Cold Desert
Spiti Valley is a desert but cold desert located in the lap of the Himalayas and gives the best adventure with peace and heritage. With jagged mountains, age-old monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes, Spiti Valley is a traveler’s heaven for those looking for an offbeat trip. Holiday Himalayas is your perfect travel partner for an incredible adventure on the Spiti Valley Tour.
Reasons to Book a Tour in Spiti Valley:
This is not just another trip because going for a vacation in Spiti is not just a vacation; it is a breathtaking expedition to one of the most remote villages in India. Spiti Valley is the place for you if you are a nature lover, seek adventure, or just want to be alone. Here’s why this otherworldly high-altitude desert belongs on your to-visit travel roster:
Stunning & Unmatched Scenery
Introducing Spiti Valley, with its endless sky, rugged, plush, but naked mountains, deep gorges, and clear rivers that flow for miles. Its surreal landscapes are unmatched, from its mountainous falls to its high-altitude villages and snow-dusted peaks to its wide-open spaces, where you can get lost as the force of nature takes the driving seat.
Exciting Adventure Activities
In short, if you are an adventure lover, Spiti Valley will worship you, except you are sitting on top of some of the most remote and harshest terrains. Whether it’s your first venture out or you’re a seasoned trekker, there’s something for everyone:
- Trekking: The Pin Parvati Pass Trek, Dhankar Lake Trek, and Chandratal Lake Trek are some of the most beautiful treks in the area.
- River Rafting: White-water rafting on the Spiti and Pin Rivers against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
- Star Gazing: Camp at places like Chandratal Lake and Langza Village and see some of the most beautiful night skies in the world.
- Mountain Biking: Get onto the static and high hills of Road Kunzum Pass and Kaza for churned biking on a slick ride.
Unique & Exotic Wildlife
Due to its extreme climate and advanced structures, Spiti Valley is home to many high-altitude animals, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot:
- The elusive Snow Leopard, the world’s rarest of the big cats.
- The Himalayan Ibex is a mountain goat inhabiting the rocky Spiti cliffs.
- Two long-term desert predators of the high altitude are the Tibetan Wolf and the Red Fox.
Absolute Peace & Tranquility
Even touristy spots take their place in every nook and corner of Himachal Pradesh.
- Shooting crowd: Spiti is relatively less affected by mass tourism, as there is no crowd, which makes it a perfect place for people to find peace and autonomy.
- Pure & Simple Life: Enjoy the slower pace of life that friendly locals embrace or visit traditional Spitian villages such as Hikkim, Komic, and Langza, which maintain a natural lifestyle.
- Digital Detox: With limited mobile connectivity and almost nonexistent internet access, Spiti offers a real de-plug life experience, far away from constant notifications and distractions.
When is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
So, here we are with the Best time to commence a Spiti Valley Tour according to the sort of experience you desire:
- Summer (May — September) is the perfect time to visit. Clear roads and pleasant weather make it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring monasteries.
- Winter (October — March): This is a great time to see snow-covered scenery, ice rivers, and the local winter.
How to Travel from Manali to Spiti Valley
We have compiled the complete guide to reaching Spiti Valley by Road, Air, and Rail.
By Road: Most Popular & Scenic option
Here are extra details on comprehending Spiti Valley through our fantastic road trip. Two significant routes lead to Spiti, each traversing awe-inspiring landscapes.
Route 1: From Manali to Spiti Valley
- Best Time: June to October
- Distance: Approx. 196 km
- Travel Duration: 8–10 hours (Manali to Kaza)
It’s an ideal route if you have the wanderer in you because this road lets you drive across some of India’s highest and most dangerous mountain passes.
Key Highlights of the Route:
- Manali (Base): A well-known hill station with scenic beauty and adventure activities.
- Rohtang Pass (3,978m): A stunning viewpoint to Lahaul & Spiti.
- Chandra Tal: A detour to the gorgeous “Moon Lake” en route to Kunzum Pass.
- Kunzum Pass (4,551m): The highest point of the journey and the spiritual significance with a blanket of snow and panoramic views
- Stay in Spiti Valley: The first pitstop en route to Spiti Valley must be the village you encounter, as it is where travelers stop for food and permits.
