lahaul and spiti trip

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If you have been planning a vacation in the mountains this holiday season, then Thrillophilia’s Spiti Valley tour packages are the correct choice for you. We offer the widest range of itineraries to enjoy this heavenly place. You can avail yourself of the specially curated Spiti tour packages for a breathtaking experience in the mountains. 

You also have the option of touring the Spiti Valley with friends and family so that your entire group can get the most out of this gorgeous destination. With so many experiential tours and activities, you can easily explore the attractions with our Lahaul Spiti tour packages. Moreover, with unbeatable discounts and deals, Thrillophilia’s Spiti valley holiday packages are suitable for every kind of budget. So if you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, you can choose and book several of our cheapest Spiti tour Packages. If you are up for a bike trip, then choose from our range of Spiti Valley bike trip packages for the most adventurous trip.

We also offer curated itineraries according to different themes. So if you want to enjoy a breathtaking honeymoon, then Lahaul Spiti packages for couples are best suited for you. If not this, then add a little spice to your life with Spiti Valley tour packages designed especially for adventurous souls like you, that feature a host of thrilling activities like paragliding and rafting. As you come for your Lahaul Spiti vacation through Thrillophilia, you will definitely rejuvenate your mind and unwind yourself with the inclusions and comforts in the packages. The Lahaul Spiti trip is sure to enrich your holiday experience and give you memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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Best time for the Spiti Valley Trip :

Here is the best time to visit Spiti valley .

You can book Spiti Valley tour packages throughout the year, considering it’s a year-round destination.

Peak Season : The valley wakes up from its winter nap during the peak season (March–June) to display endless meadows, patches of greenery, sparkling streams, and blue skies. The temperature during this time ranges from 15°C during the day to 6°C at night. Thus, it is a great time to visit places like Dhankar Monastery and Chandrataal Lake and indulge in activities like biking, night camping, and trekking.

Shoulder Season: Spiti Valley is at its most spectacular between October and February, the shoulder months with temperatures ranging between 0 °C to -40°C. During this time you get to witness Spiti as a magnificent winter wonderland. The valley is less crowded with awe-inspiring vistas of frozen waterfalls, lakes, and snow-covered mountains. Highlights of a Spiti Valley Tour include trips to Kibber and Gue villages and exhilarating pursuits like frozen waterfall scaling. 

Waning Season : Spiti Valley is at its most picturesque between July and September, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 4°C. Minimal rainfall means the whole valley is accessible for a Spiti Valley trip, allowing you to fully appreciate its breathtaking natural beauty. With the approach of fall, the trees in the valley turn beautiful shades of burnt orange and brown, which adds to its beauty. Along with exploring Nako Village, you can take part in the Tribal Fair and Ladarcha festival.

How to reach Spiti Valley :

By Air: The closest airport to Spiti Valley is Kullu Airport, which is around 260 kilometres away and takes seven to eight hours to get there. This primary entry point into Spiti (also called Bhuntar Airport) links the area with other significant cities. Situated at a distance of 10 km from Kullu, the airport receives flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jubbar-Hatti of Shimla.

By Rail: Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is around 360 kilometres away, is the closest train station to Spiti Valley. For instance, if you opt to reach Spiti Valley via Shimla from Delhi, then you can board connecting trains. You can board the Shatabdi Express which will take you to Kalka. Later, from Kalka, you can board a train to reach Shimla. Upon reaching Shimla, you can drive the final 200 kilometres to Spiti, which might take some time. This Spiti Valley trip by train provides breathtaking views of the surroundings, making the trip an unforgettable experience.

By Road: For those arriving from surrounding towns such as Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttarakhand, driving to Spiti Valley is a convenient option. You can access the valley from two routes Shimla-Kaza and Manali-Kaza if you have booked the Spiti Valley tour packages.

Places to Visit on Spiti Valley Trip:

Here are some best places to visit in Spiti Valley .

1. Key Monastery :  This oldest sanctum for Buddhist teachings is almost 1000-years-old and also the most famous due to its stunning location edging on a cliffside surrounded by massive snow-capped peaks. This 3-floor monastery is designed in the Pasada-style and is adorned with ancient murals called Tangyur, weapons, and rara Thangkas (Tibetan paintings). The Chham dance performed by monks is a major attraction.

2. Pin Valley National Park :  Located in the cold desert ecosystem of Spiti at an altitude of 6,632 metres this park is the natural habitat of some of the rarest wildlife species in the world like Snow leopard, Ibex, Himalayan marmot, Blue rock pigeon, etc. You can enjoy challenging treks and jeep safaris at the stark rugged landscape here.

3. Chandratal Lake :  Located at around 14,000 ft., this is amongst the most beautiful of the mountain lakes in the country. Translating to ‘Moon Lake’, it enchants you with its crystal clear waters that have shades of grey, turquoise green, and azure blue. This contrasts with the reflections of the surrounding stark mountains that one sees in the lake waters. The lake, due to its location amidst rugged mountainous trails, is one of the most popular trekking locations amongst Spiti valley tours.

4. Suraj Tal :  This lake known for its stupendous beauty is the 3rd highest lake in the country standing at 4890 metres above the sea level. Dedicated to the sun god and considered to be a holy place, the lake feeds the Bhaga River and is famed for its stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains and shimmering glaciers. The untouched beauty of this mostly uninhabited place makes this one of the top inclusions in all Spiti Valley tour packages.

5. Tabo Monastery :  Founded in 996 AD by the Buddhist king Yeshe O’d, this monastery is the one of the most-revered of all monasteries in the country and a must-include in your Spiti valley tours. Situated at an altitude of around 10,000 ft., it not only has a majestic architecture but is also famous for its beautiful murals, paintings, and sculptures. It has 9 temples within its complex, residential space for visitors, and even a restaurant.

6. Kibber :  A place that’s known as the highest motorable village in the world, is an absolute must-include in your Spiti Valley packages. Its vibrant culture, barren landscape, monasteries perched on hills, the massive Dandmachan Peak, and the 80-odd houses are a must-see. It is an amazing sight to see herds of grazing yaks and stars close enough to make you feel as if you could reach out to touch them. Visit the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary to see exotic animals like the Tibetan woolly hare, Pika, Snow leopards, Blue sheep, and Red Fox.

7. Nako Lake :  The beauty of this spectacular high mountain lake located at around 3,600 metres above sea level needs to be seen to be believed. Surrounded by lush meadows, majestic mountains, and pine tree thickets lies this high mountain lake that must be a part of your Spiti valley tours. Don’t miss exploring the nearby Tibetan monasteries, waterfalls, and caves. You can also enjoy boating in the calm lake waters during summers.

8. Gandhola Monastery :  This 8th-century monastery is located on a hilltop at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers. This monastery was where rare relics like a copper goblet, the damaged head of Avalokitesvara, and a black stone image of the goddess Vajresvari were found. This intriguing ambience and its scenic location make this place a popular location in Spiti Valley packages.

Things to Do on Spiti Valley Tour:  

Here are some best things to do in Spiti valley .

1. Enjoy mountain biking:  Spiti is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking amidst rugged and high altitude landscapes. You can visit secluded villages, passes like Rohtang Pass & Kunzum Pass, and lakes like Suraj Tal and ChandraTal on your biking trip. This is even more fun as you face and overcome challenges like river crossings, broken roads, and hairpin bends.

2. Try a yak safari:  A yak safari is what takes you closest to the villages and their people including their customs and the local flora and fauna of the stunning Spiti. This age-old method is how the people in the ancient times used to travel on this sturdy and majestic animal and reminds one of the toughness of the people and the conditions in which they lived.

3. Enjoy white water rafting:  One of the most exciting activities to include in your Spiti Valley tour packages is river rafting as you cruise through the stark barren landscape and views of majestic peaks and glaciers. This is the best way to reach the nooks and crannies of this stupendous place that no car or bike can take you to. The best rafting happens at Spiti and Pin rivers amidst rapids of grade 3 and 4.

4. Visit the highest post office in the world:  Located at around 14,400 ft. above sea level is the world’s highest post office amidst the secluded landscape of Spiti Valley. The post office has been running since 1983 and is visited by locals and those who seek offbeat adventures in their Spiti Valley tour packages. Due to the harsh winters that Spiti sees, the post office shuts for almost 6 months during winters.

5. Experience local Himalayan life:  The best way to get to know any culture and the way of life is to visit the villages. The people of Spiti belong to the 9th-century sect of Tibetan Buddhism the traditions and customs of which are still followed in its villages like Kibber, Komic, and Langza, etc. The people here are warm and welcoming and you can not only visit the local monasteries but also stay at their homes and try the most authentic Tibetan food.

6. Take a monastery trail:  Spiti has 9 monasteries that transport one to the serenity and tranquillity of Buddhism. These monasteries adorned with traditional Thangka paintings reverberating with chants and their mystic ambience are a must-visit. Some of the best ones to visit are the 1000-year-old Cliffside Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery that’s the oldest in India, and the 6th-century Gandhola Monastery. Other monasteries to include in your Spiti Valley tour packages include Key, Kungri, Kardang, Tangled, Tayul, and Shashur Monasteries.

7. Explore exotic Himalayan wildlife:  To see the local Himalayan wildlife head over to the protected areas of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Pin Valley National Park. Besides the frequently seen yaks, you have a chance to spot snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan brown bear, ibex, Tibetan antelopes, etc. in their natural habitat.

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Instagrammable Spiti | FREE Hikkim Village Excursion

Spiti Valley from Delhi | FREE Lahaul Excursion

Best of Spiti Valley | FREE Chandratal Lake Excursion

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Here are some of the best places to stay on your Spiti Valley Trip:

1. Hotel Spiti Sarai: Offering stupendous views of the Key Monastery and surrounding snow-covered peaks away from the chaos of the tourist places, this is one of the best options to stay at. You can choose from Royal, Premium, and Prime suites and enjoy home-cooked food and customised sightseeing activities here. Location: Rangrik, Kaza, Lahaul & Spiti. Price: Approximately Rs. 4,000 per person/night. 2. Grand Dewachen: Translating to the ‘Heaven of Buddha’, this hotel is famous for its architecture of mud walls and Spitian carvings. The property overlooks the high peaks of Spiti and the majestic Key Monastery. On prior request, the hotel arranges for interesting sightseeing tours. If you want a luxury stay you can include this stay in your Spiti tour packages. Location: Kaza and Rangrik, Spiti. Price: Approximately Rs. 7,300 per person/night. 3. Hotel Deyzor: This award-winning hotel, amongst the top in Spiti Valley tour packages, is famous for not only its beautiful traditional architecture but also for its organic garden and a garden café and can be booked in your Spiti valley tours. The in-house restaurant serves delicious Tibetan, Indian, and European meals. It offers a range of rooms like Standard, Superior, and Deluxe with the latest amenities. Location: Behind BSNL Office, Kaza. Price: Approximately Rs. 1,500 per person/night. 4. Hotel Snow Lion: This charming hotel offers 14 spacious rooms with private balconies for you to savour the beauty of Spiti. This pet-friendly hotel, amongst the top choices in Spiti Valley packages, has a great on-property restaurant, kitchen garden, a rooftop space for stargazing, and arranges for customised sightseeing tours. Location: Kaza, Himachal Pradesh. Price: Approximately Rs. 1,500 per person/night.

What should I wear in Lahaul-Spiti?

What to do at night in spiti valley.

1. Stargazing: Topping the bucket list of many, Spiti, due to its high altitude and low pollution levels allows for the best stargazing opportunities in the country. Places like Dhankar, Hikkim, Langza, and Kaza are great to see the Milky Way Galaxy and a sky blazing with a million lights. If you are lucky you can even spot a shooting star here, which is a once in a lifetime experience. 2. Savour the local traditions: The best way to do this is by including a homestay in your Spiti Valley packages. After a day of sightseeing, the families that you stay with are more than happy to put up a beautiful show of their local songs, dance, and food at night. 3. Camp amidst wilderness: With its almost barren landscape of high peaks and miles of nothingness, Spiti is as raw and wild as it gets. The best way to savour this is to stay in a camp overnight and soak in the sounds of the local wildlife and the night time beauty of nature at places like Tsupark, Sissu, and Sarchu.

What mistakes people should avoid while going to Lahaul-Spiti Trip?

Which are some famous campsites in spiti valley.

1. Goldrops Camp: Known for its location amidst the snow-capped mountains and acres of the barren landscape of Sissu, this is one of the best camps to stay at. They offer comfortable camps, great food, parking, and local sightseeing. 2. Bhaga Eco Camp: Located at the banks of Bhaga River in Jispa, this campsite offers spacious tents with attached European washrooms. You can enjoy a bonfire, stargazing, trekking, bird watching, and nature trails at this amazing campsite and  top choices in Spiti Valley tour packages 3. Pallha Ecotourism: Located at Tsupark, this camping farm offers an unbeatable camping experience that is not only fun but also in line with sustainable practices for preserving the fragile Spiti ecosystem. You can enjoy organic farm walks, nature trails, stargazing, and bonfire here. 4. Juniper Valley Camps: Lose yourself in the stunning beauty of Spiti as you stay at this luxury campsite that offers European, Continental, American, and Mod-American tent options. The site offers free WiFi, campfire, delicious food, mountain biking, hiking, and stargazing facilities. 5. HMRA Luxury Camp: Located at the beautiful Sarchu, this pet-friendly campsite offers not only stupendous views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape but also a private garden, an on-property restaurant, and fun sightseeing activities and one of the best campsites in Spiti and must be included in your Spiti Valley trip.

What are the hidden gems of Lahaul-Spiti?

Which are some best treks in spiti valley.

1. Pin Parvati trek: One of the most thrilling treks that take you to an altitude of almost 17, 457 ft. is certainly an experience of a lifetime. This 9-day trek, starting from Barsheni, takes you through scenic meadows, streams, secluded villages, and the famous Kunzum Pass & Parvati River. This trek goes through extremely rugged terrain, making it perfect for seasoned trekkers and must be incuded in your Spiti Valley Trip. 2. Chandratal trek via Hampta Pass: This moderate-level trek takes you to one of the most beautiful lakes in the country through rugged trails, barren landscape interspersed with bright colours of wildflower patches, and stunning views of the mountains. The 5-day trek starts from Manali and goes through Balu ka Gera and Shira Gorh to reach Hampta Pass, Batal, Chattru, Kunzum Pass to finally reach the lake. 3. Mount Kanamo trek: Located near Kibber and Tashi Gang villages, this almost 19,600 ft. is every trekker’s dream. Perfect for experienced trekkers, this 5-day trek takes one through arduous terrain and conditions of low oxygen and high altitude, but rewards with views of almost 35 summits of Ladakh, Kullu, and Kinnaur valleys. So, if you are an adventure buff you must include this trek in your Spiti tour packages.

What is the status of road in Lahaul-Spiti?

What are the most romantic things to do in spiti valley.

1. Spend time stargazing: Spiti is one of the best places in the country to spend serene time with your partner under a brilliantly lit sky. At places like Hikkim and Kaza, you can even spot the Milky Way Galaxy and shooting stars. 2. Go off-roading: Spiti’s rugged terrain is perfect for couples that love the thrill & adventure of riding or driving a 4X4. You can go for long rides and spend time at the high mountain passes and serene glassy lakes away from the hustle-bustle of the tourist places. 3. Take a lakeside walk: Spiti lets you spend tranquil romantic time at the lakeside of Chandratal, the most beautiful lakes in the country. Enjoy a picnic lunch and see the sun and clouds cast shadows on the stark barren mountains.

How much does a trip to Spiti valley cost?

Which network works in spiti, how do i get to spiti valley from manali.

Spiti, located around 200 kilometres from Manali, can be reached via the two HRTC buses that ply daily between the 2 places. This is an economical albeit a slower way to reach. Alternatively, you can ride, self-drive, and even rent a private or a shared cab.

Is Lahaul-Spiti dangerous?

Which is better, leh or spiti.

Making a choice between two places that have unparalleled beauty is quite difficult. Ladakh, unlike anything that you might have read about it, throws an expected surprise with its stunning landscape of high altitude lakes, stark barren valleys, the Khardung Pass that’s considered to be the highest motorable pass in the world, and several challenging summits. All of this and the fact that its tourism infrastructure has developed well over the years has made Ladakh’s into a crowded place, except during the winters. Spiti, on the other hand, despite its rustic & secluded villages, gorgeous 1000-year-old monasteries, picturesque lakes, the highest post office & motorable village in the world is still less crowded. The tourism infrastructure is still developing and quite a bit of the valley remains inaccessible. You need to hike to reach places like Dhankar and Chandratal Lake since there are no motorable roads.

How many days are enough for Spiti Valley?

You need a minimum of 7-8 days to do justice to a place like Spiti. This time is enough to visit the secluded off-point villages, see the monasteries, spend time with the local people, and try the amazing Tibetan food here.

How many days are enough for Lahaul-Spiti?

Is spiti valley worth visiting.

Spiti Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth every second of your time. Where else can you visit the highest post office in the world (Hikkim), visit centuries-old cliffside monasteries, see the highest village in the world (Kibber) and savour the gorgeous beauty of pristine mountain lakes and high passes like Baralacha La and Kunzum.

How do you get to Lahaul-Spiti from Delhi?

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Spiti Valley and Ladakh are both fine destinations and it depends on your preferences as to which one you should choose. The type of vacation you have in mind should guide your decision between Spiti Valley and Ladakh. With options for thrill-seekers such as river rafting, bicycling, and jeep safaris, Ladakh is more suited to those with an adventurous mindset. Contrarily, Spiti Valley, with its abundance of monasteries, is attractive to visitors looking for a calm and spiritual experience. Both of these Himalayan valleys are influenced by Tibetan culture and have breathtaking natural beauty. Ultimately, what you want from a vacation experience will determine whether Spiti Valley or Ladakh is more desirable. Ladakh's diversity and accessibility may appeal to some, while Spiti Valley's seclusion and raw beauty may appeal to others.

Why is Spiti famous?

Spiti Valley is well-known for both its rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty. Its popular landmarks include the Tabo Monastery, a major Buddhist monastery renowned for its old temples, ornate murals, and admired stupas. When you book Spiti Valley holiday packages, you can see the beautiful scenery, which includes clear rivers, green fields, and snow-capped peaks. Spiti is a popular vacation spot for both nature and culture lovers because of its stunning scenery, spiritual atmosphere, and centuries-old monastic customs.

Can we go to Spiti Valley by flight?

No, Spiti Valley cannot be reached by air due to its inaccessible location and difficult terrain. Bhuntar Airport is the closest airport to Spiti Valley, however, it's still a long way from the valley. Thus, most travellers either opt for private or public transportation.

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Spiti valley Road Trip – The Complete & Ultimate Travel Guide

Himachal Pradesh

Last Updated on: Jun 5, 2024  

About the Blog: Spiti Valley needs no introduction in the Indian traveling circuit. With its mountains, monasteries and eccentric landscape, Spiti Valley is simply stunning. And it is a perfect place for adventurous souls. With this Spiti Valley travel guide and blog, we have tried to give you as much information about the place we could. Read it to know about the places to visit in Spiti valley and other important information that will help you plan your Spiti valley Road Trip. 

A Spiti Valley road trip or bike trip is actually a dream. The landscape changes as you travel from one region to the other, the monasteries loom in the horizon, there are rivers to cross and the stark barrenness of the land will leave you with nothing but wonder.

We had been planning our Spiti Valley road trip for a long time. The first time we visited Ladakh , I knew that I had to visit Spiti. Well, the trip happened only a few days back, but it was worth the wait.

So, if you are planning for a Spiti Valley road trip and are a bit clueless about what to do, you are in the right place. This travel guide will try to answer your most common queries about Spiti Valley and some more. Hope this helps you plan a perfect trip to Spiti Valley.

Table of Contents

Spiti Valley You Tube Video

Oh! We have an entire series on Spiti Valley on our YouTube channel . Please have a look at that!

Spiti Valley – The Middle Land

Spiti Valley is located in the northeastern corner of Himachal Pradesh in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. The region borders Tibet in the east, Ladakh in the north, Chamba and Kullu in the west and Kinnaur Valley in the south.

For the uninitiated, Spiti and Lahaul are two distinct regions (though they are part of the Lahaul and Spiti district). Lahaul is another region centered around the town of Keylong located to the west of Spiti. As for Spiti, Kaza is the most important town of the region.

Spiti is a cold desert. Located at an altitude of between 3000 to 4600 meters, Spiti Valley is cold and barren with a beautiful and unique landscape.

Spiti Valley is also known as the Middle land. In essence, the valley of Spiti is actually a continuation of the Tibetan Plateau. Spiti is topographically and culturally similar to Ladakh in India and the Tibetan Autonomous region. Historically, the area had been a border area. The name, in Tibetan, also means “the middle land” – a place between India and Tibet.

How to Reach Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley can be reached in two ways. One is from Shimla along the Hindustan-Tibet Highway that passes through Kinnaur Valley. Kinnaur in itself is a gorgeous destination that needs more time to explore.

You can also reach Spiti from Manali via Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass. During peak season during the summer, tourists usually do a circular route starting from Shimla and exiting through Manali or vice versa. If you are planning to do a circular trip, then we recommend you enter from Shimla and exit through Manali. This helps you to acclimatize better to the increasing altitude.

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Spiti Valley is Bhuntar Airport in Shimla. The closest international airport is Chandigarh. Kaza is about 250 km from Bhuntar and 500 km from Chandigarh. From here, you have to get a bus or hire a car to reach Spiti Valley.

Nearest Railway Station

The nearest major railway station is Kalka Station. You can also take the mountain railways from Kalka to Shimla. From there you can either hire a car or take a bus.

Spiti Valley by Road

Whether you arrive by flight or train, the majority of your journey needs to be done on the road. For your Spiti Valley road trip, you can either hire a car with a driver or drive in your own car. You can also explore Spiti Valley on your bike. This trip is a favourite among bikers and as adventurous as a bike trip in Ladakh.

Spiti Valley from Shimla

The route from Shimla to Spiti is the longer one and requires at least a night stop at Narkanda or Kalpa or Reckong Peo before entering Spiti Valley. This road is better and is open all through the year and you can visit Spiti during the winters through this road. Having said that, it is usual to have landslides and land blocks in this route also during the monsoon season.

The route to Spiti Valley from Shimla passes through the Hindustan-Tibet Highway. This route has its own beauty. The landscape changes as you travel from one region to the other. You will see the difference in vegetation as you cross Shimla Valley to Kinnaur Valley. The difference in landscape and culture will be quite stark as you enter Spiti Valley from Kinnaur. So if you have time in hand, this route is worthwhile to take.

