A Less-Touristy Alternative to Ladakh in Himachal Pradesh

The spellbinding Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, India, is often proclaimed by visitors to be a world within a world. With an average altitude of around 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti features stark high-altitude alpine landscapes scattered with quaint villages and monasteries, enclosed by soaring snow-capped peaks.

Spiti is bordered by Ladakh to the north, Tibet to the east, Kinnaur to the southeast, and the Kullu Valley to the south, sharing the same religious tradition as Tibet: Tibetan Buddhism.

The local population primarily consists of farmers producing barley, wheat, and peas. They wake early each day to tend to their crops, with only one yield possible each year due to harsh climatic conditions.

Climate in Spiti

Spiti experiences heavy snowfall during winter, often isolating many villages from the rest of the valley. The optimal time for visiting Spiti is from May to October when the weather remains sunny and pleasant, making the region most accessible for travelers.

Altitude Sickness

Due to Spiti’s high elevation, it is essential to take precautions against altitude sickness. Allow several days for acclimatization before ascending to higher villages, and ensure proper hydration by drinking ample water to prevent dehydration.

Plan Your Trip to Spiti

Utilize this travel guide to plan your incredible journey to Spiti Valley—an experience guaranteed to be memorable and unique.

How to Get to Spiti

Though Spiti is not far from other regions in India, access relies heavily on road conditions, making the journey lengthy and challenging. However, travelers will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery that unfolds along the route, providing a distraction from the travel time.

Two primary routes lead to Spiti: from Manali and from Shimla.

• Manali to Spiti: This route covers a distance of just over 200 kilometers (125 miles) and takes approximately eight to twelve hours by bus or jeep, depending on road conditions, particularly around Rohtang Pass. Traveling early in the day (before 6 a.m.) is advisable to circumvent potential traffic delays. This route is only accessible from May to October due to snowfall, making it the most straightforward and popular option for motorcyclists. Upon reaching Losar village at the entry of the Spiti Valley, foreigners are required to show their passport and register their details.

• Shimla to Spiti (via Rekong Peo in Kinnaur): This route extends approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles) and can take about 20 hours by bus or 16 hours by jeep along the Hindustan Tibet Road. The journey is quite challenging and is best completed with a stop at Rekong Peo. Note that foreigners must acquire an Inner Line Permit from the District Collector’s office to travel through the restricted area from Rekong Peo to Tabo, typically requiring a group of two or more.

Which Route Should You Take?

Both routes come with their own pros and cons. Although the Shimla route is significantly longer, it allows for a gradual ascent—helpful for acclimatization and reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This route remains open year-round except during heavy snowfall and adverse weather, allowing you to bypass the challenges of Rohtang Pass. Nevertheless, obtaining the Inner Line Permit might add travel time.

Types of Transport

If traveling without your personal vehicle, hiring a taxi is the most straightforward yet costly option. Expect to pay between 8,000-10,000 rupees for a private jeep taxi from Manali. Alternatively, a shared taxi can cost approximately 1,000-2,000 rupees per person, depending on vehicle size. Budget travelers can opt for buses that charge around 400 rupees per person, with two Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation services operating daily from Manali to Kaza, departing early at 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Traveling from Shimla incurs higher costs, with bus services operating from Shimla to Reckong Peo, followed by another service to Kaza.

Villages in Spiti

Spiti Valley is home to a population of approximately 10,500 residents, residing in villages across three altitude levels—lower, middle, and upper. Kaza, situated at 12,500 feet (3,800 meters), serves as the main administrative center and is commonly used as a base by travelers exploring the region.

Exploring the villages provides insights into the lifestyle of inhabitants adapting to such a remote, high-altitude environment, particularly during severe winters when they stockpile food and remain indoors, often engaged in creating handicrafts.

