Spiti Valley Tour in India: Places, Best Time & Travel Guides- Shikhar travels

Spiti Valley is a major tourist destination located at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level in the state of Himachal Pradesh, with only 250 sunny days in a year. Long winding roads and valleys welcome you as you step into the Spiti Valley offering an unforgettable glimpse of the cold desert and snow-capped mountains. Spiti Valley is one of the coldest and most beautiful places in the country. About 6 months of the year i.e. summer season is such that when Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.

The word Spiti means ‘The Middle Land’, as the Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. Spiti is a sparsely populated region which is a paradise for adventure lovers. There are many trekking trails where tourists can enjoy trekking. All these treks lead from Kaza (capital of Spiti from where you make your base camp) to various peaks from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. The hill ropeway from Kibber to Chichum is also a major attraction which offers spectacular views of the ghat below. If you are planning to visit Spiti Valley, then definitely read this article, in this we are going to tell you about the information about visiting Spiti Valley and its major tourist places –

Middle Land Spiti Valley

Spiti is a major tourist attraction of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti literally means ‘middle land’, which is located in the eastern border of Himachal Pradesh, bordering the Tibet region of India and China. This place is a paradise for trekkers and hikers. This area is quite high and difficult. Both Lahaul and Spiti district comprise valleys which are separated by Kunzum Pass.

What is special in Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Here in the small village of Langza, you can see a variety of birds. Here you can just sit on the different slopes of the village and catch a glimpse of birds like eagles, hawks and vultures in the sky. Apart from this, there are many places in Spiti where you can catch a glimpse of these elusive birds.

The Spiti Valley is also known for being home to the oldest monasteries in India, such as the Kai Monastery, which is a fortress-like structure and resembles traditional Chinese architecture, with the magnificent Buddha Shrine. You can also include Tabu Monastery, Lahlang Monastery and Gandhola Math in your visit to the monasteries here.

Lakes also have their share of attractions in Spiti. The most famous lakes here are Chandratal Lake and Suraj Tal Lake. Chandratal Lake derives its name from its crescent-like appearance and is a photographer’s paradise. Suraj Tal Lake is another famous lake in Spiti, and it is the third highest lake in the whole of India. This lake is an ideal place for camping.

What is the best time to visit Spiti Valley

The best time to visit Spiti is during the summer season. Those who want to spend their holidays in comfort should visit Spiti during this season. The temperature of Spiti ranges from 0 to 15 degree Celsius when it is hot all over India. It is best to avoid traveling to Spiti during the monsoon months as incessant heavy rainfall, landslides and slippery roads can spoil your trip completely. Winters are very hot in Spiti. So there is no better time to travel than the summer season.

Major Tourist Places of Spiti Valley

Chandratal Lake: It is a tourist and trekker’s paradise. This lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the mighty Himalayas situated at an altitude of about 4300 meters. The name “Chandra Tal” (Lake of the Moon) is derived from its crescent shape. The lake is one of the two high altitude wetlands in India that have been designated as Ramsar sites. The lake serves as a temporary abode for Tibetan traders during their visit to Spiti and Kullu Valley. This lake attracts people who love adventures from all over the world. The color of the water of this holy lake varies from red to orange and blue to green as the day progresses.

The Key Monastery: It is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Lahaul and Spiti district of India. Kai Math is situated at an altitude of 4,166 meters above sea level and is very close to the Spiti River in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Also known as Kai Monastery and Ki Monastery, it is believed to have been founded by Dromtan, who was a student of the famous teacher Atisha in the 11th century.

Kunzum Pass: It is also called Kunzum La by the local people. It is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India, situated at an altitude of 4,551 meters above sea level. This beautiful pass serves as the gateway to Spiti valley from Kullu and Lahaul and is at a distance of about 122 km from Manali. From Kunzum Pass there is a 15 km trek to the famous Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake). It is believed that tourists have to stop near the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi on the way as a mark of respect to her to seek her blessings to travel safely through the rugged terrain. The belief here is that travelers have to make a complete round of the temple in their vehicle.

Pin Valley National Park:  It is located in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The height of this national park ranges from about 3,500 meters to over 6,000 meters at its summit. Pin Valley National Park is home to the famous Himalayan snow leopard and the rare species of their prey, Ibex. Pin Valley National Park is most famous for its incredible trek which is the main attraction of all its tourists. This trek is covered with snow for most of the year. The core zone of Pin Valley Park is spread over a vast area of ​​675 sq km and its buffer zone is spread over an area of ​​about 1150 sq km. Today it is home to over 20 species of flora and fauna including the endangered snow leopard.

Suraj Tal: It is the third largest lake in India situated at an altitude of 4950 meters above sea level. Situated in the Spiti Valley, Suraj Tal literally means ‘Lake of the Sun God’. The stunning lake just below the Baralacha pass is a must visit while visiting this area. Suraj Tal Lake is one of the dream-like and photogenic lakes.

Kibber Village: It is also known as Kibber is a small village situated in the Spiti Valley at an altitude of 4270 m in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and barren landscapes, Kibber claims to be the highest village with a motorable road. Kibber is known for its local monastery and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Its height and pollution-free environment make it a perfect place for photographers.

Get more himachal pradesh tours