Spiti Valley is located in a high-altitude region of the Himalayas. With a serene landscape, cold deserts, deep ravines, and gorges, Spiti Valley is one of the sought-after travel destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The name Spiti means ‘the middle land’ present between India and Tibet. Hence Spiti Valley is also called the little Tibet of India. Some others also describe the cold desert mountain destination as the Trekking Mecca and Virgin Paradise of the country.
If you are planning to go on a vacation to Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley, then the duration between October to February is the best time to witness the Majestic beauty of the snow-capped mountains. However, you can also visit between March to June when the weather is quite pleasant.
Languages are spoken in Spiti Valley
The native of this region communicates in Stod Bothi and a sub-group of Tibetan languages. However, Hindi and English languages can be understood and spoken by people engaged in the tourism trade.
Packing Essentials while traveling to Spiti Valley
As the valley is located at such a high altitude the temperature in this region sometimes touches sub-zero temperature. This Valley remains called throughout the year but the temperature might touch between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in the month of May to June in summer. In the winter seasons of December to February, the temperature might fall to as low as -20 degrees celsius in some places.
Hence people consider April to October as the best time to visit the valley. No matter what month you visit, it is always necessary to pack heavy woolen clothes on your journey to the place as the temperature can suddenly drop. In this article, we are going to list the top 7 tourist places to visit in Spiti Valley.
- Tabo
Tabo is a small village in the heart of Spiti which is famous for the monastery that was built a thousand years ago. This place is the largest monastic complex in the valley comprising 9 temples, 23 Chortens, a monk chamber, and a nuns chamber. You will find a cluster of caves on the side of the mountains which were used by the monks to meditate for months of solitary confinement. You’ll also get to witness the amazing galleries of wall paintings and stucco statues in the monastery.
- Dhankar
It lies in between the Taboo and Kaza on taking a branching road from Schichlinh that connects for 7kms. Dhankar Monastery is found on the left bank side of the Spiti River and is dramatically seen hanging from the cliff. As per the locals, Dhankar means a fort and the monastery used to protect the valley from outside invasions. The monastery was constructed in a strategic way to serve as a castle for the Nono, the de-facto ruler of the valley. Dhankar monastery is located at an altitude of 3370 M and is an accumulation of Buddhist scriptures in the Bhoti script.
- Komik
Komik is a village that is located at an altitude of 18000 feet above sea level. This village is a perfect destination for campers, hikers, and trekkers who want to and their holiday close to nature. The terrain to reach this place is tough and proper planning and care should be taken before visiting this place.
- Chandra Taal
The name Chandra Taal signifies the ‘Lake of the Moon. As the name represents the lake has deep blue crystal clear water in the form of an attractive crescent shape. The lakesides are ideal for summer camping grounds and for tented accommodations from June to October. The serene atmosphere, the crystal clear water, and the lush greenery make it one of the most exquisite places to visit in Spiti Valley.
- Pin Valley National park
Pin Valley National Park is known for its rich fauna and flora making it one of the popular destinations in India. This place is abandoned with many medicinal plants Cedar trees, Alpine vegetation, and Deodar trees. This place is also home to some endangered species like Snowcocks, snow leopards Siberian Ibex and Chukar Partridges.
- Darcha
Darcha is a perfect place if you like to take a break from the world as it is an isolated place with only 300 inhabitants that is close to nature. You can have your best time here by staying with the locals knowing about their traditions and tasting the local delicacies.
- Sarchu
Sarchu is located on the outskirt of Ladakh and is enclosed between the mountains of Lachulung La and Barala cha La mountains. It is one of the best sites for trekkers. You can also explore the Books and Crannies on the terrains of the steep mountains here.
