Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh, Best Places To Visit, Temples, Things To Do In Kufri

Despite its rugged and barren appearance, Spiti Valley boasts unparalleled beauty that will
satisfy your wanderlust. This cold desert region in Himachal Pradesh is home to glittering
lakes, snow-capped mountains, stunning glaciers, verdant meadows, quaint hamlets, and
numerous monasteries.
For those seeking unexplored natural beauty, clear blue skies, and a vibrant culture, Spiti
Valley is the perfect destination. And if that wasn’t enough, adventure enthusiasts will find
paradise here, with opportunities for biking, mountaineering, camping, and trekking abound.
With so many breathtaking places to explore in and around Spiti Valley, it’s an ideal
destination for a truly unforgettable experience. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve
compiled a list of the top 10 Best tourist destinations in Spiti that should be included in your
itinerary.
About Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert region in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
It is located at an average elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level and covers an area of
about 7,000 square kilometres. Spiti means “Middle Land” since it is between India and
Tibet.
The Spiti Valley is bordered by tall mountains, with the Kunzum Pass on the east and the
Rohtang Pass on the west. The area is recognized for its harsh and rugged landscapes,
which include barren brown mountains, steep gorges, and rocky outcrops. Despite its rough
topography, Spiti Valley has a distinct and diversified ecosystem, with a wide range of flora
and animals adapted to severe climatic conditions.
The Spiti River flows through the valley, providing the region’s small inhabitants with a
lifeline. Spiti’s population are mostly Buddhists, and the valley is rich in cultural legacy, with
numerous historic monasteries and temples dispersed throughout. Traditional products from
the area include Thangka paintings, carpets, and silver jewellery.
Spiti Valley is a renowned location for adventure seekers, offering hiking, camping, mountain
biking, and climbing. The location is also gaining popularity among travellers looking for
unusual attractions and natural beauty. On the other hand, Spiti Valley has been largely
unaffected by commercial tourism owing to its remote position and severe environment,
preserving its natural beauty and original charm.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh

1. Chandratal Lake

Known as the “Moon Lake,” Chandratal is a breathtaking alpine lake 14,000 feet above sea
level. It is surrounded by towering mountains and is a popular camping site for trekkers and
adventure enthusiasts.

2. Kunzum Pass

This high-altitude pass connects Spiti Valley to the Lahaul region and offers panoramic
views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. It is a popular trekking route and home to the
Kunzum Devi Temple, a popular pilgrimage site.

3. Pin Valley National Park

This wildlife sanctuary is home to various rare and endangered species, including the snow
leopard, Siberian ibex, and Tibetan gazelle. It is also home to several ancient monasteries
and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

4. Dhankar Monastery

This ancient monastery perched on a hilltop overlooks the confluence of the Spiti and Pin
rivers. It is home to ancient Buddhist scriptures, murals, and thangkas.

5. Kibber Village

This picturesque village, located at 14,200 feet, is Asia’s most permanently inhabited village.
It is known for its traditional architecture, culture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding
mountains.

6. Tabo Monastery

Founded in 996 AD, Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest functioning monasteries in the
world. It is known for its collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, murals, and thangkas and
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Langza Village

This quaint village is known for its large Buddha statue and breathtaking Chau Chau Kang
Nilda peak views. It is also home to a prehistoric marine fossil site, believed to be millions of
years old.

8. Nako Lake

This serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet and is surrounded by snow-capped
mountains. It is a popular spot for fishing and boating and offers stunning views of the
surrounding valleys.

9. Hikkim Village

This remote village is known for its ancient post office, which is believed to be the highest in
the world. Visitors can send postcards from here as a souvenir.

