July 9, 2024
Nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, the beguiling region of Spiti Valley transcends the ordinary. This place offers a plethora of experiences for travellers of every kind. In this quaint little valley inhabited by 200 people, you can witness the dramatic mountainscapes painted in hues of gold and ochre. While the vibrant prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain air, they starkly contrast the clear blue skies. Spiti Valley is one of the best places to visit in summer in India, whether planning a thrilling adventure with friends or looking for a romantic getaway with your beloved.
With the Spiti Valley tour packages, you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the ancient Buddhist monasteries or hike through meadows bursting with wildflowers. Spiti is more than just a destination. It is an adventure waiting to be discovered. So join us if you do not believe that heaven exists on Earth, and let us take you to “little Tibet” to witness the marvellous places to visit in Spiti Valley.
If you are planning your next holiday to Spiti, we have curated a list of places to visit in Spiti Valley that will make your holiday memorable. Check them out:
One of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley is the Key Monastery, a religious training centre for lamas. Known for its ancient murals, weapons, and rare thangkas, people worldwide flock to this place to attain wisdom. If you are visiting this mesmerising place, spend a few days here to experience the lifestyle of the monks who decide within these sacred walls. This is one of the tranquil places to visit in Spiti Valley in May, as the weather is relatively mild.
Located at the bottom of a flat, bowl-shaped valley in Himachal's rocky, arid, and cold areas, this monastery has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley, Tabo Monastery is the oldest operating Buddhist enclave in India and the Himalayas. The holy walls display a unique collection of Buddhist paintings and statues telling tales from the Buddhist pantheon. If you seek knowledge and peace, spend a few nights at the country's Buddhist learning hub.
The world Lhalung translates to “land of gods” and is one of the earliest inhabited hamlets of the Spiti region. As the legend goes, the locals claim that the gods constructed the temple overnight after the ruler Rinchen Zangpo planted a willow tree here. To this day, the tree stands outside the Gompa. As one of the most beautiful Spiti Valley places to visit, be sure to capture the scenic splendour when you visit this monastery.
Nestled on a hill above Tupchiling village, at the sacred junction of the Bhaga and Chandra rivers, this is one of the stunning places to see in Spiti Valley. Famous for its spiritual connection, tourists across the globe flock around the place to witness the monastery's heritage.
As you reach the place, you will be greeted with colourful flags fluttering in the wind amidst the pristine mountain environment. So be sure to visit this place to get mesmerised by the black stone sculptures of various deities against the backdrop of the icy mountains.
Chandratal Lake derives its name from the crescent shape, which signifies the waxing moon. Situated at 4,250 meters, you must trek through challenging terrains and glaciers to reach this crystal-clear lake. We assure you that you will not be disappointed when you reach your destination. However, be sure to carry a camera to capture the charming essence of this place. So, while planning your next holiday to Himachal, add this to your list of places to visit in Spiti Valley.
Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, this lake is located at 15,000 ft. Also known as the lake of the Sun, people believe that bathing in the pristine waters of Suraj Tal will cleanse their sins. This is one of the ideal places to visit in Spiti for photographers because of its dreamlike charm when the adjoining mountains are covered in snow. Carry winter garments and comfortable trekking boots if you visit this popular Spiti Valley tourist place.
The Manirang Mountain ranges create a breathtaking backdrop for Dhankar Lake, which is one of the best places in Spiti Valley for exploring the rugged terrain while indulging in adventure activities like trekking and camping.
The trek is 5 km uphill from the Dhankar village across a barren and dusty path; however, the breathtaking scenery will wash off your weariness once you reach your destination. After visiting Dhankar Lake, you can come across one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, which gets frozen during frosty winters. The Lingti waterfall gets a good amount of footfall during winter, making it an ideal tourist destination.
