About Spiti Valley

The Spiti Valley is remote and beautiful in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is often called the “Land of Snow” or  “Little Tibet” because of its high altitude and harsh and arid landscape.

The Spiti Valley is located in the Western Himalayas and is bounded by the Kunzum range in the north and the Zanskar range in the south. The valley is bisected by the Spiti River, which flows into the Sutlej River from the Kunzum Pass.

Spiti Valley is a cold desert with an average altitude of 12,000 feet. The climate is very dry, with an annual rainfall of only about 10 inches. Winters are long and cold, with temperatures often falling below -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are short and mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spiti Valley has a small population of about 13,000 people. Most of Spiti’s inhabitants are Tibetan Buddhists, and the valley is home to several monasteries and temples. The main language of Spiti is Spiti, a dialect of Tibetan.

Spiti Valley is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning scenery,  unique culture and spiritual significance. The main attractions in Spiti are Tabo Monastery,  Keylong Monastery,  Kibber Village and  Pin Valley National Park.

Route for Spiti Valley

Manali Route: This is the most popular route and is open from June to October. The drive from Manali to Kaza, the capital of Spiti, takes about 12 hours. The road is well maintained but can be difficult due to the high altitude and narrow roads.

Shimla Route: This route is open from May to October. The journey from Shimla to Kaza takes about 18 hours. The road is not as well maintained as the Manali route but it is still a scenic drive.

How to reach Spiti

By Bus: There are regular buses to Kaza from Manali, Shimla and Delhi. Buses are comfortable and relatively cheap.

By taxi: Taxis are a good option if you are travelling in a group. Taxis can be hired from Manali, Shimla or Delhi.

By Car: If you drive your car, you must be prepared for high altitude and narrow roads. The journey from Manali to Kaza is around 196 kilometres and the journey takes around 12 hours.

By helicopter: Helicopters are a good option if you are short on time or if you are travelling with health problems. Helicopters can be hired from Manali or Shimla.

Top things to do in Spiti

Trekking and Trekking: Spiti Valley is a paradise for hikers and trekkers. There are several routes to choose from, from simple day trips to challenging multi-day treks. Some of the most popular treks in Spiti Valley are Pin Parvati Pass Trek, Spiti Valley Trek and Kunzum Pass Trek.

Visiting Ancient Monasteries: Spiti Valley is home to several ancient monasteries including Tabo Monastery, Key Monastery and Dhankar Monastery. These monasteries are not only beautiful but also offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Spiti Valley. Exploring local villages: Spiti Valley has several charming villages, each with its unique character. The most popular villages in Spiti Valley are Kibber, Langza and Hikkim. These villages have some traditional Tibetan houses and offer a glimpse into the daily life of the local people.

Spiti Festival: The Spiti Festival is a colourful and lively festival held in February or March. The festival features traditional Tibetan music, dance and food. This is a great opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Spiti Valley.

Camping: Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of Spiti Valley. There are several campsites in the valley, from basic campsites to luxury campsites with all amenities.

Relaxation in Hot Springs: Spiti Valley has several hot springs which are a great way to relax and relieve the stress of everyday life. Some of the most popular hot springs in Spiti Valley are Kibber Gompa Hot Springs and Kunzum Pass Hot Springs. These are just some of the many things to do in Spiti Valley. Whether you are interested in hiking, trekking, visiting monasteries, exploring villages or simply relaxing in hot springs, Spiti Valley has something for everyone.