Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located in the Himalayas in the North India state of Himachal Pradesh. The name ‘Spiti’ means ‘The Middle Land’, i.e., the land between Tibet and India. Also known as ‘Little Tibet’, Spiti Valley is popularly known for its transcendent landscapes, placid monasteries and mystical rivers and lakes. Spiti Valley tours and treks have become one of the most enjoyable holiday destinations for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Spiti Valley’s rugged and sprawling cold desert is a stunning treat to the eyes, and so are its plush forests and picturesque mountains.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAHAUL SPITI VALLEY

The Best Time To Visit Lahaul Spiti Valley is through the months of June to September. The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius during the day, which is pleasant enough to visit attractions and go about. On the contrary, the nights are quite chilly with temperatures around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

The Best Season To Visit Lahaul Spiti Valley is summer, i.e March to June, or a slightly pleasant springtime is apt which is around June to September. Tourists can soak in the vibrant scenic views and enjoy their treks, as well as take pleasure in a camping experience to beat the cold at night.

During winters, Spiti Valley gets transformed into a winter wonderland with its mountains and valleys covered in powdery snow and frozen lakes, perfect for winter travellers to experience the winter magic. Most of the roads are closed due to snowfall during this time, thus Spiti Valley can be approached from the Shimla side.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SPITI VALLEY

1. Chandratal Lake

Perched upon the Samudra Tapu plateau which lies in close proximity to the Chandra river at an altitude of 4300 meters, this exquisite lake is considered as one of the most prominent places to visit during a Spiti Valley tour.

Chandratal lake gets its name from its crescent-shaped structure, and it offers mesmerizing views of the Spiti region along with its crystal blue water and lush greenery, which is absolutely a photographer’s paradise. The best time to visit Chandratal Lake during a Spiti Valley tour would be from June to September.

2. Key Monastery

Located in the Kaza region, Key monastery is one of the biggest and oldest monasteries in Spiti and is a must-visit on a Spiti Valley tour. Also known as Kye Gompa or Ki and Kee Monastery, this magnificent 1000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 4166 meters above the sea level.

Surrounded by the spectacular snow-capped Himalayas and Spiti river, this monastery is visited by hundreds of devotees and tourists from all over the world, who come to seek harmony and tranquillity. The best time to visit Key Monastery during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to September.

3. Pin Valley National Park

If you are someone who enjoys the calm and serene ambiance of nature, then the quaint and enchanting Pin Valley National Park is just the right place for you.

This national park is surrounded by the lush green valleys of the Kullu district, surrounded by rustic mountains, and offers breathtaking views of the sprawling fields in the valley. The most favourable time to visit Pin Valley National Park during a Spiti Valley tour is from July to October.

4. Suraj Tal

Also known as Surya Taal, this enchanting lake has been entitled as the third-highest lake in India and twenty-first highest lake in the world. It lies beneath the Baralacha La Pass in Lahaul Spiti valley and offers views of the rugged mountains and the lush valley region, which is a scenic paradise for nature lovers who can enjoy its surreal beauty.

Revered by devotees as ‘Lake of Sun God’, it is believed that by taking a dip in this sacred lake, you can cleanse yourself from all the sins. The best time to visit Suraj Tal lake during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to October.

5. Tabo Monastery

Popular for its marvellous wall paintings, Toba Monastery is one of the prehistoric places to visit in Spiti Valley. Resting at 3050 meters above sea level, this monastery offers a burst of Tibetan culture with its wide range of Buddhist temples, Stupas, sculptures of Bodhisattvas, and works of Buddha. The best time to visit Tabo Monastery during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to October.

6. Kumzum Pass

Located at an altitude of 15,060 feet, this beautiful mountain pass is situated in the Kunzum range of the Himalayas. This pass is a treat for adventure tourists and bikers who can experience the thrill of driving on its beautiful roads and hairpin bends.

Kumzum Pass is one of the highest motorable passes of India, and it is a link between the Lahaul valley and Spiti valley, claiming to be one of the most travelled mountains passes by bikers and adventure enthusiasts. This pass offers fabulous views of the snow-clad mountain peaks, the vast valley region and Spiti’s mystic glaciers, making this pass a must-visit. The best time to visit Kumzum Pass during a Spiti Valley tour is from June to September, except during the monsoon in August.

7. Kaza

The Himalayan town of Kaza portrays an exotic fusion of ancient culture and modernity that is sure to leave every traveller awestruck and spellbound. The town of Kaza is categorized into two parts – New Kaza and Old Kaza. Old Kaza is popular for the king’s palace, while New Kaza contains several government offices.

The town’s mountainous terrain attracts adventure tourists with its mountain trekking and hiking, along with its picturesque landscape views. The best time to visit Kaza during a Spiti Valley tour is from June to October.

