride should include a minimum 600 m of elevation gain. Target long rides of 70–90 km.
Weeks 9–11 — Specificity & Back-to-Back Days: Ride on consecutive days to simulate expedition fatigue. Weekend pair: 70 km Saturday, 50 km Sunday. Add a Strava or Garmin training load check — your body needs to be comfortable with TSS scores above 200.
Week 12 — Taper: Reduce volume by 40%. Keep intensity. Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and equipment checks. No new gear on tour day one.
Supplementary Training
Core strength (planks, dead bugs, single-leg exercises) reduces lower-back fatigue on long climbs. Yoga or mobility work twice per week protects the hips and knees. Swimming or Zone-2 running builds cardiovascular capacity without extra saddle time.
If you live in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore and have no hills nearby, use a smart trainer (Zwift/Rouvy) for climbing simulation at least twice a week. Two months of consistent indoor climbing will do more for your Spiti performance than twice the volume on flat roads.
Weight Considerations
Every extra kilogram on a 1,000 m climb costs you time and energy. Pack light. Keep your on-bike weight (rider + kit + snacks + hydration) realistic. The support vehicle carries the rest — use it.
Understanding Altitude & Preventing AMS
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the single greatest risk on this expedition — not the roads, not the traffic, not the weather. Understanding it is not optional; it is part of your pre-expedition homework.
What is AMS?
At altitude, the air contains less oxygen. Your body responds by breathing faster and eventually producing more red blood cells — but this adaptation takes days. Until it completes, physical exertion at altitude causes AMS, ranging from headaches and nausea to, in rare severe cases, life-threatening pulmonary or cerebral oedema.
On this expedition you will be sleeping above 3,600 m from Day 2 onwards and crossing 4,590 m on summit day. The itinerary is designed with gradual ascent profiles to minimise risk — but individual responses vary enormously.
The Three Levels of AMS
- Headache
- Mild fatigue
- Reduced appetite
- Slight dizziness
- Disturbed sleep
- Persistent headache
- Vomiting/nausea
- Extreme fatigue
- Coordination issues
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Confusion/irrational behaviour
- Loss of coordination
- Gurgling breathing
- Blue lips/fingertips
- Collapse
Prevention Protocol
- Hydrate aggressively: 3–4 litres of water per day at altitude. No exceptions. Urine should be pale yellow.
- Ascend gradually: The itinerary is already built for this. Trust the schedule. Don't try to race ahead.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives for the first 3 days at altitude — they suppress respiratory drive during sleep.
- Diamox (Acetazolamide): Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure. Many riders take a prophylactic course starting 1–2 days before significant ascent. Do not self-prescribe.
- Eat even if you're not hungry: Your body burns significantly more calories at altitude. Keep the engine fuelled.
- Listen to your body above all else: No summit is worth your health. The team is fully authorised to arrange descent for any rider showing serious symptoms.
Riders with a history of heart conditions, severe anaemia, chronic respiratory disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or previous serious AMS episodes should consult a physician specialising in high-altitude medicine before registering. A pre-expedition medical check-up is strongly recommended for all riders over 50.
The Complete Gear List
Everything you bring must earn its place in the bag. At altitude, on a bicycle, weight is your enemy. Here's the definitive packing breakdown.
Your active cycling kit goes in a small day-pack or top-tube bag accessible on the bike. Everything else goes into one main bag that travels in the support vehicle. Combine dry bags and zip-locks inside your main bag — it will rain. Waterproof everything that matters.
