Spiti is a mesmerizing valley located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, India. Known for its rugged landscapes, remote villages, and rich cultural heritage, Spiti offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for travelers. Situated at an average altitude of around 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), Spiti Valley is often referred to as "Little Tibet" due to its similarities with the landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture. The valley is surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, barren mountains, and pristine rivers, creating a surreal atmosphere that attracts adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike. The isolation and challenging accessibility of Spiti add to its charm, making it a destination for intrepid travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. The valley remains largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural beauty and authentic cultural traditions. Spiti is home to numerous ancient monasteries that stand as the spiritual and cultural centers of the region. These monasteries, such as Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, and Dhankar Monastery, hold immense significance for Tibetan Buddhism and house exquisite artwork, manuscripts, and statues. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance, witness prayer ceremonies, and engage in conversations with the resident monks, gaining insights into the teachings and practices of Buddhism. The rugged terrain of Spiti Valley offers incredible opportunities for adventure activities. Trekking enthusiasts can embark on thrilling trails, including the famous Spiti-Kinnaur trek, Pin Parvati Pass trek, and Chandratal Lake trek, among others. These treks take you through high mountain passes, picturesque valleys, and serene lakes, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas at every turn. Spiti also serves as a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The dramatic landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming villages provide endless opportunities to capture stunning shots. From the vibrant prayer flags fluttering against the blue sky to the stark beauty of the barren mountains, Spiti Valley offers a photographer's dream come true. The local people of Spiti, predominantly belonging to the Tibetan Buddhist community, are known for their warm hospitality and simplicity. You can visit the traditional villages scattered across the valley, such as Kaza, Langza, Kibber, and Hikkim, and experience the local way of life. Homestays and guesthouses in these villages offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, relish traditional cuisine, and interact with the friendly locals. Due to its high altitude and extreme weather conditions, Spiti Valley remains accessible only during the summer months, usually from May to October. It's important to be prepared for the altitude and carry appropriate clothing and gear to tackle the cold temperatures. It's also advisable to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness. A trip to Spiti Valley is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and cultural experience that will leave you awe-inspired and connected to the essence of the Himalayas. It's a destination that offers a glimpse into a world untouched by time and modernization, where the raw beauty of nature and the richness of ancient traditions coexist harmoniously.
Absolutely perfect for adventure seekers, river rafting is one of the top things to do in Spiti Valley. With snowy mountains, hilltop monasteries, and picturesque views around, the Spiti and Pin rivers offer an experience of a lifetime. You can feel the thrill while basking in the serenity amidst the mountains throughout the duration of the sport.
Situated in the higher reaches of the Himalayas, this park is home to endangered flora and fauna such as snow leopards, Siberian ibex, Himalayan snow cocks, Tibetan gazelle, snow partridges, and more. From admiring the beauty of nature to wildlife spotting, there is so much to do there that you would completely lose track of time.
Spiti is a religious and cultural center for Buddhists, and that is another reason that makes it such a famous tourist attraction. With so many Buddhist monasteries set up along the valley, you could visit each or any of them for having a peaceful time. From the architecture of the monasteries to the ancient murals on the inside, every sight would leave you amazed.
Formed in a crescent shape, and situated at 4,300 meters in the lap of the Himalayas, this lake is amongst the popular things to see in Spiti Valley. What makes an experience more wow-worthy there is camping by the lake with incredible views around. So, you know where to stay, at least for a night in Spiti.
If you’re looking for both peace and adventure, trekking to Dhankar Lake is amongst the top things to include in your tour to Spiti Valley. Situated above the Dhankar Monastery on a cliff at 4,270 meters, this lake is a mesmerizing beauty. While the trek is a bit challenging, the heavenly views that you would get to witness upon reaching would absolutely be worth it.
Giu is a small village situated between the towns of Sumdo and Tabo, and can be reached via a steep 8 km climb on a road that branches from NH-22. It has a shrine with a dead body, which is over 500 years old and visiting this mummy is amongst the famous things to do in Spiti. A popular legend says that the mummy is of a meditating Lama, which makes it an even more mysterious experience.
Apart from the Kunzum Pass, if there is anything more famous yet dangerous, it is trekking or biking across the Baralacha Pass. Renowned as one of the dangerous passes in the world, passing through there is absolutely a delight if you’re brave at heart and have experienced adventure activities in Spiti Valley. Witnessing the intersection of Pir Panjal, The Great Himalayan, and the Zanskar Ranges is an experience you would love to add in your travel memoir.
Visiting the valley and not shopping is quite equivalent to a sin. And with the market area of Kaza being one of the popular places to visit in Spiti Valley in March, shopping is something that needs to be on the top of your list. From Tibetian and Buddhist handicrafts to human bone and skull sculptures painted in silver, there are innumerable things you can buy from there as sweet souvenirs to take back home.
With villages situated at an altitude of 10,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level, stargazing at such a high altitude is one of the best things to do in Spiti. You can just sit and look up to the heaven, and spot a zillion stars right away. And if fortune favors you at that time, you might also spot a shooting star.
While it’s not a popular, it definitely is one of the unique things to do in Spiti Valley in December. The villages of Langza and Hikkim are wrapped up with fossils so much that it’s impossible to look around and not find one out at all. And if you fail to find any, worry not. The local kids might just come around to sell them as souvenirs to you.
ITendel Homestay in Spiti Valley offers a warm and inviting accommodation experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of this remote Himalayan region. Located in a traditional Spitian village, Tendel Homestay provides an authentic cultural experience, showcasing the warm hospitality and simple way of life of the local community.
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IWelcome to Spiti Homestay, a charming abode nestled in the mystical landscapes of the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. This homestay offers a unique opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and authentic local culture of the Spitian people while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Trans-Himalayan region.
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