It is one of the most adrenaline-spiking places to visit in Spiti Valley in June, as it is one of India's highest motorable mountain passes. Amidst the snow-covered valleys, this can be your high road to adventure as you cross the 15 thrilling hairpin bends. If you are including this location in your list of places to visit in Spiti Valley, it is important to remember that the pass closes in October and opens in June again when the snow has melted.
One of the most thrilling places in Spiti Valley is the meeting point of the Pir Pnajal, Zanskar, and the Himalayan ranges. A popular destination amongst adventurers and nature enthusiasts, the Baralacha Pass is well known for its difficult terrain and unpredictable weather. The road is in good condition, and it is safe to travel on in the warmer months. However, during winter, the area experiences heavy snowfall accompanied by rain, which makes it impassable.
Considered one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley, you must visit Pin Valley National Park if you are a wildlife enthusiast, birder, or researcher. Rare birds and large animals like the Siberian Ibex, Blue Sheep, and the Snow Leopard call this place their home. This is the only national park in the cold desert area, surrounded by 17 villages and the Pin River. It is one of the finest places for river rafting in India, as it allows enthusiasts to see beautiful places that are otherwise inaccessible. The Pin River offers rapids to navigate the area as you pass by pastures and glaciers.
Situated in the richer regions of the Valley, this picturesque little village is emerging as one of the well-known places to visit in Spiti Valley. The village is accessible by motorable roads, and one must stay here overnight to experience the beauty of this place. The strategic geographic location of this hamlet, along with the distinct atmospheric conditions, renders this village suitable for the finest stargazing experience.
Apart from this, Kibber has one of the best government-aided and private snow leopard expeditions in the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. To experience the thrill of these expeditions, visit these resplendent Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.
Losar is one of the Spiti Valley famous places that attracts tourists for its natural beauty, culture, and festivals. This is an ideal place to visit in Summer as it hosts several local festivals and cultural events. If you are a newlywed looking for honeymoon destinations in India on low budget, then Losar is for you.
You can escape the hustle of city life with your partner and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Himalayas. The pristine landscapes and the serene ambience, accompanied by the majestic background of the snow-clad ranges, make it an ideal destination for your honeymoon.
With the advancement of social media, netizens have ensured that the essence of winter in Spiti Valley does not remain hidden. If you are looking for places to enjoy snowfall in February in India, Udaipur in Spiti can be your best bet. Udaipur is considered as the holy pilgrimage destination by both Hindus and Buddhists. The beautiful hamlet has long been known for its Marikula Mata Temple, known as Markul in olden times. When you visit this place, be prepared to be mesmerised by a blend of Hindu and Tibetan-style architecture.
Komik is a must-visit destination if you are willing to experience a blend of Indo-Tibetan culture and the wonders of nature. As one of the most exquisite places to visit in Spiti Valley, Komik has several monasteries and is an ideal place for trekking, exploring ancient trails, and fossil hunting. If you visit this village, you will experience the warmth of the locals as you sojourn in their little homestays. You can taste their home-cooked food if you order in advance.
The strategic geographic location of Darcha provides easy access to the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, such as Baralacha La Pass and Padum. This little village is an isolated cluster with a population of 300 people and is especially sought after by adventure seekers. It offers easy access to some of this region's most beautiful trekking routes, including the Darcha-Padum trek.
As one of the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh, Trilokinath is highly appraised by tourists and locals alike. Considered the most sacred pilgrimage site after Kailash and Mansarovar, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is highly revered by Hindus and Buddhists, who identify the deity as Shiva and Avalokiteshvara. As you reach the place, a spiritual ambience welcomes you, intensified by the sound of the waving of the waving of prayer flags in the wind.
This calm and beautiful monastery at Spiti is one of the soothing places to visit in North India. The prayer halls are decked with paintings and murals by artists from the 16th century. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful blue pine trees and perched 6000 meters above the valley. You can reach here by driving up the winding roads and stopping at multiple locations to click beautiful pictures of the valley and its wildflowers.
