spiti valley

I had heard about Spiti valley five years back from a friend who had worked for an architectural completion and documented Dhankar monastery, ever since then I wanted to visit the area. Even if you have been in Himalayas, this is one unique place one should definitely visit. We planned to tour the place in August 2013 after days of persuasion over why spiti and not ladhakh, but before any concretization, one of the friend broke his leg in an unfortunate accident and we had to postpone the trip by one year. Finally in August 2014 we went on our most awaited visit to Spiti valley; because of this one year gap we had ample time to research and explore our options and it helped a lot, while we detailed out our itinerary for the 9 day trip. We chose to start the journey from Shimla on Hindustan – Tibet highway entering spiti valley via kinnaur and ending our trip in Manali via Kunzum pass and Rohtang pass. We infact visited three different and beautiful valleys Kinnaur, Spiti and Chandra.Normally I do like to plan my trip myself, but one day I stumbled over this website of Incredible spiti run by two fine persons Vishesh Shourie and Tsering Bodh and I decided to take their help to ensure a smooth trip and they didn’t prove us wrong , they not only helped in customizing our trip according to our wishes starting from the choice of stays, places to visit but also gave us an insight which only a local could have. Right from the start - from exchanging hundreds of mails and numerous phone calls; Vishesh was always patient and was there to lend a hand and solve the numerous queries we had, a heartfelt thanks to Tesring for the arrangements and a special thanks to Dipu our driver for driving us safely on all those tough and breathe taking roads.Thus this bunch of enthusiasts started their journey knowing that the next few days are going to be the unforgettable days in their lifetime and when I say unforgettable I really mean it!!...going through the road less travelled and experiencing the unraveled; this trip offered us more than we had imagined - rugged beauty of Trans Himalaya is mesmerizing. It is impossible to pen down the splendors of spiti valley; it can’t be described in words, one has to visit the place to experience it. Places visited – Saharan- Rakcham- Nako – Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza – Key – Kibber – Langza – Komic – Kunzum la - Chandra Taal – Rohtang paas – Manali.Some TipsCarry a variety of clothes if you are travelling on this circuit as it can be as hot as a Delhi summer day in Dhankar to temperature tipping to Zero at Chandra taal. And carry an extra pair of shoes too. Carry wind sheeter it can be really windy at timesDo carry snacks, chocolate and dry fruitsIf you are going for Chandra Taal try to visit the lake before 2 : 00 PM as the weather changes drastically after this time in this part of Himalaya.One or two beers are okay but do not booze more in high altitude area, you can have a hangover three times intense than the normal or it is better to avoid booze.Carry a medical kit with you consists of the basic medicines like disprin, evomine, crocin, volini, ointment and bandage.Do not expect luxury Hotels and food here, you will find humble yet hygienic stays with simple but delicious food.Trust me high altitude can turn you cranky at times….but it is completely normal.If you can, carry stuff like drawing book and color pencils for the school kids.If possible get your trip organize by some of the local organizers, I won’t say it is necessary but for sure it is worth as the locals know the place best.You can contact – Incredible SpitiVishesh Shourie +91 9650675505Tsering Bodh+91 9418208987

There are rare moments when words fail you and describing the splendor of Spiti Valley in a review is mission impossible. The views, the people, the rides, the buses, the food, the peace and calm everything ranks no1 here. There is almost nothing in Spiti valley that will disappoint you. I wish for everyone to visit this place on a solo or a duo trip as one can totally bask in solitude and inner calm that this place brings with it. The stark contrasts between the arid desert mountains and the blue sky with colorful monasteries studded atop every village can only be found here. Hitchhike, ride a bicycle or just rent a motorbike ( not so eco-friendly :( ) and be enchanted. Stay in home stays or quaint guesthouses and carry a book to read, a diary to scribble in and a camera to capture the beauty and you're set.

A great adventure filled tour of the most beautiful location of Himachal with high Great Western Himalayan view driving over rugged Himachal trans roads we take a complete package from Shimla from Manu Sood 09816088388 we get the reference from one of our friend who already take their services we very got 100% satisfied from the service totally value of money we compare even with over travel companies also but we are lucky to find this person he arrange all very well and second person Ramesh Lottay owner of hotel spiti sarai kaza he also a good person really we enjoy our trip of Spiti this is our lifetime memorable trip of Himachal which we never forget Specially Nako Lake,Tabo,kaza ,Dhankar Monastery,Kibber Komic & Langsa Village we love it

One of my favorite destinations in India for me for trekking. Been there during July 2014. The is place away from the civilization and the skies are pristine clear through out the day. Accessibility is very tough and if we do not start early from Manali else will get struck in the nalas and melting glaciers.

ecosphere is a great worldwide institution. The branch we used was based in Kaza, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. They work with and for the community and they are such a wonderful bunch of people. They organised a trekking for us through the temples and villages with home stay. It was such an inspiring experience to stay in the homes of those simple, hard working people, still not contaminated by progress. Spiti valley is stunning, I could have gone there just for the millions of stars in the sky

We were a group of 4 friends and we drove through the Spiti Valley in our XUV500, following the route Manali-Gramphoo-Batal-Chandertal (night halt)-Losar-Kaza (night halt)-Pin Valley-Mudh-Tabo (night halt)-Nako-Puh and back to destination. This was an awesome place with some totally unique terrain and rock formations (as evident by over 1000 photos taken with the SLR). Night stays can be either at PWD Circuit houses or in homestays or in tents. The road is bad towards the Western side (Kunzum Pass-Losar-Kaza) but becomes better thereafter. The monasteries are worth a visit too.