Spiti Valley from Manali

This is the shorter route and you can reach from Manali to Kaza in one day. However, the roads are quite bad. After crossing Gramphu until you reach Losar, the roads are merely dirt tracks and you will be off-roading for the majority of your journey. You might have to cross streams on your way and there can be several roadblocks on the way.

However, these roads are beautiful in their own right. You will cross Kunzum Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in India. The landscape is stark and extremely gorgeous and this journey is going to be a rather impressive adventure.

As this route covers some high-altitude areas, the roads from Manali to Kaza remain open only during the summer, officially between May to September. However, the authorities allow vehicles beyond this time if they see that road conditions are conducive for travel. We took the route from Kaza to Manali in late April.

Spiti Valley on Public transport – the most affordable way to reach Spiti

The most affordable way to reach Spiti and explore the place is with HRTC buses. These buses are limited in number, but reliable and have a fixed timetable. Let me share the timings of a few buses to Kaza as I had gathered during our Spiti Valley road trip.

Shimla to Kaza Bus: 6.30 PM

This bus reached Reckong Peo in the morning. Usually Shimla to Kaza is a long journey and I would recommend to take a night halt at Reckong Peo or Kalpa , stay for a couple of days to enjoy the beauty and Kinnaur valley and then proceed to Kaza.

Reckong Peo to Kaza Bus: 7.00 AM

Kaza to Shimla: 7.30 AM (via Tabo, Nako and Reckong Peo)

Manali to Kaza: 5.00 AM

Shared Vehicles from Manali to Kaza

There are some local cabs and tempo travelers available from Manali to Kaza. Walk around new and old Manali and ask for these tempo travelers. Try to book a day ahead as seats tend to get full. The drivers stop for lunch and breakfast, but they hardly stop for toilet breaks, So be careful with your water intake. Roads are bad, but the drivers are experienced. The price for a seat will cost somewhere around INR 1000-1500.

Self-drive in Spiti Valley

We would recommend you take a car with high ground clearance. Also, if you are taking the Manali route, then try to avoid smaller cars. We had traveled in Innova, but it had got stuck at a stream crossing while reaching Chandratal Lake. We had to walk to the campsite and the car had to be towed out by a Bolero truck.

Also, do this trip only if you are confident in your driving and your car.

Bike trip in Spiti Valley

A bike trip in Spiti is one of the most popular ways to explore the region. During the season, you’ll see many bikers on the road. You can bring in your own bike. Otherwise, bikes can be rented in Manali as well.

Do you need a Permit to Visit Spiti Valley?

There is no permit required for Indian citizens to visit Spiti valley. But foreign tourists require a special area permit to visit the area between Kaza and Reckong Peo.

If you are starting from Manali and want to cross the Rohtang Pass, then you will need a permit. But with the opening of the Atal Tunnel, you can skip the Rohtang Pass and travel via Atal Tunnel and continue your journey towards Kaza.

Protected Area Permit for Foreign Nationals

This is a bit complicated. If a foreign tourist starts from Shimla, they need no permit to visit till Reckong Peo. But beyond that, they would need a permit to visit Nako, Tabo, Gue, Dhankar and Kaza. Refer to the official site for details.

What is the Best time to visit Spiti Valley?

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between May to September. This is the most popular and peak season for the tourists. However, you can visit Spiti at other times of the year as well. Here is a detailed breakdown of the seasons in Spiti Valley.

April & May

April and May is typically a shoulder season. If you want to visit Spiti valley during April, we recommend the second half of the month.

The roads are accessible and you can reach most of the tourist attractions and villages in Spiti Valley by road in April. It is also the beginning of tourist season and you will see very few tourists during this time. You will also find no problems in finding a place to stay as well. However, the road from Kaza to Manali will be closed during this time.

Historically, the roads to Kaza from Manali via Kunzum Pass open after May 15. But, sometimes BRO allows vehicles to travel through these roads if the weather is good and there is no snow on the roads.

We visited Spiti Valley in the second half of April. We were warned by our driver (who happened to be a fabulous guy) that the roads from Kaza to Manali might be closed and we were prepared to return by Shimla again. Fortunately, on our last day, we came to know that the roads from Kaza to Manali were open and so was Chandratal Lake. We took the road and had one of the best road trip experiences of our life.

Usually HRTC buses between Manali and Kaza are not operational during April and May. You might get shared tempo travelers if the roads are open. Buses from Shimla to Kaza and other buses in that route are operational, though.

June to September (Peak Season)

As mentioned before, this is the best time to visit Spiti Valley in terms of weather and facilities and is also the peak season for tourists. It does not rain much in Spiti Valley and there is no distinct monsoon. It is like the summer season seamlessly merging into the early autumn – something that you will encounter in Ladakh as well.

However, it will be prudent to remember that while Spiti Valley gets less rain, monsoons (July and August) are heavy in other parts of Himachal Pradesh – places that you might have to cross before entering Spiti. There might be heavy rains in Kinnaur Valley and Kullu, often resulting in landslides.

During this time, all the hotels and homestays remain open. HRTC buses are also operational fully, also in Manali to Kaza route. Weather is pleasant in Spiti with bright and sunny mornings perfect for your day activities.

October is another shoulder season, similar to that of April. Cold starts setting in and in the second half of the month the number of tourists decreases considerably. It also starts snowing over the Kunzum Pass after mid-October. So if you are planning a Spiti Valley road trip in October, do so in early October, especially in the first 10 days of the month.

November to March (Winter Spiti)

Spiti is a winter wonderland covered in a blanket of white snow. This has made Spiti Valley a coveted destination in the winters and winter Spiti trips are quite common these days. Apart from the snow covered landscape, winter is also the time to spot snow leopards in the region.

However, you need to remember that Spiti Valley is remote and you are not going to get much facilities here in the winter.  Also, not all of the attractions in Spiti Valley will be accessible to travelers during this time.

Winters, especially December and January, are harsh and cold. Temperature at night falls several degrees below zero. Even days are not much better. You need to be prepared to brave the biting cold of the region.

Quite obviously, you will not be able t o travel the entire circuit during this time. The roads from Kaza to Manali will be closed. Plan a trip in December only if you have a very good driver who can maneuver his way through the snow. If you are self-driving or riding, do so only if you are totally confident in your skills.

Spiti in winters is beautiful, but difficult. Do winter Spiti trips only if you are adventurous enough and are ready to face the challenges on the road.

Where to Stay in Spiti Valley?

Gone are the days when finding an accommodation in Spiti was tough. Now, there are many options of stay in Spiti Valley and around. Most of the expensive hotels and resorts can be found in Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti. Tabo also has a few hotels and guest houses.

Homestays at Spiti Valley

However, if you want to experience village life at Spiti, then stay at a homestay. There are many homestays in the region and you can find them in the villages. You might not have to book ahead for a stay at a homestay in Spiti Valley. In these homestays, you stay with the locals, eat local food and understand their way of life and get an insight into the culture. The costs are generally low and depend on the village and season.

We had stayed at homestays in Dhankar, Mud, Langza and Key village during our Spiti Valley road trip.

Backpackers Hostel

There are backpackers hostels at Kaza and Tabo.

Food at Spiti Valley

Food in Spiti valley is a mix of Tibetan, Nepalese and Himachali cuisine. You will find thukpas , momos, thentuk , mokthuk , chowmein in most of the restaurants and eateries. At the homestays, you might get some authentic Tibetan food.

We found good rajma Chawal at Nako and Tabo. At Dhankar, we ate Tibetan bread and thentuk at our homestay. Kaza had several restaurants serving Tibetan food. There was also a North Indian restaurant at Kaza market that served North Indian thali, samosa and chaats with very good milk tea.

At Mud village, our homestay served us chapati and chicken for dinner and sandwiches and aloo parantha for breakfast. At our homestay in Key village, once again we had thentuk and momos.

Also try the sea buckthorn juice or tea at Spiti Valley. It is amazingly refreshing.

If you are a culinary connoisseur, you will have a gastronomy adventure here for sure.

What to Buy from Spiti Valley

You can buy local woolen items, dry fruits, roasted barley and Buddhist memorabilia like prayer flags and incense sticks. I did not find anything special in Spiti Valley to collect as souvenirs. The only thing that piqued my interest was sea buckthorn juice.

Places to Visit in Spiti Valley

Once we visited Spiti Valley, we were quick to realize that the entire Spiti is a tourist destination. There are so many things to see and explore here. Even the mountain ranges looming in the horizon as you drive through the roads will mesmerize you. At every turn of the road, you will see something new and you will never be tired of clicking pictures. But then you have to start planning your trip somewhere. So here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.

Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley and is the most important town of the region. The small town has most of the hotels and all the HRTC buses arrive at and leave from Kaza. While Kaza itself is a small town and hardly has much to offer in terms of attractions, it can serve as your base to explore the region. There are numerous hotels, guest houses and homestays available in Kaza. There are a couple of backpackers hostels as well. It is perhaps the only place in Spiti Valley where you will get good wifi in some of the hotels.

So you can stay at Kaza, get fuel for your car from the world’s highest fuel station and explore the rest of Spiti Valley.

Tabo is a beautiful place. It is the first major village that you will come across in Spiti valley if you are coming from Shimla.

Tabo is also known as the “Ajanta of Himalayas” because of the ancient Tabo Monastery and the age-old murals that it houses. Tabo Monastery was built sometime in 996 CE. The monastery is located within the village and not on a hilltop. This was a distinguishing feature of the early period monasteries built before 1300 AD. Similar examples can be seen in Alchi Monastery and Mangyu Temple Complex in Ladakh.

Once you enter the Tabo Monastery Complex, you will be transported to a different era. And once you look at the ancient murals, you will understand why Tabo is known as the Ajanta of Himalaya. They are simply grand and magnificent.

Tabo village also has some ancient caves that you can explore.

Tabo is around 50km from Kaza. There are many hotels and homestays found in Tabo – many near the monastery complex and many in the villages. We highly recommend a night stay at Tabo. It is an enchanting place.

Dhankar is located about 36 km from Kaza, but you have to take a diversion from the main road to reach Dhankar Village. The place is known for Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar fort.

Words are not enough to describe the beauty and grandness of Dhankar Monastery and the village. The village looks as if it is hanging from a cliff and your photographer self would definitely want to click several pictures of the village and monastery.

Another attraction at Dhankar is the Dhankar Lake. It is a 5 km uphill trek from the village to reach Dhankar Lake. The trek is easy and can be done by moderately active people without prior preparation. Dhankar Lake is beautiful. But it is the serenity of the place that will take you in.

There are a few homestays at Dhankar village. We stayed at Dhankar for a night as we had planned to do the Dhankar Lake trek. A villager simply opened up his home and invited us to stay there. They only took INR 800 for the room and dinner.

Dhankar can be visited on your journey from Tabo to Kaza.

Key Monastery

Key village is located about 15 km from Kaza and the most famous attraction of the place is the Key Monastery, whose picture has become eponymous with Spiti Valley itself. The Gompa is grand and beautiful and houses several important artifacts, idols and murals. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the region. The Key Gompa has temples, prayer halls, meditation rooms, schools, monk’s quarters, and hostels for young monks inside the complex.

Once you are there, you will see several young monks  playing around. You can talk with them, visit the temples and meditation rooms and get a glimpse of the life of the monks.

Key village also has a few homestays and camps. We had stayed at a homestay in Key village as we wanted to stay away from Kaza and experience the village life at Spiti Valley.

Kibber is one of the highest villages in Spiti Valley. It is located about 19 km from Kaza town on the same road as Key. Kibber is also the entry point of Kibber wildlife sanctuary where snow leopards can be seen.

Kibber is a beautiful village. The houses perched on the cliff look quaint and beautiful. Look at the picture if you do not believe me!

Kibber is also the starting point of Kanamo Peak Trek and Parang La Pass trek.

If you have seen the picture of a gigantic Buddha statue lording over snow-capped peaks and valleys, then you have probably seen the Buddha statue of Langza. But that is not the only attraction of Langza. In Langza and a few surrounding villages, you can see marine fossils. It means that some 150 million years ago, Langza was under the sea.

Scientists observe that the Himalayas were not always there. Infact, the Himalayas happen to be one of the youngest mountain ranges on the earth. Earlier there used to be Tethys Ocean in its place. Due to tectonic collision, the mountains emerged and the ocean disappeared. This is the reason, one could find marine fossils at Langza and the surrounding villages. The villagers have preserved these fossils in their houses and you can see them once you visit there.

Langza too, is an extremely beautiful place. There are a few homestays available in Langza. These homestays provide basic amenities, but very warm hospitality. If you have time, spend a night at Langza.  

Komic is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Located at an altitude of 4600 meters, there is a plaque at Komic saying that “You are at the highest motorable village in the world”. The village has very few houses and there is an ancient monastery at Komic.

We did see a small homestay at Komic. If you want to stay there, you have to ask around.

Hikkim is quite famous because it has World’s highest post office in the village. Quite naturally, the place is quite a tourist attraction is Spiti Valley. The village itself is small and the few houses that are there are spread out.

You can visit the Hikkim post office, talk to the postmaster, buy several postcards and send them over to any address you like.

Pin Valley is one of the most beautiful places that you will visit on your Spiti Valley road trip. The location is in a bit of a different area and you will need an entire day to visit the place. Mud village is the major settlement in Pin Valley that also has a few homestays for tourists and travelers.

Pin valley is quite gorgeous. The landscape is a bit different from Spiti and you can see more greenery here. The Pin River flows by the village and the entire river valley opens up to a majestic view. If you have time, we recommend you stay a night at Mud village. The experience will be quite different from the others.

At Mud, there is not much to do than explore the village at your own lazy pace. You can visit the river bank and spend time there.

Pin Valley also borders the Parvati Valley and Mud village is the base camp for the famous Pin-Parvati Pass trek and the Pin-Bhaba Pass trek.

While you are driving towards Mud village, do not forget to stop and see the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Spiti

Now that you have planned to visit the main attractions of Spiti Valley and yet have some time in your hand, you can check out the following offbeat places in Spiti Valley. Spiti in itself is remote and raw, but these places are not much visited by tourists and can definitely make it in your itinerary.

Gue Mummy Stupa

Yes, there is a mummy in Spiti valley. Gue Mummy Stupa is a latest addition to the attractions in Spiti Valley. Gue village is located about 38 km from Nako. Just after crossing Sumdo, there is a diversion from the main road towards Gue village. The village is about 12 km from the main road and Tabo is another 26 km from the point.

Gue has a monastery, but its main attraction is the Mummy, believed to be almost 530 years old. The mummy you see here is that of the Buddhist monk Sangha Tenzing. It is believed that the monk had undergone the process of self-mummification to attain this state.

As of today, there are only 24 such mummies of monks who had undergone self-mummification. If you look carefully, you can see his teeth, small patches of hair on the head and nails on the body. And all these are not preserved in the way done in Egypt! This process is different.

This mummified body of Sangha Tenzing was found after an earthquake in 1975 opened an old tomb. It was excavated much later in 2004. The glass surrounding the mummy case was placed only a few years back.

You can visit Gue on your way from Nako to Tabo. There are a couple of homestays at Gue village if you want to stay there for the night.

Lingti Waterfall

Lingti is a small village on the way towards Pin valley. The place is famous for its waterfall, especially during the winter season. During summer, Lingti waterfall is just a simple waterfall on the way. But in winter, the waterfall gets frozen and looks quite imposing and beautiful. It’s brilliant, but scary!

Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge is the latest addition in the attractions of Spiti Valley. Located at an altitude of 13596 feet, this bridge is said to be the highest motorable bridge in Asia connecting 2 villages – Chicham and Kibber. It took almost 15 years to build this bridge. You can cross Chicham Bridge and take the road forward towards Manali.

Mane is another small, beautiful and offbeat destination in Spiti valley. You can reach there by taking a short diversion near the road towards Pin Valley. Mane village has an ancient monastery which is its main attraction.

Gette and Tashigang

Gette and Tashigang are two villages located on the same route. Tashigang is one of the remotest villages to reach in Spiti Valley. And believe me when I say that we did not see a single person or vehicle on the road when we were driving from Gette to Trashigang!

Well, Gette is a small village with houses so spread out that you will feel there is nothing but emptiness there.

Tashigang is located at an altitude of 15256 feet and has the world’s highest polling station in the village. There are only 52 registered voters in Tashigang and there was 100% turnout during the November 2022 assembly election.

The village is small with a few houses and a gompa in the middle of the village. Due to the altitude, the wind is very strong here.

Well, Tashigang is also located very near to the China border, a mere 30 km away.

Demul & Lhalung

Demul and Lhalunga are two nearby villages connected by motorable roads very recently. You can also trek from Demul to Lhalung if you want. In fact, we have seen many travelers trekking from one village to another in Spiti Valley. Perhaps one day, when we have enough time, we will do that.  Lhalung has an ancient beautiful monastery and the two villages are quite lovely themselves. If you have time at hand, visit these places.

Spiti Valley Itinerary

Here is a glimpse of a most-common itinerary for Spiti assuming you start at Shimla and end in Manali.

Day 1 : Shimla – Sarahan

Day 2: Sarahan – Kalpa

Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Gue – Tabo

Day 4: Tabo – Dhankar – Pin valley (Mud Village)

Day 5: Mud village – Kaza – Key – Kibber – Kaza

Day 6: Kaza – Hikkim – Komic – Langza – Kaza

Day 7: Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal Lake

Day 8: Chandratal Lake – Manali

This is a very rushed itinerary for Spiti Valley.

I believe you need time for your Spiti Valley road trip. These days I have seen a 7 days itinerary for the entire Spiti Valley starting from Shimla and ending in Manali. I am not sure how they attain it. I think you will need at least 10 days to do justice to Spiti Valley. There is a separate post about it.

Cost of Spiti Valley Road Trip

The cost of a trip majorly depends on your choice of transportation and accommodation. So here I will divide the cost into modes of transportation, accommodation, food and miscellaneous.

On a Spiti valley Road trip, the major cost comes out to be for that for transportation or fuel if you are self driving or riding. Using public transport is quite cheaper, but it is challenging and difficult if you have time constraints.

As such, in Spiti Valley, travelers mostly commute by hiring a taxi or they self-drive on their cars and bikes.

Here I am assuming that you start the trip at Shimla and end it at Manali.

Cost for Privately Hired Taxi

The rate for taxis from Shimla to Kinnaur Valley and  Spiti valley is usually around INR 3800-4500 per day.

Self-drive by Car or Bike

On this Spiti Valley Road trip, you will probably be driving for around 1600 – 1700 kms in total. If your bike gives a mileage of 25-30 km per litre on an average, with the current cost of petrol (INR 105.00 approx), your fuel cost will be around INR 6,500.00 to INR 7,000.00.

If your SUV gives a mileage of 15 km per litre on an average and with the current cost of diesel (INR 92 approx), your fuel cost will be around INR 10,000.00 to INR 11,000.00.

If you are renting a bike or car, keep that cost in calculation as well.

Accommodation depends on what you choose. For basic homestays, guest houses and monastery stays, you can keep INR 800.00 to INR 1500.00 per night. For mid-budget hotels, it can be upto INR 4000.00.

Food will also depend on what you have and from where you have. If you have your meals at small eateries and dhabas, then it can cost you around INR 100.00 per meal. If you are visiting restaurants and cafes, the cost will be higher.

The trip cost will also increase if you decide to travel to remote places, spend on shopping and other activities.

What to Carry for your Spiti Valley Road Trip?

In addition to your regular clothes and shoes, there are a few things that you should carry during your Spiti Valley road trip. The area is remote, though not inhospitable and the infrastructure is not yet at its best.

• Let us first talk about clothes. During the summer months between June to September, carry cotton clothes, light woolen and a jacket. The mornings are usually quite sunny and warm. For April and October, carry woolen and proper jackets. Also carry socks, scarves and woolen socks.
• If you are visiting Spiti Valley during the winter, you have to carry enough warm clothes, thermals, heavy jackets, socks, scarves, gloves and balaclava.
• Good shoes are also important in any road trips. We usually wear these during our trips.
• Whenever you are visiting Spiti valley, always carry a good sunscreen that offers SPF 50 protection.
• Carry a skin lotion or cream. Also carry a lip-balm.
• Carry Vaseline with you. Spiti is a dry region and Vaseline can be a lifesaver there.
• Also, please do not forget a cap or hat. It will help protect you from the harsh sun rays during the day.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit having general medicines for cold, cough, fever and stomach problems. You may also carry Diamox for altitude sickness. But it is always better to travel slow and acclimatize than taking Diamox.
• Carry emergency kit for your car that includes a tyre inflator and puncture repair kit, battery jump start cable, towing rope, and empty 5 litre can for back-up fuel.

Petrol Pumps in Spiti Valley

On the Shimla to Kaza route, the last petrol pump is at Reckong Peo and Tapri. On the Manali to Kaza route, there are no petrol pumps once you leave the towns.

Spiti valley Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

You will need at least 8 days for your Spiti Valley road trip assuming you enter from Shimla and return to Manali. This time, you will probably visit the most famous attractions of Spiti Valley. You will need at least 3 days to enter Spiti from Shimla via Kinnaur Valley and at least 2 days to exit to Manali via Kunzum Pass. However, I recommend that you travel slowly and enjoy the vibes of Spiti.

It is always better to start your journey from Shimla, travel through Kinnaur Valley and then enter Spiti. End your journey at Manali after crossing the Kunzum pass. This will help you to acclimatize better.

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between June to September when the weather is at the best. The mornings are bright and sunny and evenings are cool. It does not rain much in Spiti, so the months of July and August are great as well. However, monsoons are experienced at other parts of Himachal Pradesh like Kinnaur Valley and Kullu and Manali during July and August and there might be landslides and roadblocks because of the rains.

Yes, you can visit Spiti valley during the winter. Spiti is a winter wonderland with a snow covered landscape. Snow leopards can also be seen during this time. However, winters are very harsh and cold and facilities are very less for tourists during this time. Also, the Manali to Kaza road will be closed and you will hardly get any public transport during this time.

Yes, you can do a Spiti valley Road trip by car. Just make sure that your car is a SUV having high ground clearance. Also make sure the driver is confident when driving at treacherous mountain roads.

Yes, there are mobile signals at the towns and in some villages in Spiti valley. Mobile networks of Airtel and Jio are found in Kaza, Key, Dhankar and Tabo village. There was no mobile network in the remote villages like Mud village, Langza, Tashigang and Gue.

You will have wifi at the hotels in Kaza town. Mobile internet is poor and you will not get any internet once you leave Kaza.

Hope this Spiti travel guide helps you plan your perfect Spiti Valley Road trip. If you wish to have an itinerary, we will be publishing a blog on that soon.

Do let us know whether you found this helpful. If yes, please share this blog with youyr family, friends and neighbours.

Keep travelling!

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Hey! we’re Agni & Amrita.

