Lovenish Kalra
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Spiti which literally translates to ‘The Middle Land’, is a cold desert located high in the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The place derives its name from the geographical location in between the Indian peninsular mass and the Tibetan plateau. The barren and beautiful land is a part of the Lahul and Spiti district and is often cut off from the rest of the country for as long as six months a year due to heavy snowfall at the high altitude passes. The villages in the valley are some of the highest inhabited places on Earth and that’s why acclimatization becomes extremely important for travellers. The valley’s otherworldly landscape is characterized by barren mountains, treacherous passes, shimmering blue lakes and serpentine rivers.
In the past ten years, tourism in Spiti has grown significantly, attracting visitors from around the globe who are drawn to its unique moonscape and cultural offerings. In addition to admiring the breathtaking remote scenery, tourists also come to engage in various outdoor activities like motorcycling, trekking, white water rafting, and camping. While it is ideal to explore the entire valley due to its relatively small size, those with limited time should prioritize visiting the following five must-see locations in Spiti.
Expolre: Spiti Valley Bike Trip and Popular Treks in Spiti Valley
Kaza
Situated at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,960 feet), Kaza serves as the administrative center of the valley. Despite being the largest town in the area, its population is only around 3,200. Positioned on the eastern side of the Spiti River, this town acts as a central hub for travelers coming from Shimla and Manali. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges on all sides, Kaza is known for its frigid temperatures and vibrant festivals. It is also home to the ancient Sakya Tangyud Monastery and serves as a gateway to various monasteries and remote villages like Hikkim and Komik. The tourist facilities in Kaza are quite limited, consisting of a small market, a handful of basic hotels, and a couple of cafes. The main form of accommodation is provided by locals through homestays, which offer essential amenities and great value for money.
Must Read: Travel to Spiti Valley to find Love, Peace and Harmony
Kibber
Kibber, also known as Kyibar, is situated 19km northwest of Kaza. It is one of the highest inhabited villages in India, located at an altitude of 4,270mt. The village is nestled in a narrow valley, with all the houses perched on top of a limestone rock. From this vantage point, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the lush green fields set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Just six km to the south of Kibber is the renowned Key Monastery, situated on a hilltop. This monastery offers stunning views of the Spiti River and serves as a religious hub for Lamas. Additionally, Kibber is home to The Kibber Sanctuary, which spans across 1400 sq. km and provides a habitat for blue sheep and snow leopards. Many high altitude treks in the valley begin from Kibber. Accommodation options in the village are limited to charming homestays operated by the locals.
Must Read: My Fantastic Journey along the Hindustan Tibet Road
Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley is situated in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve and is known for being one of the highest national parks globally. This valley provides a safe haven for numerous endangered species, including the snow leopard, Ibex, Red fox, Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle, Griffon, and the Himalayan Chough Weasel. The national park is located near the Tibetan border and stretches from the Dhankar Monastery to the towns of Kaza and Tabo. With altitudes ranging from approximately 3,500mt to 6,000mt, Pin Valley is a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts. The most renowned trek in this area is the Pin Parvati Pass Trek. Additionally, there are two significant trails within the park: one leading to the Kullu Valley and the other entering Kinnaur through Bhaba Valley.
Must Read: Why Bhabha Pass Trek Should Be On Your Bucket List
Langza
Although nestled between the mountains, Langza village is visible from many a mile because of the towering Buddha statue that’s present in the village. The mammoth golden statue is believed to be around 1000 years old and all the mud houses in the village are built below the statue for auspiciousness. Located at an altitude of 4,420mt, this is considered to be the highest motorable village in the world. The primary reason this village attracts a large no of travellers is the million years old fossils of marine creatures, that are found here under the sedimentary rocks. For serious trekkers, the village offers the gateway to two high altitude lakes known as Tsonyeti and Chumo Tso.
Must Read: Experience of a Lifetime at the Homestays in Spiti Valley
Chandratal Lake
Chandratal, also known as the lake of the moon, gets its name from its curved shape. This beautiful lake with shimmering blue water is located on the Samudra Tapu plateau, overlooking the Chandra River. It is situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters. In recent years, this lake has become a very popular tourist destination, especially because of its close proximity to the well-known town of Manali. To reach the lake by road, one can take the route via Kunzum Pass, which usually takes about six hours to reach the last accessible point near the lake. Alternatively, hiking from Kunzum is also an option, which takes around a couple of hours and offers a unique experience. Camping near the lake is also a popular attraction for tourists.
You can also explore Chandratal lake with Chandratal Lake Trek or Hampta Pass Trek with Chandratal Lake
Must Read: Chandratal – All You Need to Know