Key villages in the Spiti Valley include:

• Kibber: Formerly recognized as the highest village with road access and electricity, Kibber is located near Kaza at 14,200 feet (4,270 meters) and features guest houses catering to travelers.
• Komic: The highest village in Asia, home to Spiti’s tallest monastery at 15,049 feet (4,587 meters).
• Langza: Famous for fossils, Langza boasts a grand statue of Lord Buddha at an altitude of 14,500 feet (4,400 meters).
• Demul: A picturesque village known for its enchanting views at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters). Demul is becoming a model for sustainability with solar power and waste management initiatives.
• Lhalung: Rich in diverse flora, including Seabuckthorn trees, and located at 12,000 feet (3,660 meters).
• Dhankar: Once the capital, this large and remarkable village appears to perch precariously on a cliff at 12,760 feet (3,890 meters). It features the Dhankar monastery, a ruined fortress, and stunning views. Note that foreigners require a permit for this area, obtainable in Kaza.
• Hikkim: Home to the world’s highest post office.
• Giu: Notable for its 500-year-old mummy.

Monasteries in Spiti

Spiti hosts five main Tibetan Buddhist monasteries: Ki, Komic, Dhankar, Kungri (in the Pin Valley), and Tabo. Visiting these monasteries offers a captivating glimpse into their rich history and cultural significance. Inside, you will find mystical, dimly lit rooms adorned with ancient artwork, important scriptures, and sacred statues.

The monasteries hold significant sway over the lives of Spiti’s inhabitants, with families traditionally required to donate their second eldest son to serve in the monastery or face substantial fines.

• Ki Monastery: The largest and most accessible monastery near Kaza, featuring intricate architecture, narrow stairways, and spectacular valley views. Don’t miss the annual three-day Chaam festival, showcasing masked dancing monks held in late July.
• Tabo Monastery: Founded in 996 AD, Tabo is the oldest monastery, playing an important role in Tibetan Buddhism. It consists of nine temples, captivating art, a public library, and nearby meditation caves. (Foreigners require a permit for this area, obtainable in Kaza).
• Dhankar Monastery: Noted for its spectacular, rocky setting alongside interesting sculptures and frescoes. (Foreigners require a permit for this area, obtainable in Kaza).
• Komic Monastery: A small monastery overlooking Asia’s highest village.

What to Do in Spiti

For adventurers, immersing yourself in Spiti means exploring its diverse attractions. Here’s a list of activities you can engage in:

• Trekking: Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy numerous trails. Notable treks include Pin-Parvati, Parang-La, and Pin-Bhaba.
• Yak Safari: Alternative to trekking, yaks owned by village families are available for picturesque safaris, including a four-hour trek from Komic to Demul.
• Cultural Performances: The villages of Demul and Lhalung are known for traditional performances featuring local dancers and live music.
• Tracking Endangered Wildlife: Seek out the rare Snow Leopard and Himalayan Wolf within the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Mountain Biking: Adventure on two wheels through hidden valleys and plateaus.
• White Water Rafting: Experience exhilarating rafting on the Pin and Spiti rivers.
• Excursions to various villages and monasteries.
• Opportunity for Volunteering.

All activities can be coordinated through Ecosphere Spiti, which is recognized for its commitment to conservation, responsible tourism, and sustainable development.

If you’re an adrenaline seeker, consider checking out Ecosphere’s 12 Day Classic Spiti Adventure trip combining trekking, biking, yak safari, and whitewater rafting, with departures from June to October.

Where to Stay in Spiti

Accommodation options in Kaza and Kibber range from comfortable hotels to guesthouses and hostels, catering to various budgets.

In Kaza, expect to spend approximately 1,000 rupees or more for a clean room with essential amenities. Hotel Deyzor is highly recommended, offering rooms starting at 1,400 rupees. Other options include Sakya Abode in the newer part of town, and the Zostel hostel, which is the highest backpacker hostel in Asia, offering dorms, tents, and private rooms. Additionally, The Traveller’s Shed is another choice, especially for bikers.

Accommodations in Kibber are typically more affordable and basic, with various guesthouses available. The most recommended is Norling Guest House, priced at around 1,200 rupees per night, offering tours and rooms with balconies.

A unique experience in Spiti is staying with a local family in one of the villages. Rustic homestays offer fundamental facilities, costing approximately 3,000 rupees per night, including meals. Be prepared for traditional composting toilets, which are simple in structure.

During your village stay, indulge in delicious homemade local cuisine, featuring momos (vegetable dumplings), thukpa and thenthuk (hearty noodle soups).

For homestay arrangements, you can rely on Ecosphere Spiti.