- Certified cycling helmet (non-negotiable)
- Front white headlight (USB rechargeable)
- Rear red tail light
- Cycling gloves (padded, full-finger for cold)
- UV-blocking sunglasses / goggles
- Reflective vest / tape (provided by CAI)
- Windproof jacket × 2 (lightweight, packable)
- Cycling jerseys / dry-fit tees × 4
- Padded cycling shorts × 3 (gel-lined)
- Thermal base layer × 2
- Cycling shoes (stiff-soled)
- Warm cycling socks × 4 pairs
- Buff / neck gaiter × 2
- Thin cycling cap (under helmet)
- Waterproof rain jacket (non-negotiable)
- Fleece mid-layer or down gilet
- Thermal tights × 1
- Warm hat / beanie (for camp & summit)
- Down jacket for evenings/camps
- Warm gloves (non-cycling)
- Sandals / slip-ons × 1
- Lightweight trousers × 1
- Casual tees × 2
- Nightwear (warm — it gets below zero)
- Socks (casual) × 4 pairs
- Underwear × 5
- Personal medications (labelled, waterproofed)
- Diamox (if prescribed)
- ORS / electrolyte sachets × 15+
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ × 2 tubes
- Lip balm with SPF × 2
- Anti-chafing cream / Vaseline
- Hand sanitiser × 2
- Wet wipes (multipurpose)
- Personal first aid (blister kit, paracetamol)
- Microfibre towel × 1
- Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum)
- Universal adapter (India Type C/D)
- Multi-port USB charger
- Phone (download offline Google Maps)
- Waterproof phone case
- Camera (optional — phone suffices)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Passport / ID copies (waterproofed)
- Cash — carry ₹5,000–10,000 minimum (no ATMs in deep Spiti)
- Multi-tool with Allen keys
- Tyre levers × 2
- Inner tube × 2 (your bike size)
- Mini pump / CO₂ inflator
- Chain lube (wet/all-condition)
- Zip ties × 10
- Electrical tape
- Main bag: 40–50L (travels in support vehicle)
- Day pack / hip pack: 10–15L (on bike)
- Dry bags × 3 (inside main bag)
- Zip-lock bags for documents / electronics
- Bike water bottle × 2
Bicycle Rental Available: Don't have a mountain bike? CAI provides premium MTB rentals (Merida, Giant, Scott, Trek) for ₹900/day. Bicycle is sized to your height. A refundable security of ₹2,000 + ID is required at allotment. Your own MTB or hybrid is also welcome — it will be assembled on Day 0 and packed for return.
Essential Dos & Don'ts for Spiti
These are hard-won lessons from riders who have done this before you. Read them, save them, and refer back to them the week before you leave.
- Hydrate constantly — 3–4 litres per day, every day
- Start every climbing day with a proper, high-carb breakfast
- Use sunscreen every single morning including cloudy days (UV is intense at 3,800 m+)
- Wear your helmet at all times when riding — no exceptions
- Inform the ride marshal immediately if you feel unwell
- Dress in layers and always carry a wind/rain layer accessible on the bike
- Carry at least 2 litres of water on the bike between villages
- Respect monastery rules — remove shoes, don't photograph without permission
- Interact warmly with locals — ask before photographing people
- Carry cash in Spiti — digital payments often don't work in remote areas
- Pace yourself on Day 1–3; resist the temptation to race ahead
- Download offline maps (Google Maps / Maps.me) before Shimla
- Acclimatise properly — trust the itinerary's gradual ascent profile
- Eat even when altitude suppresses your appetite
- Inform CAI of dietary restrictions, allergies, or health conditions before departure
- Don't drink alcohol for the first 3 days at altitude — it worsens AMS
- Don't take sleeping pills at altitude — they suppress breathing during sleep
- Don't push through AMS symptoms hoping they'll pass — they often don't
- Don't ride ahead of the group into unmapped territory solo
- Don't skip electrolytes — plain water alone won't keep you hydrated properly
- Don't bring brand-new untested cycling shoes or kit on tour
- Don't litter — this is a pristine ecosystem; carry all waste out
- Don't disturb wildlife or remove stones / artefacts from monasteries
- Don't ride without lights in tunnels or at dawn/dusk
- Don't attempt Kunzum La if the organiser deems conditions unsafe
- Don't overload your day-pack — saddle comfort suffers
- Don't leave valuables in the support vehicle overnight
- Don't assume mobile data works — it frequently doesn't in Spiti
- Don't skip the pre-expedition medical check-up if you're over 50 or have health conditions
- Don't forget to acclimatise mentally too — patience is a skill in the mountains
Environmental Responsibility
Spiti is one of India's most pristine and ecologically fragile environments. Cycling through it is a privilege. Pack out everything you bring in. Use refillable water bottles rather than single-use plastic. Respect the designated camping areas at Chandratal. The landscape you're riding through has been relatively untouched for centuries — it's your responsibility to keep it that way for the riders who come after you.
Cultural Sensitivity
The Spitian people follow Tibetan Buddhism and have a distinct culture with deeply held traditions. When visiting monasteries: walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, remove your shoes before entering prayer halls, never touch religious artefacts, and keep voices low. When staying in homestays: ask before taking photographs, dress modestly, and show genuine curiosity about local traditions — you'll receive warmth and hospitality in return that money cannot buy.