Even if you've been to Himalaya before, you should definitely visit this unique place! Not many so beautiful places on the Earth! Our route was as follows: Shimla - Kalpa - Tabo - Kaza - Manali. In fact, we have visited 3 very different and beautiful valleys: Kinnaur, Spiti and Chandra, but Spiti is amazing and so different from everything I've ever seen! To choose a proper time, you should go there before monsoon, in May/June, or after, but before passes are closed due to heavy snow. We were there in the end of August, and weather was excellent: warm, sunny, deep blue sky and brightest stars I've ever seen. Most important: to reach this secluded valley and leave it safely, you should be accompanied by really good driver. We were most lucky, as our excellent driver / guide and friend was Ajay Soni, who managed to drive us through all risky Himalayan roads with self-control, calmness and good sense of humour:) Though we encountered serious difficulties on the way: 30 km bypass due to huge landslide, fall of rocks that blocked the road, fast streams crossing the way... If you are eager to see absolutely beautiful mountains, amazing tibetian monasteries, deserted valley - you must come there!

Spiti Valley , India was only a destination till travel to us. We have completed this in June2014 and it became soul changing experience. A new world full of respect, love and natural beauty. You can enjoy your inner peace by sharing Lama life-style. We visited one of best drive to MUDH village, Kaumik Village - world heighest village. So many destinations, changing land-scape make it best. Always wish to repeat it soon.

I just loved the magical beauty of the place plus the people are really helpful and warm. The monasteries are beautiful and old. I got to stay in Tsering's homestay and trust me it was amazing.

When I entered Spiti, I became so overwhelmed that I forgot about my existence! U start to realize u r so small and there is so much left to see! just go . its a lifetime experience!!

Travel time : Aug 2012A kind of place who can allows you to get in culture and life so closely and easy way. i've been ladakh too but its very different place. i've explore this place from Delhi to Delhi via shimla to Manali by Car self-drive. and it was life time memorable drive even then ladakh. this place holds more older culture and attachments of Buddhist religions. Some places are not easy to describe by words so my images will gives you enough glance and beauty to sense. RegardsAmar

‘Some places you fall in love with, coz they gave you an experience of a lifetime, and with some places you fall in love even before you had a chance to visit them’. This is pretty much my story with the tale of ‘Spiti’, a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas, a name that translates into ‘The Middle Land’ – The land between Tibet and India. Closed to the world for almost 30 years, opening its doors to some of the most daring wanderers only in 1992. Left in isolation over generations, the place till date has managed to preserve the rarest of aspects of the Buddhist culture with some of oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples in the world still standing alive here. To know more about Spiti and what to do there - Read the entire trip plan at the link below - http://streettrotter.com/2013/04/28/spiti-an-unfamiliar-land-that-opened-its-doors-to-the-world-after-30-years-of-isolation/

12 hour 190km jeep journey from Manali over the Rohtang La pass [3978 metres] and the Kunzum La pass [4551 metres] takes you to Kaza in the Spiti valley, a Stunning desert valley interspersed with green irrigated fields. After a couple of days acclimatisation in Kaza set out on a cultural trek organised by Ecosphere staying in homestays in the villages of Langza, Komick, Demul and Lhalung, ending up in the village of Dhankar perched high in the rocks. Highlights include the magnificent views from Balangri ridge, the highest post office in the world [14440 feet] but most of all the hospitality of the homestays.

First glimpse and the place is just wow! Everything about it is so magical. It just hypnotizes you. Clean and clear blue waters, vegetation free multicoloured mountains and patch of green around the lake. Simply picture perfect. Wish I was still there !!

I do not live in India for more then 38 years. I have always been in love with Himalayas during my studentship when I lived in Chandigarh. When ever I am in India I go to Himalayas.Since 2002 I am a regular traveller to the Spiti Valley. The best way to go through is via Manali and return via Tabo and Peo. The route is less tiring from Manali. If you do not leave Manali early enough in the morning could be caught in the traffic jam at Rohtang Pass. On my visit in July 2012 we were stuck for 9 hours at the traffic jam at Rohtang Pass just because of a overloaded truck. The army helped to clear the traffic.By this route you are crossing Kunzum pass which is worth visiting. Spiti valley is beautiful with fresh air deep blue sky and smiling faces.