Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is literally a Heaven on Earth. You can’t get enough of it. The reason behind its beauty is that it is still untouched by modernization. It is one of the remote locations. Spiti is situated 12,500 feet above sea level and it is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
It is one of the ideal places for nature lovers and adventure travellers. This valley has a good number of ancient Buddhist monasteries which are considered the major centers of Buddhism. These monasteries, like the monastery of Kee, the monastery of Tabo, and the monastery of Dhankar, are famous for their complex sculptures and ancient mural artworks.
In Spiti Valley, you can see unique and diversified wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan Ibex, Marmots, Bharal (Himalayan Blue sheep), and many varieties of birds like Golden Eagle, Himalayan Snowcock, etc.
One of the best things I loved about Spiti is their innocent people. Their way of life is so different from ours. They live in harmony with nature. They follow an old traditional living culture. The people in the Spiti are the best example of human adaptation to living in such a difficult and harsh environment. The temperature in Spiti is can go as low as -20 degrees from December to February and the maximum temperature is 15-20 degrees during May-June. So you can imagine how these people are living there.
The best time to visit Spiti: May to October (it is the time when the snow melts and roads will become accessible)
What are the Precautions to take while travelling to Spiti Valley?
- If you are planning to visit Spiti you need to be well-prepared. It is a remote location and you cant expect modern amenities. Carry proper clothing, trekking equipment, camping gear, snow shoes, etc.
- The climate is also a major concern for people who are not used to it. You can get altitude sickness, be aware of its symptoms and take necessary precautions. It is best to take a rest on the day of arrival so that your body will get some time to get adapted.
- Don’t litter the place and help to keep the place as beautiful as it is. Let God’s marvelous creation keep on inspiring us and our future generations also.
- There are limited ATMs in Spiti, so carry enough cash with you to cover your whole expenses. It is better to take a local guide or experienced driver’s help for your trip as Spiti Valley Climate is unpredictable. It is risky to travel alone or go solo hiking if you are completely new to the place.
Plan a minimum 5-10 Day trip to Spiti so that you can cover all major places.
Best Places to visit in Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley is filled with endless views. Every location is so beautiful that it will mark a forever memory in your heart. These are some of the best places I liked the most
Kee Monastery
Kee Monastery is the most beautiful, biggest, and oldest Tibetan Monastery in Spiti. The views around the monastery are very beautiful. Lamas here are very nice, they will show you around the monastery, explaining everything so clearly and answer all your questions very peacefully. They offer herbal tea for visitors which is really nice. There are meditation chambers inside which are so cool and you can feel only positive vibes inside them. It is a must-visit place if you travel to Spiti
Pin Valley National Park & Kibber Sanctuary
Pin Valley is a national park located in Lahaul and Spiti. You can spot the Himalayan wildlife here. You should go with an experienced guide, otherwise, it will be difficult to spot animals for new travellers. In Pin valley, they mostly preserve snow leopards. You can also spot other animals like Ibex, Snowfox, Bharel, Golden eagle, Himalayan Chough, etc. While visiting Kaza you can take a one-day trip to Pin valley and Kibber Sanctuary, it is the only sanctuary in our country situated in a cold desert area
Kunzum Pass
While travelling to Chandratal from Kasa pass through Kunzum pass, the beautiful snow-capped mountain and the views will blow your mind. You can spend some time in the cold breeze and take beautiful pictures. It is offroad area roads are not so smooth and it is mainly open from the end of June to the end of September. It is like a remote location. There is a temple called Kunzum Mata Temple. The temperature is very cold, so do wear clothes accordingly. If you like adventure this is a must-visit place.
Chandratal Lake
It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, Its views constantly change. It is one of the favorite places for travellers because of its breathtaking picturesque view. It’s believed to be a sacred lake. There is around a 10-15 minutes walk from the parking area, but the view is worth it. You won’t get disappointed. Oxygen level is low, so if you have breathing issues avoid or do take necessary precautions. After sunset, no one is allowed to visit Chandratal. Carry your own water as you won’t find any shop.
Dhanker Monastery and Dhanker Lake
It is one of the famous tourist locations in Spiti. It is the second-highest Monastery after Kee Monastery. You can find old and new monasteries. Old Monastery gives a glimpse into the history of old Budhisam culture and architecture. You can see the best view of the valley from the top of Dhanker monastery. Danker villagers are very welcoming and you can find cafes and homestays in Dhanker.
Dhanker Lake is a small hidden lake situated at the high altitude of Spiti. It’s very calm and beautiful. You can see the reflection of the surrounding mountains clearly in the lake. You need to trek around an hour from Dhanker village to reach this lake.
Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is located in the middle of Tabo town of Spiti. This monastery is well-maintained and you can find a peaceful experience inside it. The old monastery is very artistic and we can witness beautiful old paintings and statues. Wall paintings are more than a thousand years old. The mountains near the monastery also offer a great view and you can explore the old long caves in the mountains.
Chicham Bridge
It is the highest bridge in Asia. It is an engineering masterpiece. It’s around 1000 feet in height. It connects two villages of Spiti valley Chicham and Kiber. It is an awesome experience to walk through this bridge. People love to take pictures on Chicham Bridge. This is a must-visit place.
Hikkim post office
You could have seen this post office in several posts. The old post office is moved to the city side and renovated in the shape of a Post office Letter Box. It became more famous after this renovation. It is the World’s highest post office, 14,567 feet above sea level. It is fully functional and it is one of the major communication options for the villagers. Travellers also love to send a postcard from this post office as part of their travel memory.
Spiti valley has an unpredictable climate so have a back plan to stay a day or two more as sometimes your travel plan gets altered due to snowfall, unexpected weather changes, road conditions, or other factors. You can also have more details about Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh tourism website
Hope my tips will help you plan your trip and you will enjoy the trip to Spiti Valley.
Have a great Travelling Experience. Enjoy!
To know more about such locations do check my blog regularly. If you are interested you can also read 10 Amazing Solo female travel destinations in India