INTRODUCTION :
Spiti Valley is a high-altitude region in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, within the Himalayas. Spiti incorporates the region of the valley of the Spiti river and several other rivers that feed into the Spiti river. The word “Spiti” means “the middle land” i.e., the land between India and Nepal. This region is embellished with enthralling terrain and surreal landscape. The cold desert is rough and barren yet incredibly gorgeous. Vivacious monasteries, ravishing hamlets and lush forests are a few amongst hundreds of things that embellish the valley.
It is decked with several places to visit and cherish. Here’s a list of places to visit in Spiti Valley:
Places to visit in Spiti Valley
1. Monasteries: for a spiritual experience
a) Key monastery
The key monastery, situated at an altitude of 4112m, is one of the biggest gompas known for its beautiful Buddha shrine, ancient manuscripts and books and murals. It is a fort-like structure and encompasses an assembly Hall and Tengyur room. It is a popular attraction of Spiti.
b) Lhalung Monastery
Lhalung Monastery is also an old monastery founded by a Buddhist monk. Consisting of 9 shrines, it is considered a hub of Buddhist teaching and is also called the Golden Temple because of its decoration with golden leaf deities housed in the shrine.
c) Tabo monastery
Tabo monastery is an ancient location in the Spiti Valley. It consists of 9 temples of Tara and Buddha Maitreya embellished with several interesting features like stucco sculptures, gorgeous wall paintings and works based on themes of Buddha.
d) Gandhola Monastery
An 800 years old Gandhola Monastery is a famous monastery known for wooden idols and shrines and is situated at a confluence of Chandra and Bhaga.
2. Sightseeing
a) Chandratal
A water body with deep blue reflections of mountains and the sky extending into its depths, Chandratal is one of the most wonderful places in Lahaul, Spiti. The name is attributed to its crescent moon line shape. The shimmering waters are surrounded by lush foliage.
b) Suraj Tal
Another glamorous water body, Suraj Tal offers an incredibly serene and quaint ambience in solitude. It is located in proximity to baralacha la pass it is frequented by city folks who live for nature by heart.
c) Dhankar Lake
Lakes are visited to greet nature and feel the flow of life reflected in the stream of the river. Dhankar lake is worth visiting not only for its sight but also for its challenging trek. It acquaints you with scenic mountains standing tall in their vehement glory.
3) Enthralling Mountain Passes
- a) Baralacha La Pass
Known far and wide, the Baralachala pass is one of the most highly traversed passes in the Himalayas. Baralachala pass is the nexus for roads between Lahaul and Ladakh situated on the Manali-Leh highway in Zanskar. It is one of the most challenging passes for adventurous travellers and also offers a great spike of adrenaline.
4) Kibber
Kibber is a stunning hamlet situated in the spiti valley region with houses and huts arranged very interestingly close to each other. Frequently visited by travellers out of curiosity and awe, this hamlet offers one of the most picturesque sights to delight one’s eyes.
5) Losar
Losar is situated at the confluence of Peeno and Losar streams and is a site extremely close to the indo china border. The mesmerising beauty of the village and its quaint location and setting leaves a person in deep admiration and adoration.
6) Pin Valley National Park
If you’re a nature lover and flora and flora enthusiast you cannot miss visiting the Valley National Park when you are in Spiti Valley. It is a bio reserve of rare to endangered fauna and flora. It is one of the most thrilling places in Spiti valley filled with beautiful animals with their own stories to tell the world.
7) Komik
Komik is the world’s highest village with a motorable road. It is approximately 20 km from Kaza and is a small and awe-striking beauty to behold in a valley like Spiti. The village is 18000feet above sea level and feels nothing less than paradise. It is a trekker’s dream and a camper’s fantasy. But brace yourself for the harsh and cruel weather in the village atop the height.
Kunzum Pass
Snuggled in the Kunzum Range, situated at an altitude of 4590 m, Kumzum pass bridges the gap between Kullu and Lahaul Valley and Spiti Valley. You can see colourful Buddhist flags all around the trek.
