Spirituality is in the Spitian air!

As you journey through Spiti, an almost palpable sense of spirituality pervades the arid mountain air. Piles of 'mani' stones, monasteries housing Buddhist relics, the echoes of mantras, and the ceaseless flutter of prayer flags all create a divine ambience.

Begin your journey at Kaza, the largest settlement in Spiti and your launchpad for adventures. But before you head out, be sure to visit the famed Key Monastery. Perched atop a volcanic-shaped hillock, the serene Buddhist haven is a labyrinth of dimly lit rooms and corridors that harbour exquisite murals, sacred Tangyur texts and ancient paintings.

Speaking of historic monasteries, few can rival the splendour of Tabo Monastery, located in the secluded village of Tabo. Marvel at this thousand-year-old sanctuary, a national historic treasure often referred to as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’ for its cave shrines. Another must-visit is the cliff-hugging Dhankar Monastery, situated between Kaza and Tabo. Soak in the spiritual aura and breathtaking views, and if you're feeling adventurous, use Dhankar as a base to explore Dhankar Lake and the beautiful Pin Valley.

For a truly mystical experience, head to the Giu Village. Here, you can bear witness to a 500-year-old mummified body, believed to be of a meditating Lama, lending the place an enigmatic aura.

A masterpiece painted by nature

Hemmed in by the mighty Himalayas on all sides, Spiti's natural beauty is a sight to behold. While every turn unveils a picturesque scene, here are a few gems that stand out.

Prepare to be spellbound by the ethereal beauty of Chandra Taal. This deep blue, crystal-clear lake, shaped like a perfect crescent moon, offers the perfect camping spot, allowing you to soak in its celestial charm under a star-studded sky. To the south of Chandra Taal lies Kunzum Pass, the gateway to Lahaul and one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India. It's a perfect place to capture stunning panoramas of the majestic Bara-Shigri Glacier (the world's second longest), the breathtaking Chandrabhaga Range, and a spectacular vista of the Spiti Valley stretching out below.

Pin Valley is another treasure trove of natural beauty. This cluster of scenic villages is home to the Pin Valley National Park, a haven for elusive Himalayan snow leopards, majestic ibex, bharal (blue sheep), and red foxes. Dotted with monasteries, including the famed Kungri Monastery, a favourite among scholars and trekkers alike, Pin Valley also serves as a base for the challenging Pin-Parvati Pass and Pin-Bhabha Pass treks.

Explore Kibber, one of the highest inhabited villages in Spiti. This is the starting point for several high-altitude treks and a great spot to encounter majestic creatures within the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. For an adrenaline rush, head to the nearby Chicham Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia. Walking across it is an experience you won't forget!

From Kaza, you can reach remote but scenic villages like Langza, Hikkim, and Komic. While Langza is renowned for its giant Buddha statue, fascinating fossils, handcrafted pottery, carpets, and shawls, Hikkim is where you’ll see the world’s highest post office! Continue by road to Komic, the world's highest motorable village!

Relish the taste of the valley

Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with a unique culinary experience influenced by Tibetan, Nepalese, and Himachali flavours. Barley reigns supreme here, blanketing the valley in green and forming the base of many local dishes. Apart from the staples like thukpa and momos that are available almost everywhere in Spiti, try local dishes like dhaam (a multi-course spread), siddu (stuffed teamed buns), quo (cubed barley dish), tingmo (Tibetan steamed bread), churpe (hard cheese of Yak milk), trout fish curry and shunali (sweet dish). Warm up with local brews like butter tea, Seabuckthorn tea and churam (black tea). Whether you crave a quick bite or a sit-down meal, cosy cafes and restaurants in Kaza offer delicious fare. For an immersive experience, opt for a homestay and savour authentic home-cooked meals.

Leaving empty-handed? Unthinkable!

Spiti is a treasure trove for souvenir hunters. Find Tibetan handicrafts, prayer wheels, beads, thangkas (Tibetan paintings), and colourful scarves whispering tales of the region's heritage. Ornate Chhang pots, singing bowls and serene Buddha statues make unique souvenirs. Fashion lovers can embrace warmth and style with Tibetan dresses, shawls, and sweaters. Don't miss the vibrant Kinnauri Jootis and Topis for a colourful touch. Up for some traditional jewellery? Pick amulets, anklets, bangles, rings, and neckpieces crafted in Tibetan and Pahari tribal styles. Explore Kaza Market, the perfect place to lose yourself in Spiti's magic.

Witness cultural spectacles

In the Lahaul-Spiti region, you'll have the chance to experience a way of life unchanged for generations. Travel to remote villages and witness locals going about their daily routines, tending to their fields and massive herds of yaks and sheep. Get ready to be greeted with open arms and genuine warmth.

To truly experience the essence of the valley, don't miss its vibrant fairs and festivals. In August, the La Darcha Fair invites you to explore exquisite local handicrafts and enjoy captivating Chaam and Buchan dances. The Pauri Fair draws devotees to the unique Triloknath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Festivals like Dechhang, Losar, Chakhar Mela, and the Spiti Festival punctuate the calendar, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich culture. Prepare to be enchanted by colourful prayers, energetic dances, and melodious folk songs that fill the air during these lively events.

Spiti essentials

Due to its high altitude, the valley experiences sub-zero temperatures year-round. December to February can be extremely cold, with some areas dipping to minus 20 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Spiti is between April and October. By September, heavy woollies become a necessity, especially for those chilly evenings.

Spiti is a remote paradise, accessible only by road. You have two entry points: Shimla or Manali. Both offer state-run buses and private taxis, with the journey to Kaza (Spiti's sub-divisional headquarters) taking approximately 12 hours.

While Indian citizens don’t need permits to enter Spiti, foreign tourists entering via the Shimla-Kinnaur route need an Inner Line Permit, as this route is close to the Tibetan border. These permits can be obtained at the Reckong Peo Inner Line Permit Office in Kinnaur.

Now that you're prepped, pack your bags and get ready to experience the unforgettable magic of Spiti Valley!