The spectacular and scenic snow-clad mountains, lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, deep river valleys, the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh is a dreamland for nature lovers. Nestled in Western Himalayas, you can see the traces of colonial-era along with the influence of Buddhism. Himachal tour packages provide you with a wide range of options to be embraced by the beauty and serenity of this state.
About Spiti Valley
The Spiti Valley is the cold desert mountain valley located in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. Located at a distance of 202 km to the northeast of Manali, the less populated land separates Indian mainland from Tibet’s autonomous region. The word ‘Spiti’ means ‘the middle land’ and it is the land between India and Tibet. The region is an adventurer’s paradise for hikers and trekkers.
Spiti is best known for its untouched natural beauty and beautiful monasteries. From snow-capped mountain peaks to exploring picture-perfect villages, crossing narrow mountain passages, Spiti valley is perfect to feed your hungry travelling soul. With numerous pre-historic monasteries, this valley holds the tradition, treasures, and secrets of ancient civilization. With its cultural heritage and spiritual prosperity, the region draws travellers and explorers all over the world. Chandratal Lake, Key Monastery, Kunzum Pass, Suraj Tal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Dhankar Lake, Dhankar Monastery, Kibber, Baralacha Pass are some of the prime attractions in Spiti.
Local Food in Spiti
With an interesting mix of delicacies, Spiti’s local food is something one should definitely indulge in. The platters are highly dominated by the Tibetan foods. Butter tea, Momos, Thukpa, Chang, Arkah etc. are some of the local delicacies. You can also try various aromatic teas with garnishes of ginger, mint, lemon, and honey.
How to Reach Spiti
Spiti lies on the Manali-Leh highway and is separated from the Kullu valley by Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. The route remains accessible during summers. However, you can also reach Spiti valley from Shimla via Kinnaur throughout the year. The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport in Kullu and the international airport is in New Delhi. Chandigarh is the nearest broad gauge railway station from Spiti.
Best Time to Visit Spiti
The best time to visit Spiti valley is during the months of may and June. The temperature ranges from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius during the period between May to October as the place experiences the summer season. With winters coming close, the road connectivity gets unreliable and unsafe as the Manali-Kaza highway being cut-off. The terrain of Spiti valley is extremely difficult and the entire region becomes completely isolated during the winters.
When planning a trip to Spiti, try looking for those Himachal tour packages that include accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides.