Menu
Offbeat Places
Spiti Valley

If you are looking for a location that refreshes your mind and soul and transports you into a dreamy land, then Spiti Valley can be a perfect choice for you. In simple words, Spiti is heaven, and its vibe is unmatchable. For wanderers, it is a compulsory destination. The meaning of the word “Spiti” is “the middle land”. It is a mountainous cold desert decorated with fascinating valleys, windswept landscapes, and serene villages.

Spiti Valley - An Overview

For centuries, this region remained undiscovered because the people of Spiti stick to an introverted life where they believe in focusing on their monasteries. If you are looking for a Spiti Valley Tour plan, we are more than happy to help you. However, you should know that the Spiti Tour can’t be wrapped up in just 1-2 days. In order to dive into the divinity of Spiti Valley, you need to invest a minimum of 3-5 days.

Places to visit in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley remains flooded with tourists every year and thus, it is one of the best tourist places in India. It may be rugged in nature, but its unparalleled beauty is enough for you to go through the barren lands and explore the unseen. It is home to glittering lakes, snow-laden mountains, stunning glaciers, green meadows, tiny hamlets, and a number of monasteries. Thus, here are the best places to visit in Spiti Valley.

Key monastery

This place houses a large number of monasteries because the people of Spiti are truly religious and like to remain rooted in their traditions and culture. One such iconic monastery that you simply cannot afford to miss visiting is the Key Monastery. It occupies the hilltop, surrounded by majestic glaciers and the mighty Himalayas. If you have a deep affinity for tranquillity and inner peace, this monastery will definitely deliver you an unforgettable experience.

Chandratal Lake

One of the most enticing lakes surrounded by the divinity of the Himalayas as well as a common Spiti Valley tourist place, Chandratal Lake is one of the best and most desired places to visit in Spiti Valley. Here, one can come across the gushing of turquoise-blue water and a cool breeze. If you want to try out trekking, well, this lake offers that too. You can grab the opportunity to trek through the glaciers between Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass.

Spiti trek in Kunzum Pass

If you are a true adventure lover and want to try out trekking in Spiti, then this place can be ideal for you that you can add to your book of memories. The beauty of this region is just impossible to describe in words. Situated at an altitude of 15,060 feet above sea level, the Kunzum Pass is among India’s highest motorable passes. There is an ancient temple in the lap of this pass which is dedicated to the goddess Kunzum Devi.

Also, Spiti Valley camping right in the lap of the Himalayas is quite alluring and feels like a pristine dream. However, before camping, you need to take care of certain things because camping in the hills is a little different than in the jungles or lower hills. The first and foremost thing is acclimatization because high altitudes can be a bit harsh on your body and can cause trouble with the inner temperature. Secondly, it is advisable to find a safe place for camping, either near a village or near some water stream.

Pin Valley National Park

Undoubtedly, Spiti Valley is the epitome of beauty and serenity and one of the best valleys in India. A trip to this valley is incomplete without visiting the Pin Valley National Park. This high-altitude park houses a large number of endangered flora and fauna. Spread over an area of 675 square meters, it is a natural habitat for snow leopards, snowcocks, and Siberian ibex, among others. This is your chance to let your soul turn a bit wild amid the heavenly environment in this quaint national park and explore an unknown side of your personality.

Spiti River

If you truly want to capture the divinity of Spiti, it is compulsory for you to visit the Spiti River. This charming River is adorned by melting glaciers and is considered to be a sight to behold. It originates from the Kunzum range of the Himalayan streams. This River fails to get any rainwater because of the geographical condition of Spiti because this part of the Himalayas is a desert area without almost any rain throughout the year. The vast expense of the river with big and small channels almost looks frozen from a distance. Moreover, they also freeze during the winter due to dropping temperatures.

Suraj Tal

It is considered to be one of the most popular Spiti Valley tourist places that you cannot afford to miss visiting. This divine lake holds the record of being India’s third-highest lake, visited by tourists in large numbers. Locals also believe that this lake is somehow associated with the Sun God. They also believe that a dip in this pious lake is enough to cleanse and purify your soul and wash away all your sins to give you a peaceful life. Thus, Suraj Tal can be called a perfect blend of beauty and spirituality.

The cuisine of Spiti Valley
  • The food of this region is heavily influenced by Pahadi, Punjabi, and Tibetan cultures and cuisines. Their staple food is buckwheat, but they also depend on barley, rice, and wheat for nutrition as well.
  • Moktuk is a popular dish that you can try out while visiting Spiti. Basically, it is a soup dish prepared using momos, Yak meat, and vegetables such as mushrooms with traditional spices. Your trip to Spiti is incomplete without it.
  • Thenktuk is another popular dish that has its roots in Tibet and is a stew that comprises flat noodles, meats, and lots of vegetables with a delicious gravy that’s less spicy (hence, a treat to the tummy) but flavourful.
  • Some other popular dishes include Madra, Chhang, Tingmo, Trout Fish curry, and Bhey masala.
Best time to visit Spiti Valley

The ideal time to visit this heavenly location of Spiti Valley is from March to June for those who want to explore the valleys while keeping aside the cold weather.