Summer vacations are on in which many people plan to travel to cool places. In such a situation, many people these days also like to visit Spiti Valley, which is a cold desert located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The word Spiti means 'The Middle Land', as the Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. Situated at an altitude of 12500 feet, this place is sparsely populated and is a paradise for adventure lovers. The beauty of the valley is very soothing to the eyes, the pristine lakes, the pass, and the blue sky here attract people a lot. If you are also planning to go to Spiti Valley, then first of all know about some of the best places here.
Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake is often counted among the most beautiful lakes in the Himalayas situated at an altitude of about 4300 meters. This magnificent lake is located on the Samudra Tapu plateau in the Lahaul region of Lahaul and Spiti district and is the source of the Chandra River. The name "Chandra Taal" (Lake of the Moon) is derived from its crescent-shaped shape. The lake is one of the two high-altitude wetlands in India that have been designated as Ramsar sites. This lake attracts many tourists who are fond of adventure.
Kai Monastery
Kai Monastery is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of India. Kai Math is situated at an altitude of 4,166 meters above sea level and very close to the Spiti River in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Also known as Kai Matha and Ki Matha, it is believed to have been founded by Dromton, who was a student of the famous teacher Atisha in the 11th century.
Valley National Park
Valley National Park is located in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The altitude of this park ranges from 3500 meters to 6000 meters at its peak. In this national park, you will get to see rare animals like the Himalayan snow leopard. This park is famous for its incredible track which is the source of main attraction for the tourists here. In this park, you will get to see more than 20 species of flora and fauna, and the track of this park remains frozen for most of the time due to heavy snowfall. Many species of birds also live here.
Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Gompa or Dhankar Monastery is situated at an altitude of 12,774 feet above sea level. It is one of the nine major Buddhist holy temples in the region. It was built by the Gelugpa School of Order, which is more than a thousand years old. This monastery is situated on a rock between Kaza and Tabo. A wonderful view of the Spiti River can be seen from here. The monastery has a statue of 'Vairocharan' which consists of four statues of Buddha seated in four directions, as well as ancient paintings, frescoes, and texts are also present in this monastery.
Kunzum Pass
It is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India, situated at an altitude of 4,551 meters above sea level. This beautiful pass serves as the gateway to Spiti Valley from Kullu and Lahaul and is at a distance of about 122 km from Manali. From Kunzum Pass there is a 15 km trek to the famous Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake). It is believed that tourists have to stop near the temple of Goddess Kunjum Devi on the way as a mark of respect to her to seek her blessings to travel safely through the rugged terrain. The belief here is that the pilgrims have to make a complete round of the temple by their vehicle.
Kaza
Kaza Spiti is the district capital. It is situated on the flood plains of the Spiti River. The region is surrounded by mountains on both sides and is the most populous part of the Spiti Valley. Apart from breathtaking views, facilities like rest houses, hotels, health centers, and markets are also present here. Every tourist feels at peace after coming to this city.
Suraj Tal
Suraj Tal is the third largest lake in India situated at an altitude of 4950 meters above sea level. The literal meaning of Suraj Tal, situated in the Spiti Valley, is 'Lake of the Sun God'. The stunning lake just below the Baralacha Pass is a must-see while visiting this area. Suraj Tal Lake is one of the dreamy-looking and photogenic lakes.
Trilokinath Temple
Trilokinath Temple holds religious significance among both Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The temple is situated on a rock at the end of a lane in Tunde village. Although you can always visit here, the best time to visit is in August when the three-day Pauri festival is celebrated here.
Kibber
Kibber, also known as Kibber, is a small village situated in the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 4270 m. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and barren landscapes, Kibber boasts of being the highest village with a motorable road. Kibber is known for its local monastery and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Its altitude and pollution-free environment make it a perfect spot for photographers.
Tabo Monastery
Standing tall and sturdily at an altitude of 10,000 feet, Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries located in the village of Tabo in Spiti Valley. It is the oldest monastery in India and the Himalayas which has been continuously thronged by people since its inception. This attractive monastery is popularly known as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' because the walls of the monastery are decorated with attractive murals and ancient paintings, which look like the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra.
(PC: Lifebrrys)
