Parvati Valley: An Enchanting Experience.

Photo by Rucksack Kruemel.

by Mayanck Singh.

Parvati Valley is nestled comfortably amongst conifers and mighty deodars in the Kullu district of the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. The valley, no stranger to backpackers and tourists, has some of the most beautiful villages in the state.

Surreal Spiti.

By Mansee Shah.

Mansee travelled to Spiti on a trip organized by India Untravelled in June 2012, and is back to take us on a virtual journey around Spiti.

I travelled to Spiti in June 2012. I had not even heard of the place before I came across this site  http://indiauntravelled.com/trips.html, fell in love with a snap posted on it, and decided that I wanted to visit there. I checked with a few friends if they wanted to join, but unfortunately they could not, due to work / social engagements and the works. Anyways, the enchanting photograph was still in my mind and I decided to travel solo. Joined a trip organised by India Untravelled and had one of the most awesome experiences ever!

The beauty of Spiti lay in the diversity of the place – hard rocky terrain, gushing water, snow capped moutains, greenery (though in bits and pieces– otherwise it is rocky terrain) and the beautiful monasteries…all of it just awesome  Surrounded by the Himalayas, you will find yourself seeing the varied beauty of the mountains while doing ordinary things like sipping tea, having lunch or just plain gazing.

Tying prayer flags in Spiti.

Interacting with the locals was so engaging – they are so hard working and yet so simple. I especially fell in love with our guide – Tsering, and this cute couple in a Dhaba.

The cutest couple at Chandra dhaba.

Some of the must visit places in Spiti are:

• Kaza, a vibrant town which has a petrol pump at highest altitude levels.
• Tabo, the most charming place in Spiti – be it the charming people, the 1000 year old Tabo monastery, the caves, the souvenir shops, everything is just heart tugging.
• Dhankar, whose monastery is precariously perched on the mountains, and Dhankar lake.
• Trip from Demul to Komic — if you are fit, its a moderate 4-5 hours trek. If you are unfit (like me  ), then opt for a yak.
• Komic, a charming village and homestay, also do send some postcards from the highest post office in Asia at Hikkim (close to Komic village)

Hiking back from Dhankar Lake.

Locking horns mountain goat.

The secret lives of the lamas (monks) of Spiti!

We missed out on Pin Valley and Chaandrataal lake due to landslides but pictures show they are extremely beautiful locations so definitely “must dos” if in Lahaul - Spiti Valley.

The best and the worst part about the trip was the journey. Worst because the road from Manali to Kaza is quite rocky and is not for the faint hearted who are used to travelling smooth. But if you do manage it, I can promise its the most awesome journey ever. You will always be worried about dozing off because you dont want to miss a single moment of natural exquisite beauty. Cannot describe it in words. Especially loved the Kumzum pass   There are some moments when the entire body is smiling and you feel just happiness and quiet joy within. I experienced that there 

Enchanting times.

Go experience that you!

Author Bio: When she is not slumming it out at work, the author enjoys the good things in life - yummy food, appealing books, interesting movies, vivacious conversations, and of late, she has started to enjoy exploring various locations as well.  She writes sporadically at http://mansee-pov.blogspot.in/  and http://manseelikes.wordpress.com/ and tweets @ManseeT.

For more stories off the beaten path in India, visit www.indiauntravelled.com or join India Untravelled on Facebook and Twitter. To contribute guest posts / photo essays to this blog, please send your story ideas to shivya@indiauntravelled.com. 

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.

For more stories off the beaten path in India, visit www.indiauntravelled.com or join India Untravelled on Facebook and Twitter. To contribute guest posts / photo essays to this blog, please send your story ideas to shivya@indiauntravelled.com.