We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

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Stunning locations in the Spiti Valley; I want to see them one day.

You will surely see them! Thanks for the comment.

Spiti Valley is indeed a gem in the Indian travel scene, and your blog beautifully captures its allure. The vivid descriptions and insights into the mountains, monasteries, and unique landscape create a compelling narrative. Your Spiti Valley travel guide is a treasure trove of information, offering a comprehensive look at the must-visit places and essential tips for a road trip. Reading this has sparked the adventurer in me, making Spiti Valley a top contender for my next journey. Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge, making Spiti Valley even more irresistible!

Thank you so much!

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States › Himachal › Top Destinations › Lahaul & Spiti Valley

Lahaul & Spiti Valley Travel Guide

Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as "a world within a world", the Lahaul & Spiti District in Himachal is fringed by majestic Himalayan hills and it boasts mesmerizing cold barren lands of nothingness, pristine gurgling rivers, scenic alpine lakes, and a rich Buddhist culture and history. Inarguably one of the best places in Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul & Spiti is capable to transport one to another world where everything looks and feels magical.

Travel Information

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Best Time to Visit Lahaul & Spiti

Lahaul & Spiti Tourist Map

Lahaul & spiti sightseeing tours & holiday packages.

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Exotic Himachal

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An Insight into Lahaul and Spiti Valley Tourism

The paradisiacal land of Lahaul & Spiti greets tourists with its unadulterated charm and jaw-dropping sights of the majestic Himalayan deserts and meadows. Situated on the Tibetan Plateau, the Lahaul and Spiti region, with its remote locales, sparkling rivers, alpine lakes, and unmatched natural beauty, is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for an adventurous and surreal vacation. Lahaul Valley and Spiti Valley were merged in 1960 to form Lahaul & Spiti district, it is the 4th least populated districts in India. The two valleys are connected through the famous Kunzum La (mountain pass) that sits at an altitude of 4551 m. While the two regions are equally stunning, they vary slightly in appearance. The Spiti Valley is an endless barren land of nothingness, whereas, the Lahaul Valley shows some form of vegetation. However, the two regions find commonalities in terms of being remote and utterly spectacular and peaceful.

Lahaul & Spiti can leave you breathless with its stunning vistas, but it can also make you feel fuzzy with its cultural richness and hospitality. It is so amazing to witness handful of people who survive in the harshest of climate smiling and receiving you with incredible warmth. The rich culture preserved by this small population living in remote villages and small towns is one thing you cannot miss to witness.

Keylong is the district headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti Valley and this is the perfect base to start your journey through the verdant lands of Lahaul. The various villages of Lahaul like Koksar, Sissu, Gondhla, Tandi, Jahalman and Thirot allure with their vibrant and luxuriant landscapes adorned with rich alpine flowers, thick willows and beautiful fields of potatoes, peas, barley and buckwheat. The potatoes grown in Lahaul are famous all over the world for their excellent taste and will definitely make your tummy and tongue develop a lifelong friendship with this scenic abode. The sub-divisional headquarters of Udaipur delights tourists with its apples, apricots, walnuts and thick pine forests. With its unique temples of Trilokinath and Markula Devi, Udaipur is also a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Lahaul is also a haven for thrill seekers with many trekking routes and mountaineering expeditions originating from Darcha to Baralacha la.

Travellers can halt during their trek to the Baralacha la and soak in the spectacular reflections of the mountains and the snowy peaks in the sparkling waters of the Suraj Taal, the lake of the Sun God. Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of the Spiti Valley welcomes you with its rich Tibetan culture and traditions. Explore the cafes and restaurants here and satiate your taste buds with the simple yet lip-smacking dishes.

Boasting a rich Tibetan Buddhism influence, the Lahaul & Spiti Valley is home to numerous marvelous monasteries and gompas such as the Guru Ghantal Gompa, Dzong Gompa, Shashur Gompa, Tayul, Yardong, Kardang and Gemur Monasteries in Lahaul and the Tabo, Dhankar, Komic and the famous attraction, Ki Monastery in Spiti. Among these, the most famous monastery is the Tabo Monastery in Spiti , also a renowned World Heritage Site. With their wonderful statues of Bodhisattvas, enchanting meditation caves and exquisitely made wood carvings, the various Monasteries of Lahaul and Spiti promise to leave behind a mesmerizing imprint of the life and culture of these Himalayan highlands in your memories.

Spiti Valley is also home to many high altitude and remote villages. Experience solitude in Kibber, the highest motorable village in the world, write letters to your loved ones from the highest post office in the world in Hikkim, meditate at the highest motorable monastery in the world in Komic, treat yourself to the majestic views of the highland meadows in Langza and Losar and witness the remarkably well preserved mummy in Gue. Visit the tranquil Chandratal lake and fill your heart with unbridled joy under the blanket of the dazzling stars and galaxies. This one of the most famous tourist destinations of Spiti Valley, ‘Moon Lake’ or Chandratal is situated at a height of 4270 meters.  With such splendid options, these hidden civilizations of Spiti will surely satiate your wanderlust.

The Spiti region is home to a variety of exotic wildlife with animals like the Tibetan Wild Fox, Ibex and Snow Leopards. Explore the rich fauna of this Himalayan hinterland in the Pin Parvati National Park in the Pin Valley. Complete your excursion to this stronghold of Nyingmapa Buddhists by visiting the picturesque villages of Mudh and Sagnam.

Top Things to Do and Best Places to See in Lahaul and Spiti

The twin valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, photographers and backpackers. With being home to some of the most breathtaking sceneries of the high Himalayan landscape, remote villages, gleaming alpine lakes, sacred monasteries and temples, exotic cultures, rich wildlife and sumptuous cuisines, Lahaul & Spiti offer a number of places to see and things to do despite being a remote destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Kye Monastery

Kunzum Pass

Dhankar Gompa

Dhankar Fort

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Best Hotels and Resorts for Holidaying in Lahaul and Spiti

The Lahaul and Spiti region in Himachal Pradesh is one of the remotest places and apparently does not have a wide variety of accommodation options. Kaza is the only place which boasts numerous mid-range to budget category hotels. However, the other villages of Spiti have only homestays and fewer budget accommodation options.

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Lahaul Valley in Spiti: The Road Less Traveled

The Lahaul valley is home to an energetic culture and distinct customs that have been preserved over time. The residents are polite and welcoming, and they are proud of their history.

Lahaul Valley Spiti is an excellent destination for anyone looking to soak up the beauty of nature and discover the greener side of the Lahaul-Spiti District. So, check out the best Spiti tour packages for the go!

Places to visit in Lahaul Valley

Rohtang Pass, located on the Pir Panjal Mountain Range in the Himalayas, provides an exquisite panorama of the glaciers and peaks of Lahaul Valley. This pass connects the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh. It is located 53 kilometers from Manali and connects Kullu Valley to the Lahaul Valley.

Koksar Village

Koksar is a key halt for passengers on their way to Keylong, the Lahaul Valley headquarters. Koksar is gifted with an extraordinary view of the snow-covered Himalayas, crystal-clear river streams, verdant valleys, and breathtaking mountains. This village prepares guests for the sights they will see on their upcoming journey. Koksar is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and hikers.

Sissu Village

Sissue village is located on the banks of the Chandra River in Lahaul Valley. This village is located 20 kilometers from Keylong and provides the finest insight into the lives of Buddhist monks, including their culture, traditions, architecture, and cuisine. This is a popular spot for vacationers looking to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.The Sissu village is flanked by snow-capped Himalayas, waterfalls, and a picturesque road lined with poplar trees.

Gandhloa Village

Gandhola, Lahaul Valley, Spiti is widely known for the Gandhola Fort and Monastery. This village is a Buddhist architectural wonder. The fort dates back to the 17th century and is constructed in traditional Tibetan style. It gives an insight into the region’s rich architecture, traditions, and culture. The Gandhola Monastery is one of the well known religious centers for Buddhists, hosting many religious and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Tandi  Village

Tandi Village holds religious significance in the life of the residents of the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. The settlement is located near the confluence of the Chandra and Bagha rivers. There are several mythical legends surrounding this location. One of the best-known stories is that Rishi Vashista was cremated at this confluence. This place provides a majestic view of the confluence of the rivers.

Keylong is the most popular destination in Lahaul Valley since it serves as the administrative headquarters for both Lahaul and Spiti valleys. Keylong also includes a market where tourists may buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Himachali items.

Kardang Monastery is a major attraction in Keylong and one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Lahaul Valley. The monastery is on a mountaintop above the town and provides panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Chandra Taal

Chandra Taal , also known as the Lake of the Moon, receives its name from its crescent form. The lake is situated at a high elevation and is only accessible during the summer months. Camping is popular  in the neighborhood of the lake. This location draws large numbers adventurers for camping and trekking Chandra Taal Lake also carries special religious significance for the Hindu community. According to legend, the Chandratal Lake is located near where God Indra’s chariot picked up Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, in the Mahabharata. Religious and cultural events are held near the lake, attracting pilgrims from throughout India.

Suraj Taal the third highest lake in India is located at an elevation of 4,890 meters.This lake is located below the peak of Baralacha Pass in Lahaul Valley. Suraj Taal is the source of the Bhaga River.This location has been the subject of several mythical and horror myths and legends   For adventurers, this location offers a fantastic trekking and camping experience.

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5 Things  to do in Lahaul Valley

Lahaul Valley is the main attraction for campers. Solo travelers and groups alike visit the area, particularly to camp beneath the stars. Several professional organizations also pitch a tent beside the river, stream, or at the base of the valley for an ultimate adventurous experience.

This detached area of the country is far from pollution. As a result, one may find Mother Earth and nature in their purest state. One of the best things to do in Lahaul Valley is to spend an enchanting night beneath the beautiful night sky. The breathtaking view of the Milky Way Galaxy is surely a remarkable experience.

Lahaul Valley has opened its arms for the tourists even in the Winters. Skiing for all levels  intermediate and higher levels of backcountry skiers and snowboarders is available. The state government is trying to construct winter sports infrastructure in the valley that will equal European ski resorts.

Wildlife watching

The Suraj Tal and Chandra taal wildlife Sanctuary in Lahaul Valley is home to a variety of animal species, including Tibetan wolves, Himalayan snowcocks, golden eagles, and other migratory birds. Wildlife routes in the Lahaul Valley allow visitors to engage with the region’s abundant fauna and flora while also discovering its biodiversity.

The Lahaul Valley contains several hiking paths, some of which have yet to be discovered. The paths range in complexity and duration, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The walking paths provide spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayas and valley below.

Suggested Read: Spiti Valley Trek

The best time to visit Lahaul Valley

Monsoon season is considered the most popular time for explorers and environment lovers to visit Lahaul Valley. The surrounding greenery is in full bloom at this time of year. Natural waterfalls spring to life during the monsoon season. The Lahaul Valley receives less rain since it is semi-arid and shadows the rain. However, landslides make the terrain tough.

Winter is the most challenging time to visit here. Lahaul gets the most snowfall, and the entire area is coated in a white blanket. The road leading to the location is closed. Winter is, however, not the best time to visit the location. To enhance the visitor inflow throughout the winter. Skiing and numerous cultural festivals are organized at the conclusion of the season. winter. Skiing and numerous cultural festivals are organized at the conclusion of the season.

Suggested Read : Lahaul And Spiti Travel Guide

How to reach Lahaul Valley

  By Train: The largest railway station nearest to Lahaul Valley is Chandigarh. However, you may take a toy train from Kalka to Shimla, which is around 169 kilometers from Lahaul Valley, and then continue on a road trip.

By Road: On a road journey to Lahaul, you may go on an adventure through the newly constructed Atal Tunnel Rohtang. This pass is available throughout the year. Atal Tunnel Rohtang connects Shimla and Manali, taking you to Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul, which is around 330 kilometers away.

Places to stay In Lahaul Valley

Various organizations operate in Lahaul Valley and provide camping services to guests seeking an out-of-this-world experience. The campgrounds are located in remote areas and are designed specifically for adventurers, hikers, and backpacking groups.

Keylong, Jispa, and Sissu all provide a variety of hotel and guest house alternatives. However, small villages do not have hotels, but you can definitely locate a homestay in Lahaul Valley.

Following the easy accessibility of roads through the Atal Tunnel Rohtang and a surge of tourists to Lahaul Valley, people have transformed a portion of their homes into homestays in Lahaul valley. This provides travelers with an opportunity to witness how people live in secluded areas. Tourists might experience living in mud dwellings and taste delectable local cuisine and homestyle dining. Locals also provide mountain hiking services for the tourists.

Tips to remember when visiting Lahaul Valley

•   There is no need to obtain a permit to go to Lahaul via Atal Tunnel. However, there has been a restriction on the number of vehicles going to Rohtang pass.
•   Only BSNL and Airtel connections function at this location, and you should expect full cutoff in remote areas and select regions. However, WIFI connections are available at certain hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q: what is the best time to visit lahaul valley, q: what are the main attractions in lahaul valley, q: how do i reach lahaul valley, q: what activities can i enjoy in lahaul valley.

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Spiti Valley in Summers: 1 Week in Breathtaking Kinnaur & Spiti

Adventurous Manali, Kaza & Chandratal

Spiti valley tour from manali, kinnaur spiti tour package: short trek to kamru fort, unforgettable manali, kaza, chandrataal and more, spiti valley travel essentials.

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"trekking mecca and a virgin paradise", spiti valley tourism.

Long winding roads and valleys that present unforgettable glimpses of cold desert and snow-crowned mountains welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. 

The term Spiti means 'The Middle Land', as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. True to its name, Spiti is home to several monasteries. Notably the stunning Key Monastery that is over a thousand years old and is also the largest monastery to be found in the entire Spiti Valley. Scantily populated, Spiti is an adventure lover’s paradise, with a number of trekking trails and mountain passes that tourists can choose from. Kunzum La offers an incredible 360-degree view of Bara- Shigri Glacier (the second longest glacier in the world). All of these treks start from Kaza (Spiti’s capital from where you make your base camp) to various peaks from where you can get panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains.  An easy 1.5-kilometre trek along the Spiti River from Dhankar Monastery to Dhankar Lake promises gorgeous views of the villages below. The Dhankar Lake itself is a place where you can sit back and relax amidst the cool mountain air. Another mytical site to visit is the Chandratal lake , where the water keeps changing from reddish to orange to blue to emerald green as the day ends. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.

Must Know Before You Travel to Spiti Valley

• Driving from Manali to Kaza can be quite risky, so avoid the self-drive at all costs. It is recommended to ride in a bus to reach your destination.
• There are only one or two ATMs in Kaza, which might run out of money. Therefore, make sure that you carry enough cash.
• Chandratal Lake was earlier a popular camping site but camping is now forbidden within 3km of the lake.
• The Kunzum Pass is ordinarily open from June to September. During the rest of the year, it is frozen.
• The Kunzum Pass has no eateries, so it is recommended to stock up on food supplies before the journey.
• It is essential to have many copies of the permit as they may have to be submitted at different checkpoints along the way to Sarchu.
• It is to be noted that the camps at Sarchu will be shut down during winters owing to the heavy snowfall.
• Photography inside the monasteries and temples is strictly prohibited.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lahaul and Spiti District

Things to do in lahaul and spiti district, explore popular experiences, popular cities in lahaul and spiti district.

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Lahaul and Spiti Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Lahaul and Spiti

• Average Climate: 2°C - 35°C
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• STD Code: 01900

Lahaul and Spiti Travel Guide

Lahaul Spiti Travel Guide Lahaul and Spiti are two isolated Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh lying on the Indo-Tibet border, dotted with rocky hills and snow-clad peaks. Lahaul, a land of enchanting Buddhist art and culture, is marked by imposing mountains and glaciers. Spiti is renowned as Little Tibet since its landscape, vegetation, and climate are akin to that of Tibet. Lahaul and Spiti should ideally be visited between June to October.

Come on a Lahaul and Spiti Tour, and you will have an unforgettable experience exploring these beautiful valleys. Before planning your vacation, check out this Lahaul and Spiti Travel guide that includes all the essential information to make your holiday comfortable and delightful. Many beautiful elements in these two Himachal valleys attract tourists from around the globe. In this travel guide, you will know the best attractions, the best time to visit, how to reach, and many more helpful information.

Tourist Attractions in Lahaul and Spiti

Following are some of the famous tourist attractions in Lahaul and Spiti, which you can visit while on a Lahaul and Spiti Tour -

• Guru Ghantal Monastery:- Believed to be the oldest Gompa of Lahaul, this wooden structure with pyramidal roofs and wood carving preserves the idols of Padmasambhava and Brajeshwari Devi.
• Gondla:- This village in Lahaul valley celebrates a fair in July that draws a large number of tourists. Other attractions of the village are the historical Gompa and the 8-storied Gondla castle or fort. Constructed in 1700 AD, the fort is the residence of the Thakur of Gondla.
• Key Monastery :- This is the oldest and the biggest monastery of Spiti. It is decorated with beautiful scriptures and paintings of Lord Buddha and other Goddesses. The Lamas sing, practice dance and play on pipes and horns here.
• Kunzum Pass:- Kunzum pass is the gateway to Spiti from Kulu and Lahaul. There is a temple perched at the top of this Pass dedicated to Goddess Durga. Nearby is the stunning Bara-Sigri glacier, the second-longest glacier in the world.

How to reach Lahaul and Spiti

Come on a Lahaul and Spiti Tour, using the following means of transport -

The nearest airport is at Bhuntar.

The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Chandigarh, while the closest narrow gauge railway station is at Joginder Nagar.

Lahaul is well-connected by National Highway-21, which passes through this valley en route to Leh. You have to come from Manali via Rohtang Pass to Kaza to reach Spiti.

This information will help you enjoy the Lahaul and Spiti tourism on your next vacation in these regions of Himachal. If you are looking for more information regarding Lahaul and Spiti, you can contact us. Moreover, you can choose well-designed Lahaul and Spiti tour packages that include top-quality services to make your tour more exciting. So keep in touch with us to plan your holiday with the help of our tour experts.

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How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley – A Complete Travel Guide

Over the last few years, I have written several articles on how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley. These articles are spread over numerous pages and shuffling through trying to find the information that you need can actually be quite a task. So I thought to add this one sticky page at the front; more like an index to all the information.

How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley is really a very broad question because there are several aspects to it, and several factors will contribute to how your final plan turns out.

I will break this information as per different aspects of the trip, and provide links to articles where I have detailed the information related to it. Please take a look at the post below and it should answer all your questions about traveling to Ladakh.

If there some a question that wasn’t answered or if you need my advice on your travel plan or itinerary, you can follow me on Instagram and chat with me live there. Or you subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask any questions there.

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Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a name that creates many pictures in the minds of those who haven’t been there. While some picture lush green hills, mountain rivers, and waterfalls, others think of it as a barren wasteland, a cold desert very similar to Ladakh.

Whatever the picture is, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. A journey to Spiti is an experience that you will cherish for a long time, probably all of your life.

The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land” which it actually is; because it is in fact the land between Tibet and India. And because of this very reason, it possesses a unique combination of both Indian and Tibetan cultures. A distinct lifestyle derived primarily out of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, gelled so well that it’s hard to tell them apart.

Is Spiti Valley Worth It?

I will start with this because it is one of the most frequently asked questions. A lot of people get confused about whether to visit Ladakh or Spiti Valley and then they think about whether or not Spiti Valley is worth visiting. If I am to answer this in a single sentence, yes Spiti Valley is definitely worth every minute or penny that you spend here.

It is going to be a journey that you will remember for all of your life. This trip will give you a taste of many things in terms of vistas and culture. The slow transformation from lush green hills of Kinnaur to barren brown of Spiti and then again the green of Manali will leave you mesmerized.

The white of snow-covered mountains and the blue of the lakes here are like nowhere else. You will get to see an entirely different part of our country and meet people following a very different culture than yours.

Yes, Spiti Valley is very well worth it and you must visit here. In many ways, it will actually be even better than visiting Ladakh.

When to visit Spiti Valley

This definitely is the first question that comes to mind when you think of planning a trip. Choosing the right time to go in my opinion is of utmost importance; both in terms of convenience and sightseeing.

Spiti valley is open by road for all 12 months. When to go to Spiti will really depend on what your preference is but the majority of the tourism happens in the months from June till September.

This is the time when both the routes from Shimla and Manali remain open. Take a look at the article below for more details on what can you expect in which month; and which would suit you the most.

• When is the Best Time to Visit Spiti?
• Spiti Roads: Opening and Closing Times

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Is Spiti Safe?

This is a question that must be addressed and answered before you go visit a new place. In my opinion, a person’s safety is entirely in their own hands and gets driven by the choices they make.

What you should know about Spiti Valley is that the roads here can be really bad, narrow, and sometimes even dangerous to drive on. So a certain amount of driving experience would be required (especially on hills) before you bring your vehicle here.

You definitely do not want this to be your first time when you were behind the wheel in the hills. If it was then I would recommend that you make a short trip to some other hill station and then drive to Spiti.

The local people here are very humble and gentle. The majority of the valley are simple villagers and the crime rate here is next to none.

So as long as you drive sensibly, did not take any unnecessary risks, did not wander alone into the wild on your own, and did not get into arguments with anyone, Spiti Valley is a very safe place to visit.

I would recommend reading through Is Spiti Safe for Tourists for more information and details on this topic.

Permits for Spiti Valley

Permits for Spiti Valley remain to be a topic of confusion really. Take a look at the articles below and these should help clarify any doubts. In a nutshell, as an Indian citizen, you do not need a permit for Spiti Valley. You are free to travel on the circuit any time of the year.

As a foreign national, you will need a permit to travel but it is only for traveling in the area near the Shipki La Pass (between Pooh and Nako). If a foreigner was coming from Manali to Kaza only, they do not need a permit. From the Shimla side, no permit is required for traveling till Reckong Peo but one is needed for going beyond Peo.

Irrespective of whether you are an Indian or a foreigner, you will definitely have to obtain a permit for Rohtang Pass; if you intended to enter the valley from Manali’s side. Go through the posts below please and these should clarify the matter further.

• How to Get Permits for Spiti Trip
• Rohtang Pass Permits: Details, Charges & How to Apply

How to Prepare

Once you have decided when to go, next in line comes the question of how to prepare. Spiti Valley is not really a place where you can just pack your bags and go.

You will have to seriously consider every aspect of the trip and pack accordingly. This will include packing the right kind of clothes, getting your vehicle ready, and carrying every essential item that you will need for the trip.

Below is a link to articles where I have provided this information in detail.

• Clothes for Spiti Trip: What to Pack?
• Carrying your Laptop to Spiti
• How to Transport your Motorcycle for Spiti Trip
• Mobile Network in Spiti – Coverage and Data Connectivity

Spiti Valley with Family

Not too long ago, Spiti Valley was considered a place only for the adventurous type and motorcycle enthusiasts. Back then, people were not even aware of the name ‘Spiti Valley’, and the ones who knew of it as a region close to the border and where no one goes.

Much however has changed in recent times. The number of people visiting Spiti now increases with each passing year and the place is slowly getting transformed into a tourist hotspot.

With that being said, the fact cannot be denied that it is still a high altitude desert where the terrain is not only challenging but dangerous too sometimes.

If you are thinking of a Spiti family trip then you would have to seriously prepare for the journey ahead; especially if you were traveling with a child, or elders of your family maybe.

Please take a look at the following post. The first one details preparations and precautions you would need to practice while coming to Spiti with an infant, toddler, or children of any other age.

The second article talks about how to plan a trip to Spiti if you had your parents or other elders of the family accompanying you.

• How to visit Spiti Valley with Family?
• Planning a Spiti Trip with Children?
• How to Travel to Spiti with Senior Citizens?

What to buy in Spiti Valley

Shopping is of course an important part of any trip anywhere; especially if you are traveling with family. Spiti Valley is considered to be a very remote region. But makes no mistake, there is plenty that you can buy to remember your time here.

Local Warm Socks, Sweater, Shawl, Roasted Barle, Dry Cheese, Barle Powder, and Sea Buckthorn Tea are some of the most common items that are bought by tourists.

But the list just does not end here. It is merely the beginning. Please take a look at Shopping in Spiti – What To Buy and Where for more details on these items and several others.

What to eat in Spiti Valley

One of the must-do things, when you visit a new place, is to try the local food there. You may or may not like it, and it may or may not agree with your stomach but you must do it nonetheless. After all, traveling is in the end all about being in new places and trying new things.

A mix of Indian and Tibetan Cultures, the local food in Spiti valley looks exotic, smells mouth-watering, and tastes delicious. Please take a look at Local food in Spiti – What to Eat in Spiti for a list of some local dishes that you must try.

Get Your Vehicle Ready

Aside from getting ready yourself, you will also have to make sure that your vehicle too is ready for the arduous journey ahead. Spiti Valley is still a remote area where mechanics are rare to find in some places.

Out here, even a simple breakdown or a flat tire can ruin your trip if you weren’t prepared for it. You should know which vehicle to bring to Spiti, how to get it ready and what spares to bring. The articles below will help answer all these questions in detail.

• How to Prepare your Car for Spiti Trip
• Which is the Best Car for Spiti Trip
• How to Prepare your Motorcycle for Spiti Trip
• Which is the best motorcycle for Spiti Trip?

Time Needed

It will entirely depend on where you were coming from and your mode of travel. But assuming Delhi as a starting point, a total of 9 days is what I will recommend for this journey.

You can, of course, do away with a lesser number of days as well but with 9 days in hand, you will be able to make sure that you did not rush anywhere during the trip, saw everything that was worth seeing, and made the best out of your time.

The itinerary section below breaks down the trip by the number of days and gives you an idea of how you can plan your trip.

Itinerary for Spiti Valley Trip

A well-laid itinerary in my opinion is the most important part of visiting Spiti Valley. Based on the days you have in hand, you must have a carefully drafted plan on where do you want to be on which day.

A Spiti trip is not really a frequent affair so while you visit here, you need to make sure that you make the most out of it and visit as many places as you possibly can. I have written several articles providing examples of different itineraries broken by days; links to which I have provided below.

Depending on how long your trip is going to last, you can pick an itinerary from the ones I have listed in these articles.

• 3 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 4 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 5 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 6 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 7 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 8 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 9 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 10 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 11 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 12 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 13  Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 14  Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 15 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 3 Detailed Plans to Visit Spiti in 6 Days
• A Detailed Itinerary for Visiting Spiti in Winters
• A Detailed Spiti Itinerary from Manali
• Chandratal Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip for 4 – 5 Days?
• 2 Weeks Itinerary for Spiti Trip
• Shimla to Spiti Itinerary: A Detailed Travel Plan

What to See in Spiti Valley

The next piece of information that you should keep handy is a list of places that you would like to see. You have been told that entire Spiti is a tourist destination in itself which is entirely correct.

Every turn of the road here will present you with something new and you will not get tired of clicking your camera for hours. But there must be some places that can be called the prime attraction, correct?

You are right. In the article below, I have listed every place in Spiti Valley that is worth a visit. Depending on the time you have for the trip, you can decide which one (or all of them) you want to cover.

• Tourist Attractions In Spiti & Its Vicinity
• Festivals of Spiti
• Kaza – Sightseeing, Accommodation, and Other Facilities

Where to Stay in Spiti Valley

After what to see comes information related to accommodation. Spiti Valley is getting more popular with each passing year but the fact is that it still remains to be a remote region.

Knowing what your choices of accommodation are and where you can break your journey for the night is of utmost importance. It will also play a crucial part in drafting your final itinerary and deciding on the number of days for the trip.

In the articles below, I have listed some recommended hotels available on the circuit.

• Recommended and Best Hotels in Spiti
• HPPWD Rest House: Locations, Contacts, Charges & How to Book
• Accommodation in Spiti: Recommended Hotels & Guest Houses
• Accommodation at Chandratal – What are the options
• Camping at Chandratal – Best campsites

Monasteries in Spiti Valley that allow Night Stay

A lot of people look forward to staying at a monastery in Spiti Valley. This is a great choice for experiencing something different and local. However, this option is not available at all the monasteries.

In Spiti Valley, there are only 5 monasteries that I know that have this kind of arrangement. Before you decide to stay here though, please know that your stay will be very basic and may feel uncomfortable to you. But if you want do want to give it a try, then you can stay at either of the following monasteries for the night.

• Key monastery near Kaza
• Tabo Monastery
• Dhankar Monastery
• Kungri Monastery, Pin Valley
• Komic Monastery

How to Travel to Spiti Valley

Now since we have all the information we need, let us talk about how to travel to and in Spiti Valley.

In the articles below, I have talked about how to journey on the two roads leading to Spiti Valley; the Manali – Kaza, and Shimla – Kaza routes; and then how to go to areas like Kibber, Pin Valley, and Chandratal after you have arrived in Kaza.

The first article is a very comprehensive road map of the entire Spiti Circuit; then the following articles are detailed explanations of the route.

• Lahaul Spiti Road Map With Distances
• Spiti via Shimla or Manali – Which one is Better?
• Lahaul Spiti Route Guide
• Riding to Spiti on 100CC Motorcycle or Scooter
• Plan a Trip from Delhi to Chandratal Lake?
• Kaza to Komik, Hikkim and Langza
• Kaza to Kibber, Gette & Tashigong
• Trip to Chandratal Lake
• Spiti Trip In Winters
• How to Plan a Trip to Pin Valley, Spiti

Renting a Bike for the Trip

A trip to a place like Spiti Valley is best when done by your own vehicle. This however is not really a choice open to everyone. For one reason or another, a lot of people travel here by other modes of transport as well of which, renting a motorcycle is one of the top ones.

There are several places that you can rent a bike from for the trip like Manali, Shimla, or Kaza itself. However, before you finalize the deal, you must carefully inspect the motorcycle to ensure that it will not give you trouble anywhere.

In the articles below, I have provided information on where you can rent a bike from with some recommended names; and what is it that you should pay heed to before renting a bike.

• Why and When you should rent a Motorcycle for Spiti Trip
• Where to rent a motorcycle in Manali for Spiti Trip?

Cost of Spiti Trip

The budget for the trip is one of the biggest deciding factors. While your overall expense incurred during the trip will completely depend on your own personal spending habits; some idea of the minimum cost will still be beneficial.

Below is a list of articles that can help you calculate the overall cost you will incur during the trip; and how you can keep it within budget.

• How to Calculate Minimum Budget or Cost of Spiti Trip?
• Calculate Spiti Trip Cost by Motorcycle
• How to Plan a Budget Trip to Chandratal?
• 8 Tips to Make a Budget Trip to Spiti

Public Transport Services in Spiti Valley

Off-late, a lot of people have started to visit Spiti valley using public transport services; either in form of a Bus or shared cabs. If you too are planning a trip here by Public transport, then in the article below you will find information related to bus schedules and shared taxis.

• Spiti Bus Service: Frequency, Fare & Time Table

Last but not the least, below are some articles where I have shared some quick tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Most of these tips are based on my own personal experience of Spiti Valley after being there several times.

Read through and I am sure this information can be of help to you.

• How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness In Spiti
• Top 10 Things NOT to do in Spiti
• Why you should avoid traveling from Manali to Kaza in October
• Is it Safe to Travel to Spiti during Monsoon Season?
• Other Facilities In Spiti

Months to Visit Spiti Valley

Which month you would want to go really depends on your own personal preference. Below is a list of articles explaining Spiti valley month by month. The information I have included in these posts is relevant to that particular month only. Depending on which month you want to go in, click on the link and read through the information.

• Spiti in January
• Spiti in February
• Visiting Spiti in March
• How to Plan Spiti Trip in April
• Spiti in May
• Spiti Trip in June
• Visiting Spiti in July
• Spiti in August
• Spiti in September
• How to Plan Spiti in October
• Spiti in November
• Spiti in December

When does Spiti Valley open for Tourists?

Contrary to common belief, Spiti valley actually remains open for all 12 months of the year. People tend to think that it gets shut down in the winter months but that is not true.

Of the two roads connecting Spiti with the rest of the country, it is only the Manali Kaza highway that gets blocked in winter. The reason behind this is that there are two high altitude passes on this route and both of them are notorious for receiving high amounts of snow each year. Yes, I am referring talking about Rohtang La and Kunzum La.

On the other hand, there is not even a single high altitude pass on the route from Shimla to Kaza. Due to this, it remains open throughout the year.

There could be a temporary block if the weather turned extreme and it snowed too much; but even if that happens, authorities clear the road just as soon as they are able to and restore connectivity.

With that being said, the tourist season in Spiti really starts in the month of May. People visit here in other months as well but the majority of the tourism happens only between May and September. This is the time when all tourist areas are open, and all hotels and guest houses are operational.

Is Spiti Valley Dangerous

If you are asking in terms of people then no, it is not at all dangerous. People here are very humble and simple. But if you are asking in terms of terrain then it will depend on how sensibly you travel.

Roads are bad and narrow in some places but as long as you drive sensibly and slow, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

But if you take unnecessary risks, drive insensibly, try to be at places where you should not be, or get into altercations with people then you are just making things difficult for yourself.

Spiti Valley is a very safe place to visit but the end result will entirely be in your own hands.

Is Spiti Valley safe for a woman to travel alone?

All that I explained above in this article about safety in Spiti valley applies to a solo woman traveler as well. Plan your itinerary well, chose your hotels wisely, keep your folks informed about your whereabouts, do not get over-friendly with everyone you meet, maintain your distance, do not venture out in remote areas all by yourself and you will be fine.

Do not also tell people that you are all alone. If asked, just tell them that you are with a group but alone just for that very moment. I know girls who have been on the Spiti Circuit alone, both by public transport and motorcycle, and they were able to travel without any problem at all.

I hope the information above on how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley was of help. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below. You can also follow me on Instagram  and chat with me live there or  subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask a question there.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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[…] Source link […]

You have defined Spellbinding landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture make Lahaul-Spiti a must-visit. Your travel guide is a gateway to adventure and awe-inspiring beauty!

Thank you !!!

Planning to visit Spiti soon, your spiti guide is one of the well informed blog, you have really defined it so minutely, Thanks for this amazing info.

Sir… What will be the taxi cost for 5 days spiti trip from manali side and return through same route to manali?

Hi bro Can I visit to 27th nov 23 to 3rd dec 23 to Spiti trip?? Plz answer I m already packed my luggage for trip solo bike ride.

You will have to go via Shimla Bhai and come back the same way

Hello Vargis, Just read your article about the iteneraries of all the places and much loved all the details of your step by step guide. I’m planning for a 9 days Spiti trip by solo. Can you please help me out the details of the planning procedures, cost of staying and tarnsportation and the best time to visit please? I’ll be much obliged if getting a helpful advise from you.

Hi Mr Vargis, can you please suggest that i am planning to the spiti circuit from Shimla to manali somewhere around 12 jun onwards for around 8-9 days with my family of 04. Can you suggest will it be ok if don’t book accommodation in advance. Will we be able to find it at the spot. What could be pros n cons. Is there any issue of accomodation if we don’t book in advance? Are there good homestay on affordable rates on the route?

Hi Dhirendra – Yes, you will be able to find hotels upon arrivals as well, it should not be a problem.

What be d Surity to reach chandratal or getting d kunzum open in second wk of June? Would you plz recommend any specific tour operator for spiti circle road trip?

It will be open in June for sure. Take a look at the contact me page. I have provided some numbers there.

Hi … Instagram says you can’t receive messages from new contacts . HD few queries for my Spiti trip .

I just messaged you on Instagram

[…] have a look a How you can Plan a Journey to Spiti Valley for another particulars associated to visiting […]

I have visited Spiti during Winder ( Feb) 2020 & 2022, It is just heaven on earth. I visited Laznha, Komic, Hakkim, Kaza, Chichum etc., LIfe Time visit.

Can I go Manali from Kaza on my Maruti Brezza on 8 June

Hello Vargis,

We are group of 4 people trying to plan a tour to and from Chandigarh as it’s the nearest airport.

A private tour organizer I had a word with is quoting about 30k per person for 10 days 9 nights trip including innova taxi to and from Chandigarh, stay as well as breakfast and dinner during this time.

Need your inputs on this if these rates are reasonable, if not what costs should I be looking at for the kind of tour we are planning.

It would be good also if you can share any contacts of tour organizers who are experienced in this area and can provide a better deal.

I visited Spiti Valley in 2021, It’s so beautiful, I have read your article it’s well written and rightly explained…keep it up.

Thank you Robin

Dear Vargis,

I just returned from a fantsastic road trip to the KInnaur & Spiti valleys. I’d like to thank you for the wealth of information that I could gather about the trip from reading your blogs. I also am a travel blogger & if you wish you can read my blogs at https://ghumakkarindian.com/

Keep travelling & keep writing. Best wishes, Lt Col Sudeep Vijai (Retd)

Hello Sudeep Bhai – Just read your blog. Thank you for mentioning me there and for your kind words, I really appreciate it. You may also want to change the category of the post there, it still shows in your bucket list.

I am myself the Son of a retired Army officer. So it felt really great to have someone from the Army like my posts. 🙂

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I like ur article. It is very nice and valuable infermation. We are planing at the end of may from kerala to spiti through shimla.

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Hi Mr. Vargis We have planned to visit Spiti starting from Shimla on 01.11.2020

Our TOUR ITINERARY: Day 01, 01.11.2020: Shimla to Saharan, O/N at SAHARAN Day 02, 02.11.2020: Saharan to Chitkul vai Sangla Chitkul Road, O/N at CHITKUL Day 03, 03.11.2020: Chitkul to Nako, O/N at NAKO Day 04, 04.11.2020: Nako to Pin Valley (Mud Village), O/N at MUD VILLAGE Day 05, 05.11.2020: Pin valley to Kaza, 50 Km, 1.00 hr, Kaza Local Sightseeing: Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day, O/N at KAZA Day 06, 06.11.2020: Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Komik) — Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit, O/N at KAZA Day 07, 07.11.2020: Kaza to Tabo via Dhankar, O/N at TABO Day 08, 08.11.2020: Tabo to Kalpa, O/N at KALPA Day 09, 09.11.2020: Kalpa to Shimla, O/N at SHIMLA Day 10, 10.11.2020: Shimla to Delhi and Delhi to Kolkata

We are total in 6 persons (2 families). Is it okay or some changes are to be need.

Seeking your observation and guidance.

Thanks and regards.

Ashokesh Biswas Kolkata

see my spiti timelapse video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNjH7XS7bE

Amazing blog! Amazing content thank you for sharing knowledge. valuable information!!!

I loved Ur article… We are planning to visit the valley by end of April, hope it’s a good time and we would be traveling from Mumbai to Manali… So how to arrange 4 wheeler or is there any public transport available? You also mentioned about the Rohtang ,that we would require a pass whom to contact so that the pass would be ready by the time we reach Manali…. And if we have to rent a car what are the best options… I have been to Manali and Rohtang but we had hotel transport … But for Spiti valley if u can guide us plzz

[…] Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley – A Complete Travel Guide […]

Hii vargis bhai..ur vlog just stun me because its reflecting your hardwork and i loved it and its truely helpful.. Brother i want to know can hash is available in kaza and mud village and in recongpeo pls dont mind my question brother because im going with my friend and we want to enjoy it fully for a rememberable journey ..pls reply brother

Bhai it is available everywhere as long as you know who to ask and talk to.

Thnks so much brother for d reply

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Read all your blogs on Spiti and loved the detailed info. Only a true traveler can write such blogs. Huge congratulations to you to have reached this stage in life which many travelers like me just dream about, I have 2 questions for you and would really appreciate if you could help me out-

1) I want to do the complete Spiti circuit and understood from your blogs that the best time to do it is June until September. I have seen the Rohtang pass in movies like “Jab we met” and I noticed that the route of the pass has tall ice/snow walls on both the sides… as if a hill of snow has been cut from middle to make a road. I want to see this particular landscape wherein the vehicle passes from the road with snow walls on both sides. Which week of which month can I see this view of the Rohtang pass? Does this happen when the BRO has just opened the pass in June? So if i start from Shimla on 20th June and reach Rohtang suppose on 30th June (after completing the Spiti circuit),will I still get to see these tall snow walls on Rohtang Pass or will the snow walls melt by then?? Will you in this case suggest to start the Spiti circuit from Manali in the first week of June (here I am assuming that the snow walls will be fresh and intact during the 1st or 2nd week of June). Please clarify me on this. I dont mind starting from either Shimla or Manali…. date of month is also not a constraint… but I really want to see these snow walls on Rohtang road. Please suggest.

2) Like your Spiti blogs, do you also have blogs on Uttrakhand? I want to do Nainital, Almora, Kausoni, Ranikhet, Binsar, Munsiyari, Chopta, Auli and Valley of Flowers. If you have this itiniary/blog, please send me the link. Thanks a lottt in adavance 🙂

Hi my Friend Vargis, You wrote awesome articles and I see your passion in writing and traveling. Very Appreciative:)

I’ve questions : Info : Will reach Chandigarh on 8th and in evening by taxi we will reach kasol (wanted to reach direct till pulga no travel agency is ready to drop why ?).

Questions : Can we travel after 5PM from chandigarh till Kasol for keerganga trek? Ola available and works well ? Or do you have any suggestions ?

Question : How many days before we have to rent a bike for Spiti with rothanpass permission ? from the rental services (This is very confusing) ?

Question : On 11th October we will start journey from Manali to Spiti for chandratal lake and start return journey on13th morning. Will this work ?

This will be really a great help if you can help me with this informations:)

thank you so much in advance Vargis. You are a travel hero:)

Best wishes from: Laxminarayana

Hi Laxminarayana,

Thank you for your kind words.

1. Yes you can travel overnight to Kasol if you have made arrangemetns for a cab and hotel in Kasol. I do not think Ola will work for this. 2. Let them know 3-4 days in advance so they can arrange your permit for Rohtang as well. 3. Yes, provided that the weather holds. It can snow anytime now and if it did, it will ruin your plans.

Hii vargis bhai..ur vlog just stun me because its reflecting your hardwork and i loved it and its truely helpful.. Brother i want to know can hash is available in kaza and mud village pls dont mind my question brother because im going with my friend and we want to enjoy it

Excellent blog, I have read almost all of your posts regarding spiti valley trip and it has been really helpful so far. I am planning to visit spiti starting from Shimla ending at Manali on 25th sep to 2nd of October 2019. Can you please suggest me is it good season to visit and will I face any road closures including rohtang pass? Thank you in advance for your help!

Hi Nikhil – Your timings are OK. Rohtang won’t close that early.

Hello can you recommend any tour operators who have fixed departures to spiti

I do not know anyone who has fixed departures. Sorry.

Dear Vargis Bhai, We are planning to travel to Spiti from 30th September to 8th October from Shimla side. Understanding will be cold but have a few questions. 1. We are travelling by own vehicle from Shimla side. Would we be able to cover Chandratal or would it get closed by then? Or would you recommend from the other side? 2. By when does Spiti start to shut down in October? 3. Any other general precautions ? Regards, Amit

Hi Amit Bhai

1. Yes. 2. The Manali Kaza route and Chandratal remains open in first half of October. 3. See this post please.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/plan-trip-spiti-in-october/

An adventurer you are Vargis and very well info blog, so Kudos to you.. I’m planning a trip from Delhi – Shimla – Spiti – Manali – Delhi from 13 Sep because the way from Manali will be closed in October and I want to see green lush + Chandra Taal Lake.

QUERY : I’m travelling via Activa 125cc with a pillion, Is it possible at this time of the year?

INFO : I’ve done Dharamkot, Lansdowne, Nanital, Rishikesh, Shimla, and itty bitty on my Activa 125.

PS : If my scooty get’s stalled the pillion will push it till needed

Thanks Kashif. You can do this trip but it would very tough with a Pillion rider.

Hi.. any recommendations for travel agents who do fixed departures. I’m a solo traveller and will be happy to join a group

Great post, really helpful.

Just one query, will there be many muddy patches/water crossings on the way to Spiti via Shimla?

I am planning for a bike trip. Just wanted to check on this since will be using footwear accordingly. What do you suggest?

Regards, Robbie

Hi Robbie – There are a couple of crossings between Shimla andd Kaza but mmost are between Kaza andd Manali.

Do you suggest gumboots or waterproof shoes?

Waterproof shoes will be better

You are welcome !!!

Hi Varrgis, first of all thank you so much for your inputs. That has really helped.

I am planning to visit Spiti in June end to July. Need your advise for the points below. 1. Dates? (June 21-30) OR (July 5-13) ?? Which one? 2. I plan to take a zoomcar. Is it a good option? As that will give me independence to explore that area, I am inclined to take a self-driven rental car. 3. Can we find a good stay option on-the-spot there?

1. Both are pretty much the same, not much difference. Try in June though, you will be able to avoid monsoon. 2. Yes 3. Yes

Thank you. One last question.

Hi, I have a good amount of driving experience, have driven 3 hrs at a stretch also. But have no experience in hilly area. Is it okay to drive there on my own?

Yes you should be OK. Just go slow and be careful.

Is Rohtang pass open now? I wanted to cover the complete SPiti circuite from shimla->kalpa->rohtangapass -> manali -> shimla!

No it will probably open by June 1st week

whether BSNL prepaid bought from outside Himachal Pradesh will work in spiti circuit?

