Spiti, the middle land as it means, is a land-locked heaven between India and Tibet. It is situated on the northeastern fringe of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a high altitude Trans Himalayan region. The best time to visit Spiti is during the summer and autumn months ( May to October) as rest of the year it is thickly covered in snow. Spiti valley can be entered from either Shimla or Manali. While the route from Manali is closed during winter, Shimla route is open throughout the year. Amidst numerous villages and riverside hamlets of, here are the top 12 must visit places in Spiti which one can’t miss.
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Languages: Himachali, Hindi
- Climate: Extremely cold
- Temperature: Can go well below zero degree Celsius in winters
- Major Attractions: Kunzum Pass, Lossar
- Best visiting time: Summer Season
1- Ki Monastery, Kaza
Sitting ideally at an altitude of 13500 feet, Kye monastery is considered as the most populous part of Spiti valley. The monastery has a number of narrow corridors and rooms. In appearance, it looks similar to Thiksey gompa of Leh. There are several chambers that are meant for offering prayer and are interconnected by narrow passages. In addition, there are many tortuous staircases as well as small doors that form part of the gompa. The monastery is inhabited by thousands of lamas who arrive here in order to seek Buddhist training. The interiors are embellished with strikingly beautiful murals, stucco images, manuscripts, and thangkas. You will also be able to see some winding instruments that have been placed in its premises; these are used during the celebration of Chham Festival.
- Location: Around 8km from the district headquarter Kaza. Daily buses ply between Ki and Kaza (once in the morning and once in the evening)
- Stay: The monastery has a dorm to stay for a nominal 250 rupees including breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is very basic with shared toilet.
- Pro tip: Do visit the rooftop of the monastery which is shown on request. You will get a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley from there. Also, check out the old kitchen inside this ancient monastery.
[Also Read: Famous Buddhist Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh]
2- Kibber
Situated at 4270mtrs, this is a beautiful high altitude village of Spiti Valley which lush green land around. The stark difference of barrenness of the plateau against the green agricultural fields is a sight to behold your senses! Beautifully constructed stone houses are unique here in this village which can’t be found elsewhere in Spiti valley.
- Location: 18km from Kaza and some 10km from Ki monastery
- Stay: Norling homestay. Situated at the top of the village is one of the best homestays with a 360degree view around!
- Pro tip: Do take a walk towards the iron bridge of Chicham village, a few kilometers away from Kibber. The iron suspension bridge which is being made for last 17years is almost on the verge of finishing, as of 2016, to cross the deep gorge to reach Chicham. It is a site worth visiting.
3- Langza
It is the fossil village of Spiti. With a magnificent view of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak and scattered mud houses across the valley make this landscape unique. A giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley is a signature and most photographed spot of Langza.
- Location: Approximately 14km away from Kaza. It can easily be reached by hiring a local cab or a shared taxi.
- Pro Tip: Do not buy the fossils from the locals as you are not sure of the authenticity of the same. Also, as a responsible traveler, it is best to keep nature’s wonders in its own location.
4- Hikkim
The main attraction of Hikkim, which is another high altitude village near Kaza, is the post office. At an altitude of 4440mtrs, it is the highest operating post office in the world. This village too offers great views of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak.
- Location: It is at a distance of about 16 kilometers from Kaza
- Pro tip: Do send a picture postcard to your dear ones from the local post office
5- Komik
Komik is arguably the second highest village in Asia connected with a bus route. Situated at a whooping 4520mtrs, it is a picturesque place. The natural beauty here is best experienced through a trekking route from Langza. The Tangyud Gompa or the Komik monastery is a built like a fortified castle at the edge of a deep canyon. It is built with massive slanted mud walls and battlements with vertical red ochre and white vertical stripes which make them look much taller than they really are. It is one of the highest altitude gompas in India.
- Location: 2km from Hikkim
- Pro-tip: Do not exhaust yourself here as due to high altitude one can catch high altitude sickness!
6- Dhankar
Dhankar village and Monastery, situated at an elevation of 3,894 meters, was once the capital of Spiti valley. Situated at the confluence of Spiti river and Pin river, the monastery complex is built on a high spur. It is one of the most spectacular settings for a gompa in the whole world. The monastery is mud-built multi-floor structure which is more than a century old.
- Location: Around 44kms from Kaza and 65Km from Tabo
- Stay: Dhankar Homestay, a perfect place to cherish the scenic beauty around. It is situated just beside the monastery.
- Pro tip: Carry water and food while hiking up the Dhankar lake for an enchanting picnic by the water.
