What if you are teleported to an enchanted world that you had always dreamt of?
Twin valleys of Lahaul Spiti unquestionably is your heaven. A perfect breakout from the droning routine and morbid environment of the conurbations, Lahaul Spiti undoubtedly has an untainted charisma. Despite being a far-flung area in Himachal Pradesh it will gloat you with its breathtaking landscapes, luminous alpine lakes, hallowed monasteries and temples, delicate cuisines, rich wildlife and striking culture. Also, it is beautiful to see how many unexplored villages even in this era of modernization are sustaining their culture and strong beliefs.
Below are some picks you cannot miss out on while visiting Lahaul and Spiti
1. Explore Scenic Places/Popular Destinations
2. How about Meditating at Monasteries?
3. Stargazing
4. River Rafting
5. A Visit To World’s Highest Post Office
6. Wildlife Spotting
7. Shop at Kaza
8. Halt at a Homestay
9. Stop by Cafes
10. Engage with the Locals
11. Enjoy the Thrilling Passes
12. Ensure Hiking
1. Explore Scenic Places/Popular Destinations
Rough mountains, snowy peaks, colorful festoons; if this is only what you think of Lahaul Spiti then this place is definitely going to change your perceptual image once you shuffle for the valley. Lahaul Spiti will inarguably make you experience something out of the ordinary as it boasts some fantastic places to visit. From boundless trek routes and semi frozen rivers to shimmering lakes nestled in the mountain top, meditating peacefully at monasteries to exploring beautiful temples and museums, there is much more that the county has to offer. Also, you can explore the rich heritage culture, taste delicious cuisines, and see some of the most amazing and intricate architecture in the world.
Read More: Top 10 Travel Destinations You Must Visit In Lahaul and Spiti »
2. How about Meditating at Monasteries?
Being an extended part of the Tibetan plateau, Lahaul Spiti is home to century old monasteries. With the tranquil and compact mountains as a milieu, monasteries turn out to be the seamless place for meditation. So, if you are looking for inner peace they certainly are your beloved sites. The aroma of fresh air striking the mountains, the sounds of chanting and those bells jingling, doesn’t this sound like a perfect escape from the hassled life. Early risers can visit the monasteries in the first light to behold the morning chanting of mantras and prayer session of monks.
There’s a lot of unique monasteries where you can experience peace. Some include:
a. Key Gompa
b. Tabo Gompa
c. Tanyud Gompa
d. Kungri Gompa
e. Dhankar Monastery
Key Gompa, the Tibetan Buddhist monastery is said to be more than 1000 years old. If you feel like staying here for some days, you just have to pay a minimal fee for food and stay. For a matter of fact, they do not have a separate guest house for travelers instead they have the existing quarters of lamas, that’s what make it even more exciting.
Tabo Gompa also known as Ajanta of the Himalayas is one of the oldest Buddhist excursion centers in the Trans-Himalayas region situated in Tabo, the first village of Spiti, if visited from Kinnaur. Secondly, have you heard of the meditation caves just above the ancient monastery? If not then you’ll find this helpful. Overlooking the thriving valley through which the Spiti river flows, there are a series of caves making it all serene and unruffled in an otherwise barren landscape. Embarking in the caves of Tabo monastery is itself a sense of calmness. Also, it is believed that it happens to be Dalai Lama’s favorite monastery.
Tanyud Gompa is one of the most visited monasteries in Spiti and is counted in one of the highest monasteries in India. You can visit this monastery and can find an oasis of peace.
Kungri gompa is the second-oldest monastery in Lahaul Spiti valley has the discrepancy of being the only monastery, which belongs to the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism, dates back to 1330. Additionally, if you’re there in the month of July then do not miss the traditional ‘Devil Dance’.
Dhankar Monastery is one of the main Buddhist centers and is also referred to as the Mud Monastery. It includes several small rooms and prayer halls connected by small narrow steps. May be if you are planning a trek to renowned ‘Dhankar lake’ you can stop by this monastery so as to experience the sense of stillness here.
3. Stargazing
Who doesn’t want to take a pew under a sky full of stars? Everyone does. Imagine how beautiful it would be just sitting and looking up to the heaven, and spotting a million stars out there. At night, you’ll see the stars shimmering in the shady sky with the frosty weather. You just need to look up and engage yourself in astronomy and one is blessed enough, if came across a shooting star. All you need to do is spot the places where you can set up your camp and experience the same. So, here are some of the places suggested where you can find an endless web of stars gleaming above you; Tabo, Dhankar, Losar, Komik and Kibber.