- Kaza (Final Destination): Spiti Valley is the Spiti Valley Capital.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Permits: Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to cross Rohtang Pass, while foreigners need an additional license.
- Vehicle Choice: 4×4 vehicles, SUVs, or Royal Enfield bikes are recommended due to the rugged terrain.
- Altitude Sickness: AMS can occur due to rapid altitude gain and get acclimatized by spending a night or a day in Manali before moving to Spiti.
Route 2: Shimla to Spiti Valley
- Ideal Dates: March to December (Can be visited during winter)
- Distance: Approx. 412 km
- Journey time: 2 days (8–10 hour drives split)
The Manali route is completely closed during the winter. In contrast, the Shimla–Kinnaur–Spiti route stays open throughout the year, simulating the only option to reach Spiti Valley all through the winter, making it a popular choice for Spiti Valley Tours.
Key Highlights of the Route:
- Shimla (Start Point): The capital of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its colonial grandeur.
- Narkanda (2,708m): A picturesque stop with apple orchards and mountain views.
- Rampur: On the way to Kinnaur Valley, we found Rampur to be a big town and a good place to refuel.
- Reckong Peo & Kalpa: With beautiful views of the Kinner Kailash mountain range.
- Nako Village (3,662m): A village with a stunning lake and monastery.
- Tabo Monastery (the Oldest Buddist Monastery) is a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization heritage site that has been in existence for over 1,000 years.
- Kaza (Final Destination): Access point of Spiti Valley.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Rope Holding: The main road between Kinnaur and Spiti can get buried in landslides whenever it rains, so check for weather updates before leaving.
- Permit Required: Indian travelers from Shimla do not need permits, but foreign passport holders need a license after Reckong Peo.
- Best for Beginners: This route gradually ascents altitude, which is better for preventing altitude sickness than the Manali route.
Route 3: Transportation to Spiti Valley By Air
Spiti Valley has no airport, but you can fly to the nearest airport and travel to Spiti by road. The two primary airports nearby are:
Kullu Bhuntar Airport (Nearest Airport to Manali)
- Location: 50 km from Manali, HP
- Journey Time to go to Spiti: 2 days (Manali, Kaza through, Rohtang Pass)
Key Highlights of the Route:
- Chandigarh International Airport
- Location: Chandigarh, Punjab
- Travel Duration to Spiti: 2–3 days (Chandigarh, Shimla, Kaza)
- Most Suitable For: People traveling on the Shimla-Kinnaur reta (Open throughout the year).
Hire a cab, take a bus from Chandigarh to Shimla, and drive to Spiti Valley.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Less Number of Flights: There aren’t many flights that land on the Bhuntar Airport, so you should keep a check on it before planning your trip.
- High Flight Cancellations: Flights to Bhuntar Airport often get canceled in winter due to uncertain weather.
- Connectivity: Chandigarh Airport has better flight connections with significant cities than Dehradun (Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, etc.)
- By Train: Closest Railheads Near Spiti Valley
Being a far-flung destination of the Himalayas, there is no direct railway connectivity to Spiti Valley. You can, however, take a train to the nearest stations and then get to the park by road.
Places to Visit in Spiti Valley.
Spiti Valley, also known as Little Tibet, is a mystical land of high-altitude villages, ancient monasteries, and stunning scenery. From ancient monasteries to peaceful lakes and quirky villages, Spiti has so many incredible sites to discover. Here’s an extensive guide to the best tourist places in Spiti Valley.
Key Monastery (Kee Monastery) — Soul of Spiti
- Location: 14 km from Kaza
- Best Time to Visit: May–October
- Elevation: 4,166 meters
Why Visit?
For over a millennium, Key Monastery is the most significant and oldest monastery in Spiti Valley. Perched atop a hill, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery overlooks the Spiti River and the valley below. It is also a spiritual and learning center for Buddhist monks and houses rare manuscripts, murals, and stupas.
Things to Do:
- Browse the monastery: You can wander its prayer halls and admire ancient paintings.
- Zola(a)morning prayers: The monks sing fucked up shit.
- Catch the view: Pretty views of the valley at sunrise and sunset
- Spend the night in the monastery: Overnight stays are sometimes available, so you can experience the monastic life.
