Spiti Valley

Cold desert mountain valley

SPITI VALLEY 

Spiti is at that corner of Himachal where you forget yourself. Spiti valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the northeastern part of the Northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. Winter Spiti Expedition is an adventure expedition to one of the most beautiful places in the world – Spiti Valley. The expedition is organized by Spiti Adventures, a company based in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The expedition is open to all adventure seekers who have a passion for adventure and a love for the mountains. The expedition will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including the majestic Himalayan ranges, the stunning Spiti Valley, and the picturesque Leh region. The expedition will also take you to some of the most remote and untouched villages in the world, where you will get to experience the true beauty of the Himalayas. The name ‘Spiti’ means the “middle land” which means the land between Tibet and India. Winters in Spiti are extremely harsh and temperatures sometimes drop to as low as -20 celsius. Winters are frigid and there is no running water in the taps. All that Sapiti has in winter is the never-ending adventure and a white blanket of show. Spiti looks pretty throughout the year. If you are looking for a less crowded and less touristy version of Ladakh, you should check out Spiti valley. India’s famous cold desert. The spell-binding landscape of Spiti will capture a piece of your heart. But planning a trip to Spiti is no cakewalk. This travel guide gives you everything you need to plan the perfect Winter Spiti Trip.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SPITI 

The best time to visit the Spiti Valley is from June to September when the weather is warm and dry. However, the valley can be visited at any time of the year except for the winter months when the roads are blocked by snow. June to mid-October to March beginning is the perfect time to experience winter in Spiti. While temperature hovers around an average of 8 degrees celsius during the daytime, at night the temperature is -10 degrees when snowfall flourishes at its best. 

The climate of Spiti in winter

The average temperature day and night during the winter season on average, is 0-degree celsius during the day, and at night, it can be -20 to -30 degrees centigrade. October to December experience the least sunshine but mostly the conditions are cloudy and foggy, and there is plenty of snowfall around. Temperatures at night can drop way below 0 degrees, and the entire value experiences endless snowfall.

How to reach Spiti in winter

By air: Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport. From there on you have to travel by road to get to Spiti, private vehicles are available from Bhuntar to Spiti via Manali.

By road: There is no railway service in Spiti, and the only way to reach Spiti in Winter is by road. 

Things to do in Spiti during winter

Are you thinking of traveling to Spiti Valley in winter? The winter in Spiti Valley is generally from January to March. The conditions in Spiti in winter are very harsh and implacable. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you want to go the extra mile and witness the snow-laden beauty of Spiti, you must plan the Spiti Valley trip in the winter months of February or March. Here are a few things that you can look at while planning a trip to Spiti in winter.

• Trekking
• Camping
• Spotting a snow leopard 
• Frozen waterfall climbing

Best places to visit in Spiti during winter

1. Key Monastery

Key Monastery: Key Gompa ( Monastery at the Center of the Mandala ) is the largest monastery in Spiti, and the seat of the reincarnations of the Lochen (Great Transport ) Rinchen Zangpo (958- 1055). As the seat of the line of Lochen Tulkus, it is intimately connected with the much older Kadampa lineage, and through it to the famous 11th-century saint Srijnana Dipankara Atisha. The Monastery is approximately 600 years old. It is situated in a remote location in India 13,800 feet above sea level. Winters here are long and temperatures can drop to -40 degrees Celsius. The 300 monks residing here range in age from seven to over eighty years.

2. Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley National Park: Pin Valley National Park is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The park is located in the desert habitat of the Spiti, within the cold desert Biosphere Reserve, in the Himalayas region. Because of the park’s high altitude and extreme temperatures, the vegetation density is sparse, Pin Valley National Park is famous for its Snow Leopard and birds such as Himalayan snowcock, chukar partridge, and snow partridge. Mud is the small town that is the main point for treks into the Pin Valley National Park. The Pin Valley National Park is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest national parks in India and is home to a variety of rare and endangered wildlife species. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a perfect place to see the rare snow leopard, as well as other animals such as the ibex, red fox, Tibetan argali, and wild yak. The Pin Valley National Park is also a great place for trekking and mountaineering. There are many beautiful trails to explore, and the views from the top of the mountains are simply breathtaking. If you are looking for an adventure-filled vacation, then Spiti Valley and Pin Valley National Park is the perfect place for you.

3. Dhankar Monastery

Dhankar Monastery: Dhankar Gompa is a village and also a Gompa, a Buddhist temple in the district of Lahaul and Spiti in India. It is situated at an elevation of 3,984 meters (12,774 feet) in Spiti. The Dhankar Monastery or Dhankar Gompa is a 16th-century old fort monastery also the second highest monastery in the world, which also served as a prison in the erstwhile era. The Dhankar Gompa is more than 1000 years old and is connected to the rest of the Spiti Valley through a Motorable road, which is good for small vehicles only.

