Popularly known as the 'Little Tibet', Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh lies at the heights of the Himalayan Mountains. At a height of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley takes pride in being one of the most beautiful places in the country. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the place due to its unforgettable scenic beauty and the calmness offered by mighty nature. The fascinating valleys of Spiti will definitely ooze you out with its frozen landscapes and dry lush green patches all over it. The cold desert place is home to some of the most popular Buddhist monasteries and is also highly rich in Tibetan and Buddhist culture.

The bliss of nature is perfectly reflected in every corner of the Spiti Valley. Be it a plan with family, friends, or your partner, Spiti Valley can definitely be a great spot for lifetime memories. Solo travellers have also made their way to the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. You may also reach Spiti on a mountain bike as several do (of course with proper protection). As it is a place on the heights of mountains, the beauty of nature is what you can enjoy the most. The astounding Buddhist monastery further increases the beauty of the place. No wonder it is also known as Little Tibet. You can also enjoy river rafting amid huge mountains, camping along the riverside is yet another unforgettable memory, and to give a shot to your thirst for the thrill, you may also try trekking to the Dhankar Lake.

Visited heavily by tourists in Kullu, the Spiti Valley is one of the famous places in Himachal Pradesh. Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located 412 km away from Shimla. There are many places to visit in Spiti Valley. A few of these are Komic Village, Langza Village, Lhalung Monastery, Tabo Caves, and Tabo Monastery. Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and a favourite of the Dalai Lama. Spiti is a second home to many Gaddi sheep and goat herders (the nomadic tribe of Himachal) who come to this valley in summer for grazing their animals from the surrounding villages.

Table of Contents

• Spiti Valley Location 
• Language spoken in Spiti Valley
• Spiti Valley Popular For
• How to get to Spiti Valley
• Interesting facts about Spiti Valley
• Why is Spiti Valley recommended
• Spiti Valley Operating hours

Spiti Valley Location: NH 21, Kullu

The beauty of Spiti Valley is located on the northern side of Ladakh. In the east lies Tibet and Kinnaur in the southeast. The north is bordered by Kullu. At an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year. Spiti Valley is home to tiny villages of not more than 200 people. Shimla railway station is the nearest railway station to the Spiti Valley. Even Manali is not far away from Spiti and lies 198 km away. Kullu is also one of the popular tourist destinations which is just 236 km far from Spiti Valley. Hence, you may also be able to cover a few popular spots in one go.

Language Spoken in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is quite near Tibet and also has the essence of Tibetan culture. Hence, the language spoken by the natives is Stod Bhoti. It is a subgroup of the Tibetan language which is also spoken in the Lahaul. However, you need not panic if you have not heard of this language before. Most of the natives are able to understand Hindi and English language which is great news for the tourists. Several tourist guides are also fluent in English and Hindi. Hence, language will not be a barrier during your Spiti Valley tour.

Spiti Valley Popular for: 

Barren landscapes, the beauty of Buddhist monasteries, scenic beauty, and unadulterated hills are the USPs of Spiti Valley. Apart from these, there are several articles that are quite popular and you must purchase them on your visit to Spiti Valley. These include woollen items like shawls, mufflers, pulas, tattoos, and rugs. All of these items are available in local designs and patterns which will definitely make you stand out from the crowd in your city. Sea buckthorn tea, dry cheese, beads, masks, beautiful Buddha statues, and singing bowls of brass and copper are some other items of attractions.

How to get to Spiti Valley

Reaching Spiti Valley is not a tough deal. You have the option of bus, air, and road. Whatever suits you the most, you can choose. Here is the detail about how you can reach to explore Spiti Valley tourist places:

By air

The nearest airport is Kullu Airport at Bhuntar, Kullu located at a distance of 245 km. The Kullu Airport is also known as Bhuntar Airport. So, from your city like Delhi, Mumbai, etc. You may take a flight to Bhuntar Airport. If you wish, you may take a stay at Kullu (10 Km away) or Manali (50 km away) and explore it before leaving for Spiti. To reach Spiti from Kullu, you will have to either hire a cab or take the local bus. 

