Located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is a cold mountain desert valley. Spiti valley is famous for its barren beauty, century-old monasteries and the vibrant Spitian culture that would make you feel no less than an adventure explorer in the Himalayas. Trip to Spiti Valley offers a life-altering experience of travelling altitude greater than 12k feet! This remote location has something for everyone – be you an adventurer, spiritual seeker; a nature lover. Get ready to check out the best places you can visit in Spiti Valley.
1. Kaza: The Heart of Spiti
Most travellers begin their journey around Kaza – the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley. Kaza at 3,800m is a nice village in terms of utility and views. Here are some highlights:
Kaza Monastery: Kaza Monastery is also known as Sakya Tangyud Monastery and provides a calm atmosphere with breathtaking sights of the valley.
Kaza Market – The small yet wonderful marketplace to pick up some local handicrafts, woollen clothing and traditional jewellery.
2. Key Gompa: A Spiritual asylum
Sitting on top of a hill at the height 4,166 metres above sea level, Key Monastery (Kye Gompa) is one of the biggest and oldest monasteries in Spiti. Famous for old murals, thangkas and ancient manuscripts.
Visit Monastery: Witness splendid centuries-old architecture and get enlightened on Buddhism teachings & practices.
Panoramic Views: The destination has stunning vistas of the Spiti River and beautiful snow capped mountains.
3. Tabo Monastery – The Ajanta of the Himalayas
Located in the little village of Tabo, (3 km away) is a Buddhist monastery founded by several Tibetan lamas rooted in 996 AD these ancient wall paintings and frescoes are referred to as being similar if not nearly identical to that found at Ajanta. The village of Tabo – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Vintage Art: Monastery is covered with vintage murals and sculptures, so it’s a paradise for the art seekers.
Mountain meditation Cave: Mountain cave that used to be meditation caves of monks for centuries.
4. Wildlife State Of India -Pin Valley National Park
The Pin Valley National Park is a high altitude national park which has diverse biodiversity. It is also one of the habitats for rare and endangered species such as Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Tibetan Gazelle.
Trekking – There are many trek routes in Pin Valley you can get on and find different indigenous species of flora fauna.
Bird Watching in Dachigam: The park is a haven for Bird Watchers, who can sight various birds including Himalayan Snowcock and Chukar Partridge.
5. Chandratal Lake: Moonlake
Chandratal Lake is a crescent-shaped lake located at an altitude of 4,300 metres and it flaunts its beautiful water in blue languid waters. There is a hike to the lake that begins from Kunzum Pass.
The other things you can do here are Camping- Form your own camp near the lake and feel those nights without any pollution from human criminals.
Photography: The clear waters and the peaks around Chandratal score it a ten on Ten for photos__(/*! 10/10*/)
6. Dhankar Monastery – A Hanging Village
The Dhankar Monastery is an architectural beauty and a visual delight; it’s built on high cliffs above the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers.
History: Was a fort monastery with history spanning over millennia
Dhankar Lake (Distance a short trek from the monastery): This is also called suraj taal and can be visited while returning from kaza with splendid scenic valley below.framesalmadh#20 Dhakad Lunar landscape
7. Langza Village – Fossil and Buddha
Langza is a beautiful mountain village which has got the huge statue of Buddha that pretty much dominates over this valley, and it also has fossil grounds.
Dinosaur Findings: To observe the ancient marine fossils distributed throughout this small town.
Buddha Statue: It is one of the main attractions of this place and that too a 1000 years old statue with some relevance to Lord Buddha.
8. Highest Post Office of Hikkim
HikkimImage sourceJamila KhanSituated at 4440 metres above sea level, the world’s highest post office is located in Hikkim. It should also be an experience in its own right, sending a postcard from here is unique.
Visit to Post Office: Go visit the post office and send a postcard from high-above.
Local Culture: Experience the Local culture, traditions and lifestyles
9. Komic: The Highest Village
Komic is one of the highest settlements in the world at a height of 4,587metres. Be prepared to experience great views in a peaceful environment.
Lundup Tsemo Gompa: Stop by the monastery and take in some amazing panoramic views of other landscapes around.
Local Food: Relish the traditional food of Spiti at the local eateries.
10. Kibber: A Wildlife Sanctuary
Kibber: Kiber is famous for its wildlife sanctuary. It is for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers alike.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary: Site of the elusive, hippophilic (secretive animals that live infrequently above ground) snow leopard but also home to all sorts of rare species like Himalayan Wolf and Blue Sheep.
Some Of Trekking Routes:Kibber introduces numerous trekking routes with membrane locations.
11. Kunzum Pass: Gateway to Spiti
Kunzum Pass marks the entry to Spiti Valley from Lahaul at an altitude of 4,590 metres. You can even get mesmerizing views of the Chandrabhaga Range.
Kunzum Mata Temple: Take blessings from Goddess Kunzum Devi.
Plentiful Scenic Views: Take in the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
Travel Tips for Spiti Valley
Ideal Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Spiti Valley is from June till September, when the weather remains pleasant and roads are open.
Altitude Sickness (Acclimatization): Good acclimatization egade is required to avoid altitude sickness. Take some days in low altitude before heading up to higher areas.
Permits: Some of the areas in Spiti Valley are protected, and foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit to visit these.
Conclusion
Spiti Valley is a place that combines beauty, spirituality and adventure all at once. With ancient monasteries, clear azure lakes and high-altitude villages to protected wildlife sanctuaries – Spiti has it all covered. Here we present to you all the necessary information to plan a trip to Spiti Valley, pack your bags, navigate through one of the most mesmerising routes in India and conquer The Unexplored Mountain.
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