4. River Rafting
If you are not hydrophobic this is highly recommended to you. Adventure seekers will undeniably get a chance to admire the unexplored natural beauty along the banks of the river and will surely enjoy the camaraderie on board, a push with a dash of adrenaline rush in the hub of beautiful surroundings. There are many rafting locations on Pin River, the best befalling Koksar to Tandi Bridge, the point where Chandra & Bhaga meet to form Chenab. The best time for crashing into this adventure would be in September.
5. A Visit To World’s Highest Post Office
If you are in Spiti, be cognizant to write a postcard to your closed ones from the village Hikkim as it has the world’s highest post office. Situated at an elevation of 4,389 m between Komik and Langza villages which is again 15 km from Kaza, this village has predominantly a Buddhist population. The post office is an imperative connection to the outside world. It takes an arduous drive of 45 minutes from Kaza, offering you spellbinding views on the way. However, have a check with the locals on the visiting hours of the post office beforehand.
6. Wildlife Spotting
Lahaul Spiti has a harsh climate, so only rare animals survive here. From admiring its beautiful landscapes to quaint nature, spare some good time to witness the animals which will absolutely leave you awestruck. Below-mentioned are some hotspots where you can find the rare wildlife:
a. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
b. Pin Valley National Park
a. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
Tucked in the cold desert areas of the Himalayas Kibber wildlife sanctuary dates back to 1992. View of Chau Chau Khanamo and Chau Chau Khang Nilda peaks from the sanctuary premises is nothing less than a treat for your eyes. If you are in Kibber do visit this pleasing sanctuary to see the intangible Snow leopard, Himalyan wolf, Red fox and many more.
b. Pin Valley National Park
Pinpointed in the high ranges of the Himalayas, Pin valley national park is a home to sporadic as well as the endangered flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife witnessed here includes; Snow leopard, Siberian ibex, Tibetan gazelle Chukar partridges and snow cock.
7. Shop at Kaza
Visiting the valley and not carrying back a token isn’t fair, if the market has much more to offer. Famed for its carpets, pure wool shawls and woolen clothes there are innumerable things you can buy from the bazaar. Chinese ceramic utensils, clothes, stone gems and local jewelry, Tibetan and Buddhist handcrafts, skull sculptures painted in silver are some beautiful things you can take back home. Also, shopping without a humble bargain is inchoate. You can bargain here after knowing the final price.
8. Halt at a Homestay
To best interact with the people, settle yourself at a homestay. If you are with your family, with your friends or travelling solo homestays in Lahaul Spiti will give you a warmhearted welcome. Some are even pet friendly which is even more comforting for the people having one. There are numerous budget affable stays in the region, you can plump for your own heeding what befits you more.
9. Stop by Cafes
Admiring the never-ending beauty of the mountains, it doesn’t feel good not talking about food. Here, the cafes will make you overwhelmed by their perfect vibes. You can treat your taste buds with all hues of cuisines here. From pizzas to pancakes, Thai to Chinese, to well-cooked local food there is a lot to palate here. Ambience of each café is equally contributing. Additionally, monasteries too will offer you food here.
Read More: A Reliable Guide For Best Cafes in Lahaul and Spiti »
10. Engage with the Locals
The rich culture of Lahaul and Spiti is a perfect blend of Indian and Tibetian traditions. Besides its historical and religious heritage, Lahaul Spiti is a land of festivals too. Ladarch, Phagli, Halda and Dechhang are some of the festivals of Lahaul Spiti that you should never miss out. If you want to explore the valley from the eye of a buccaneer, engaging with the locals is always the best step to move forward. Moreover, you can enjoy the locally prepared cuisines and brews of the splendid place.
11. Enjoy the Thrilling Passes
In Lahaul Spiti you experience beautiful yet dangerous passes. Either you come across them through biking or hiking. If you’re full of enthusiasm, and planning to cross one then you must be prepared with all your essentials like medicines, energy bars, hire a tour guide (recommended). Experiencing the eminent ranges is utterly a new adventure that one would like to add to their travel diary.
12. Ensure Hiking
Not going a bit challenging would apparently leave you barehanded from the valley. So, why not try hiking to scenic places and discover the most astonishing views from the top. Your hike will definitely not make you gloomy as the views up there are really heavenly. If you want to feel both peace and adventure just start walking up the hills.
Read More: Top Treks to Explore in Lahaul and Spiti »
Make sure to get these on your travel memoir as these experiences will surely take your breath away. Plan a trip to Lahaul Spiti once the situation gets back to normal and don’t forget to do the activities that will remind you of this valley every now and then.
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