Located in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti valley is a magnificent desert mountain. Spiti Valley is in between the land of Tibet and India. Spiti valley lies in the North-Eastern region of the state. While you’re out and about in this scenic paradise of the stunning hills of India, make sure you visit some of the best places in and around Spiti Valley for an ultimate holiday experience! Here’s the list of places awaits you here.
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Table of Contents
Chandra Taal
In a serene environment of high snow-capped peaks and green pastures is the glorious Chandra Tal. It is located at an altitude of about 4,300 meters in Spiti. Cross the splendid road from Kaza to the Kunzum pass, then to the lake. However, the trip to the lake from the pass is quite difficult and therefore you need an expert to drive on these routes. Alternatively, there is a walk of about a kilometer to reach the lake. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the reflection of the snowy peaks in the placid waters of the lake fascinates you effortlessly. Spend the night in the tents located on the knees of the snow-covered Himalaya, a few kilometers from the lake. It could be one of the most exciting experiences of your life.
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Pin Valley National Park
Nestled in the high mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Pin Valley National Park is a vast biosphere reserve, showcasing a magnificent and more photogenic environment. Famous for hosting rare and endangered flora and fauna, Pin Valley National Park should be on your wish list if you are planning a trip to the Spiti Valley in the summer. Has this already attracted you, nature lovers? Well, let’s say, pack your bags!
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Dhankar monastery
The monasteries of Spiti will impress you with their unique location, almost suspended on the tip of a peak, and overlook splendid valleys. It’s intriguing how monks chose this place to build such monasteries. How did they get to these peaks when there were no roads to take them to the bottom of the hill, with rivers flowing all around? The Dhankar monastery, located at a height of almost 3,900 feet, is one of the finest examples of such monasteries in the Spiti valley. A winding path takes you to the base of the monastery and, in a few steps, you will find yourself in an ancient space where the monks have prayed for centuries without interruption. You will feel positive energies in there.
The one-hour walk at high altitude from Dhankar monastery will take you to Lake Dhankar. Lake Dhankar or Sar Kund is one of the most picturesque lakes in Spiti. It is one of the most popular places in Spiti for travelers who want to spend a regenerating moment in peace.
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Suraj Tal lake
Suraj Tal, located in the Bhaga Valley, is the third-highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world. It is one of the most scenic lakes I have ever seen. You can see it on the left while driving on the NH-21 from Keylong to Ladakh. It is located just 3 km before the Baralacha (4,890 meters). It is fed by glaciers that originate in the past. The trail usually remains open from May to October, but the best time to visit it is June when it is half frozen and looks gorgeous. You can also walk in the lake; The trekking route starts in Chandra Tal in the Spiti valley and reaches Suraj Tal through Topco Yongma and Topco Gongma.
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Komik
Perched at an altitude of 18,000 feet, Komik is the most manageable city in the world. Without a doubt, this is one of the least known, but most exquisite places to visit in the Spiti Valley. Komik is surreal, picturesque and has minimal resources like a monastery that offers tourist accommodation and eco-kitchen which is the only cafe in town. Summer is the best time to visit as it has a bearable climate and people can enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings.
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Kibber
Locally popular as Kyibar, it is another picturesque city of Spiti. Surrounded by high mountains and barren expanses of cold deserts, people can enjoy astonishing views of the most difficult excursions in the heart of the Spiti Valley. Clear weather and favorable summer temperatures have put Kibber on the list of the best places to visit in the Spiti Valley in the summer. The Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is an attraction here, which is home to rare and common wild animals such as the Wolle Hare, Tibetan Wild Ass, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Himalayan Wolf, Pika, and Lynx.
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Kungri monastery
The beautiful Kungri monastery is located about 10 km from Attargo and 3 km from Gulling in the pine valley of Himachal Pradesh. The city of Attargo has located about 12 km from the headquarters of the Spiti subdivision district and you have to cross the majestic Spiti River to reach the Pin Valley. Most of this area has been declared a national park. The Kungri monastery is the second oldest Gompa in the Lahaul and Spiti valley. Moreover, it has the distinction of being the only monastery belonging to the Buddhist order of Nyingmapa. It is also the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Tabo
Tabo is a small town located at 3,280 m above sea level, on the banks of the Spiti river. There is an ancient monastic complex which is the holiest of all monasteries. Many ancient paintings and frescoes dating from the 11th century are kept there. Artificial light and photography are not allowed inside the gompa. On the cliff, opposite the road, there are ancient caves that are said to be the houses of the monks. If you intend to stop in Tabo to experience the tranquility and serenity of the place, then you can stay in the monastery’s guest house. There are other guesthouses also in the village if accommodation is not obtained in the monastery guesthouse.
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Kaza
Located at 4,000 m above sea level, on the left bank of the Spiti River, Kaza is the largest city and commercial center in the valley. Being centrally located, it is a good base for exploring the rest of Spiti. From here you can take day trips to Tabo, Dhankar, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Key, and Kibber. Also, things of daily needs are easily available here, unlike the rest of the Spiti, and many new hotels with good accommodation have recently emerged, making Kaza an ideal base. The place is also famous for its colorful festivals and the ancient Sakya Tangyud monastery, located about 4 km from the city. If possible, you should plan your trip around August when Kaza will host the famous Ladarcha fair.
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Lahaul Valley
It is a vast valley of Spiti, formed by the two rivers Chandra and Bhaga. Decorated with immense natural beauty, the Lahaul valley attracts the most tourists during the summer. Lahaul Valley is one of the most famous places to see in Spiti. It supports breathtaking views of the Chandrabhaga chain and rivers. Also, travelers can opt for exciting excursions to Suraj Taal, Chandra Taal, and Kunzum Pass.
Are you ready to visit Spiti Valley? Pack your bags and simply enjoy one of the most refreshing and fascinating holidays of your life. Plan a trip to Spiti for an incredibly unique experience with your friends and family like never before! Don’t forget to bring extra clothes in case you change your mind and extend your holiday in the middle of the beautiful hills that surround this valley. Make sure you visit all these places in Spiti Valley!
While visiting Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, make sure you visit Manali to give your experience a holistic view .Also, you can visit Bir Billing to achieve a sense of peace and fulfillment