8. Dhankar Lake

Dhankar Lake in the Spiti Valley region is a rejuvenating retreat for tourists. With its sparkling blue water, snow-peaked mountains and lush valley, this lake is a paradise to soak in its natural beauty and get entranced in its serenity. The best time to visit Dhankar Lake during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to September.

9. Kibber

Also known as Kyibar, Kibber is a little town in Spiti Valley known for the Kibber monastery and the Kibber wildlife sanctuary. Situated at an altitude of 4270 meters, Kibber is one of the highest motorable villages in the world.

Encompassed by the snow-clad Himalayas, this village is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers and is also a hotspot for camping enthusiasts. The best time to visit Kibber during a Spiti Valley trip is from May to July.

10. Nako Lake

Located on the slopes of the Reo Purgyil mountain of the Shrikhand range, Himalayas, this lake belonging to the Nako village of Kinnaur district has been attracting tourists all over its village for its pristine lake and a charming range of willow trees by the lakeside.

The Nako lake is surrounded by Tibetan temples and monasteries, spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains and a beautiful waterfall close to the lake. The best time to visit Nako Lake during a Spiti Valley tour is from April to October.

11. Baralacha La

Apart from being a link to several hilly roads between Lahaul and Ladakh, Baralacha on the Manali – Leh Highway in Zanskar is one of the most enthralling passes for adventure tourists. This pass also is home to the intersection of Pir Panjal, the Himalayan Range, and the Zanskar range. Travellers can also witness the enchanting rivers Bhaga and Yunam on the sides of the pass, which adds to the beauty of the pass multi-fold. The best time to visit Baralacha La during a Spiti Valley tour is from April to October.

12. Trilokinath Temple

Located in Tunde village, the Trilokinath temple is situated on a cliff and offers tremendous views of the landscape of Spiti. It is held high in the spirits of the locals as well as the tourists, and is a must-visit. The best time to visit the Trilokinath temple during a Spiti Valley tour is from March to June.

13. Tabo Caves

Renowned for its Tabo Rock Art, the Tabo Caves are a must-visit for every nature lover as well as history enthusiasts. Tabo caves are known for their evidence of human habitation during prehistoric times and contain paintings that date back a thousand years old. It is one of the oldest Buddhist territories in the Himalayas.

The frescos or mural paintings in these caves portray various stories from Buddhist scriptures. The best time to visit Tabo Caves during a Spiti Valley trip is from May to September.

14. Hikkim Post Office

Situated at 14,567 feet, Hikkim’s post office is said to be among the highest post offices in the world, and it attracts tourists from all over the world who send postcards home from here. Established in 1983, this post office is frequently used by monks and farmers of the village for their posts, banking services, and contacts. The best time to visit Hikkim Post Office during a Spiti Valley tour is from April to October.

15. Spiti River

Originating from the Kumzum range of the Himalayas, the Spiti river nurtures the beautiful valleys of the Lahaul – Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh. This river is essential for people habituating near Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, and Rangrik which exist for more than 1000 years to date. The river is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The best time to visit the Spiti river during a Spiti Valley tour is from June to September.

16. Gandhola Monastery

Located on a hill at the sacred junction of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, which together form the Chandrabhaga or Chenab river, the Guru Ghantal Monastery is a popular destination for travellers travelling to the Lahaul region. It is surrounded by pristine mountains and sand dunes and is deemed to be one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The village is renowned for its tower fort. The best time to visit Gandhola Monastery during a Spiti Valley tour is from June to October.

17. Komik

Located at 18,000 feet from sea level, Komik is the world’s highest village connected with a motorable road. Komik is a peaceful and idyllic hamlet ideal for a rejuvenating vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This village is a heaven for bike enthusiasts – steep uphill roads, winding narrow pathways, and astounding cliffs are surely a thrill to embark upon. The best time to visit Komik during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to September.

18. Keylong Market

The famous Keylong Market is every tourist’s paradise for shopping local souvenirs. The shops sell a variety of woollen clothing items such as shawls, scarves, mufflers, socks, caps, sweaters, and much more. Tourists can also buy Spiti’s traditional jewelry, ceramic items, handicrafts, and many other things. The best time to visit Keylong Market during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to October.

19. Kungri Monastery

One of the best attractions in Pin Valley, Kungri Monastery is the second-oldest monastery in Spiti. Tourists often visit this monastery for its religious and traditional beauty and is a must-visit for tourists to learn about the town’s culture and history. The best time to visit Kungri Monastery during a Spiti Valley tour is from May to October.

20. Lahaul Valley

Entrapped with its awe-inspiring natural beauty offered by its scenic mountain ranges, rivers, and glaciers, Lahaul Valley is frequented by a maximum number of tourists during Summer. Nourished by the rivers Chandra and Bhaga, the word ‘Lahaul’ is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Lho-yul’ meaning ‘country in the south’.

The valley is also home to enthralling treks to Suraj Tal, Chandra Tal, and Kumzum Pass. The best time to visit Lahaul Valley during a Spiti Valley tour is from June to September.