Yes it will

Hi Vargis, I am planning to visit Spiti with my wife starting 2nd June from Shimla. Below is my tentative plan. Day1: Shimla to Sangla Day2: Sangla to Chitkul Day3: Chitkul to Nako Day4: Nako to Mud covering Gue Day5: Mud to Kaza covering key, kibber Day6: Kaza -komic,langza, hikkim Day7: Chandrataal (if open)/ stay in kaza Day8: Manali

Does the plan look reasonable? Also am planning to rent a cab. Is it okay to travel in smaller cab as SUVs are expensive.

Hi Amit – Yes your itinerary is fine and yes, it is OK to rent a smaller car as well.

Hi Vargis bro, We 4 friends are planning a trip to Sangla-Chitkul and Spiti. How abt takng a taxi from Shimla or Narkanda to Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Peo then catch bus to Kaza. From Kaza again hiring a taxi to visit all d places arnd ther including Chandratal thn retn to Kaza and take direct bus to Manali. will it be expensive?

Hi Rakesh – It will not be expensive but you will not save too much either. The cost will more or less come out to be the same if you hired a cab for the entire trip.

Hi sir, Can vehicle( with driver) be hired at shimla for spiti circuit? If yes, from where? What would be approx charges for 10 days vehicle, which vehicle is best ? If you know any good driver , please give details . Thanks

sir. thanks for such good information for spiti valley. each every point is cover in your post. thanks once again

Thanks for taking the time to drop a note Ritesh

Any comments on availability of camps or homestays? Are they available all the time or prior booking is required?

Hi, I am planning to tour lahaul spiti from 11 Jun to 15 Jun, if any group or individual is planning a tour in this period then we can form a group to visit lahaul spiti

Hello VARGIS,

I must say that what I have found here in your blog is by far the best one will come across in the digital medium.

I am from Mangalore and I am at initial stages of planning a 9/10 days trip to cover Spiti circuit . Starting point may probably be Delhi and ending via Manali and Chandigarh.

I have previously covered whole of Sikkim with my wife, mom and dad. Through a Travel agency last year.

And before that I and my wife have been to Ladakh too.

This year since I am planning for Spiti , Probably in July or September,with my family , should I take the help of online travel agency again ? Because I have no idea about how to book a taxi for 10 days from Shimla. The online package is costly (28k per head), but sometimes I feel they will take care of everything na..

Don’t know what to do . Do suggest.

Hi Virgis Bhai…Very useful informations, thanks.

We are planning to go to spiti in 1-2 week of June. Just wanted to know, if it is possible to reach chitkul starting from shimla in 7-8 hours time? As we are thinking of leaving shimla early at 9:00 AM.

Is june 8th to 16th good time to complete shimla – Spiti – Chandratal – Manali – Chandigarh?

Hi Piyush – Shimla to Chitkul will be about 8-9 hours and yes June is a good time

Dear Vargis Bhai, Thank for writing a great article about the hidden of Himachal. It is enriching us. Thanks a lot. We are planning to go Spiti & Lahaul on 25.0819 to 03.09.2019. Any suggestion please inform me.

Thanks Kaustav. It is a good time to go. Just keep a check on the weather before you go.

Thanks a lot. I will be touch with you for your kind information.

This April is good time for spiti?

It is but you can only travel via Shimla.

Nice article, I’m planning to go Spiti via Shimla from 07 June 2019. Do you think if it is the right time? Also, the trip is for 10D/8N. Do you think it will be too exhausting considering I’m from south India?

Hi Rahgav – Yes June is a good time. How are you traveling from South India though?

I have not seen this great documentation for million dollor softwares anywhere. Keep up the good work 🙂

Thank you Abhishek !!!

Awesome yaar!! So much efforts in ur blog. Keep traveling and guiding us. Thanks a ton!!

Thanks for taking the time to drop a note Bhushan.

Your information did helped me alot during my Manali-Leh trip last year so Thanks a ton for guiding.

Next year we are planning a round trip Chandigarh-Spiti-Leh-Srinagar-Chandigarh so i have an unusual doubt as no one or very few have done this route.

While going to Leh from Manali one has to acquire ILP to produce in Rohtang pass and further checkpoints as well. If a person doesnt have the Rohtang stamp on ILP then he will be interrogated in Koksar as to why you missed and all ?

So my doubt is, As we dont need any ILP to do Spiti circuit, if i exit from Gramphoo and directly show up in Koksar then will they allow me to do further route ?

And even if i apply for ILP online and get it before going to Spiti, i would still miss Rohtang pass’s stamp on it and then i will be questioned in Koksar.

Please help me on this as there is no/minimal information on this.

Waiting for your response.

No you do not need Rohtang permit if you are coming from Spiti. Just keep a receipt of the hotel or anything handy and in case they stop you at Kokhsar, just produce the receipt to prove that you are coming from Spiti and not Manali.

Thank for writing a great article about the spiti valley, you have given the complete details about the hidden himachal , keep posting ……

Hello Mr. Katoch, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

Your articles have been really helpful for us to plan our this year’s trip, which is to Spiti. I would like to thank you for that.

We are leaving for Manali on 17Aug and start our Spiti trip from Manali on 18Aug. Eventhough I visited your Road Condition page and forum, however was not able to find any latest info on the same.

So please let me know on how the roads and weather are in the area, if u have any updated info on the same.

The roads between Manali and Kaza is badly damaged Vinod, rest of the route is a mix of good and average. In fact the Manali Kaza route was closed for 2-3 days last week due to landslides.

Thanks Vargis for the reply. It looks like, it will be a gamble.Will come back and let you know how it goes. Regards.

I just confirmed with my contact at Kaza and the roads are all open. Between Manali and Kaza however is in terrible conditions brother.

How are the roads now?

Mix of good bad and ugly

Hi Vargis, thanks for the update bro. We completed the trip. There was rain in those region on 17.08.2018 and due to a landslide we were stuck some 10kms before Chatru for 7hrs. Had to spend the night in Prem Dhaba at Chatru because before Batal a tempo was stuck in the road due to slush. Also, Manali-Leh highway was completely slushy. However, from the next day onwards there was no delay as the weather was fine and the roads dried up. Chatru to Losar is still in bad condition, lots of water streams and rocks. Losar to Kaza is good and on our return we came from Chicham side, which was very good road till Kyoto. Then again from Kyoto to Gramphoo, its bad. Lots of water streams though, Chandratal Road is in very bad condition. The slush was gone on the way back, Rohtang was very foggy and visibility was very low. So I guess the mantra is, if it is rainy slow down the schedule and make the journeys in the morning when the water stream will have less force 🙂

Hi Vinod Bhai – Welcome back. I am glad that your trip went well and thank you for the updates on road conditions brother. Do share some pictures if possible.

Hi Bro, We are planning to visit spiti valley next week. Aug 15th to 26th. Shimla -> Spiti Valley -> Manali. But we heard that roads to spiti valley is closed because of landslides. When it will open and is it safe to travel on these days?

Hi Shylesh, Yes the Manali Kaza road got closed earlier this week due to heavy rainfall. It is expected to reopen in next day or two so you should be OK to ride. Just be prepared for rain, waterproof everything and keep a couple of days as buffer.

Harlo Vargis. i am mr tow and glad that i found ur page. I am interested in a 8days trip to spiti valley and hope taht u can help recommend someone who are experience in photography to help me in planning my trip. i am a landscapes photographer and eventhou i enjoyed the itinerary proposed but i am wondering if it is possible to be in certain places during sunset and sunrise just to get the best light for the landscapes and also some astrophotography in specific location for best composition. i really need an experience guide with photography knowledge to help me and advise my trip. thanks

Hello Mr. Tow – I wish I could be of help in this aspect but I really do not know anyone who could be your guide in terms of photography.

Found your blog and Spiti series just at the right time. 🙂 Thank you for writing these posts. Super helpful and a treat to read.

Thank you Rama

Must say really enjoying your blog… Great detailed posts…

Wow !!! The blog is a perfect answer to all the faqs regaeding the spiti valley road trip.

Thanks Aabhas. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

What an amazing piece of information.I usually read but never comment on blogs, but the first time I’m commenting on your blog..,seriously that’s amazing piece of content.., cheers.

Thanks Uday

Hope you are well! At the outset, thank you so much for creating such informative and exhaustive blogs on travel. I have been an ardent follower, and had planned my Ladakh trip, last year based on your itinerary suggestions – it was awesome. This year, my peeps and I are planning a trip to Spiti tentatively from 3rd to 12th August. All of us are from Delhi and would require to resume office from 13th August. May I request you to share a feasible itinerary, if possible? I understand, you have a busy schedule, but would love to hear from you! Best, Srirupa

Hi Srirupa – Thank you for your kind words and I am glad that the information posted was of help. Before I suggest an itinerary, can you please let me know how will you be traveling? You own car?

Hi Varghis – We usually take the overnight bus to Manali and from there onward, we hire a car.

Thanks again.

Do you just want to cover Spiti valley? I mean reach Kaza via Manali and then come back the same way? I am asking because I would recommend completing the entire circuit since you are hiring a private cab and have 9 days for it. Also, hiring a taxi from Manali will also be costlier. Do it from Shimla. Rent a taxi from Shimla and then finish the journey at Manali.

We would love to cover the whole circuit if you are suggesting that 9 days will be enough to do that! Would you be kind enough to give me some idea about how our itinerary should be? I understand I’m taking a lot of your time but really appreciate your gesture! Thank you so much

Hi Srirupa – For 9 days, you can travel like this.

1. Delhi to Shimla / Narkanda 2. Shimla / Narkanda to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Kalpa 4. Kalpa to Nako / Tabo 5. Nako / Tabo to Mud Village, Pin Valley 6. Mud to Kaza 7. Kaza to Chandratal 8. Chandratal to Manali 9. Manali to Delhi

Hello Vargis, we intend to travel from 28th Jun’18 to 6th Jul’18. Starting from Rohtak (Haryana) to Spiti Valley & returning to Rohtak. Can you pls suggest an itinerary? We do have one but I would need your expert advice. I am an Indian National. TIA Sewa Singh

How will you be traveling Sewa? By your own vehicle, cars or bikes? Also, Let me know what your itinerary is and I can suggest if a change is required.

HI Vargis, I will be travelling by Royal Enfield Bullet. There will be one more biker and one car. Our tentative itinerary is as below: 28th Jun’18 – Rohtak to Rampur 29th Jun’18 – Rampur to Raksham / Chitkul 30th Jun’18 – Chitkul – Kalpa 1st Jul’18 – Kalpa – Kaza 2nd Jul’18 – Kaza (sight seeing) 3rd Jul’18 – Kaza to Chandratal 4th Jul’18 – Chandratal to Mandi / Manali 5th Jul’18 – Mandi / Manali to Rohtak

We can extend the trip by a day or two, say return to Rohtak on 6th or 7th Jul’18

Hope this information enables you to provide your expert advice. Thanks

If you can extend by 2 days then incorporate a visit to Pin Valley as well. From Kalpa, go to Nako and stay there for the night. From Nako, go to Pin Valley and stay at Mud Village. From Mud Village then, go to Kaza the next day. Rest of your itinerary looks great.

Which car is going to be traveling with you?

Hi Vargis, thanks for your inputs. Much appreciated. Hyundai Santa fe is going with us. Where are you based? Pls share your contact details (if you feel like) on my email [email protected]

Hi Sewa – I am based out of Delhi, just dropped you an email on the mentioned address.

Please be careful on the Chandratal stretch. That road is extremely bad and very narrow, barely wide enough for one car.

Hi Vargis, thanks for connecting. We will be careful on the Chandratal stretch. We appreciate your inputs. You are doing a great job. Let me know if you are ever in Australia. Rgds Sewa Singh

Thanks Sewa. I will surely connect with you if I am ever in Australia.

At Chandratal, stay with Jamaica’s camps, greatly recommended. You can contact him at 9418200183 to book. In case you are not able to reach, just drop a message on watsapp and he will call back.

At Kaza, you can stay at Hotel Spiti Valley right opposite Kaza Monastery. Contact person is Tanzin and his number is 9418927312.

Thanks for sharing these contact details. It will be quite handy. Can I mention your name? And yes look forward to your visit to Australia anytime. Rgds

Yes absolutely. Give my reference and they both will take great care of you. Let me know if I can be of any other help.

Sure Vargis. Will do.

Do let me know how your trip went brother after you return.

Sure brother..

Hi Vargis, we finished our trip yesterday and can’t thank you enough for your valuable inputs. Our itinerary was like this: Day 1 – Shimla Day 2 – Sangla Valley Day 3 – Chitkul (went upto Rani Kund, couldn’t go to Dumti because of heavy flow in the nullah on the way. Camped next to the river) Day 4 – Nako Day 5 – Mudh (Pin Valley) Day 6 – Kaza (visited Langza, Hikkim and Komic). I would recommend staying in Langza, Hikkim or Komic rather than Kaza Day 7 – Chandratal (pitched our own tent) Day 8 – Shamsi (near Kullu) Day 9 – Back home in Rohtak (487 kms ride)

Ride from Kaza to Chandratal was not that bad but Chandratal to Rohtang was hell of a ride…loved every bit of it…real adventure…tougher than the Manali Leh route…did get a chance to view the mummy in Gue village…overall a different experience than the Ladakh trips that I had in the past…

Hi Sewa – I am glad your trip went well and thank you for dropping a note. Do share some pics if possible specially of your trek at Chitkul. Even I have not covered that part.

sir i am planning a trip to spiti valley on sept 9. we are 1 couple and a small child abt 1 yr old. i want to hire a taxi from shimla and have a total to 7 to 8 days and return back to shimla.does the weather ia gd from shimla to spiti.and temp also.kindly provide me the itinary and also sugest hotels and stay point.kindly add stay at chitkul also.

Hi Deepak – Please take a look at the itineraries for 7 and 8 days at the links below. Let me know if you have any other questions.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/spiti-valley-in-7-days/ https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-visit-spiti-valley-in-8-days/

Is it possible to plan a trip for 3 -4 days for SPITI? If yes then how ?

See the itinerary section in the post above.

Hi, I am alfas. I am planning to do spiti circuit in coming two months, this time i wish to do in groups. anybody who are planning to do spiti who are looking for travel mate are welcome

Alfas – Post a thread at community forum at the link below and annyone interested can join you.

http://roadragas.com/index.php?forums/travel-partners.20/

Hi Vargis, Planning to travel from manali to Kaza tomorrow, taxi driver is saying there’s a landslide in spiti. Please let me know of that’s a correct information. Thanks in advance

Hi Neha. Yes, there is a roadblock after Batal as of now. Expected to open day after tomorrow, Monday.

hii …can we go by fortuner automatic transmission….are the roads safe …we are planning on 20 th june

Yes you can but it will depend on how good the person sitting at the wheel is.

Can’t thank you enough for all the effort that you put into writing these articles. The information that you provide in your articles, makes it convenient for all the travelers like us to travel a remote region like spiti valley.

Now, We will be travelling in July 1st week and here’s our itinerary for the Shimla – spiti – Manali circuit —

Day 1: Shimla – Kalpa Day 2: Kalpa – Nako Day 3: Nako – Kaza Day 4: Kaza – Komic/Hikkim/Langza Day 5: Kaza – Key/Kibber Day 6: Kaza – Chicham – Chandratal Day 7: Chandratal – Manali

We have excluded places like Chitkul and Mudh village as we are short on time. Do you find the itinerary ok?

We are a group of 5 friends from Bangladesh and we are willing to hire a car/SUV for the trip.

Could you please tell us how much would it cost to hire a standard car for our above-mentioned itinerary for 7 days?

and also what about the permits required? do we need to obtain it beforehand in delhi? or can we just collect the permit from Shimla like others? is that a time-consuming process?

Thanks a lot. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hello Atin,

Just one change needed in the itinerary. You do not need 2 days for Kibber and Langza / Hikkim. All this can be done in a single day. Do this in one day and use the day saved to cover Pin Valley as well.

In terms of arranging the permits and taxi for your trip, please talk to Jamaica @ 9418200183. Give my reference and he will take care of the arrangements for you.

Are the roads safe to travel around mid june?

Roads are always bad in Spiti valley but yes, June is better than traveling in July or August when its raining there.

Dear Mr Vargis Khan,

I m Harish Sharma in Delhi pls advice which date open Manali to leh Highway ASAP

[…] Open for Year 2018 Manali Leh Highway Opens for 2018 How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh… How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley… Manali Kaza Road Opens – HRTC Bus Service… Chandratal Lake in June – The Frozen […]

Sure.. Near chandigarh – siswa jungle lodge Near Narkanda – Krish Rauni resort Chitkul – samaa resort Tabo – Namesay homestay Kaza – Sakya Abode (I tried calling the hptdc hotel there too and they to my surprise also said that we have not done it in the past but will be ok with it ) Chandratal – Jamaica camp Still need to do booking on Manali route but didn’t do it as we are planning to cover as much ground as we can and halt at mandi/Sundarnagar

All the above listed hotels were very accomodating to my request.

In Losar (though we are not staying their because by the time we chose to stay the place was booked) , the nomads cottage was also very open to our request .

Hope this helps

Hello sir I have been following your writeups for quite some time now and am an admirer of the efforts you are putting in to help people in planning their Leh and Spiti travel . I have a question though. We are planning to do Spiti circuit in June and are planning to take our dog along with us. We will be consulting his vet on precautions we need to take on the same however wanted to check if yoj know someone who has done this circuit with their pet and if yes then what all places would you suggest as good pet friendly accommodation on this circuit Delhi to Shimla to Kaza to Manali to delhi

Hello Himanshu – I wish I could help you with this question but I really do not have an answer. I don’t know anyone who has done the circuit with their pet dog.

Hey Himanshu,

Could you find anything which would accomodate your pet dog? Asking as I am also planning the same thing. Please share details if you have found something.

Thanks Sunipa

Hello Sunipa.. to my pleasant surprise, I have been able to.find accomodation on the complete Spiti circuit and have gotten the booking done. Most of the places I called were accomodating to my request to allow pet with us. The only place I found issue in was finding a place in chandigarh area that allows pet in property, but eventually found it too.. let me know what your travel itinary looks like and I will tell you accomodations I have found accordingly.. when are you travelling thoigh, if yours is post June 10 then I can share my experiences at those places too

Thanks Himanshu Bhai. Can you let me know the hotels you called? I would like to add that information on a different post to help others.

Really appreciate your effort in providing such good information. Just wanted to know if there’s any expected date when the Manali Kaza route will open. I’m planning a trip from Delhi to Spiti valley between May 12-19 and would like to return via Manali. Assuming the route opens by then, what all permits would I need? I’ll be hiring a cab from Delhi

Thanks in advance

Hi Srujan, It will most probably not be open by your date of travel. Rohtang Pass is expected to open by 16th and after that they will start working at Kunzum..

sorry I mean to say 3000-4000 Feet and not Meter

My another question is I am 35 year old and have undergone Angioplasty 1 year back. Is it ok to visit Spiti or will be there any risk of Acute Mountain Sickness? Please note that I have done the trekking to places which are around 3000-4000 M above sea level after treatment.

I do not really feel qualified to answer that Saket Bhai. Best consult a doctor before going and get a professional opinion.

Hi Vargis Bhai,

I am planning to visit Spiti Valley starting from Shimla around 20th May and then to do complete circuit to get down from Manali side. I will be planning to visit Chandratal Lake on 24th or 25th May and then go to Manali. I will be taking local vehicle on rent.

My 1st question will be is Chandratal Lake open by 24th or 25th May? and 2nd question will be is Kaza – Manali route open by 26th or 27th May?

Thank you very much for providing details.

Saket Bhai – Its really hard to predict right now the way the weather at Rohtang has turned in last one month. Rohtang La is still not open and Kunzum will come after. Manali Kaza in all probability will be open by May end so if possible, try delaying your trip by a couple of weeks.

[…] How to Plan Your Trip to Prashar Lake? How to Make your Car look Stupid –… How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley… How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh… How to Plan a Visit to Spiti Valley… How to Plan a Trip […]

Very good article. Thank you

I have few queries that we are planning to go Spiti on 30th June. Is it good time to visit Spiti. Also is it rainy season in Himachal(Kullu, MANALI)?

Hi Som, 30th June is a good time to go. It starts to rain sometime towards 2nd half of July.

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You Dream It, We Plan It

Best 31 Things To Do At Lahaul And Spiti Valley

Lahaul and Spiti Valley, a district in Himachal Pradesh, India, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, high-altitude villages, ancient monasteries , and trekking trails. Geographically located in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, it is connected to Manali via the Rohtang Pass . The two valleys are divided by the Kunzum Pass, offering a stunning view of the Bara-Shigri Glacier . With an average elevation of 4,270 meters (14,010 feet) , Spiti Valley ranks among the coldest places in India, receiving only 250 days of sunshine annually. As the fourth least populous district in India, Lahaul and Spiti had a population of 31,564 according to the 2011 census. The district shares close cultural ties with Tibet and is home to renowned Buddhist monasteries like Key, Tabo, Dhankar, and Trilokinath. A haven for adventure enthusiasts, Lahaul and Spiti offer numerous trekking trails, mountain passes, and wildlife attractions such as Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal Lake, and Yak Safaris . It is a destination where one can immerse in nature’s beauty, as well as the rich culture and history of the Himalayas.

Things To Do At Lahaul & Spiti:

1. visit key monastery :.

Key Monastery, situated in the Spiti Valley. stands as the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region. This revered institution serves as a pivotal hub for local learning and culture. Its reputation extends beyond academia, drawing visitors with its breathtaking architecture, ancient murals, and panoramic vistas of the Spiti River and the encompassing mountains . The optimal times to visit Key Monastery are from March to June or from October to December . While there is no entry fee, donations for the monastery’s upkeep are appreciated. For those interested in staying overnight, rooms can be booked for INR 250 per night, inclusive of meals. However, it is advisable to notify the monastery well in advance to secure accommodations.

Visit time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

2. Explore Chandratal Lake :

The Chandratal Lake trek in Lahaul and Spiti is a mesmerizing journey through rugged terrain that rewards adventurers with stunning vistas and a sense of tranquility. This high-altitude trek, set amidst the majestic Himalayas, offers a glimpse into the raw beauty of the region. The trek usually starts from Batal and takes about 2-3 days to reach Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped body of crystal-clear water that reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The trail is challenging yet immensely rewarding, making it a must-visit for trekking enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas.

