Whether you are an adventure lover, nature lover, explorer, or a tourist, you will have plenty of things to do in Spiti Valley. Known as the “middle land” between India and Tibet, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Buddhist cultures. With ancient monasteries, crystal blue lakes and river, rugged terrains, and snow-capped mountains, Spiti Valley is a beautiful destination to visit. Read on to find out everything you can do in Spiti Valley.
Camp under the stars
If you love the starry skies, Spiti Valley is one of the best places for stargazing. This relatively untouched region without any city lights offers clear, dark skies filled with twinkling stars from an altitude of 10,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level. You can also see the Milky Way! Some of the best places for camping under the stars are Tabo, Losar, Dhankar, Komik, and Kibber.
Camp under the starry skies in Spiti Valley
Try some adventure activities
One item on many people’s bucket list in Spiti Valley is to tour the region on a motorbike. Home to one of the highest motorable roads in the world, the thrill of riding a motorbike all the way to the top is unlike any other.
You can also try river rafting in Spiti Valley. Spiti and Pin rivers offer this activity, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, monasteries, and lush green forests.
Motorbiking in Spiti is a bucket-list activity for many (Picture credits: Times of India)
Visit the monasteries
Known as the land of lamas, Spiti Valley is home to many Buddhist monasteries. Tibetan Buddhism has been practised here since centuries.
The Tabo Monastery was founded in 996 AD. covering an area of 6300 meters, the monastery showcases Buddhist murals, wall paintings, and frescoes. The millennium-old monastery was partially reconstructed in 1975 after an earthquake.
Another renowned monastery is the Key Monastery, or Kye Monastery. Dating back to the 11th century, the monastery is the largest teaching centre for Tibetan Buddhism in India. It is situated at an altitude of 4166 meters and offers stunning views of the valley.
Tabo monastery
Go on some amazing treks
The Chandratal Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Spiti Valley. The hike to the stunning crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake includes beautiful trails and panoramic views throughout the trek.
The trek to Dhankar Lake is a popular one among tourists. The magnificent lake is located above the Dhankar Monastery on a cliff at an altitude of 4270 meters. It is not an easy trek, but the view at the end makes it completely worth it.
The Hampta Pass trek is another popular trek in Spiti Valley which starts from Manali and ends in Spiti. The best time for this trek is from June to September.
Dhankar Lake, Spiti
Post a letter from the world’s highest post office
Located at a height of 4440 meters above sea level, Hikkim in Spiti Valley houses the highest post office in the world! A unique thing to do in Spiti Valley, you can send a letter to your loved ones or even yourself from here, making for a beautiful souvenir.
The highest post office in the world in Hikkim (Picture credits: ePostBook)
Shop for souvenirs
Kaza is a commercial hub in Lahaul Spiti. Located at an elevation of 3650 meters, the town is categorized into two parts – Old Kaza, which is known for the palace of the king, and New Kaza, which has many government buildings. The market area of Kaza is a popular place for shopping in Spiti. You can buy Tibetan and Buddhist artifacts, handicrafts, and local items as souvenirs.
The Keylong Market is also a popular market to shop for local souvenirs. You will find items of woollen clothing like scarves, sweaters, and socks, traditional jewelry, handicrafts, ceramics, and many other things you can take back home.
Go fossil hunting in Langza
The villages of Langza, Hikkim, and Komic are rich in fossil deposits of marine life. If you are interested in palaeontology, you must definitely visit this village. You can actually hunt for fossils here, a unique activity to look forward to. It may sound strange, but these villages have so many fossils that you will definitely find at least one. But even if you don’t, there are many locals selling these fossils that you can take back home as souvenirs.
Enjoy a yak safari
A unique experience in Spiti is a yak ride. Most locals in Spiti have at least one yak per household, and they often use it to travel from one place to another. It is an accessible and different way of transport, so you should definitely experience this. Make sure to click some pictures as well!
Yaks in Spiti
Visit the Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1987, the park houses flora and fauna native to Himachal Pradesh. The park is named after the Pin River, which flows besides it. Pin Valley National Park’s main attractions are undoubtedly the snow leopard and the ibex. Additionally, the rugged terrain of the park is ideal for an adventurous jeep safari.
Visit the beautiful lakes
Chandratal Lake, also known as the Moon Lake, is situated at a high altitude of 4300 meters in the shape of a crescent moon. You can visit this magnificent lake via a trek.
Suraj Tal, or Surya Taal, is the third-highest lake in India. Considered sacred as “Lake of Sun God”, devotees believe that you can cleanse yourself of your sins by taking a dip in this lake. The pretty lake is near the Baralacha La Pass and offers scenic views of the snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys.
Nako Lake in the Nako village in Kinnaur is surrounded by willow trees, Tibetan monasteries, and stunning views of the Himalayas. There is a gorgeous waterfall near the lake as well, attracting tourists from all around the region.
Chandra Tal
Visit the villages
If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Spiti Valley, there is no better place than the nearby villages. The Komic Village is a popular one. Situated at an altitude of 4587 meters, this is one of the highest motorable villages in the world! The village has less than 15 households. You will be able to see traditional Spiti houses here along with the locals living their daily lives. The ancient Tangyud Monastery is also situated in this village.
Dhankar Village is located on a hill between Kaza and Tabo, with a population of a mere 300 people. Dhankar means “fort on a cliff”, and there used to be a fortress in this region, where the royal family used to reside.
The village of Giu between Sumdo and Tabo is known for its shrine, which houses a dead body that is over 500 years old. A lot of people come to this temple to visit the mummy, which is believed to be that of a meditating Lama.
Stay at a homestay
The best way to learn about the local culture of a region you are visiting is to stay at a homestay. You will get an insight into how the locals live their daily lives and experience the region in the most authentic way possible. There are several homestays in Spiti, and the people are warm and welcoming. Live with them, learn their ways of life, gorge on some traditional fare, or even volunteer here if you get the chance. The villages of Kibber and Langza are perfect for staying at a homestay.
A homestay is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of Spiti
What activities would you be trying out in Spiti Valley? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized travel itineraries to India based on your requirements and preferences. Contact us and together, we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
FAQs
How many days are enough for Spiti Valley?
You need at least a week to explore Spiti Valley. You can explore the major attractions in this period, while also enjoying some adventure sports and acquainting yourself with the local culture of the region.
What is Spiti Valley famous for?
Spiti Valley is famous for its Tibetan and Buddhist culture, the rugged landscape, charming villages, and the beautiful blue lakes, rivers, and equally blue skies.
Is the Milky Way visible from Spiti Valley?
Yes. The high altitude, lack of population and pollution, and clear, dark skies make Spiti Valley the perfect place for stargazing and seeing the Milky Way.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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