The Tayul monastery is considered the oldest monastery in Northern India; it was built by a Tibetan lama. It stands as a testament to this region's long and rich Buddhist tradition and is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley. This holy place allows visitors to experience Buddhist cultures and practices firsthand. They can participate in prayer ceremonies or meditate in peaceful surroundings. If you are here, be sure to spend time soaking in the beauty of the murals and thangkas that depict the spiritual aspects of Buddhist lore.
This is one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley in summer, as the sun's warm rays bring about thousands of vibrant wildflowers that blanket the valley. This provides a beautiful background for the Kardang Monastery, and you can trek your way from the Tandi village to the monastery. For the last 900 years, this religious house has remained an integral hub of Buddhist culture. Travellers visit this monastery to view its phenomenal collection of murals and instruments.
Perched at an altitude of 4,520 meters in the deep canyon, the Tangyud Monastery offers a bird’s eye view of the entire Kaza Valley. This centre serves as a place to learn about Buddhist culture. It is well known for its traditional Tibetan architecture and scenic, tranquil atmosphere. The pagoda-like roof of the monastery is adorned with colourful prayer flags and has specially built cells on the southern side for the local chieftains.
The daily pujas start at 8 am, praising the protective deity Mahakala. If you are here, be sure to light fragrant incense sticks and seek blessings from the lord.
If you are in Spiti, be sure to visit the Keylong Market, as it offers many choices for woollen garments. The colourful local shops have a wide array of mufflers, shawls, and caps, among other items made from Pashmina yarn, that you can carry back home as a souvenir. Apart from these, they also have other knick knacks like utensils, accessories, etc.
However, the most popular articles amongst tourists are semi-precious gemstone jewellery and ceramic ware. If you are in these parts, ask for the best price and support the local artisans in this area. Keylong is also one of the best honeymoon destinations in Himachal Pradesh, and you can spend exciting hours with your special someone here.
With its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance, Kungri Monastery is a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Himachal. The Gompa was built around 1330 AD and has been popular among tourists after receiving large donations abroad for renovation. This place provides unmistakable evidence of the presence of the tantric cult in Buddhism.
Kungri in Tibetan means “snow mountains,” as the monastery is located directly beneath the snow-clad mountains. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in winter in India, as you can walk through the snow and experience the lively evening rituals held here.
Sarchu is popular among explorers en route to Ladakh for camping. The mesmerising scenery and the majestic views of the Himalayas make it a must-visit place for nature lovers and enthusiasts. Due to the demand, Sarchu has multiple comfortable campsites in various landscapes offering panoramic views of the area. Travellers cannot access the area during winter as snow keeps the highway closed. Once the snow melts, the route opens from May to September, when tourists visit it heavily, as it resembles the barren splendours of Ladakh.
Tashigang village is a popular destination that finds its place in the travel list of dedicated backpackers. The geographical location of this area allows visitors to engage in abundant activities. Situated on the banks of the Satluj River, it only comprises 40 people living in four Tibetan-style mud houses. If you are looking for offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh, this is the one! You can spend a day trekking and meditating at the ancient chortens or with the locals walking around their fields.
Nako Lake is a small oval-shaped reservoir at 11,500 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountains, valleys, and whitewashed villages, this lake is best known for its artwork of nature. According to the local legends, Lord Padmasambhava meditated here, which made this area sacred. Therefore, people are not allowed to bathe or soak their feet in the waters of this lake. There are four Tibetan temples beside the water body. Apart from this, a waterfall is located beside this picturesque lake, which is believed to be home to fairies. During the summer, it becomes a popular boating area, whereas in the winter, the lake is appropriate for ice skating. However, people need to seek special permission to visit the best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh because of its proximity to the Tibetan border.