3. Drive to Kunzum Pass :

Kunzum Pass, located in the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas, serves as a vital link between the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. This scenic mountain pass is traversed by travelers en route from Gramphoo in Lahaul to Kaza, the administrative center of Spiti. Offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, arid landscapes, and fluttering Buddhist flags, Kunzum Pass is renowned as one of the country’s most picturesque and adventurous routes . The pass is also home to the revered Kunzum Mata temple , a significant stop for all travelers crossing this high-altitude pass. Locals believe that the goddess Kunzum safeguards travelers from mishaps on their journey. Typically open from June to October, depending on snow conditions, Kunzum Pass is a sought-after destination for trekkers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

4. Experience The Natural Beauty Suraj Tal :

Suraj Tal, a stunning lake in the Lahaul and Spiti district. sits just below the Bara-lacha-la pass. This pass is a crucial link connecting the valleys of Lahaul, Spiti, Zanskar, and Ladakh. Suraj Tal is not only a breathtaking sight but also holds the distinction of being the third-highest lake in India and the 21st-highest in the world, standing at an elevation of about 4,890 meters. The lake is fed by glaciers and snowmelt from the pass and serves as the source of the Bhaga River, a tributary of the Chenab River. Sacred to Hindus, Suraj Tal is believed to have been blessed by the Sun God, Surya, with his divine grace. During the summer months, many pilgrims visit this sacred site seeking spiritual guidance and healing.

5. Take Blessings At Dhankar Monastery :

Dhankar Monastery, located at 3,894 meters in Lahaul and Spiti, is a Buddhist temple with a rich history and stunning setting overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers . It is one of the world’s most endangered monuments due to erosion and neglect. Founded around the 12th century, it was once the capital of the Spiti Kingdom. The monastery, belonging to the Gelug school, features a unique statue of Vairocana and a museum showcasing ancient scriptures and murals. A new monastery nearby houses 150 monks , and a 2 km hike leads to Dhankar Lake . It is a significant cultural, historical, and spiritual site, attracting visitors seeking the beauty and serenity of the Spiti Valley.

Visit Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

6. Visit Tabo Monastery :

Tabo Monastery, situated in the Spiti Valley, is renowned as one of the oldest and most well-preserved Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan region, with origins dating back to 996 CE . Dubbed the “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” it is celebrated for its exquisite murals and paintings. Founded by the Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo , under the patronage of the king of Guge , Tabo Monastery comprises nine temples, four stupas, 23 chorten s, and numerous cave shrines. It houses a remarkable collection of ancient scriptures, statues, and artworks. A sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists, Tabo Monastery has hosted the Dalai Lama twice for the Kalachakra ceremonies. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, Tabo Monastery is a compelling destination for those fascinated by Himalayan history, culture, and spirituality. A visit to Spiti Valley would be incomplete without exploring the wonders of this ancient monastery and its surroundings.

Visit Time: 6 am to 7 pm

7. Trek to the Pin Valley National Park :

Pin Valley National Park, nestled in the Spiti Valley, falls within the Lahaul and Spiti district. Established in 1987 as part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve , it spans 675 square kilometers, aiming to protect the region’s unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. This national park is a sanctuary for over 20 animal and bird species , including the endangered snow leopard, ibex, bharal, and red fox. It also boasts a diverse array of medicinal plants, some of which are threatened yet possess significant medicinal properties. Situated in the cold desert region of the Himalayas, Pin Valley National Park endures extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall in winter. The optimal times to visit are from April to May and from November to December, when animals descend to lower altitudes. Accessible by road from Shimla or Kullu, visitors can trek from Mikkim village . The park provides amenities such as inspection paths, bunkers, transit accommodation, local guides, and Chhumurthi horses for an enriching experience.

Visit Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

8. Visit Kibber Village :

Kibber Village, located in the Spiti Valley, is renowned as one of the highest inhabited villages in the world, sitting at an elevation of around 4,270 meters (14,200 feet). This picturesque village is surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, offering stunning views of snow – capped peaks and rugged terrain . Kibber is known for its traditional stone and mud-brick houses, along with its ancient monastery that adds to the village’s charm. The village is also a gateway to the stunning Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard . Trekking enthusiasts often use Kibber as a base to explore the nearby high-altitude regions, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

9. Explore The Devine At Kaza Village:

Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti district, is a quaint town nestled amidst the mighty Himalaya s. Situated at an altitude of around 3,650 meters (11,980 feet) , Kaza is renowned for its stunning landscapes , rugged mountains, and serene Buddhist monasteries . The town serves as a gateway to the pristine Spiti Valley and is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering opportunities for trekking , camping , and exploring the unique culture and traditions of the region. Kaza is also known for its traditional mud-brick houses, bustling markets, and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an offbeat Himalayan experience.

10. Trek to Dhankar Lake:

Dhankar Lake, situated in the scenic Spiti Valley, is a stunning high-altitude lake perched above the Dhankar monastery. This ancient fort monastery was once the capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom . The lake, located approximately 2 km from the monastery , is accessible via a trek and is surrounded by picturesque pink-brown hills, showcasing a mesmerizing blue-green hue. Considered sacred by locals , the lake provides a serene and idyllic camping spot. For those interested in visiting Dhankar Lake, the optimal time is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are accessible. Known also as Sar Kund Lake, meaning “lake of the golden fish,” legend has it that a golden fish resides in the lake, granting wishes to those who capture it. Dhankar Lake is just one of the many breathtaking lakes in the Lahaul-Spiti region, such as Chandra Tal and Suraj Tal , offering spectacular views and adventure opportunities. Whether by bike, car, or trekking, these lakes provide unforgettable experiences amidst the majestic Himalayan landscapes.

11. Explore Mud Houses Of Tabo Village:

Tabo, a charming town in the Lahaul and Spiti district, is renowned for its ancient Buddhist monastery , believed to be over a thousand years old. This monastery is adorned with intricate wall paintings and mud statues that depict Tibetan culture and art . Tabo is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the serene Spiti River. To reach Tabo, you can travel by road from Manali or Rekong Peo. The nearest airport is located in Kullu, approximately 250 km (155 mi) away. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Shimla, which is about 365 km (227 mi) away. Tabo experiences a cold desert climate, characterized by minimal rainfall and extreme temperatures. The ideal time to visit is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are clear. During winter, temperatures can plummet below -40°C (-40°F) , and roads may be impassable due to snow.

12. Feel The Spirituality Of Giu Mummy:

The Giu Mummy, a 500-year-old Buddhist monk mummy , was unearthed in a secluded village in the Spiti Valley. This remarkably well-preserved mummy includes intact hair, nails, teeth, and skin . Legend suggests the monk achieved self-mummification through meditation and natural processes. The mummy is housed in a glass case within a shrine near Giu village, drawing numerous curious visitors keen to learn about its intriguing history and spiritual significance.

13. Experience The History At Tabo Caves:

Tabo Caves, located near the Tabo village in the Lahaul and Spiti district, are a series of ancient caves that hold immense historical and archaeological significance. These caves are believed to have been used by monks for meditation and living quarters, dating back to over a thousand years . The caves are carved into the rocky cliffs, showcasing intricate designs and paintings that depict the rich Buddhist culture and art of the region. Tabo Caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient monks and are a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of the area.

14. Sail The Spiti River:

The Spiti River, a tributary of the Sutlej River, spans 225 kilometers and originates from the Kunzum Range of the Himalayas. Meandering through the picturesque valleys of the Lahaul and Spiti district, it serves as a lifeline for the local inhabitants and sustains numerous ancient monasteries along its path. Aptly named “the middle land,” the Spiti River lies between Tibet and India, embodying a unique cultural and geographical significance. Fed by the melted glaciers of the Himalayan ranges, the river flows through a cold desert environment, adding to its mystique and charm.

15. Experience The Nature And Devine At Gandhola Monastery:

Gandhola Monastery, also known as Guru Ghantal Monastery, is a revered Buddhist monastery located in the Lahaul and Spiti district. Founded in the 8th century by Padmasambhava , it stands as one of the region’s oldest monastic establishments. Perched atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, which merge to form the Chenab river , the monastery offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape . The monastery houses a collection of wooden idols, including those of Buddha , Guru Padmasambhava, and various deities, alongside intricate paintings, murals, and sculptures. Adding to its historical allure, the monastery features a seven-storey fort constructed by Raja Man Singh of Kullu. Each year, the monastery hosts the Ghantal festival , a vibrant celebration where lamas perform masked dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Gandhola Monastery stands as a testament to the ancient Buddhist traditions and architectural splendor of the Lahaul and Spiti valley.

Visit Time: 6 am to 6 pm

16. Magnet For Tourists – Komik Village:

Komik, a charming village in Lahaul and Spiti district, stands out a s Asia’s highest village , perched at an astounding altitude of 18,000 feet above sea level. This picturesque village is renowned for its Buddhist monastery, also the world’s highest motorable monastery. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking valleys, Komik is a magnet for tourists seeking natural beauty and cultural heritage experiences. The village is also a treasure trove of fossil life and a haven for trekking enthusiasts. The optimal time to visit Komik is from May to October when the roads are accessible, and the weather is pleasant, offering an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

17. Trek To Sopona Lake:

Sopona Lake, also known as Sapona Lake or Mane Lake, is a seasonal lake fed by glacial melts from the Manirang mountain range, among the highest in Himachal Pradesh. Situated near Mane village, between Tabo and Dhankar in the stunning Spiti Valley, the lake is accessible only via a 2-3 hour trek from upper Mane village . Offering breathtaking vistas of the Spiti Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Manirang range, this hidden gem is best visited from May to September when it is brimming with water. Sopona Lake is a lesser-known treasure of Spiti Valley, waiting to be explored by adventurous souls seeking tranquility amidst nature’s splendor.

18. Admire The Purity Of Sakya Tangyud Monastery:

Sakya Tangyud Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, stands proudly in the village of Komic , nestled in Spiti Valley, India. This monastery claims one of India’s highest altitudes, perched at 4,520 meters (14,830 feet) , and is affiliated with the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Constructed resembling a fortified castle on the precipice of a deep canyon, Sakya Tangyud Monastery boasts massive slanted mud walls and battlements adorned with vertical red ochre and white stripes. Inside, the monastery treasures a wealth of ancient murals, thangkas, statues, and scriptures. Though its origins are believed to be ancient, Sakya Tangyud Monastery was likely built in the early 14th century, during the rise of the Sakyapas under Mongol patronage . The name “Tangyud” may allude to the Sakya revision of the Tang-rGyud, or the 87 volumes of Tantra treatises that form part of the Tengyur. Patronized by Spiti’s local chieftains, the monastery provides a special cell for their visits. Despite enduring damage from a 1972 earthquake and being the target of thefts by individuals from Kashmir and other regions, Sakya Tangyud Monastery stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

19. Experience Tibetan Buddhist Art Of Kungri Monastery:

Kungri Monastery, located in the Pin Valley of Lahul and Spiti, is a revered Buddhist monastery belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. As the second oldest monastery in Spiti valley and the sole practitioner of Nyingmapa Buddhism in the region, it holds significant historical and religious importance. The monastery’s architecture comprises three detached rectangular blocks facing east, adorned with exquisite murals depicting deities of the Vajrayana pantheon. Annually, in July , Kungri Monastery hosts traditional dances like the ‘ Devil Dance ‘ and the ‘Sword Dance’. It serves as a magnet for Buddhist scholars, pilgrims, and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the ancient Tibetan Buddhist art, culture, and tradition.

20. Narrate The Vibrant Culture Of Lhlung Monastery:

Lhalun Monastery, one of the ancient and exquisite Buddhist monasteries in Spiti Valley, dates back to the 10th century CE, founded by the renowned Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo . Also known as the Sarkhang or Golden Temple, this monastery is adorned with sacred art, murals, and scriptures that narrate the vibrant culture and history of Spiti. Situated in the village of Lhalun, meaning ‘land of the gods’, the monastery offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, enhancing its spiritual allure.

Visit Time: 6 am to 6 pm,

21. Feel Stunning Views Of Langza Village:

Langza Village, situated in Spiti Valley, is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. At an altitude of 4,400 meters, has a population of around 150 people . it offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The village is famous for its fossil deposits and is called “The Fossil Village.” Langza also boasts the ancient Lang Temple, which houses a large Buddha statue and provides a peaceful environment for meditation. The village offers a glimpse into traditional life, with agriculture and animal husbandry being the main activities. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility amidst the Himalayas and a taste of local Spitian culture.

22. Hike To Snow-Capped Peaks Of Tashigang Village:

Tashigang Village, located in the Spiti Valley, is a remote and picturesque settlement surrounded by towering mountains and barren landscapes. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,100 meters (13,450 feet), Tashigang offers breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The village is known for its traditional mud-brick houses and ancient Buddhist monastery, which add to its charm and cultural significance. The monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the village, provides a serene setting for meditation and offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Tashigang is a peaceful and tranquil destination, ideal for those looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and explore the unique culture of the Spiti Valley. The village is also a starting point for treks and hikes into the surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

23. Explore The Heights Of Hikkim:

Hikkim, a quaint village located in the Lahaul and Spiti district, is renowned as one of the highest year-round inhabited villages in the world, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,400 meters (14,567 feet) . This picturesque village is known for its traditional mud-brick houses and stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Hikkim is also famous for its ancient post office, which is believed to be the world’s highest post office , providing postal services to the local residents and serving as a unique tourist attraction. A visit to Hikkim offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Spiti Valley and an opportunity to marvel at its breathtaking natural beauty.

24. Seek The Pristine Beauty Of Baralacha Pass:

Baralacha Pass, situated in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a high mountain pass in the Zanskar range of the Himalayas. At an altitude of about 4,890 meters (16,040 feet) , it connects the Lahaul and Spiti district with Ladakh. The pass offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and lush meadows. It has historical significance as an ancient trade route and is popular among adventure enthusiasts, especially trekkers and bikers. Suraj Tal Lake, one of the highest lakes in India, is located nearby. Despite its challenging terrain and harsh weather, Baralacha Pass is a captivating destination for those seeking the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.

25. Panoramic Views Of Dhankar Gompa:

Dhankar Gompa, located in the Spiti Valley, is a historic Buddhist monastery that dates back to the 12th century. It is located at an elevation of 3,894 metres (12,774 feet) in the Spiti Valley, Perched on a cliff above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers, it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The monastery, belonging to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, houses a statue of Vairocana , the Buddha of light , and features ancient scriptures, murals, and sculptures. Dhankar Gompa is not only a religious center but also a place of great historical and cultural significance, attracting visitors interested in Tibetan Buddhist art, culture, and spirituality.

26. Feel The Devine At Trilokinath Temple:

Trilokinath Temple, situated in Lahaul and Spiti district, is a revered shrine worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists alike . Devotees regard the deity as either Lord Shiva or Arya Avalokiteshwar . Also known as Tunda Vihar or Sri Trilokinathji Temple, it lies approximately 9 km from Udaipur village and 146 km from Manali. The temple’s origins trace back to the 10th century, believed to be constructed by the ancestors of the Rana Thakurs, in collaboration with King Shell Varman of Chamba . Its white-painted structure is adorned with vibrant Tibetan prayer flags and a brass bell. Annually, the temple hosts the Pori Mela festival, drawing pilgrims from afar.

Visit Time: 6:00 am 8:00 pm

27. Trekking in Spiti Valley:

Trekking in Spiti Valley, offers an adventurous exploration of its rugged terrain, high-altitude desert, and ancient monasteries. Popular treks like Pin Parvati Pass, Hampta Pass, Chandratal Lake, and Parang La cater to various skill levels. Summer (June to September) is the best time to trek , but weather can be unpredictable, so check local forecasts. Some treks require permits, and accommodation ranges from camping to basic guesthouses. Trekking here provides cultural immersion and interaction with local communities. It’s crucial to be well – prepared, physically fit , and equipped , and consider hiring a guide for a safe and enjoyable experience.

28. Enjoy Blue Pines At Shashur Monastery:

Shashur Monastery, a Buddhist monastery of the Drugpa sect, is situated in Lahaul and Spiti, about 137 kilometers from Manali . Its name, “Sha-shur,” translates to “blue pines” in the local dialect, referencing the blue pine patches surrounding the monastery. Established in the 17th century by Lama Deva Gyatsho , a Bhutanese king’s missionar y, the monastery is renowned for its annual Chham festival, featuring monks performing ritual dances in vibrant masks and costumes. The monastery also houses a collection of ancient paintings, scriptures, and statues depicting various Buddhist deities, showcasing the diverse traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

29. Visit Tibet’s Kham Region – Tayul Monastery:

Tayul Monastery, a Buddhist monastery in Lahaul Valley, is affiliated with the Drugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Renowned for its spiritual significance, ancient murals, and a large statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche ), it was established in the 17th century by Lama Serzang Rinchen of Tibet’s Kham region . The name “Tayul” translates to “chosen place” in Tibetan, reflecting its esteemed status. The monastery boasts a library housing 101 Buddhist scriptures , the Kangyur, and Thangkas depicting Buddha’s life. Accessible by a steep footpath from Satingri village , about 6 km from Keylong , Tayul Monastery offers scenic views of Bhaga Valley and Drilburi Peak . Visiting between June and November is ideal, as the weather is pleasant and roads are navigable.

30. Shop At Keylong Market:

Keylong Market is a bustling weekly market held every Monday at the Polo Ground in Lahaul and Spiti district, This vibrant market draws traders , tourists , and locals from across the region, offering a wide array of goods including woolen clothes, local handicrafts, dry fruits, spices , fresh produce , ayurvedic medicines, dairy products, ethnic costumes, pickles, and sakti tassels . Visitors can also indulge in traditional foods and find garments and daily essentials, making it an excellent place to immerse in the lively culture and lifestyle of Lahaul and Spiti Valley.

31. Be The Witness Of Drukpa Lineage – Kardang Monastery:

Kardang Monastery, a renowned Drukpa Lineage monastery in Lahaul valley, was established in the 12th century by Lama Norbu Dorje , a disciple of Tibetan Buddhist master Naropa . This white monastery, adorned with colorful prayer flags, sits on a ridge below Rangcha peak , overlooking Keylong town . It houses a substantial library containing Buddhist scriptures, ancient artifacts, and religious relics. Additionally, Kardang Monastery acts as a focal point for religious ceremonies, teachings, and social gatherings within the local community.

Visit Time: 6 am to 6 pm 

32. Advent The Ghepan Lake Trek:

The Ghepan Lake Trek in Lahaul region is a stunning yet challenging adventure . This trek leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake nestled at an altitude of 4146 meters , surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and vibrant flowers. Starting from Sissu village, approximately 40 kilometers from Manali, the trail winds through picturesque meadows, forests, and villages. The best time to embark on this trek is from May to October , offering pleasant weather and accessible lake conditions. Rated as moderate to strenuous, the trek demands good physical fitness and acclimatization. Spanning about 28 kilometers , the trek typically takes 5 days to complete.

How To Reach Delhi To Lahaul and Spiti:

There is no direct train route from Delhi to Lahaul and Spiti as Lahaul and Spiti does not have a railway station. However, you can take a train from Delhi to a nearby railway station such as Chandigarh or Pathankot, and then continue your journey to Lahaul and Spiti by road. From Chandigarh or Pathankot, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, and then proceed to Lahaul and Spiti as mentioned earlier. Another option is to take a train to Shimla, which is connected to the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . From Shimla, you can travel to Manali by road and then to Lahaul and Spiti.

• Delhi to Manali (By Road): The most common route is to first travel from Delhi to Manali , which is approximately 550 kilometers and takes about 12-14 hours b y road. You can drive yourself, hire a private taxi, or take a bus from Delhi to Manali.
• Book A Cab: you can book a cab from our website along with a customized itinerary, or can hire just a cab for your next trip. So just do hurry. Call Us On: +911223577273
• Manali to Keylong (By Road): From Manali, you’ll need to travel to Keylong, which is the administrative headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district. This journey is about 115 kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours by road . You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Manali to Keylong.
• Keylong to Lahaul and Spiti Valley (By Road): Once in Keylong, you can explore different parts of Lahaul and Spiti Valley by road. The valley is well-connected by a network of roads, but many of them are narrow and winding, so travel times can vary.
• Delhi to Chandigarh to Kullu Manali Airport (By Air): An alternative option is to fly from Delhi to Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport) near Kullu . From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali and then proceed to Lahaul and Spiti as mentioned above.

Nearby Places To Visit Lahaul and Spiti:

Best time to visit lahaul and spiti:.

The best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti depends on your preferences and activities. Here are some general guidelines:

• Summer (May to June): For pleasant weather, clear skies, and fewer crowds, visit during the summer months. The temperature ranges from 8°C to 15°C , and the roads are open for exploration. This is the ideal time for activities like trekking, camping, and biking.
• Winter (December to February): Experience winter s ports and snowy landscapes during the winter months. The temperature drops below zero , offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Be prepared for road closures and limited facilities.
• Monsoon (July to September): Witness the vibrant colors of nature during the monsoon months. The moderate temperatures bring out the beauty of flowers, grass, and crops. However, be cautious of landslides, roadblocks, and heavy rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lahaul spiti famous for.

Lahaul and Spiti are famous for their rugged landscapes, high-altitude deserts, ancient monasteries, and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Which is the coldest place in Lahaul-Spiti?

The village of Kaza in Spiti Valley is often considered the coldest place in Lahaul-Spiti, experiencing extremely low temperatures, especially during the winter months.

Can we see snow in Spiti Valley?

Yes, snow can be seen in Spiti Valley, especially during the winter months from December to February when the region is covered in a blanket of snow.

How many days are enough for Spiti?

A minimum of 7-10 days is recommended to explore Spiti Valley thoroughly, including travel time from Manali or Shimla, and to experience its key attractions and activities.

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Spiti with Chandrataal Lake Tour

Spiti with chandrataal lake tour - 10 nights / 11 days.

Adventurous road trip suitable for family or couples takes you to explore the insanely beautiful tribal areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti with the famous crystal clear Chandra Taal Lake in Himachal Pradesh. Your holiday tour through Lahaul Spiti with Chandrataal Lake offers an opportunity to discover the places whose existence is still unknown to many and is far away from crowds of tourists. While following the Indian Tibet Boarder road we do visit the World’s highest villages, famous monasteries of Spiti, ancient temples of Trilokinath, Mrikula Devi in Lahaul and unfold the mysteries of the Mummy of Gue in Spiti valley.

Package Cost

Standard package.

