Journey to Spiti Valley is amazingly beautiful – high rocky hills kissing the sky, water streams snaking through the mountains, fluttering flags in serene monasteries and tiny picturesque villages popping-up every now and then. Every traveler must visit Spiti at least once in his lifetime. But it’s not an easy journey and requires lots of planning. Below are some pointers that will help you plan your trip to Spiti:

SCHEDULE AROUND:

Month	Place	Fair/Festival Name
Jan/Feb	Pattan Valley	Khogla
Jan/Feb	Lahaul Valley	Halda
Febuary	Lahaul	Fagli
Febuary	Bhaga Valley (Lahaul)	Gothsi (Gochi)
June/July	Shashur, Kardang, Gemur, Kyi Gompas in Lahal & Spiti	Tsheshu Fair
August	Kaza (Spiti)	Ladarcha Fair
August	Udaipur (Lahaul)	Pauri Fair
August	Keylong (Lahaul)	Tribal Fair

Stay at home-stays in villages like Langza, Kibber and Mudh. This will give you an opportunity to support the locals and also to understand and feel the culture of the place. The home-stay will be a basic accommodation but hospitality is not about sterile environments, but welcoming ones. Home made traditional meals will be accompanied by great conversations. And no surprise if you get to know some local secrets as well while chatting.

You can comfortably choose to stay in Kaza (that have all the facilities and comforts) and do day trips to these villages but if you have made an effort to do this treacherous journey and reach these remote villages, as a responsible traveler you must live with them for a night to understand the life of high Himalayas and support the villagers in whatever possible way.

Below are the experiences you must not miss during your visit to Spiti:

Hikkim, at an altitude of 14567ft houses world’s highest post office. If you are in Spiti, do not forget to write a postcard to your friends and family from Hikkim post office. You might have to walk down a small hill and look for the post office painted in white, in a group of houses made of mud and stones.

2. Take a small walk around Langza, you might stumble upon some sea fossils.

There’s a belt in Spiti Valley in and around Langza that is rich in fossils of Marine animals and plants which were here millions of years ago when Spiti was submerged under the Tethys Sea. When in Spiti, do take a walk around Langza to find sea fossils that you might get buried under big rocks.

3. Trek to Dhankar lake. Its an easy trek of 2hrs. 

There is a beautiful lake at Dhankar which is located on the other side of the mountain that you can reach after a steep trek of around 3.5 km.  The lake is beautiful with crystal clear water surrounded by vast open spaces. Beyond the valley are snow-capped peaks of Himalayas and at some points in a day you get a perfect reflection of these peaks in the lake.

4. Visit Pin Valley National Park 

6. Have tea served by Lamas at Ki Monastery 

This centuries old gompa is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors and at one time also acted as a fort. It houses valuable Thangkas and offers a panoramic view of the area.  Lama here will welcome you wit a hot cup of herbal tea that helps keep your body warm at high altitude.

7. See mysterious mummy at Giu village.

Giu is a small village situated between the towns of Sumdo and Tabo. A steep 8 km climb on a road that branches from NH-22 takes you to the village. There is Mummy that is said to be found by workers of Indo Tibetan border police working to construct a border surveillance post near Sumdoh. The mummy is over 500 years old and has dried up through a natural process. Its eyes, teeth and hair are still intact.

8. Drive through Kunzum Pass

Kunzum pass connects Kullu valley and Lahaul valley to Spiti valley. It offers an incredible 360-degree view of Bara- Shigri Glacier – the second longest glacier in the world, a jaw-dropping vista of Chandrabhaga Range and a spectacular view of the Spiti valley. There are 2 ways of reaching Spiti, via Shimla and via Manali. Plan your visit so that you complete the whole circuit. Go via Shimla and return via Manali crossing Kunzum pass.

 Spiti is not just about the place but also about people. Mingle with these innocent friendly people and you will understand how simple life can be even in the harsh conditions.

 The trilling ride on the raft gives you an opportunity to pass through the vast landscapes, high ridges, glaciers, pastures and mountain tops that you miss while going on road.

 

If you wish to join other adventurous souls to accompany you on this lifetime journey join Spiti Sojourn with us.