Lahaul & Spiti

Lahaul & Spiti Overview

If you wish to one day travel to a land of paradoxes and contrasts, a place where nature challenges you with its extreme but land and people who are as welcoming as monks in their monasteries, Lahaul Spiti is truly a wonder on Earth. Spiti Valley is a wonder of nature, a cold barren desert that spreads miles and has nothing to offer but its majestic mountains, pristine and crystal clear lakes attracts thousands of wandering souls every year. 

From its brown rocky mountains to its contrasting Monasteries, Spiti is an amalgamation of nature and man-made. The two valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are connected through the famous Kunzum La (mountain pass) that sits at an altitude of 4551 m. While the two regions are equally stunning, they vary slightly in appearance. While the Spiti Valley is an endless cold and barren land of nothingness, the Lahaul Valley shows some signs of vegetation. However, the two regions find common grounds in terms of both being remote, utterly spectacular and peaceful.

Spiti in Winter is altogether a different beauty and beast. While the region receives a lot of snowfall and temperature takes a major dip during the winter season, the white sheet of snow makes Lahaul & Spiti a white wonderland during the winters. 

Key Monasteries, Tabo Monasteries, Pin Valley National Park are some places you must visit when in Lahaul Spiti but the major attractions for the region would always remain the famous Spiti Bike Trips and Spiti Road Trips that take you venture across some worst roads to ride on, taking you across some of the highest motorable roads in the world. While daredevils every year venture to conquer Lahaul Spiti, it’s the local culture that becomes the highlight of their Spiti Valley trip. It is so amazing to witness a handful of people who survive in the harshest climates smiling and receiving you with incredible warmth. The rich culture preserved by this small population living in remote villages and small towns is one thing you cannot miss witness.

Keylong is the district headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti Valley and this is the perfect base to start your journey through the verdant lands of Lahaul. The various villages of Lahaul like Koksar, Sissu, Gondhla, Tandi, Jahalman and Thirot allure with their vibrant and luxuriant landscapes adorned with rich alpine flowers, thick willows and beautiful fields of potatoes, peas, barley and buckwheat.

With its unique temples of Markula Devi and Trilokinath Lahaul and Spiti is also a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Lahaul is also a haven for thrill-seekers with many trekking routes and mountaineering expeditions originating from Darcha to Baralacha la. Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of the Spiti Valley welcomes you with its rich Tibetan culture and traditions.

Boasting its rich Tibetan Buddhism culture and influence, the Lahaul & Spiti Valley hides numerous marvellous gompas and monasteries such as Dzong Gompa, Guru Ghantal Gompa, Tayul, Yardong, Kardang, Shashur Gompa, and Gemur Monasteries in the Lahaul region and the Tabo, Ki Monastery, Dhankar, Komic and the famous attractions in Spiti.

For nature lovers, Spiti Valley would not disappoint you. The region is home to a wide variety of exotic species of animals including the Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wild Fox and Ibex. The beauty of the rich flora and fauna of the region can be best explored at the Pin Parvati Valley, which holds the many secrets close to its heart.