10. Lhalung Village

This picturesque village is known for its ancient gompa, which is believed to be one of the
oldest monasteries in Spiti Valley. It is also home to traditional Spitian architecture and
culture.
Top 5 Things To Do In Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh
The Spiti Valley is a treasure trove of natural beauties and cultural treasures that will
astound any visitor. This high-altitude desert area of Himachal Pradesh has a variety of
intriguing activities for both adventurers and cultural fans. Below are the top five activities in
Spiti Valley:

1. Trekking

Spiti Valley is a trekker’s heaven, with several walking trails offering stunning views of the
Mountains, clean lakes, and historic monasteries. The Pin-Parvati Pass, Hampta Pass, and
the Spiti to Ladakh trip are among the most popular hiking routes.

2. Camping

The Spiti Valley has several camping areas where you may spend the night beneath the
stars, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Popular camping
spots include Chandratal Lake and the area surrounding Kibber village.

3. Wildlife Safari

Pin Valley National Park is a wildlife sanctuary home to rare and endangered species such
as the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and Tibetan gazelle. A wildlife safari in the park allows
you to see these wonderful creatures in their natural environment.

4. Visit Monasteries

The Spiti Valley is filled with old Buddhist monasteries that provide a look into the region’s
rich cultural legacy. Among the must-see monasteries are Tabo Monastery, Dhankar
Monastery, and Key Monastery.

5. Attend Festivals

Spiti Valley is famed for its colourful festivals that provide an insight into the people’s
traditional way of life. One of the most prominent events in the area is the Spiti Gustor
festival, which is held at the Tabo Monastery. Other festivals worth attending are Losar,
Tsheshu, and Fagli.

Top 5 Best Temples In Spiti Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a destination for adventure seekers and those seeking
spiritual tranquilly. The area is densely packed with historic monasteries and temples that
are visually gorgeous and possess significant cultural and religious value. The following are
the top five temples in Spiti Valley:

1. Key Monastery

Also known as Ki Gompa, Key Monastery is one of Spiti Valley’s oldest and largest
monasteries. This monastery, perched on a hill at an elevation of 13,668 feet, is known for
its paintings, thangkas, and old texts.

2. Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery, located in Tabo hamlet, is an old monastery dating back to the 10th
century. It is famous for its beautiful murals, elaborate paintings, and old texts. The
monastery also has a collection of sculptures, frescoes, and manuscripts.

3. Dhankar Monastery

Perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, Dhankar Monastery
is one of the most stunning monasteries in Spiti Valley. It is famous for its one-of-a-kind
architecture, artwork, and old texts.

4. Tangyud Monastery

Tangyud Monastery, located in Komic, is an old monastery famed for its exquisite paintings,
frescoes, and sculptures. It is one of the world’s tallest monasteries, standing 14,200 feet
above sea level.

5. Lhalung Monastery

Situated in Lhalung, Lhalung Monastery is a historic monastery dating back to the 11th
century. It’s famous for its stunning paintings, old texts, and sculptures. In addition, the
monastery provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Top 5 Best Hotels In Spiti Himachal Pradesh
A few hotels in the region offer a comfortable stay and a chance to experience the beauty
and serenity of the valley. Here are the top five best hotels in Spiti Valley:

1. The Grand Dragon Ladakh

This luxury hotel in Kaza offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV,
and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a restaurant that provides tasty local and
international cuisine.

2. Hotel Spiti Sarai

Located in the village of Rangrik, Hotel Spiti Sarai is a boutique hotel that offers spacious
rooms with traditional decor and modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that
offers local and international food and a spa that offers traditional massages and treatments.

3. Hotel Ibex

Budget Hotel Ibex in Kaza has cosy accommodations with standard features like Wi-Fi, TV,
and connected bathrooms. A restaurant that offers domestic and ethnic cuisine is also inside
the hotel.

4. Spiti Organic Kitchen and Homestay

Located in the village of Kibber, Spiti Organic Kitchen and Homestay is a traditional
homestay that offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The homestay also has a
restaurant that serves organic food and offers cooking classes to guests.

5. Hotel Snow Lion

Situated in Kaza, Hotel Snow Lion is a cheap hotel with pleasant rooms with basic facilities
like Wi-Fi, TV, and connected bathrooms. The hotel also features a restaurant that provides
local and foreign cuisine.
Top 5 Best Authentic Food In Spiti Himachal Pradesh
The food in Spiti is simple but delicious, focusing on fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Here are the top five best authentic foods to try in Spiti Valley:

1. Thukpa

Thukpa is a hearty noodle soup that is a staple in Spiti cuisine. It is made with wheat
noodles, vegetables, and meat or tofu, often seasoned with local herbs and spices. Thukpa
is a filling and nutritious meal perfect for Spiti Valley’s cold and windy weather.

2. Momos

Momos are a popular Tibetan snack that has also become a favourite in Spiti. These
steamed dumplings are filled with vegetables, meat or cheese and are often served with a
spicy dipping sauce. Momos are a quick and easy snack at local restaurants and street
vendors.

3. Chhang

Chhang is a traditional Tibetan drink made by fermenting barley or millet. It tastes slightly
sour and is often served in a wooden mug. Chhang is a popular Spiti Valley drink enjoyed
during festivals and celebrations.

4. Butter Tea

Butter tea is a traditional drink popular in Tibet and Spiti Valley. It is made by boiling tea
leaves with yak butter and salt and is often served with tsampa, a roasted barley flour. Butter
tea is a warming and energizing drink perfect for Spiti Valley’s cold weather.

5. Thenthuk

Thenthuk is another hearty noodle soup that is popular in Spiti Valley. It is made with hand-
pulled noodles, vegetables, and meat or tofu, often seasoned with local herbs and spices.
Thenthuk is a filling and comforting meal perfect after a long day of trekking or sightseeing.
Best Time To Visit In Spiti Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert located in the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. Due to its
remote location and extreme weather conditions, planning your trip to Spiti Valley carefully is
important, especially when choosing the best time to visit. Here is a guide to the best time to
visit Spiti Valley:
Summer (June to September)
The summer months of June to September are the most suitable time to visit Spiti Valley.
The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15-20°C during the
day and dropping to 5-10°C at night. The roads to Spiti Valley are open during this time,
making it easy to access the valley. Summer is also the best time to enjoy trekking, camping,
and other outdoor activities in Spiti Valley.
Monsoon (July to September)
The monsoon season in Spiti Valley is between July to September, and it is not the best time
to visit due to the risk of landslides and road closures. However, the monsoon season brings
a unique charm to the valley, with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers.
Winter (November to February)
The winter months of November to February are not recommended for a visit to Spiti Valley
due to extreme weather conditions, heavy snowfall, and road closures. However, for
adventure enthusiasts, this is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in high-altitude
areas.
Spring (March to May)
The spring months of March to May are another great time to visit Spiti Valley, as the
weather starts getting warmer and the snow starts melting, revealing the lush greenery and
blooming flowers. However, it is important to note that the roads to Spiti Valley may be
closed during this time due to melting snow and landslides.

Final Words!
Spiti Valley is a rough and scenic Himalayan area in Himachal Pradesh. It is a paradise for
adventurers, nature lovers, and those looking for a calm respite from the rush and bustle of
city life. Spiti Valley has something for everyone, from breathtaking natural scenery to unique
cultural experiences.
If you’re considering visiting Spiti Valley, remember that the weather and road conditions
might be difficult during certain seasons. The summer months of June to September are
ideal for visiting since the weather is pleasant and the roads are open. The monsoon season
and winter months, on the other hand, provide unique experiences for those prepared to
face the conditions.
Spiti Valley has many sites to explore, including magnificent lakes, snow-capped mountains,
and picturesque towns. Don’t forget to try the great local food and stay in one of the region’s
numerous genuine hotels.
Overall, Spiti Valley is a hidden treasure that provides a one-of-a-kind and wonderful
vacation experience. Whether you’re an adventurer or a nature lover, Spiti Valley will leave
you with memories that last a lifetime.