Available May End to Early October

• Budget Hotels / Homestays
• Sedan Car- 3 PAX Triple sharing 26,500/- per person*
• Sedan Car – 2 Pax Double Shaing 33,500 /- Per Person
• Innova Crysta 4 PAX double sharing 31,850/- per person
• Innova Crysta 3 PAX Triple sharing 35,700/- per person
• Innova Crysta 2 PAX Triple sharing 46,900/- per person

Deluxe Package

• Deluxe Hotels / Homestays
• Sedan Car- 3 PAX Triple sharing 29,500/- per person*
• Sedan Car – 2 Pax Double Shaing 37,500 /- Per Person
• Innova Crysta 4 PAX double sharing 35,700/- per person
• Innova Crysta 3 PAX Triple sharing 38,500/- per person
• Innova Crysta 2 PAX Triple sharing 50,900/- per person

Inclusions / Exclusions

• 01 bottles of mineral water per person, per day.
• All kind of hotel taxes and GST.
• All airport arrival and departures.
• 1 lunch with the local tribal people in Langza village, local house.
• All sightseeing as per the tour itinerary including fuel, parking charges, toll taxes, green tax.
• Meals Including Breakfast and Dinner during the entire tour.
• All tour by taxi Toyota Innova / Crysta similar car starting from Chandigarh to Chandigarh back (a/c will not work in the hill area)
• All accommodation on twin sharing using hotels with modern amenities as per your choice and budget.
• Any change in the tour management / additional arrangement due to road blockage or sudden change in tour plan by you / flight cancellations/ flight missed or things beyond our control etc.Any Kind of Personal Expenses or things which are not mentioned In the “Cost Includes”.
• Any adventure activity skiing, paragliding, pony rides, rafting etc.
• Any kind of room heater in hotels.
• Any kind of camera fees.
• Any kind of entrance tickets to monuments/ museum/ parks
• Any kind of flights / Train tickets/ local guide.
• Any kind of tips to drivers/hotel staff.
• Any kind of alcohol drinks ( Beer/ wine etc).
• Any kind of lunch during the tour, other than 1 which is included with a local family in Himalayas.

Route Followed

Chandigarh Shimla Sarahan Sangla Kalpa Nako Tabo Dhankar Pin Valley Kaza Kibber Chandra Taal Lake Keylong Manali

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Top 15 Places to Visit in Lahaul and Spiti District

Lahaul and Spiti, sister of Ladakh from another mother; Himachal Pradesh, is a beautiful and peaceful place. Bikers and tourists love exploring the best places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti district. People usually love the greyish-blue mountains , blanket of snow , clear and blue sky with a traditional touch of monasteries . If you are a nature lover (especially a mountain freak) this is a paradise for you !

Table of Contents

About Lahaul and Spiti district

The Himachal Pradesh ‘s Lahaul and Spiti district is made up of the two previously independent districts of Lahaul and Spiti . Keylong in Lahaul is the current administrative center . Prior to the merge, Kardang was the capital of Lahaul Valley  and Dhankar was the capital of Spiti Valley . The district was established in 1960 and is India’s fourth-least populated district .

These two valleys have quite different personalities . Spiti is more barren and difficult to cross , with an elevation of 4,270 m (14,010 ft) on average. It is surrounded by high mountains , with the Spiti River pouring out of a valley in the southeast to join the Sutlej River . Basically, it is a typical alpine desert  environment.

How to Reach Lahaul and Spiti District?

Lahul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India

By Air: The closest airport is Bhuntar Airport (near Kullu) which is 245 km away. From Bhuntar, one must go to Manali and then take a bus or cab to Lahaul and Spiti Valley. The nearest international airport to Lahaul and Spiti is in Chandigarh (495 km).

By Train: The Jogindernagar Railway Station (360 km distant) and the Shimla Railway Station (416 km away) are the closest railway stations to the Lahaul and Spiti. The Kalka Railway station , which has strong connectivity to various areas of India, is 485 km distant.

By Road: Road access to Lahaul and Spiti district is possible from two distinct locations . These are Sumdo , Kinnaur District for entry into Spiti valley , and Manali , Kullu District for access into Lahaul valley .

Best Time to Visit Lahaul and Spiti

Summer (May-June): The best time to visit Lahaul-Spiti is during summer . The air temperature is between 8-15 degrees Celsius . The weather will be clear , cool, and perfect for exploration and adventure activities . Spiti’s cold deserts and Lahaul’s green valley will be calling you out.

Monsoon (July-October): The good time to visit Lahaul-Spiti is during the monsoon . Lahaul and Spiti experience little or no rain . And that’s why it is the perfect time to travel, but the road routes from Kinnaur and Manali town are prone to landslides . So I will advise you to avoid the monsoon .

NOTE: Monsoon is another best time to visit Lahaul-Spiti. But the roads leading are highly prone to landslides . So prepare well before going there.

Winter (November-April): Just like Ladakh, weather conditions during the winter are harsh and extreme . And this is not a good time to explore Lahaul-Spiti. In fact, the area remains inaccessible and roadblocks are common. The blanket of snow covers the whole Lahaul and Spiti district.

Top 15 Places to Visit in Lahaul Spiti District

Lahaul and Spiti district is the mecca of bikers and a must-visit for tourists. It offers nothing but beautiful valleys , colorful mountains , and numerous religious places like monasteries and temples . These valleys are not only perfect for sightseeing but also invite  adventure seekers .

The top and most famous places to visit in Lahaul-Spiti mentioned in this travellingortraveling blog are Spiti Valley , Kaza , Dhankar , Tabo , Losar, Kibber , Pin Valley ,  Langza ,  Hikkim ,  Lahul Valley ,  Keylong ,  Jispa , Sissu , Gondhla, and Udaipur .

#1 Spiti Valley

Spiti, which translates as “ middle country ,”, is a high-altitude chilly desert studded with monasteries. Indian and Tibetan civilizations have coexisted in this foreboding valley. It receives comparatively little rain and loads of snow . Due to its location in the rain shadow of Zanskar’s ranges . and Great Himalayan mountains, which are the highest in Himachal Pradesh . The entire valley appears in purple , pink , and sunset colors . Spiti Valley’s austere beauty enhances by the deep canyons formed by snow-fed streams.

The Kunzum La , which literally means “ meeting place for ibex ” (a kind of mountain goat ), connects Lahaul valley and Spiti valley. The terrain of the Spiti section of the Lahaul-Spiti region is harsher and hence more difficult to travel. The beauty of the foreboding Spiti is on display for just four months of the year. Because the rest of the year , snow covers the valley.

Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley (locally called Piti). Kaza lies along the Spiti River at an elevation of 3,650 m (11,980 feet) above sea level. It is Spiti valley’s biggest municipality and economic center .

Kaza is well-known for its vibrant festivals as well as the historic Sakya Tangyud Monastery . Because of its central location and links to the rest of the valley, it is also popular with visitors and adventure seekers (connects to Leh-Manali Highway via Kunzum Pass). And so, Kaza is a good base camp for hiking , mountaineering , and trips to other areas of the valley.

Dhankar, the formal capital of Spiti , is located on the left bank of the Spiti river. It is 32 km downstream from Kaza and at an elevation of 3870 m . The total number of houses here are 68 . There’s a Dhankar Fort that lies on a spur that extends into the main valley and ends in a cliff.

This fort’s position is crucial since Spiti has always had to deal with numerous aggressions from its neighbors. The placement allowed the Spitian to keep an eye on the approaching threat and send signals to nearby residents. When the Spitians were under attack, they used to build massive flames. This was to indicate a gathering in the safe refuge of rocks, that is, Dhankars.

Tabo is a small town in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti district. The chilly desert town lies 3,280 m (10,760 feet) above sea level. Scree slopes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks surround the town. Tabo, known for its tranquil beauty . And is among the must-see places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti for an out-of-the-ordinary trip .

The town is around 40 km from the border between India and Tibet. And you’re guaranteed to pass through it if you’re driving from Kaza to Reckong Peo. The most renowned sight in Tabo is a 1000-year-old monastery that the Dalai Lama himself considers to be one of the holiest . The list also contains a few temples and several old caves that were previously inhabited by Buddhist monks to escape from the severe winters.

Losar is the first inhabited settlement on the Spiti side of the valley after crossing the Kunzom pass from Manali. The hamlet is very remote and settles at a height of 4,085 m . The sight of Losar as a trekker descends from Kunzom provides quick relief. The beautifully whitewashed mud homes with red stripes are really attractive. Furthermore, green meadows and willow plantations that surround the hamlet enhance the contrast.

“As lofty as Losar is, there is little in the terrain to reveal its position when viewed in summer, embosomed in thriving fields and herds of Pashmina wool goats”, Gerard writes . Yaks and horses confront the sight as the eye is drawn to the lofty activity of the mountains. And ardent sunlight maintains the air towering from the impact of mirage.

Kibber is in a small valley on the summit of limestone rock at a height of around 4,270 m (14,200 feet). It is only 16 km from Kaza, and a bus service connects the two throughout the summer. Kibber is a nice hamlet with a lot of agriculture . As soon as you step off the bus, lush green fields that contrast sharply with the dry backdrop of towering hills welcome you.

In the settlement, there are just 80 homes . The use of stone instead of mud or adobe brick , which is common in the valley, is a notable characteristic of the architecture.

#7 Pin Valley

The Pin valley, which stretches on either side of the Pin river , is one of Spiti’s four local divisions. The valley is geographically isolated from the rest of Spiti by steep mountains. The Pin river, which pushes its way down a deep tight canyon to reach the larger river Spiti near Attargu, has supplied the only entrance . The Pin valley is globally popular for its Chamurthi horses . Horses are raised and sold for high prices in Rampur-Bushahar and Ladakh at the Lavi fair . The climate and rich grass of the valley produce extremely sure-footed horses capable of negotiating great heights with ease.

A visitor to the Pin Valley may observe dozens of horses , colts and fillies grazing on the riverbanks, as well as some youngsters racing away on these horses, singing loudly in happy abandon.

Langza Vllage lies at 4400 m above sea level. It is separated into two sections : Langza Yongma (lower) and Langza Gongma (upper). Langza Village is one of the lovely places to visit in Lahaul Spiti. This beautiful town is endowed with old monasteries and prehistoric structures . Its verdant meadows , snow-capped mountains , and barren landscapes astound everyone who comes to this breathtaking site.

Langza Village is famous for the Lord Buddha’s statue overlooking the valley, a historic monastery , and mud homes . Visitors can travel to a few high-altitude lakes and engage in extreme activities like as climbing and hiking . This location is particularly rich in fossils of marine creatures and plants that were discovered here millions of years ago. That’s why many geologists and anthropologists visit the town every year.

Hikkim is a village at an elevation of 4,400 m (14,400 ft). Villae is 46 km (29 miles) away from Kaza. It is one of India’s highest year-round inhabited places, with homes ranging from 4330 to 4400 m.

Hikkim village contains the world’s highest post office , which is located at an elevation of 4,400 m (14,400 ft). The post office links tiny settlements in this remote area to the outside world.

#10 Lahaul Valley

Lahaul is the tehsil of Lahaul-Spiti, the biggest district in the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh. The Zanskar range and Tibet bound it on the east . While on the south-east by the Kinnaur Valley , and the south by the Kullu Valley . High altitude glaciers are common in the area around Lahaul; the Bara Shigri glacier , 10 km long and 1 km broad, is one of the longest in the Himalayas.

#11 Keylong

Lahaul and Spiti’s district headquarters are at Keylong. Keylong is located above the Bhaga river on the primary commercial route between the Rohtang and Baralacha passes . This is also the center of all commercial activity, with a bazaar held regularly. Keylong is, unsurprisingly, the most populous and active hamlet in the Lahaul valley.

Jipsa is 20 km from Keylong in a unique , fascinating , and rustic environment characterized by visitors. Jipsa is located on the banks of the Bhaga river , which has enough trout to entice serious fishermen. It also includes a rest house and a mountaineer cabin for those who wish to stay. For more adventure, there is a large camping area adjacent to the river.

Sissu village settles at an elevation of 3130 m on the right bank of the Chandra River . During the summer, thick plantations of willows and poplars on both sides of the road prevent even the sun’s rays from penetrating. Wild roses in white, yellow, and red hues, together with stretches of alpine flowers , adorn the hillsides in a colorful feast.

Some of the famous places are the Gyephang mountain , and Lord Ghepan’s temple (though the entry of outsiders is restricted). Sissu nullah , which runs down a small valley from the Gyephang mountain glaciers . And the magnificent Sissu fall pouring down the cliff from the upper valley between the two mountains is visible across the river.

#14 Gondhla

The village is 18 km from Keylong and lies along the right bank of the Chandra River. It settles at an elevation of 3160 m on a reasonably level stretch of land . Dense poplar and willow vegetation encircle the town.

Sissu and Gondhla are among the best in the world due to the glaciers and snowfields that cling to the precipices. The Thakur of Gondhla’s house, also known as the Gondhla castle or fort , draws a huge number of tourists.

#15 Udaipur

This sub-divisional headquarters is located near the confluence of the powerful Mayar nullah and the major river Chandrabhaga. This hamlet, located 53 km from Keylong. Beautiful kail-blue pine trees surround the village. Because the altitude is low, apples , walnuts , apricots , and other fruits grow well in this region. This hamlet is warm yet prone to avalanches, making it unsuitable for district headquarters.

Udaipur, on the other hand, has the most densely wooded and green scenery in Lahaul. Hermann Goetz , during his visit in 1939, compared its landscape to that of Switzerland . It draws a large number of visitors and pilgrims due to its two distinct temples, Trilokinath and Markula Devi .

To be honest, Leh-Ladakh was my dream place. But after exploring the best places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti district, I felt that I was missing something really mesmerizing in my life. Lahaul Spiti has everything from mountains to rivers , from monasteries  to temples , and from adventure to luxury hotels . I must say, visit Lahaul Spiti at least once and wishing you a wonderful vacation 😉

Are Lahaul and Spiti same?

Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti is a district . Lahaul and Spiti is made up of the two previously independent districts of Lahaul and Spiti . Lahaul Tehsil is more lush and fruitful , but Spiti Tehsil is largely barren high desert .

Which is better Lahaul or Spiti?

Lahaul is a high plateau surrounded by mountain ranges and massive glaciers. Spiti Valley is a chilly desert made up of austere barren mountains and huge canyons carved out by the raging Spiti River. As a result, Lahaul has become much more developed , with a higher number of mountain settlements.

Why Lahaul Spiti is famous?

The area is well-known for its high-altitude hiking paths and rich Tibetan-influenced culture . Lahaul and Spiti is a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of monasteries , flora and fauna , and several high mountain passes and rivers .

Which is the best time to visit Lahaul Spiti?

The best time to visit Lahaul Spiti is during summer (May-June) and monsoon (July-October) . The weather will be clear , cool, and perfect for exploration and adventure activities . Spiti's cold deserts and Lahaul's green valley will be calling you out.

But the road routes from Kinnaur and Manali are prone to landslides during the monsoon. So I will advise you to avoid the monsoon .

And just like Leh-Ladakh , weather conditions during the winter (November-April) are harsh and extreme . The blanket of snow covers the whole Lahaul and Spiti district. And this is not a good time to explore.

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ALL GUD THINGS

10 days Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

Ask anyone in India , which is your dream destination, and for the sure, the majority will say road trip to Leh Ladakh and only a few will answer Lahaul Spiti. A year back; the same notation was true for us too. So, we did both a 13-day road trip to Leh Ladakh and a 10 day Lahaul Spiti road trip. Honestly, both the God lands left us speechless and Lahaul Spiti valley became our favorite. It is raw, lesser commercialized, lesser densely populated, and more enigmatic than Ladakh – land of high passes ; where only wind and water play at their best to carve and decorate the valley.

The word “Spiti” means middle land between India and Tibet. So, Spiti Valley is the extension of mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet with challenging terrains and adventurous hairpin bend roads everywhere. The place has calming vibes and also can see the perfect combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture.  A true tourist or traveler , photographer, and adventurist cannot delight his eyes and soul just by traveling through this mystical land once. Indeed, he will long for more and start planning his next visit. Take a second visit and still, you will feel the valley is new and it will be exactly like a first visit.

Table of Contents

The route for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

There are two routes to reach Spiti Valley. One can enter from Shimla and exit from Old Manali or vice versa. We did a complete circuit, starting our journey from Manali and taking an exit at Shimla.

Route AllGudThings followed: Delhi – Chandigarh – Mandi – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu- Kunzum La- Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sangla – Rampur – Shimla – Chandigarh – Delhi

Total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi

The total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi 17 -18 hrs. We advise you to break this journey into 3 days and halt at first Chandigarh or Mandi and if not here in-between, then Manali.

Condition of Lahaul Spiti Roads

Just forget the highways after Manali. There are bumpy and mud roads with potholes all around, most of the journey is like off-roading. At the passes ice will be melting down so additionally the roads will be wet too. Expect huge traffic jams from mid-July to August as there is apple crop transportation too.

Best time to take Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

The best time to do Lahaul Spiti road trip circuit starting from Manali and exiting at Shimla is between June-September. During this period both Rohtang Pass (opens in May) for which you need Rohtang Pass Permit and Kunzum Pass (opens in June) get functional. Whereas the other route via Shimla till Kaza is open throughout the year . Traveling to Spiti Valley in winters to the valley is extremely adventurous but surely tough too. 

Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

While taking the Spiti Valley road trip, vistas change at every turn. If you think to blink your eyes or relax for a while, you will surely miss something worthy. So be awake during the whole journey to get soaked in the adventure.

Day 1 (Delhi – Chandigarh or Delhi – Mandi / Manali)

Leave early morning from Delhi to reach Chandigarh/ Mandi or Manali, according to your driving skills and capacity. From Delhi, Chandigarh can be reached in just 5 hrs and further till Manali it will take another 8-9 hrs, so totally journey coming to 13- 14 hrs. The terrain is plain till Mandi and changes after that. From here, the route becomes worth admiring. After reaching Manali rest in your hotel room, and walk to old Manali to enjoy scrumptious dinner.

We usually start our drive from Delhi in the late evening and reach Manali by next morning. After resting for some time, we go to Manali DC office to take the permits for next day.

Attractions on the way : Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara and Rewalsar Lake in Mandi district.

Must try : Do try Siddu and famous Bedawi Chapati / Puri in Mandi.

Day 2 (Manali to Chandratal Lake)

Leave around 7:00 am from Manali for Chandratal Lake . The Lake of Moon lays just 140 km from Manali but it takes almost 7-8 hrs to reach the place. The road to Chandratal Lake has only dirt and stones and no sign of tartar anywhere. On the way, you get to see waterfalls and the so-called Pagal Nallas (unexpected water comes through these). So, be really cautious.

There are several tents nearby the lake for accommodation. We stayed with Tenzin at Tenzin camps which lays almost 3 km from the moon lake. From here the lake can be reached by trekking or driving till one point.

Attraction : Rohtang Pass, also known as the pass of dead corposes and Chandratal Lake

Must Try : Chandra Dhabha at Batal run by a couple Chacha Chachi

Day 3 (Chandratal – Kaza)

After having breakfast and good tea, leave for Kaza which lies almost 100 km. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley. Along the way, you will cross Kunzum pass, located at 15,600 feet and village Losar.

Attractions: Kunzum Pass on the way, Key Monastery in Kaza, Sakya Tangyud Monastery, and the surrounding villages.

Must Try: Hotel Deyzor for its awesome food and worthy location

Day 4 (Kaza)

Stay at Kaza and explore the surrounding villages like Kibber, Tashigong, Langza for fossils, Gette and Kaumik / Komic village. Also plan to visit the Pin Valley National park, which comes under protected area for wildlife.

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Day 5 (Kaza – Tabo)

Start your day early from Kaza and head towards the green village Dhankar (34km) known for one of the oldest monasteries and palace on the hilltop. From there 34 km ahead lays the beautiful village Tabo . Roads are both good and bad and with sightseeing, you will reach by evening.

Attractions: Dhankar Village, Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Dhankar Palace, old and new Tabo monastery, Tabo caves, Tabo Helipad .

Must-Try : Stay at Tabo Monastery. They have mud lining rooms that are super cozy and dirt cheap. You can spend one night here in just Rs 500/-.

Day 6 (Tabo – Kalpa via Village Gue, Nako & Rekong Peo)

This day is going to be long as you will be covering 3 -4 attractions on the way before reaching Kalpa. The village Gue lays 8 -10 km inside from village Sumdo (24 km from Tabo) and is known for the sitting 500 years old mummy.

The Village Nako lies 33 km ahead from Sumdo. It is the highest village in the Hangrang Valley and here the bumpy road ends and the perfect tarred road starts. Do read the complete post a walk to the Nako village , to know more.

Kalpa & Rekong Peo lies 103 km from village Nako, which is almost a journey of 3-4 hrs. There is nothing much in Rekong Peo but for sure you will be mesmerized by the views of Kinner Kailash and apple orchards in Kalpa.

Attractions : Mummy at village Gue, Nako monastery, Nako Lake, Chango Gompa, Kinner Kailash from Kalpa, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort, and Kamru fort.

Must try: Stay with Himachal tourism guest house at Kalpa, for the best views and food.

Day 7 (Kalpa – Sangla)

After watching the first ray of sunrise at Kinner Kailash and having filling breakfast, leave to check the attractions of Kalpa. By afternoon leave for Sangla, which lays 40 km ahead of Kalpa. Check into your hotel and get lost in the evening beauty of Sangla Valley, Kinnaur . Listen to birds chirping and the flowing Baspa River along.

Attractions: Kinner Kailash, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort.

Must-Try : Tents at Kinner Camps, Sangla. We really enjoy staying with them because of their extraordinary hospitality and comfort.

Day 8 (Sangla – Chitkul- Sangla)

The next day, after breakfast drive 22 km from Sangla to the village Chitkul.  It is the last Indian village and the first glimpse of it is enough to leave you transfixed and speechless. On one side you can see the snow-capped arid mountains while on the other side there is a lush green valley with the Baspa River flowing in between.

Attractions: Chitkul, Baspa River, Sangla meadows, 1000 years old Kamru fort, Bering Nag Temple, & Sangla Monastery.

Must try: Evening long walks and apple orchards

Day 9 (Sangla – Shimla)

From Sangla, it is time to cover the last part of the circuit and the last day in hills too. Start early around 7:30- 8:00 am to cover 225 km. Roads are perfectly tarred and in excellent condition. If you have an extra day, do cover Sarahan & Narkanda on the way.

At Sarahan, check Bhimkali Temple and Bird sanctuary whereas in Narkanda visit Hatu Peak, Hatu temple and Jubbar Lake.

Attractions: Karcham Wangtoo Dam & cut out mountains forming ceilings on the highway near Rampur, Kufri.

Must Try: Buy red and golden farm fresh apples and plums.

Day 10 (Shimla – Delhi)

The day 10 th is going to be the toughest day as it is the end of a memorable trip. But cherish up as there are so many memories to take back home and plan the next journey. Roads are in excellent condition and you will be covering 345 km in almost 8-9 hrs.

Attractions: Himalayan Expressway, Timber trail resort at Kalka.

