“It is a cold desert but with a natural beauty that will leave you short of words as its tranquility is simply out of this world.”
The beautiful district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh has a magic that every traveler must experience at least once in his/her lifetime. This region is largely barren as it hardly gets any rain. It is also home to some of most accessible and thrilling adventure treks and mountain passes in the North. Tough and rugged terrains leading on to exquisite landscape and views seem like a commonplace in this region of Himachal Pradesh.
There is so much to see in this abode of the Gods that it can be perplexing to finalize a travel list especially for those unfamiliar to the place. Thus, we have tried to ease this task for you.
In this blog, we have compiled for you a list of Top 10 tourist spots one must visit in Lahaul and Spiti:
1. Trilokinath Temple
2. Tabo Monastery
3. Key Monastery
4. Shashur Gompa
5. Tabo Caves
6. Kibber
7. Chandratal Lake
8. Pin Valley National Park
9. Tower Fort of Gondhla
10. Lahaul and Spiti Tribal Museum
1. Trilokinath Temple
Starting it off with some humble gratitude; Trilokinath Temple is an ancient temple sacred to both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists. A stone inscription found in 2002 testifies that the holy temple was built back in the 9th-10th century. It further suggests that the temple was made by Dvanjra Rana; an ancestor of Rana Thakurs, present day rulers of Triloknath village. It is believed that they were also helped by Chamba’s King Sahil Varman; who got this temple constructed in Shikher style.
2. Tabo Monastery
A native monastery of its namesake Tabo village; this monastery is often referred to as Ajanta of the Himalayas, owing to stark similarities. Located at a height of 10,007 Ft, Tabo Monastery is stretches to a total area of over 6300 m2. It is also among the oldest Buddhist pilgrimages in the Trans-Himalayan region. It is known for its many stupas, stucco sculptures and nine temples of Buddha Maitreya and Tara. It is second in importance to none but only the Tholing Gompa in Tibet for the Tibetan Buddhists.
3. Key Monastery
A major tourist destination of the district, it is the largest monastery in the Spiti valley. It is located at a high altitude of 13,500 Ft and is a major influence in the nearby areas. With an irregular heap of low rooms on a monolithic conical hill; the prayer chambers in the monastery are interconnected by dark passages, long staircases and small doors. It is a training center for hundreds of lamas and is also known for its thankas, rare manuscripts, murals, and stucco images, besides peculiar wind instruments.
4. Shashur Gompa
Shashur Gompa is an old Buddhist monastery of Drugpa sect. In the local dialect, the term Shashur (~Sha-shur) means blue pines which are suggestive of the blue pine patches around the monastery. Situated at a distance of just 2 km from the Keylong, this monastery was built in 16th Century. It is particularly known for its architecture and learning centre.
5. Tabo Caves
Opposite to Tabo village, lays a hill housing a series of caves with colorful Buddhist flags. Interestingly, some of these caves are even multi-storeyed. Additionally, one of these also forms part of Tabo Monastery complex. A flight of steps lead you to this cave accommodating a small temple along with a prayer chamber. Many years ago, monks would cook their food in the small kitchen attached to this mud cave.
6. Kibber
Located at a distance of 16 km from Kaza; Kibber is at an altitude of 4270m. Kibber village is not just one of the most beautiful villages of the district but was the highest village in the world connected by motorable road until recently. Route leading you to the Kibber village also features the popular Key Monastery. Additionally, besides a native monastery, Kibber is also home to a wildlife sanctuary, also known for rare medicinal plants.
7. Chandratal Lake
Aptly named after its moon like shape; the pristine Chandratal Lake is one of the most beautiful sights in the Spiti valley. Stretching for around 2.5 km in length; it lay wrapped by many acres of snow. Going beyond just sightseeing, it is also a popular route for trekkers in the district.
8. The Pin Valley National Park
Situated amidst the cold desert of the Spiti Valley; Pin Valley National Park is home to a number of endangered animals including the Siberian ibex and snow leopards. Conserving a wide variety of flora and fauna; Pin Valley National Park also homes the Tibetan gazelle & woolly hare as well as 22 rare and endangered medicinal plant species.
However, owing to extreme weather conditions, it has very scarce vegetation density which too is mostly confined to alpine trees and Himalayan cedar groves. But, in warmer summer months, the national park also provides a temporary habitat for various bird species including choughs, chukar partridge, finches, snow partridge and Himalayan snowcock.
9. Tower Fort of Gondhla
Offering a green contrast to the district’s many white desserts; Gondhla village also has a 300 year old castle. It is a seven-story house with wooden staircases and largely stone construction. This is a structure that has also suffered negligence. But, many antiques found in this castle including the old weapons, statues, costumes and furniture make up for a worthy trip. Fifth floor of the castle also comprises of the ruler’s personal prayer chamber from where they would listen to the public to later pass judgment from the verandah.
10. Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum
If you are visiting Keylong you must stop in the market at Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum to enjoy a deep peak into the rich culture of the region. Museum features various collections of traditional attires, instruments, prayer lamps and old photographs of various tourist sites in Spiti Valley. Its various further depict the various regions of Himachal Pradesh displaying impressive tribal art besides some thangka paintings and ancient manuscripts. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm and is closed once every week.
The mesmerizing beauty of the valley can be best described in the words of Rudyard Kipling as he described Spiti in his book “Kim“, “At last they entered a world within a world – a valley of leagues where the high hills were fashioned of the mere rubble and refuse from off the knees of the mountains…surely the Gods live here”.