Dhankar Monastery used to be the capital of Spiti in the 17th century. It is one of the main tourist centres in Spiti Valley, which looks like a honeycomb from a distance due to its windy cliffs. It is a starting point for many delightful treks through quaint villages offering exploration opportunities. If you are visiting this sanctum in one of the best hill stations in India, then be sure to visit during the Dhankar Gustor festival to witness the vibrant scenes. This monastery hosts meditation retreats for travellers seeking peace that allow them to find solace in the tranquil surroundings.
As you enter the village of Langza, you will be greeted with the 20 ft Buddha statue facing the mountain that overlooks the valley. According to the locals, this statue protects them from the harsh weather conditions. The huge figurine offers a stark contrast against the clear blue sky. Apart from this, if you are a palaeontologist or have a keen interest in fossils, this is one of the ideal places to visit in Spiti Valley.
There are numerous remains of ancient marine life from millions of years ago when Spiti was a part of the Tethys Sea. You can go fossil hunting here and bag treasures like ammonites, gastropods, and corals in the rocks.
Ghepan Lake is a well-kept Himachal secret that has recently gained popularity due to the internet era. Nestled amidst the snow-covered peaks, the trek to this lake is challenging. It stands out among the other alpine lakes due to its striking neon blue colour, which does not change with the sky. Some people believe that the lake derives its beautiful hue from algae growth. Although the trek can be hard, the surrounding scenery makes it worth it. You will pass through meandering waterfalls, lush meadows, quaint villages, and monasteries. If all of this sounds exciting to you, then it is time to book the Himachal Tour Packages and plan for an adventure.
A hamlet full of extraordinary secrets is located in the remote corners of Spiti. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh if you are drawn to the mysterious process of mummification, as Sangha Tenzin started mummifying himself while he was still alive. In this village, the Guest Monastery harbours a 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk.
The mummy is kept inside a sealed glass box, which protects it from environmental damage. A nominal fee of INR 30 is collected from visitors, which is spent on the maintenance and development of the monastery and its nearby areas. Adorned with beautiful sculptures and colourful murals, the monastery radiates rich history and spirituality.
As one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley, this place enjoys the status of a World Heritage site and is protected by UNESCO. As the name suggests, this is a glorious destination where exotic flowers like orchids, poppies, daisies, and marigolds bloom, creating a breathtaking experience.
Considered one of the best places to visit in India, Spiti Valley is known for its stunning natural sceneries and age-old monasteries. The quaint little villages in the area are ideal for exploring local culture, camping, stargazing, or fossil hunting.
Apart from this, adventure activities like river rafting or rock climbing are once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can enjoy while basking in the serenity of the mountains. When exploring the things to do in Spiti Vally, make sure to include a unique experience like a yak safari while admiring the flora and fauna of this cold desert mountain valley.
Spiti Valley is a remote and high-altitude area and a popular destination for nature buffs and adventure seekers. Spiti is one of the finest places to visit in India with family. To reach this area, you can take a flight from your nearest airport to the Kullu Manali Airport, hire a taxi, or board a bus to reach Spiti.
However, the flights are limited and may not be available all year round. In such situations, you can rely on roadways as they are well connected to all major cities in India through the network of roads. However, the road conditions can be challenging; therefore, hiring an experienced driver or a reliable tour operator is essential.
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is during the warmer months, between March and June. The weather is pleasant and cool and is ideal for trekking, camping, hiking, or mountain biking. However, if you are willing to visit one of the best snowfall places in India, then you can visit Spiti Valley from January to March.
During these colder months, you must rely on limited homestay options if you are backpacking to Spiti. Therefore you must prepare very well for your trip in the winter months.
If you are backpacking to this unique destination, you will require much planning and proper execution. In order to avoid this hassle, you can travel with a reputable company with experience planning trips to Spiti Valley.
At Trip Planners India, we offer a customised itinerary that meets your interests and budget. We will help you create an itinerary highlighting what interests you most, such as trekking, sightseeing, or experiencing the local culture. So book a package with us today, and let us help you experience the beauty and culture of the Himalayas in a comfortable and exciting trip.
