Lahaul Spiti

Located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, this spectacular valley houses some of the ancient monasteries and natural wonders.
Earlier there were two separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. But, presently, Keylong in Lahaul is the administrative head quarter. One can come to this place from Manali hiring some private vehicles.

Lahaul is noticeable for the consistently high mountains and gigantic glaciers. Lahaul is a land of splendid Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti contain wonderful ancient murals, thankas, classic paintings, wood carving, and golden images of Padmasambhava.

The cool and pleasant weather of this valley turns it into an ideal destination to arrange your trip during summer. Monsoon in Lahaul is not so heavy but turns the valley into more wonderfully decorated vicinity with green grass and alpine flowers. For trekkers and climbers summer is an ideal season to enjoy a long and unbroken move in soothing sunshine to experience the wilderness and scenic beauty of the inner Himalaya.

The geographical character of Lahaul and Spiti valleys are quite different. Spiti is more barren in comparison to Lahaul. It is like a common mountain desert type area. It has an average annual rainfall of only 170 mm.

Fast Facts

Temperature:

Summer: 20 - 30 C
Winter: 0 - 24 C

Best Season:

Jun - Sep

Getting to Lahaul-Spiti

AIR

Bhuntar Kullu district has the nearest domestic airport for Spiti. From here tourists need to book either a bus or take a taxi for Spiti. The nearest international airport is at Delhi.

RAIL

Jogindernagar has the nearest railhead but the place has limited connectivity. Shimla and Chandigarh are the nearest broad gauge railway station and are well connected to most of the cities. Direct buses or taxis can be hired for Spiti from these places.

ROAD

Buses are available from Chandigarh, Shimla and many other places around Lahaul and Spiti.

Important Tourist Destinations

Tabo

The ancient village of Tabo is located on the left side of river Spiti. The village is surrounded by hills. The village is the home to one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries. It is believed to be the next famous monastery to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet.

Kaza

The village is around 47 km from Tabo and 210 Km from Kalpa. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district are located here. The village is located on the bank of river Spiti. Kaza has a Hindu Temple and Buddhist Monastery.

Key Monastery

This is known as the largest monastery in Spiti Valley, located at a distance of 7 km from Kaza. The monastery was set up in the 11th century containing ancient Buddhist paintings and scrolls. Large number of Buddhist monks and nuns reside here.

Kibber

Kibber is known as the highest motor-able road in the world. It is around 18km from Kaza.

Pin Valley

The Pin Valley is known for its wonderful and prominent monasteries. The valley is known as the land of snow leopards and Ibex.

Chandratal Lake

The scenic beauty of this lake is breath taking. The entire lake is surrounded by snow and the water of the lake is blue in color. River Chandra runs close to the lake.