Must try : Good Punjabi food on the Chandigarh- Delhi highway.

Points to Remember before taking Lahaul Spiti road trip

• The Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are high altitude passes, so check the weather forecast with locals before heading out.
• In the mid-July – August, there are spells of rains in the Lahaul Spiti Valley, although being a rain shadow region. So, the drive can be tough as well as risky.
• Always keep a buffer for a day while taking the Lahaul Spiti road trip.
• Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting for a 1600 km road trip.
• Carry proper car toolkit along.

• Certain places like Rohtang Pass in the Lahaul Spiti Valley can be visited only with permits, so get those arranged timely. The Permit can be taken online or by visiting the DC office in Manali.
• Carry the additional photostat copies of a permit with you, during the trip.
• There is the last and highest fuel station at Kaza after Manali. The next can be found in Rekong Peo and then in Sangla.
• ATM facilities are available in Sangla, Rekong Peo, Kaza, Manali & Shimla
• Take time to acclimatize and don’t rush in the valley.
• Basic Medical facilities are available at Sangla, Rekong Peo, and Kaza. Advance medical facilities can be availed only in Shimla and Manali.
• Don’t expect luxurious accommodation and food in the valley, especially during winters.
• The locals are really nice and ready to help. Do respect their traditions and cultures.
• Remember to keep the valley clean and don’t litter around. Practice responsible tourism.

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We have compiled this post for the nomination in “Travel Expert Awards -2017”.

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Lahaul Spiti Valley

Looking for excuses to get away from the same old same old life, and break free from the boring routines of every day?  Guilty of not taking a much-needed break and spending time with your loved ones? Look no further! Indulge that travel bug and plan the most amazing holiday getaway to the most unique, exciting, refreshing, and soul-enriching destination in the Himalayas – The enticing Lahaul and Spiti Valley! The Lahaul Spiti Valley package is the most perfect option to explore, whether you want a pleasant family relaxa-cation or want to go on yet another adventurous thrill with your squad! Check out amazing  Spiti Valley packages  with CaptureATrip and plan the most Instagram-worthy vacation of your life!

About  Lahaul Spiti Valley

Offbeat heavenly landscapes nestled away in the state of  Himachal Pradesh Lahaul and Spiti  are high-altitude remote regions of the Himalayas, with an altitude of approx. 12,500 feet above sea level, which makes them two of the coldest regions in the country. While many of us often confuse  Lahul Spiti  to be one region,  Lahaul and Spiti  are actually two separate districts, divided by the famous Kunzum Pass.  Lahaul Spiti in India map  is spread across the Himalayan mountain region in a way that Lahaul belongs to the western Himalayas, and Spiti rests in the northeastern Himalayan region. While both neighboring regions are picturesque and mesmerizing destinations that are similar to each other, both have their own distinct features. Discover the enchanting beauty of Himachal Pradesh with our exclusive ' Himachal Tour Package ', offering a captivating journey through the picturesque valleys, including Lahaul and Spiti, for an unforgettable experience amidst the Himalayan splendor.

Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh is located at a lower altitude with a height of about 3000 mts, as compared to that of Spiti Valley which is about 4000 mts, which makes Spiti a very cold region. While Spiti is a Cold mountainous barren terrain adorned with serene rivers, Lahaul offers a healthy contrast of lush greenery, terraced fields, and a relatively milder climate. Together, the Lahaul Spiti Map regions create a blissful culmination of landscapes with the Broad skies, Cold dessert mountains, pristine blue rivers, lush green valleys, verdant forests with vibrant wildflowers & bushes, serene waterfalls, quaint monasteries & village settlements that bloom like a rainbow in the Summers and are frosted with jewels of snow during the winters.

Adding to this aesthetic appeal, the spice of life, with its rich cultural heritage of the Indo-Tibetan history, an intriguing Buddhist influence, rustic old-world charm, delectable local food, exciting experiences, exhilarating adventures, interesting tourist spots, and warm friendly locals, the Lahaul Spiti Valley is a Traveller’s paradise that shines in a new avatar every new season!

To experience this once-in-a-lifetime destination, that serves as both, an avid traveler’s Summer paradise and a Winter wonderland, browse through the many  Lahaul Spiti tour packages  to choose the perfect Lahaul Spiti tour for you.

Travel experts CaptureATrip, who started their own journey with the Spiti Valley, have crowned themselves as the Spiti Experts, with 287K+ Instagram community, 400 Itineraries, and 3400+ amazing reviews, and have curated some of the most amazing Lahaul Spiti itineraries and adventures to offer the best experiences that these places have to offer. Explore some mind-blowing  Spiti Valley tour packages  by CaptureATrip to go on an unforgettable escapade and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Most Popular Spiti Tour Packages

Winter spiti Package

Spiti Valley Tour Package

Spiti Valley bike trip  

Places to visit in Lahaul Spiti

CaptureATrip touches through some of the best  Lahaul Spiti tourist places  that offer the most exciting, and interesting experiences that the best  Lahaul Spiti Valley package  can only boast of:

Lahaul Valley:

Suraj tal -.

Take a dip in the sacred Suraj Tal that is not only believed to wash away your Bad karma but also is a painting of paradise with its sparkling blue waters surrounded by picturesque mud-brown desert mountains adorned with snow and floating Ivory clouds.

Keylong -

Join in the hustle-bustle of the quaint valleys, as you explore the vibrant colors of the busy Lahaul streets, learn bargaining tricks at the local markets, treat your tastebuds to the best of local cuisine, and visit the divine monasteries of the Lahaul region. You can get your hands on some of the best locally made woolen clothing, traditional art & handicrafts, and unique jewelry at the famous markets.

Udaipur -

A panoramic village that lets you peak into the beautiful Himachali culture and traditions, and houses the divine Mrikula Devi Temple – an enchanting Hindu temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess Kali.

Triloknath Temple -

Located in Trilokinath village in Lahaul district, Trilokinath Temple is the only place in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists worship. A beautiful, rustic temple nestled in the cocoons of lush green patches, Trilokinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva whose name, Trilokinath means the ‘Lord of Three Worlds’. The Trilokinath temple is considered as the most sacred pilgrim after Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar and makes for a tranquil, soul-soothing, divine experience.

Spiti Valley:

Tabo and dhankar monastery -.

Visit the famous monasteries for their ancient architecture, spiritual divination, and rich cultural heritage in the form of old traditions and rituals along with beautiful paintings, intricate murals, enchanting wall art, marveling stupas & sculptures.

Send the most fascinating holiday postcard to your loved ones from the highest post office in the world.

Pay a visit to the famous, magnanimously beautiful Lord Buddha statue that overlooks all of the valley, and pick unique plant and marine fossils as souvenirs for back home at this village also famously known as the Fossil Village.

Komic -

Make your way to the world’s highest motorable village which is located 18,000 feet above sea level, as you eat a sumptuous meal at the highest café in the world while enjoying the breathtaking Lahaul Spiti landscapes from the best seats in the house.

Chandratal Lake - 

Set up camp, and ponder by the pebble-laden banks, as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this crystal-clear lake that holds the shadows of the mesmerizing Spiti Landscapes on its water, and gets its name from its fascinating crescent moon shape. 

Best time to visit Lahaul Spiti

Best time to visit Lahaul Spiti  depends on your preferences, interests, the experience you are seeking, and your willingness to embrace challenges.  CaptureATrip  covers both Winter and Summer expeditions countering the fact that Lahaul Spiti is an amazing destination that offers different unique experiences in both seasons. So, whether you are looking for a pleasant summer holiday, or want to seek adventurous thrills and bask in the picturesque snowy landscapes of  Winter Lahaul Spiti , the best time to visit boils down to the kind of vacation you want to experience. 

Summer in Lahaul Spiti

Late May, June, September, and October in Lahaul Spiti  are the best seasons for a  summer Spiti trip  to experience pleasant weather, the best of sightseeing, lush green landscapes, vibrant meadow patches, clear skies, etc. September and Early October serve as Autumn months that pave the way for some amazing vibrant blooms of colors. The temperatures are relatively milder with little to no snowfall, and road conditions are favorable with most roads and mountain passes being accessible in the Summer and Autumn months, which makes it a popular time for exploring the  Lahaul Spiti Valley packages . 

Monsoon in Spiti

July and August in Spiti are the least recommended seasons for  Lahaul Spiti travel  as there is a risk of experiencing heavy rainfall, and landslides, with many of the roads and mountain passes being closed during this period.

Winter in Spiti

November, December, January, February, March, and April in Lahaul Spiti Valley  are the winter months with late November to February being the coldest, harshest weather with brutal weather conditions. These months face the heaviest snowfall and temperatures are at their lowest, especially at nighttime, when the Lahaul Spiti temperature can range from 20°C to -5°C (-4°F to 23°F), and go way below freezing point ranging from, even touching -30°C (-22°F) or lower in some regions. Daytime temperatures can range between -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F) Many roads can become inaccessible and some mountain passes can be closed during this time. Spiti offers some amazing winter landscapes and Winter sports opportunities, turning into a Winter wonderland of its own.  Spiti in winter  may not be popular for general tourism, but for Winter enthusiasts and Adventure-thrill seekers, it is the best time to pick out  Lahaul Spiti Valley packages

How To Reach Lahaul Spiti Valley

Reaching from  Delhi to Lahaul Spiti  or reach from Lahaul Spiti from other locations involves traveling to a remote and high-altitude region in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The journey typically requires a road trip. Here's how to reach Lahaul and Spiti Valley:

While there are no direct flights to Lahaul and Spiti, CaptureATrip recommends flying to Shimla Airport (SLV), Chandigarh Airport(IXC), or the Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport) and then continue by road to Manali and further on to the valley. You can take a flight from Delhi Airport(DEL) in case there are no direct flights to either of the nearby airports.

You can take a bus/train/flight to reach Chandigarh/Shimla/Manali Airport, at your convenience. 

Covering the  Delhi to Lahaul spiti distance  by Road in itself can be an adventure trip of sorts due to the long and challenging nature of the mountainous valleys. Follow the trails of  CaptureATrip on the below road routes:

Shimla to Manali:  

Your journey to Lahaul and Spiti often starts from Shimla. You can reach Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, by road. The distance from Shimla to Manali is approximately 250 km, and from Chandigarh, it's around 300 km.

Manali to Lahaul:  

Then, take the journey from  Manali to Lahaul Spiti  via the Rohtang Pass. The distance from Manali to Rohtang Pass is approximately 51 km. After crossing Rohtang Pass, you'll reach Keylong, which is Lahaul’s administrative center. The distance from Rohtang Pass to Keylong is approximately 115 km.

Lahaul to Spiti : 

If you want to travel the  Lahaul Spiti distance  to make your way to the Spiti Valley, you can continue your journey from Keylong to Kaza, which is the largest town in Spiti Valley. The  Lahaul to Spiti distance  (from Keylong to Kaza) is about 185 km.

Things to carry while traveling in Lahaul Spiti Valley

While the things to carry will differ from season to season(the Winter season can be extremely harsh in terms of Heavy Snowfall and low temperatures), CaptureATrip advises carrying these basic things for a smooth, hassle-free journey on your  Lahaul Spiti Valley Tour.

A lightweight, Water-proof Backpack.

Comfortable clothing including T-shirts, pants, Trekking pants, etc.

Electronics like a Camera phone, extra SIM cards, Portable chargers or power banks, Cameras, Travel adapters, extra batteries and memory cards, etc.

Warm Clothing like Thermal innerwear, Woolen sweaters, jackets, scarves or shawls, Insulated clothing

Food and Water Supplies like Reusable water bottles, Dry snacks, Portable water purifiers or water-purifying tablets, emergency food supplies, Energy bars, etc.

Hygiene essentials include Soap, Facewash, Toilet soap, Liquid detergent, Hand Sanitizer, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Toilet Paper, Wet wipes, Towels, Tissues etc.

Debit/Credit cards and Cash. Carry more cash as ATMs may not be easily accessible in the remote areas of  Lahaul Spiti Himachal Pradesh .

Medical Kit including a First-Aid kit, prescription medicines, Bandages, Pain Relievers and Balms, Allergy medication, Emergency medicines, etc.

Personal Identity and Travel documents like Aadhar Card, Driver’s licence, etc., and required Travel permits for restricted areas of  Lahaul Spiti Valley .

Travel Insurance for any Travel mishaps, Trip delays, Lost supplies,  Trip interruptions, medical emergencies, etc.                    

Sleeping material like a sleeping bag, an inflatable pillow, and sleeping bag liners.

Footwear including insulated, water-proof Snow boots/Trekking boots.

Water and wind-proof jackets and trousers, and waterproof cover for the backpack.                                  

Trekking Gear like a Sleeping tent, Torchlights, Trekking equipment, Matchsticks or lighters, Multi-tools and knives, and Navigation devices like GPS, compass, or a satellite device for remote areas. 

Things To Do In Lahaul Spiti Valley

Go trekking and hiking across the famous Baralachha Pass and Kunzum Pass, and bask in the panoramic landscape of the Himalayan mountains and enjoy splendid views of the valleys in all their entirety.

Travel across the highest suspension bridge in Asia – the Chicham bridge, which rests at 4,100 meters, and paves the way for sightseeing at the beautiful quaint village of Kibber.

Pay a visit to the most intriguing Mummy village, Gue, which houses the tomb of a 600-year-old mummified monk.

Enjoy the exciting Yak Safari as you hop onto the mighty, White Snow Yak, the pride of the Valleys.

Visit the famous, tranquil Buddhist Monasteries to experience not only divine spirituality, but also Lahaul Spiti’s rich cultural Indo-Tibetan heritage including ancient architecture, Buddhist-inspired art forms, enchanting Thangka paintings, beautiful Stupas, frescoes, and stuccos, intricate wall art, age-old scriptures and more.

Go Camping across the cold banks of the pristine rivers of the Lahaul Spiti Valley, and marvel at the jaw-dropping landscape set against the vast color-changing skies in the day, and a zillion glimmering stars in the night.

Attend Local Festivals and Events like Fagli, Phulaich, Ladurcha, Losar, Tsheshu, Yartung, or Gutor depending on when you plan to visit.

Adventure Sports like River-rafting, Skiing, Ice-skating, Snow-trekking, Sledding, Snowboarding, etc.

Try the local cuisine that includes lip-smacking Hot Momos, Thukpa, Skyu, Tsampa, Chhang tea, Tingmo, and local dried sweet apricots.

Explore the Unique Himalayan Wildlife and Bio-reserve including a rare variety of flora and fauna at the Pin Valley National Park.

FAQS for Lahaul Spiti valley

• Where is Lahaul Spiti?

Lahaul Spiti are two adjacent yet distinct remote high-altitude valleys of the Himalayas located in the western and north-eastern regions of Himachal Pradesh respectively. 

• How to reach Lahaul Spiti Valley

The most reliable and common way to travel to Lahaul Spiti Valley is by road. You can fly to Shimla Airport (SLV), Chandigarh Airport(IXC), Delhi Airport(DEL), or the Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), and then take the Shimla-Manali route by road to reach Lahaul via Rohtang pass, and then make way to Spiti.

•    What are the highlights of the Lahaul?

Keylong town, Trilokinath temple, Chandrabhaga rivers, Lahaul festivals, Baralacha Pass, Buddhist monasteries, Trekking & adventure sports are some of the highlights of Lahaul.

• Spiti Valley tour package from Delhi, and what unique experiences can travelers expect during the journey?

Check out CaptureATrip’s  Spiti Valley tour packages , where travelers can experience Camping by the Lakes, must-visit places like the famous Tabo and Dhankar monasteries, sending postcards from the world’s highest Post office, eating at the world’s highest café, Fossil picking and Lord Buddha statue at Langza, and much much more.

• What is the distance from Delhi to Lahaul Spiti Valley?

The distance from Delhi to Lahaul and Spiti Valley is approximately 530 to 600 kilometers, depending on which location you plan to reach within the valley.

• How much does a Lahaul trip cost?

A Lahaul Spiti trip can cost anywhere between 15,000 INR – 50,000 INR  and upwards, depending on whether you prefer a low-budget, mid-range, or luxurious  Lahaul Spiti Valley Package . The trip cost will depend on a number of factors like your preferences, interests with respect to your duration of visit, food, and accommodation, choice of season and nature of the trip, mode of transport, etc.

•   Which month is best to visit Lahaul Spiti?

To enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey it is recommended to take the  Lahaul Spiti   trip  in the summer months (Late May to Early October) since the winter months (November to April) can be challenging due to the extremely low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and some inaccessible roads & mountain passes. However, to those who are seeking winter adventures and are willing to embrace challenges,  Winter Lahaul and Spiti  can prove to be one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences, as a  Lahaul Spiti tour  is equally amazing in the Winter as well.

•    Can we cover Spiti in 2-5 days?

Covering Spiti Valley in 2 days is not feasible as it is a vast, remote cold desert region with challenging weather and road conditions. It is recommended to at least choose a 6-12 days  Lahaul Spiti Valley Package  to make the most out of this amazing destination.

•   Why is Spiti so famous?

Spiti is mostly famous for being the complete package. It provides a variety of reasons to visit like its stunning landscapes of snow-clad mountains, pristine blue rivers, limitless recreational activities, rich and unique culture, lip-smacking local cuisine, popular tourist spots, divine monasteries, and a never-ending list of adventures that Spiti makes so famous amongst all kinds of travelers.

•    Do we need oxygen in Spiti?

Oxygen levels in Spiti can be significantly lower than at sea level due to it being located in a High-altitude region. Whether a traveler needs supplemental oxygen or not depends on their Individual sensitivity, and how quickly they adapt to the higher altitudes. In larger towns like Kaza, medical facilities may have oxygen available for people who experience altitude sickness.

•   Is it safe to travel to Spiti alone?

Traveling to Spiti alone is safe when you are an experienced traveler, as Spiti comes with its own limitations and challenges like the varying weather conditions & inaccessibility of certain roads and mountain passes in winter, language barriers, permit requirements, and remote locations, so one needs to plan well in advance or choose an expert Travel partner like CaptureATrip who are well-versed with the  Lahaul Spiti Valley  region.

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Lahaul & Spiti

Lahaul is braced for massive changes. For years, reaching this spectacular if desolate region has involved crossing the seasonal, infamously treacherous Rohtang Pass. However, by 2020 the new Rohtang Tunnel is expected to have opened, making access a breeze from Manali. In its wake, you can expect a rush of new tourism.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Founded in AD 996, and retaining five sub-temples dating back over 900 years, Tabo Gompa is reckoned to be the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist…

This gloriously calm glacial lake presents mirror-perfect reflections of the surrounding white-top peaks and geological colour-swirls. At 4270m, the 20…

Dhankar Gompa

Like a series of whitewashed limpets, the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa clings precariously to an eroded cliff-edge rock pinnacle, high above the beautiful…

Forming the watershed between Lahaul and Spiti, this 4551m pass, accessed by multiple switchbacks, is topped by a grassy area where stupas are strewn with…

Covering a conical hillock with an array of whitewashed monastic buildings, Ki (Kee, Key) is the largest gompa in Spiti. Views of it from the south are…

Triloknath Temple

The squat little temple is a remarkable example of Hindu-Buddhist syncretism with a basic Hindu vihar tower but a series of prayer wheels lining the inner…

Khamsar Khar

High above Gemur but accessed on the side lane that winds up via Kolong, Khamsar Khar is an intriguing, unrestored Lahauli palace: 104 dusty, barely lit…

Lhalung Monastery

Near the top of Lhalung village, this outwardly modest monastery is actually an antique gem. Beneath a yellow painted tin roof, the very atmospheric…

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Aug 31, 2017 • 7 min read

Imagine an arid land set high in the Indian Himalaya, a high-altitude desert punctuated by small patches of green and miniature villages of white, flat…

Lahaul & Spiti and beyond

Travel Spiti

Adventure holidays in himalayan mountains of lahaul spiti, adventure travel in lahaul spiti.

The meaning of “ Spiti ” is “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India. It’s a dry but breathtakingly beautiful region  which remains under snow for 8 months in a year in mighty Himalayan mountain range. The area was made accessible to tourism only in 1992 and is almost untouched by modern world. Spiti offers a lot of opportunities to the adventurous tourists looking for camping, hiking, trekking, cycling, mountain climbing, bike rides etc. as well as sedate travelers looking forward to relax in the unpolluted mountains of Himalayas.

Tourism Services in Spiti

For tourists looking for fun in outdoors, we offer comfortable camping facilities near Chandra Taal Lake with spacious large tents, hot water and delicious food.

We have one hotel, guest houses and campsite each in Spiti. All are situated in comparatively easy to reach locations and offers great friendly service, cozy ambiance and delicious food at affordable prices. Our   Tashi Zom guest house in Kibber is one of very few places in Spiti with a working Wi-Fi service for guests.

Spiti Travel Packages

We offer custom travel packages which cover transport in car, sightseeing, personal guide, driver, breakfast and dinner starting from just Rs 2500 per day. Different facilities are available for guests with different budgets and duration of travel. Pickups can be arranged from New, Delhi, Manali, Shimla or any other place nearby. Contact us to know more.

Please stop by to say hello, ask for directions or a chat whenever you feel like. We’ll be happy to be of any help during your stay in Spiti. For more details, Contact Us on this page or Email at [email protected]

Spiti Villa Himalayan Brothers

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Lahaul & Spiti Election Result 2024 Bypoll LIVE Updates Highlights: Anuradha Rana of INC Wins

Curated By : News18 Election Results Hub

Last Updated: June 04, 2024, 16:20 IST

Shimla, India

Lahaul & Spiti Assembly constituency in Himachal Pradesh (Image: News18)

Live result updates of Lahaul & Spiti constituency in the 2024 Himachal Pradesh Assembly bypolls. Find out who won, who lost by what margin and who is the new Lahaul & Spiti MLA

Live result updates of bypolls to 21. Lahaul & Spiti Assembly constituency in Himachal Pradesh. Lahaul & Spiti is a Scheduled Tribe Vidhan Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh that went for byelections on June 1, 2024 along with Phase 7 of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The counting of votes for the bypoll is being held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Click here for the live updating results of the 2024 Lahaul & Spiti Assembly bypolls , to know who is leading, who is trailing, who has won and who has lost in this election.

In the 2024 bypoll, there were a total of three candidates contesting from the Lahaul & Spiti seat. List of candidates contesting from 21. Lahaul & Spiti (Scheduled Tribe) Assembly constituency:

1. Anuradha Rana, Indian National Congress (INC); Gender: Male; Age: 31

2. Ravi Thakur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Gender: Male; Age: 62

3. Dr Ram Lal Markanda, Independent (IND); Gender: Male; Age: 58.

A total of 25 Assembly constituencies across 12 states went for byelections along with the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

• bypoll 2024