7- Mud, Pin Valley
Pin valley is a mesmerizing valley of Pin River. This place is famous for unbounded natural beauty and Pin Valley National Park. Must visit places are Kungri – Sagnam – Mud – Tailing. Mud is a scenic village at the end of the Pin valley with a vast vista to be enjoyed by the onlookers.
- Location: around 4/5 hrs drive from Kaza,
- Stay: Tara homestay
8- Tabo
Tabo is a beautiful village with mud houses, meditation caves, and an ancient monastery. Visit the century old Tabo monastery which is known as the Ajanta of Himalayas. Like the cave paintings of Ajanta, Tabo monastery walls are painted with vibrant colors. The monastery complex is big and a place to explore and meditate both.
- Location: 48ms from Kaza and 64km from Nako.
- Pro-tip: Watch sunset over the Tabo village from meditation caves
9- Kaza
Situated near Spiti river, Kaza forms the sub-divisional headquarters of the city. It carries an impressive altitude of 12500 feet from sea level. The city is sparsely populated but in summers, it gets crowded with wander-thirsty tourists most of which are spectators of the grand trade fair organized annually. For those who want to indulge in some adventurous sports like trekking and mountaineering, Kaza is an ideal location. If you have never been to the area, you can take the help of guides. Trekking requires prior permission from the authorities. As far as accommodation is concerned, a few rest houses are present. There are two Buddhist monasteries that you can pay a visit to.
10- Kunzum Pass
This attraction of Spiti is present at about 60 kilometers from Gramphu and can be reached via a road connecting Gramphu to Sumdo. It is, in fact, the gateway to Lahaul. If compared to Rohtang pass, it is relatively safer and offers easy ascent as well as descent. The pass with an elevation of 4590 meters from sea level provides a panoramic view to the onlookers from its top. Shigri parbat is clearly visible from this place. A small hut has been erected here in order to allow the tourists to take shelter at the time of need. Gaddi tribals constructed a Durga Temple but it got destroyed by avalanches, phenomena common to this area. Since then, gaddis believe that the goddess does not like to be enshrined. The tribals worship her foot impressions.
11- Lossar
Spiti has a lot in its kitty for its tourist. The village of Lossar is one such sight. Located at 4085 meters, the village is located in seclusion. While coming from the Kunzum Pass, you will have the glimpse of this charming village. Here, you will see a number of mud houses that are white-washed and are decorated with red stripes. Overlooking willow plantations, Lossar is known for its verdant fields. Watching pashmina goats, horses and yaks can be a pleasant change to the eyes of the beholder. A nice gompa is also present here that houses several houses, each one of them carrying a white flagpole. If you wish to stay at their village for longer, a rest house provided by PWD is present. The presence of meadows and alpines around Lossar impart it verdant beauty.
12- Pin Valley
Another captivating site that attracts a big crowd of tourist is the Pin Valley of Spiti. It is, in fact, a national park that inhabits this cold desert. Tourists arrive here in order to explore its snowy peaks and rugged terrains. Inhabited by some of the rare and endangered species, the valley is a located at an impressive height of about 3500 meters from sea level. In the interiors, you will be able to have a glimpse of the snow leopard, Siberian ibex, and many other exotic species. The valley acts as a divide between Lahaul and Spiti. The fauna of the park consists mainly alpine and cedar trees. Despite of extreme temperatures here, the park area is inhabited by birds like chukar, snow finch, Himalayan snowcock, and snow partridge. The towering reaches of the park are a fantastic way to satisfy the wanderlust.
Culture
The city is a nice center of Culture and spiritualism. A popular hub of Buddhism, the valley resembles Ladakh and Leh in many aspects. The panoramic views presented by breathtaking sceneries make it a much sought after destination of India. The place is also popular both among local as well as foreign tourists.
Accommodation
In order to accommodate lakhs of tourist that arrive here every year, a number of retreats have been opened. Ecosphere Homestay, Camp Retreat, and Chandratal Lake Camp Retreat are a few examples. Most of these are reasonably rated and would be light on your purse.
Spiti Valley is a unique tourist destination that offers some of the most enrapturing sites to the tourists. A well- calked out plan needs to be made before pursuing the journey.
Spiti is famous among trekkers and backpackers. It is a safe place for solo backpacking and also the vast beauty of this valley makes it the most soul-searching experience. There are many more places to explore in Spiti. Spiti never fails to wander a traveler! So get your backpack ready and embark on a trip of a lifetime.