4. Kaza

Kaza: Kaza is a town in the Spiti Valley of the trans-Himalayan Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The administrative center of the Spiti Valley is one of the twelve administrative headquarters of the district. In the 2011 census, its population was 1,485, in 270 households. Kaza is the largest town in Spiti and is the sub-divisional headquarters of the remote and mountainous Spiti Valley in the Himalayas. It is situated on the Spiti River, at an elevation of about 3,650 meters (11,980 ft) above mean sea level. Kaza is connected to the outside world by road and by air. The road link is through the towns of Shimla, Manali, and Kullu. The nearest airport is Bhuntar, about 260 kilometers (160 mi) away.

5. Kibber

Kibber: Kibber is a small village in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the last village on the Spiti Valley road, beyond which lies the Tibetan Plateau. Kibber is situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters (14,020 ft) in the Spiti tehsil and is the headquarters of the gram panchayat (village council) of the same name. Kibber was connected by road to the rest of India in 1978, and since then its economy has been slowly diversifying. Agriculture is the mainstay of the village, with peas, potatoes, and barley being the main crops. Animal husbandry is also practiced, and yaks, dzos, and sheep are kept for milk, wool, and meat. Kibber has a cold desert climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average annual rainfall is about 150 millimeters (5.9 in). As of the 2011 census, Kibber village had a population of 1,161, of which 629 were male and 532 female. The literacy rate was 84.45%, higher than the state average of 82.80%.

6. Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery: Tabo is a beautiful village in the Spiti Valley which is a part of the trans-Himalayan belt in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The valley is surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains in the world. Tabo is home to the Tabo Monastery which is one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in the world. It is also home to the Tabo Caves which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tabo Monastery, also known as Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery situated in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley, in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The monastery was founded in the year 996 CE and is considered to be one of the oldest continuously operating monasteries in the world. The monastery is a complex of temples, stupas, viharas (monastic cells), and a library. It is home to around 60 monks and is a center of learning for the monks of the Spiti Valley.

7. Gue Monastery

Gue Monastery: The Geu monastery is located about 4 kilometers from Kaza, in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism and was founded by the great Tibetan teacher Dromton in the 11th century. The monastery is home to about 30 monks and is a popular stop for tourists visiting the Spiti Valley. Gue Monastery is a small monastery in the village of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is also known as the Spiti Gue Monastery. The monastery is located in the village of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a small monastery, with only a few monks living in it. The monastery is located in the village of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India.

8. Komic

Komic: Komic village is one of the most beautiful places in Spiti Valley. It is located at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,060 ft) and is the highest village in Asia that is connected by road. The village is home to around 100 people, most of whom are farmers or herders. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming and are always happy to chat with visitors. Komic village is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and to experience true village life in the Himalayas. It is a place of great natural beauty and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Spiti Valley.

9. Langza Village

Langza Village: Langza is a small village located in Spiti Valley at an altitude of 4,540 meters (14,890 ft). It is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world and is home to around 100 people. The village is located in a remote and isolated part of the valley and is only accessible by a narrow dirt track. Despite its remote location, Langza is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of the Himalayas and its unique culture. Langza is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the true beauty of nature.

10. Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge: The Chicham Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spiti Valley. It is a suspension bridge located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,980 ft) in the Himalayas. The bridge is used by locals and tourists alike to cross the Spiti River. It is also a popular spot for photography and offers stunning views of the valley below. The Chicham Bridge is a must-visit place for anyone traveling to Spiti Valley. It is a place of great natural beauty and a perfect spot to enjoy the stunning views of the valley.

11. Sakya Tangyud Monastery

Sakya Tangyud Monastery: The Sakya Tangyud Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 4,575 meters (15,006 ft) in the Himalayas. The monastery is home to around 200 monks and is a center of learning for the Tibetan Buddhist religion. It is also a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world. The Sakya Tangyud Monastery is a must-visit place for anyone traveling to Spiti Valley. It is a place of great beauty and peace, and a perfect place to learn more about the Buddhist religion and culture.

12. Langza Buddha Statue 

Langza Buddha Statue: The lovely Langza Buddha statue is situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The statue of Buddha is a beautiful site. The Langza Buddha statue is made of a single piece of stone. The statue is about 6 feet in length and about 4 feet in breadth. The main Attraction of the Langza Buddha Statue is the view of the Spiti valley from here.

13. Nako Lake

Nako Lake: Nako is a small village in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of the Himachal Pradesh state of India. Nako lies at an altitude of 3662 meters (11,999 feet) in the Pooh sub-division of Spiti and is the final village in the Pooh tehsil at the border of the Pooh and Nako tehsils. Nako has a small lake, Nako Lake, at the center of the village. It is famous for its 1000-year-old preserved mummies. Nako is approximately 300 km from Manali and 150 km from Kaza. Nako Lake is a natural lake located in the village of Nako in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located at an altitude of 3660 m and is approximately 3 km long and 1 km wide. 

14. Chandratal

Chandratal: Chandratal Lake is a crescent-shaped lake which is located in the Spiti Valley of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is situated at a height of 4300 meters above sea level. The lake’s name is derived from the crescent shape of the lake. ‘Chandra Tal’ means ‘Lake of the Moon. The lake is surrounded by lush green vegetation and high mountains. There are no trees around the lake and because of this, it is one of the few areas where the beautiful night sky can be clearly seen. It is a popular destination for stargazers and astronomers. The lake is fed by the melting snow of the nearby mountains. The best time to visit the lake is from June to October. During this period, the lake is accessible by road. The lake is home to many migratory birds such as ducks, geese, etc. The lake is also a popular destination for trekkers. A popular trekking route starts from the village of Batal and passes through the villages of Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, and Chandratal. 

15. Kunzum Pass

Kunzum Pass: Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It connects the Spiti Valley with the rest of Himachal Pradesh. The pass is at an elevation of 4,590 meters (15,060 ft) and is located about 150 km (93 mi) from Manali.Kunzum Pass is the gateway to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul & Spiti. Kunzum Pass is at an altitude of 4550m above sea level & is located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. Kunzum Pass connects Spiti valley with the Kullu Valley & Lahaul Valley. Kunzum Pass is about 120 km from Manali and about 125 km from Kaza. Kunzum Pass is open from June to September. Kunzum Pass is considered to be sacred and there is a Kunzum Devi temple at the top of Kunzum Pass. Kunzum Pass is a must-visit place for adventure seekers.

16. Baralacha Pass

Baralacha Pass: Baralacha Pass is a high mountain pass in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Lahaul and Zanskar regions of Himachal with Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The pass lies on the watershed between the Chenab and Ravi rivers. The pass is located at an elevation of 4930m above mean sea level. The Baralacha Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It connects the Lahaul and Zanskar regions of Himachal with Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The pass lies on the watershed between the Chenab and Ravi rivers. The pass is located at an elevation of 4930m above mean sea level.

17. Rangrik Rang

Rangrik Rang: Rangrik is a village located in the Spiti Valley of the Himalayas in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The village is situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters (14,010 ft) above mean sea level. It is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. The village is home to a population of around 100 people. The primary occupation of the villagers is agriculture and animal husbandry. The village has a school that is run by the government. The villagers are also involved in the tourism industry and many of them work as guides and porters for tourists visiting the valley.

18. Lhalung Monastery

Lhalung Monastery: The Lhalung Monastery is a gompa (monastery) of the Drukpa Lineage located in the Lhalung village in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the highest monastery in the world, at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 ft). Lhalung Monastery is located in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It was founded in the 11th century. It is a Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the most important monasteries in Spiti Valley. It is known for its paintings and sculptures. The Lhalung Monastery is located in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It was founded in the 11th century by the great Tibetan Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. It was one of the four great Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet, the other three being Ganden, Tashi Lhunpo, and Sera. The monastery was destroyed by the Chinese in 1959 and the monks were forced to flee to India. In the early 1960s, the Dalai Lama re-established the monastery in Dharamsala, and in the late 1970s, the monastery was rebuilt at its present location in the Spiti Valley.

The famous food of Spiti

• Momos (dumplings)
• Thukpa (noodle soup)
• Tsampa (roasted barley flour)
• Sepu bada (fried noodles).
• Sel Roti
• Thenthuk
• Paneer
• Gucchi
• Naktra
• Chaang
• Gulgula

Things to clear before the trip to Spiti in winter

• Expect road closures for days and weeks.
• Expect Driving on ice and snow on roads.
• Expect a basic stay and food.
• Expect no water in the toilets.
• Expect bone-freezing temperatures.
• Expect bad roads with shooting stones.
• Expect intermittent loss in electricity.
• Expect intermittent loss in mobile signals.
• Expect the bare minimum of medical help.
• Many villages & routes will be closed.
• Locals will be warm and welcoming as ever.
• Get ready to lose your soul in winter Spiti. 

 Things to Carry For Winter Spiti Expedition

1. Basic First Aid Kit
2. A good sunscreen lotion
3. A pair of sunglasses
4. A woolen cap or hat
5. A pair of gloves
6. A pair of comfortable shoes
7. A light jacket or a sweater
8. A pair of trekking shoes
9. A windcheater
10. A rucksack or a backpack