Discovering the Serenity of Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley
The Spiti Valley is a beautiful paradise where serenity and spirituality permeate every area. In the Spiti Valley, you can find several Buddhist monasteries and stunning natural sites, most unexplored and unspoiled. The swiftly moving and pristine Spiti River, which gushes through narrow gorges and valleys, carved this valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is a trendy river rafting spot among water sports enthusiasts.
Adventure sports enthusiasts who enjoy trekking, paragliding, and camping will appreciate the lush, emerald landscape and the snow-capped mountains. We often refer to Spiti as Little Tibet because its scenery, greenery, and climate resemble Tibet. Around it, there are four significant mountain ranges: Lahaul, Ladakh, Kinnaur, and Kullu.
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| A visit to Spiti Valley |
Through the 14,930-foot-high Kumzum La or Kumzum Pass, one can access the Spiti Valley from Lahaul. The piles of mani stones whitewashed Lamaist shrines that house Buddhist relics, and prayer flags that flutter relentlessly in the thin air are all testaments to the importance of religion in everyday life. A resounding "Om Mani Padme hum" brings prosperity and good fortune to the distant land. In his book "Kim," Rudyard Kipling described the Spiti Valley as a world within a world.
What are the top five places to visit in Spiti Valley?
Tabo
A small, secluded village in Spiti, Tabo is famous for its 1000-year-old monastery. Founded in 996 AD, Tabo is the largest monastic complex in Spiti, comprising nine temples, 23 chortens, and a monk chamber. The Tabo city in the Spiti Valley lies in the middle of a chilly desert and has enormous apple orchards. Monks may have spent months meditating in caves on the slope of a mountain across from the monastery. The monastery has lovely galleries of stucco statues and wall paintings. There is also a newly added chamber where most daily chanting and prayers happen.
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| Ancient Tabo Monastery, Spiti Valley |
Between Tabo and Kaza, on a 7-kilometre branch road from the village of Schichling, Dhankar Monastery dramatically hangs on a cliffside on the left bank side of the Spiti River. The monastery employed the Dhankar, local slang for "fort," to keep others out of the valley. Due to its advantageous location, the monastery served as a de facto castle for the Nono. The entire edifice is a testament to the prowess of architecture and engineering. In the 3375-metre-high Dhankar monastery, Buddhist texts noted in the Bhoti script remain. It also acts as a starting point for trips to Pin Valley and Dhankar Lake.
Shopping in Spiti should be at the top of your list if you plan the valley because it would be sinful to miss out, especially given how well-known the Kaza market is. Several items are available to purchase as a delightful token to send home, ranging from Tibetan and Buddhist handicrafts to human bone and skull sculptures painted in silver. The biggest town in the Spiti Valley is Kaza, which serves as the administrative centre. The little Kaza lies on the left bank of the Spiti River, and its winding lanes lead to the marketplace, which contains a few restaurants. There are banks, ATMs, post offices, gas and diesel stations, and a bank in Kaza. We can travel from here to remote communities like Langja, Hikkim, Komik, and the well-known Key Monastery.
The mountainous village of Kibber, lying at 4,205 m above sea level, is known for its natural beauty and monasteries. Many travellers claim that the terrain of Kibber resembles that of Tibet and Ladakh, and its appeal lies in its arid splendour. The famous Ki Monastery, the largest monastery in the valley, lies very close to the village and serves as a base for several high-altitude treks. Another attraction is the Kibber Sanctuary, which lies a little beyond the town and unfurls over a 1,400 sq. km. area. This sanctuary is the only one in India that lies in a cold desert, and one can find blue sheep and ibex here. Kibber is also one of the most fossiliferous (containing fossils or organic remains) and is a great place to learn about history. Kimber is the highest village in the region and is permanently inhabited and connected by a motorable road.
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| Amazing Kibber |
Giu Village, tucked away at approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, is famed for its breathtaking vistas and beautiful surroundings. Tourists are drawn to this seemingly sleepy village by a mysterious 500-year-old, naturally preserved mummy. It is in the trust of a sitting lama who died at 45. There is still hair, nails, and teeth on it, and it holds a rosary. Although they have not chemically preserved them, they have not decomposed. Monks would fasten a belt called the gomthak around their necks and knees bodies during meditation.
FAQs
Yes, Spiti Valley is very safe for travel. You must confirm your visit in the proper months, i.e., from May to September. The roads are dangerous and some of the most adventurous to drive on. There are a lot of sections of the road where there is gravel, making it difficult for a car to operate, but we recommend taking an experienced driver with you. Rest assured, the place is safe, and the locals always welcome tourists.
Can we take an automobile to Spiti Valley?
The Spiti Valley is accessible by car through Shimla or Manali. We can reach Kaza around 8 to 9 hours from Manali and approximately two days from Shimla.
Is Spiti Valley attainable?
The Spiti Valley becomes accessible in April and May as the snow melts quickly and the connecting routes open up. However, the main road across Kunzum Pass from Manali to Kaza becomes accessible in June. The Spiti Valley is renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural history.
Which are the best hotels in the Spiti Valley?
The hotels in the Spiti Valley include the Winter White House, Hotel Sakya Abode, Hotel Spiti Heritage, Grand Dewachen, Spiti Valley Hotel, Hotel Deyzor, Hotel Kunphen, Hotel Snow Lion, and many more. Hotels in the Spiti Valley significantly enhance your comfort in the subzero conditions of this divine setting.
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