Chandratal Lake — The Enchanting Lake of Moon
- Location: 14 km from Kunzum Pass
- The best visit time is between June and September
- Elevation: 4,250 meters
Why Visit?
Chandratal Lake (meaning Moon Lake) is a crescent-shaped mountain lake bordered by snow-covered mountain peaks. The lake’s clear blue waters change color at different times of day, and the sky’s reflection makes it seem surreal.
Things to Do:
- Camping: Stay up by the lake under a starry sky for a night.
- Photography: Lake reflection of mountains mirror.
- Trekking: The trek from Batal to Chandratal (around 14 km) is beautiful.
- Relax & Meditate: The calm environment makes it an ideal meditation spot.
Pin Valley National Park — Land of Snow Leopard
- Location: 45 km from Kaza
- Best Time to Go: May through October
- Altitude: 3,500–6,632 meters
Why Visit?
Pin Valley National Park has a wild nature, and its rare Himalayan animals, such as the elusive snow leopard, attract visitors. Its beauty is enhanced by a snow blanket covering the valley for most of the year.
Things to Do:
- Spot wildlife: Snow leopards, ibex, red foxes, and Himalayan wolves.
- Trekking: Pin Parvati Pass trek or Mud Village trek.
- Visit the villages: You can stay in Mud Village, the last inhabited village in the valley.
- Photography: Enjoy the forgotten views of the barren but beautiful mountains.
Adventures in Spiti Valley
- Trekking: Make sure you go on popular treks like the Pin-Parvati Trek and Dhankar Lake Trek.
- Camping: Pitch your tent at Chandratal Lake and sleep under the stars.
- River Rafting: Enjoy rafting in the Spiti River.
- Biking: The Spiti circuit is among India’s most thrilling biking routes and a biker’s haven.
Local Cuisine You Must Try
But no Spiti Valley Tour would be ever completed without exploring the delectable food:
- Thukpa: Lamb or beef noodle soup for the cold climate.
- Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings with spicy chutney.
- Tingmo: Soft, hairy-looking bread that comes with spicy curries;
- Butter Tea: Local drink from yak butter and tea leaves peste pictor.
Travel Tips for Spiti Valley
- Acclimatize: Take a day to get accustomed to the high altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
- Pack warm clothes: Summer in Spiti can still be pretty chilly.
- Observe Local Culture: Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Stay Hydrated: High altitude can impact your hydration levels.
All about Holiday Himalayas for Your Spiti Valley Tour
Holiday Himalayas are known for their tailor-made Spiti Valley Tours, which provide an unforgettable experience. Why you should book your trip with them:
- Expert Guides: A well-trained guide can make your travels smooth and safe.
- Curated Itineraries: Itineraries that encompass all significant landmarks while giving you enough space to rest and explore.
- Comfortable Stays: Whether homestays or luxury accommodations, there is something for every traveler.
- 24/7 Help: Support to guide you at every step of your way to resolve issues of any kind.
- Sustainable Travel: Commitment to responsible tourism with eco-friendly hotels supporting local communities.
Conclusion
A Spiti Valley Tour is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and culture aficionados. Whether you walk through rugged terrain, visit ancient monasteries, or just enjoy the serene beauty of this cold desert, a trip to Spiti is undoubtedly once in a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solo Travelling in Spiti Valley, is it safe?
Yes, Spiti Valley is a highly safe destination for solo travelers in India. The locals are friendly, and crime is infrequent.
How long will it take for a Spiti Valley Tour?
To cover most of the major attractions in Spiti Valley, a minimum of 6–7 days for this trip is suggested.
Is a permit required to visit Spiti Valley?
Permanent residents of India need no permit, while passport holders of foreign countries require an Inner Line Permit to enter protected areas along the Indo-Tibetan border.
How to best travel in Spiti Valley?
Exploring Spiti Via Public Transport: Because public transportation options are limited, the best way to experience Spiti is to hire a private cab or travel by bike.
Is Spiti Valley open in winter?
Yes, but it is an intense experience. Roads are closed in winter via Manali, so the only way to get there is via Shimla. It can be laborious but rewarding; heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures thicken the challenge.
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