By road

Delhi and Chandigarh are two popular spots to begin the road journey to Spiti. From your native place, you can travel to Delhi or Chandigarh via a suitable mode of transport and begin your Spiti trip from here. You may hire a cab or a local bus that runs to Spiti Valley. If you are someone who loves to ride a bike, you may also take a bike tour from Delhi to Spiti Valley.

By railways

Spiti Valley does not offer a railway station service in the city. Hence, if you wish to travel by train, you will have to take a stop at the Joginder Nagar Station or Shimla Station as these two are the closest railway stations to Spiti Valley. From here, you can hire a cab or a local bus to reach your final destination.

Interesting facts about Spiti Valley

If you are curious to know more about Spiti Valley and its beauty, here are some unique facts about the place:

• Spiti is surrounded by Tibet in the East, Ladakh in the North, Kullu and Lahaul in the South and Kinnaur in the South East
• Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is sparsely inhabited with the majority of the population being Tibetans
• The world’s highest village Kormik is situated in Spiti. It also boasts of having the world’s highest post office and polling station in the village of Hikkim.
• Can bargain to your heart’s content in Akhara bazaar.
• Spiti Valley is a gorgeous snow-laden barren desert with breathtaking unadulterated beauty.
• Lhalung monastery, one of the earliest monasteries founded by Rinchen Zangpo who is considered a Buddhist ‘Mahaguru’ is a popular attraction. The monastery is adorned by a complex of 9 shrines, each of which is a hub of Buddhist teachings. It is also called the Golden Temple due to the gold leaf deities kept in its shrine.
• Dhankar Lake at a distance of 5km from Dhankar monastery is a spellbinding natural clear lake perched on a cliff at a height of 4,270 metres with picturesque surroundings.  It can be reached by undertaking a thrilling and arduous trek expedition of an hour from the monastery.
• Several villages in Spiti Valley offer captivating and exciting trek trails with mesmerising views such as Kibber, Losar, Kormik and Darcha.
• Yak and Horse Safaris are the most popular and fun ways to explore the valley.
• Adventurists can engage in river rafting at the Spiti River while basking in the beguiling views of the picturesque landscape.

Spiti Valley Recommended For 

A relaxing and rejuvenating escape into the hills to seek peace and experience a serene culture embraced by the monasteries and tranquil nature. Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is an exquisite cold mountain desert in the lap of the Great Himalaya Ranges in Himachal Pradesh. Spiti literally means the middle land; and is aptly named, as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. The place is known for:

Key Monastery

Key monastery also known as ‘Kye Gompa’ is a beautiful Tibetan monastery perched at an altitude of 4,112 metres above sea level in the Kaza region. Overlooking the Spiti River, it is the most famous and largest monastery in Spiti Valley with a resplendent Lord Buddha shrine and a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist literature, manuscripts, thangkas and murals. The fort-like structure of the monastery bears a resemblance to the Chinese theme and comprises a striking assembly hall and fascinating Tengyur room which is richly adorned with exquisite murals and paintings. The monastery also serves as a religious centre where the lamas receive their education and training. Witness an astounding dance of the Lamas, accompanied by musical instruments such as pipes and horns.

Chandra Tal Lake

Located at a height of 4,300 metres, Chandra Tal Lake is the most strikingly beautiful lake in Spiti Valley and the name derives from its crescent shape. 6 km from Kunzum Pass, the lake is a paradise on earth with shimmering crystal blue waters swathed with vast lush green meadows and snow-crested alps. The lake is a spectacular vision in the morning when the brilliant rays radiating from the sun bathes the lake in various hues of red, orange blue and green while at night the pristine waters reflect a still black hue and are a breathtaking unparalleled sight to behold.  ChandraTal Lake is popular with trekkers and campers for its mystic beauty, thrilling trails and brilliant night sky making it a gorgeous destination for camping.

