10 Places to Visit in Spiti Valley 5
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him.Truly the scenic Spiti Valley is God’s special creation. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. Spiti literally translates to ‘The Middle Land’. It derives its name from its geographical location in between the Indian peninsular mass and the Tibetan plateau. The Spiti has imprints of the Buddhist culture. It has the oldest monasteries of the world Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery, a favourite of Dalai Lama.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of places in Spiti that are worth your time. But here is the list of the 10 must visit places in Spiti that will sweep you off your feet.
At the right of Spiti river, is an ancient village named Tabo which is 37 km from city center, flanked on either side by lofty brown hills and sun burnt, is the seat of one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries - Sherlang, Duang, Chamba, Chibbo, Domlang Gompas, regarded by many as only next to the Thelong Gompa in Tibet. The 10th Century Tabo monastery houses more than 60 lamas. Large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings - 'Tankhas' and 'Stucco'.
2. Ki Monastery
Ki monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti valley situated on top of a conical hill at 4166 mtr. The view of the whitewashed buildings of Ki monastery from surrounding hills is a treat for any photographer. Its around 14 kms from Kaza on Kaza–Kibber road. The views from the top are just breathtaking, especially the view of Rangrik village across the spiti river. Ki Gompa also has a guest house where you can stay
3. Chandratal
Another beautiful place which one find in Spiti is Chandratal. Chandratal, literally translating into Moon Lake, gets its name from its crescent shape. Located at a distance of 7-8 km from Kunzum Pass, the lake is a major attraction for photographers and adventure seekers.
Kaza is situated along river Spiti and is the base camp for lots of treks.The Chinchum Ropeway is another such example that made me marvel at the human spirit.Also, the Asia's highest located petrol pump is in Kaza. It makes you wonder the amount of resources nature has and on the same hand the man's madness to procure It really amzaes a person and is beautiful place to visit near spiti
Pin Valley national park is located in desert valley of Spiti in Lahaul Spiti District.The park is located at very high altitude and so vegetation is very scare in these areas and consists of only alpine and cedar trees.
Dhankar Monastery looks like a mud brick fort situated at around 3900 mtrs overlooking confluence of Spiti and Pin river.The high altitude trek of an hour from Dhankar monastery will take you to the Dhankar lake. The Lake might not have much water due to lack of glacial melting but offers magnificent views of Manerang pass
(4,883 meters) It is in Lahaul valley, 73 kms. from Keylong. The name Baralacha means 'Pass with cross roads on summit' (Roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join on the top of it). There is no road yet from Spiti, only a path exists. This pass is also an origin of Chandra, Bhaga and Yamuna rivers. They flow to three different directions, through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.
8. Khoksar
( 3,140 meters) a break and windswept place is the first village and gateway toLahaul and on the right bank of the river Chandra 5 kms. from 'Gramphoo'. During winter Khoskar is the coldest inhabited place in Lahaul. The river freezes during winter and is covered with snow to afford regular passage for human beings and also for mule traffic. Khoksar is located on the old trade route from Indian plains to the west Asia
9. Spiti River
Spiti River originates from Kunzum pass and is a famous for river rafting. If you are adventurous this is the place for you to head. The river is filled mostly by glaciers and it starts from spiti and meets Kinnaur to Satluj. The river flows at very high mountain and itself is must place to visit