Permits, Visas & Practical Logistics
Inner Line Permit (ILP) — Domestic Riders
Spiti Valley falls within a restricted area requiring an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian nationals. Cost is approximately ₹400–600 per person. CAI handles the group ILP as part of the expedition — you do not need to arrange this independently. Carry your original government-issued photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, or Voter ID) at all times during the expedition.
Protected Area Permit (PAP) — International Riders
Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Spiti Valley. This is obtained through the District Magistrate's office and typically takes 1–2 working days to process. CAI will coordinate the group PAP for all international participants — but you must provide a copy of your valid Indian visa and passport well in advance. Note: Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have additional or different permit requirements — contact CAI directly.
Indian Tourist Visa — International Riders
Most nationalities can obtain an Indian e-Tourist Visa online through the official Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) within 3–5 business days. Apply at minimum 2 weeks before travel. The e-Visa covers 90 days with double entry. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Shimla: Nearest airport is Shimla Airport (SLV) with limited connectivity; most riders fly into Chandigarh (IXC) or Delhi (DEL) and take the included Volvo transfer. Delhi riders: Board the CAI-arranged Volvo at the designated Delhi departure point overnight to Shimla. International arrivals: Delhi IGI Airport is the main hub. Plan to arrive in Delhi 1–2 days before departure to recover from jet lag before beginning the climb.
Altitude Medication & Medical Clearance
There are no specific vaccinations required for Spiti. However, ensure your routine vaccinations are current. If you plan to take Diamox, you need a prescription — arrange this consultation with your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure. International riders: Diamox is available in Indian pharmacies (as Acetazolamide) with a prescription, but bring adequate supply from home if possible.
Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance may not cover high-altitude cycling expeditions. Specifically seek a policy that covers: high-altitude trekking/cycling above 4,000 m, emergency helicopter evacuation (critical for AMS events), trip cancellation, and medical evacuation to a major city hospital. World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Allianz all offer plans with adventure sports riders — read the fine print carefully.
What CAI Provides — And What You Arrange
- All accommodation (hotel/Swiss tent/camp), twin sharing
- All meals — Veg & Non-Veg (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + tea/coffee)
- Dietician-recommended daily food menu
- Volvo transfer: Delhi/Chandigarh ↔ Shimla & Manali ↔ Delhi/Chandigarh
- Tour Marshal — expert guide cycling with the group
- Support vehicles for luggage & rider assistance throughout
- Full technical team & bicycle overhauling/cleaning
- Bicycle assembly on arrival & packing on departure
- First aid support + medical kit + oxygen cylinder
- All permits & passes (ILP/PAP group permit)
- Tour photography & video production
- CAI expedition jersey + hoodie + goodies + memento
- Goody bag: protein bars, ORS, coffee, biscuits, bandanna
- Portable washrooms / changing rooms
- Reflective vest/tape
- Tour success party at Manali
- Training materials & pre-expedition preparation tips
- GST as applicable
- Personal cycle accessories
- Personal expenses & shopping
- Flights / trains to Delhi / Chandigarh and back home
- Alcoholic or bottled soft drinks outside daily menu
- Meals during Volvo transfer journeys
- Single room supplement (available on request at ₹3,999/day)
- Bicycle rental (₹900/day if required)
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed in inclusions
- Expedition price: ₹54,999 per person (5% OFF from ₹57,999)
- Dates: 15 May – 23 May 2026
- To register: Call / WhatsApp: +91 9988009290 or email info@cycleadventuresindia.com
- Payment: UPI, wallets, mobile banking, and more
- Slots fill fast — batch size is intentionally kept small for a premium experience
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations more than 30 days before departure: free (refund as credit note). 29–21 days: 25% charge. 21–15 days: 50% charge. Within 14 days: no refund. Batch shifting is available for free up to 30 days before departure. Full details at cycleadventuresindia.com/refund-cancellation-policy.
Travelling from Abroad? Here's Everything You Need
The Tour of Spiti Valley draws cyclists from across the world — Europe, Australia, North America, Southeast Asia, and beyond. If you're flying in, this section is specifically for you.
Best Entry Points
Delhi IGI Airport (DEL) is the primary international gateway. Direct flights arrive from most major global hubs. Plan to arrive in Delhi at least one full day before the expedition Volvo departure to allow for jet lag recovery and final kit assembly. CAI can recommend Delhi accommodation near the departure point.