Tabo Monastery

The Tabo monastery is the oldest and most ancient monastery in India. Built-in the 10th century, it is perched on an elevated altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level in the cold desert of Tabo. Referred to as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’ as the walls are adorned with mesmeric murals depicting the ancient tales of the Mahayana Buddhist Pantheon and ancient paintings just like in the Ajanta caves, it is a beautiful monastery comprising 9 temples such as ‘The Temple of the Enlightened Gods’, ‘The Buddha Maitreya’ etc. and multiple stupas. The temple houses various beautiful stuccos of Bodhisattvas, artistic murals, exquisite frescoes, and beautiful paintings along with a priceless collection of manuscripts and works of Buddha and Thangkas. Being one of the most historically significant sites in Buddhist culture, the Archeological Survey of India has taken over the responsibility of its maintenance and preservation.

Suraj Tal Lake

A picture-perfect lake, Suraj Tal is a dream painting that comes alive, especially for photographers. Translated as ‘Sun Lake’, Suraj Tal is a spectacular lake, located below Baralacha Pass and is the most frequented spot by nature lovers, photographers and trekkers. The lake is fed by the Baralacha glaciers surrounded by trails ideal for trekking and mountain biking.

Kunzum Pass

One of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley is Kunzum Pass. Located at 4,590 metres above sea level, Kunzum Pass is a gateway from Kullu and Lahaul to Spiti Valley. The drive on the rugged terrains offers a stunning panoramic view of the Chandra Bhaga range, Spiti Valley and Bara Shigri glacier. Trekkers can trek to the pass from ChandraTal Lake. One can also seek blessings at the Kunzum Devi temple by taking a complete circle of the temple in your car. It is believed to protect travellers from any mishaps that may occur on such rough roads. The colourful Buddhist flags swaying in the wind add to the beauty of the place.

Baralacha Pass

Located at a great height of 16,040 feet above sea level, Baralacha Pass is a challenging pass situated on the Manali-Leh highway in the Zanskar ranges. The 8km long pass connects Lahaul to Ladakh and offers trekking, mountain biking and camping opportunities with magnificent views of the mighty snow-clad Pir Panjal, Great Himalayas and Zanskar ranges, glorious glaciers and the Bhaga river which originates from Suraj Tal Lake. Embark on an exhilarating adventurous trek and camping to Baralacha Pass from ChandraTal Lake which takes a week to complete.

Pin Valley National Park

Set amidst frozen streams is a beautiful Pin Valley National Park situated in the cold desert bio reserve of Spiti Valley. Situated at a height of 3,300 metres, it is home to rare and endangered diverse species of flora and fauna. One can encounter wildlife such as Siberian ibex, Himalayan snow leopard, snowcocks, Tibetan gazelle, woolly hair, and chukar partridge amongst others. 22 rare medicinal plants have been discovered here apart from the cedar and deodar trees populating the park. Adventure seekers can also trek to the park through scenic beauty and the regal backdrop of snow-capped Alps.

Spiti Valley Operating Hours

The best time to complete your daily tour of Spiti Valley when you visit Himachal Pradesh is between 9 am to 9 pm. You can easily get local transportation during these hours to travel around the city. Depending on the places you choose to visit, the operating hours may vary. So, check the timings before you plan Spiti Valley sightseeing.

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is in the summer between March to June as it is cut off from the rest of the world in winter due to heavy snowfalls and thick icing conditions. During summers, not only do you have easy routes but you will also encounter fewer crowds. However, if you choose to visit Spiti during the winter season, you may visit between October-February. This is one of the best times if you want to see the beauty of Spiti Valley during winter. Frozen waterfalls and lakes and wildlife can be best seen during these months. Within a week or so, you may be able to complete your tour of Spiti Valley.

Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM

Bargaining: Street shopping at its best, you

Location: Spiti Valley

Situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, the picturesque valley encased by the Himalayas is an exotic destination and gem of Himachal Pradesh. Snow crest Alps, snow-carpeted pristine landscape, alpine forest, deep ravines speckled with greenery, glistening glaciers, sparkling azure rivers, splendid monasteries and quaint hamlets embellish the valley exude a vision of a mesmerising painting. The surreal beauty of the valley and the monasteries allures tourists and trekkers from all over the world.

Here is a quick Spiti Valley tourist chart for you: