Lahaul & Spiti: The Wilderness Beckons.

By Ashwin Sharma.

Ashwin takes us on a virtual trip to one of the most magnificent places in India - the high Himalayas of Spiti & Lahaul. Get in touch with us to organize a trip for you to this cold mountain desert.

Lahaul & Spiti are two separate places, but collectively form a district capable of mesmerizing anyone. Lahaul & Spiti is a valley which can leave you bewitched; the beauty of this place will make you pinch yourself to believe it’s no dream. It’s a pristine and primeval place, with a charm and charisma that even the heavens might refuse to offer.

Spiti in winter.

The district of Lahaul-Spiti lie in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The valley is adjacent to the Tibetan border and therefore resembles Tibet in more than many ways. Both words, Lahaul and Spiti, come from the Tibetan language. Lahaul means ‘southern country’, while Spiti means ‘middle country’, and these names perfectly define their location.

Lahaul, still untouched by mass tourism, gives a feel of time coming to a standstill. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border along the Manali-Leh route, the region unveils its treasure of monasteries and countless number of streams and rivers. Spiti, famously known as "Little Tibet", is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and abounds in monasteries, houses perched on mountain tops, and free flowing crystal clear rivers and streams. The valley is cut-off from other parts of the country in winter, and is practically accessible only in summer.

Buddhism in Spiti.

Places to visit in Lahaul & Spiti:

Rohtang Pass: Rohtang literally means pile of dead bodies, and is not a very high pass at 3900m. It is the first pass at the beginning of Lahaul-Spiti, and sets the tone for what's to come.

Key Monastery: Key monastery holds a powerful sway over the buddhist population in the state, and is one of the favourites of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Kunzum Pass: The main access point to the Spiti valley from Lahaul, which is separated from Spiti by the Kunzum range.

Kaza: Kaza is where the administrative headquarters of Spiti are located. The town has a measly population.

Spiti River.

Kibber: It’s a small village but a blue water lake named Tso Moriri is not very far from it, so it is a place to stay for adventurists going on Tso Moriri trek.

Keylong: Keylong is the district headquarter of Lahaul & Spiti. This town is the commercial center of Lahaul & Spiti, and the only town in district where you have access to urban amenities.

Sarchu: It is a town about 100kms from Keylong. Most of the tourists traveling to Leh stay in Sarchu, though most of the accommodations are tented ones. Sarchu is at an altitude of 4300m, and because of the height many people feel the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Sarchu.

Dhankar Monastery: This monastery is around 20 kms from Kaza, in the eastern part of Spiti. The village has a fort perched on top of a hill. The monastery is old and important.

Chandrataal: This is where the Chandra river originates. It’s a beautiful lake and is near to Kunzum Pass. Chandrataal is frequented by tourists during summer, and it’s as picturesque as a lake can be.

Suraj Taal: This beautiful lake lies near the very famous Bara-lacha La. It is at a height of around 5000 m . River Bhaga originates from this place. This lake is perfect for camping, away from all the crowds, in god’s own territory.

Author Bio: Ashwin Sharma is a travel blogger, currently working with Cheapoair.com. 

To plan & book a trip to Lahaul - Spiti, email us at shivya@indiauntravelled.com.

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