When to Arrive in India
Arrive in India 2–3 days before the expedition start if coming from significantly different time zones (Americas, Oceania). Even 24–36 hours of acclimatisation in Delhi (altitude: 200 m) helps your body before you ascend to 2,100 m on Day 0.
Bringing Your Bicycle
International riders who want to bring their own bike: most airlines allow bicycle transport in a hard case or bike bag (check your airline's specific policy and fees — typically ₹4,000–12,000 each way for oversize). CAI will assist with assembly at Shimla. Alternatively, the quality MTB rental fleet means most international riders opt for rental — one less headache at the airport.
Currency & Payments
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Carry cash — ATMs are sparse or nonexistent in Spiti beyond Kaza. Withdraw sufficient INR in Delhi or Chandigarh (aim for ₹8,000–15,000 in spending cash for personal purchases, tips, and souvenirs). International cards work in Delhi and Shimla. After Nako, assume cards won't work.
Communication
Purchase an Indian SIM card at Delhi Airport (Airtel or BSNL recommended for mountain coverage — BSNL has the best coverage in remote HP). Register using your passport and visa. Data is inexpensive. Note: Spiti has extremely patchy connectivity — WhatsApp-based communication with CAI team and family at home will be intermittent. Brief your contacts at home accordingly.
Weather Expectations (May)
May is the optimal season — roads are recently opened, passes are accessible, and daytime temperatures are riding-comfortable (10–20°C at valley floor, 0–8°C at high altitude). Nights above 3,500 m drop below zero. Rain is possible but not the monsoon months. Summit days can bring wind and cold regardless of the calendar — layers are non-negotiable. UV radiation at altitude is intense even on overcast days.
This is India. Part of the adventure is embracing the organised beautiful chaos of it. Roads will be narrower than you're used to. Traffic will be more unpredictable. Food will be different. Infrastructure in remote Spiti is basic. But the people are extraordinary, the landscapes are unlike anything in the world, and the warmth and expertise of the CAI team will make you feel completely safe throughout. Come with an open mind, a sense of humour, and a healthy respect for the mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, but this is rated Difficult and is not suitable for complete beginners. You should be comfortable riding 40–50 km with 400–500 m of climbing before registering. If you're newer to cycling, CAI's other tours (like Dharamshala–Bir Billing or Mussoorie Escapade) are better starting points to build your confidence and fitness before taking on Spiti.
An MTB (mountain bike) or robust hybrid is ideal. The roads vary from tarmac to gravel to rocky technical sections — suspension and wider tyres are your friends. Road bikes with narrow tyres are not recommended. CAI's rental fleet includes premium MTBs from Merida, Giant, Scott, and Trek.
Absolutely not. The support vehicle travels alongside the group throughout. Any rider who needs to rest, is feeling unwell, or simply needs a break can ride in the support vehicle for any portion of any stage — no stigma, no pressure. The goal is for everyone to experience Spiti safely. Your wellbeing always comes before the cycling.
CAI has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and a comprehensive safety system including dedicated support staff. Many women participate in CAI expeditions solo. You will be in a group at all times with professional marshals. All accommodation is twin sharing (same gender pairing on request). The group culture CAI fosters is respectful and inclusive.
Mobile connectivity is available (with BSNL or Airtel) in Kaza and a few larger villages. In most of the route, especially between Nako and Losar, signal is extremely patchy or nonexistent. Download offline maps, inform your family of the schedule in advance, and embrace the digital detox — it's part of the experience.
CAI provides all meals with a dietician-recommended menu calibrated for high-altitude energy demands. Expect wholesome North Indian and local Himachali cuisine — rice, dal, rotis, sabzi, eggs, and wherever available, local Spitian thukpa (noodle soup) and momos. Vegan and gluten-free options can be arranged with advance notice. The Goody Bag includes protein bars, ORS, and coffee for on-bike nutrition.
Age is not a disqualifier — fitness and health are. Many riders in their 50s and 60s complete this expedition successfully with proper preparation. CAI recommends a pre-expedition medical check-up, a conservative training plan, and a candid conversation with your doctor about Diamox. The support vehicle is always available. Notify CAI of any specific health conditions at registration.
Safety is the absolute priority. If the CAI team deems conditions at Kunzum La unsafe on Day 7, the route is adjusted and riders are transferred toward Manali by vehicle via an alternative route. This decision is made by the tour organisers on the day based on conditions — it is final and non-negotiable. The pass can also close due to early snowfall in late May.
