Earning that six-figure paycheck no doubt gives you a high but even that can’t beat the feel as you finally breathe in the air of a mountain top. For some trekkers, adventure is simply their way of life; other Frost-like souls rejuvenate their souls in nature. But, if we were to ever describe why we trek and what an ideal trek is? It would simply be an adventurous route giving you an adrenaline rush, yet humbling your soul with the majestic tranquility of nature.
Located in the Western Himalayas; Lahaul and Spiti is home to many such treks that will leave you lost on words to describe their beauty. For many years, beauty of Spiti treks remained largely unexplored due to lack of road facilities and infrastructure. Most trekkers remained obsessed with other traditionally popular treks in Himachal Pradesh. However, with growing infrastructure development in the region; it is quickly emerging as the new trekking paradise of North India.
From more accessible and easier trek routes like Chandra Tal to thrilling and risky treks including the likes of Pin Parvati; valley has something to offer for all adventure-seeking nature lovers. Best of the Lahaul and Spiti treks feature mesmerizing peaks, breathtakingly pristine lakes and pious monastery halts. Every adventure-seeking trekker deserves to experience these treks at least once in their life time. So, we have brought you a list of best Lahaul and Spiti treks you must take on:
Best Treks of Lahaul and Spiti –
1. Chandra Tal Lake trek
2. Pin Parvati Trek
3. Kanamo Peak trek
4. Parang La trek
1. Chandra Tal Lake Trek
| Region | Spiti Valley in the Western Himalayas |
| Total Distance | 8 Kms |
| Starting Point | Kunzum, Lahaul |
| Duration | 4 Hours |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Maximum Altitude | 16,240 Ft. |
| Best Time to Trek | September |
| Temperature |
Winter (-40 to 0)° C;
Summer (6 to 15)° C |
Chandra Tal literally means, Lake of the Moon. It is a crescent shaped lake which is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau in the middle of Spiti valley. Beauty of the high-altitude wetland, located at the height of 4,250 meters, is further accentuated by a variety of wildflowers. Trekkers usually start the Chandra Tal Trek from Manali, leading on to Chikka via Sethan, Balu Ka Gera, Shira Gorh, Batal via Chatru which ultimately leads you to the beautiful sight Chandra Tal Lake. It also offers a particularly great experience for beginners with an easy to moderate level of difficulty.
2. Pin Parvati Trek
| Region | Parvati Valley in Kullu to Pin Valley in Spiti |
| Total Distance | 110 Kms |
| Starting Point | Barsheni Village, Kullu |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Difficulty Level | Difficult |
| Maximum Altitude | 17,500 Ft. |
| Best Time to Trek | June to July |
| Temperature | Summer (6-20)° C |
A trek not recommended for beginners but a dream for seasoned trekkers, Pin Parvati Trek is one of the most thrilling treks you can take on in the Spiti valley. It is said that the trek was first discovered as an alternate way to the Spiti Valley. The trek requires commendable fitness levels as well as sound trekking skills and good prior experience. From gradual ascents to soaring peaks, the trek tests your grit and finally treats you with picturesque views and an experience of a lifetime.
3. Kanamo Peak Trek
| Region | Kibber and Tashi Gang Region |
| Total Distance | 27 Kms |
| Starting Point | Kaza, Spiti |
| Duration | 4 Hours |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Maximum Altitude | 19,700 Ft. |
| Best Time to Trek | May to July |
| Temperature | Summer (0 to 15)° C |
Thrilling adventures can often be not so thrilling for your pocket. Kanamo Peak trek offers traveler a more affordable trekking opportunity in the beautiful valley and is often taken as a substitute trek to Friendship Peak and Stok Kangri. The picturesque trek offers you views of Pin Parvati Pass, Parang La, Ladakh, Spiti as well as peaks of Kinnaur. While it requires you to be extremely fit; one may take this trek without any technical mountaineering skills. Thus, it has appeared as a great alternative trek for many such reasons for young enthusiasts. But, do get proper acclimatization done to avoid chances of AMS given the high altitude.
4. Parang La Trek
| Region | Regions of Spiti, Changthang and Tibet |
| Total Distance | 120 Kms. |
| Starting Point | Kibber Village, Spiti |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Difficulty Level | Difficult |
| Maximum Altitude | 18,300 Ft. |
| Best Time to Trek | May to September |
| Temperature | Summer (15 – 18)° C |
A typical Himalayan trek that you have probably imagined one to be; Parang La trek was once an ancient trade route traversing from Spiti valley in present day Himachal Pradesh, Changthang in Ladakh on to regions of Tibet. You can start your trek from Kibber village in the Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. With a high altitude of up to 5600 meters; its mountain features are a treat to watch along with vast meadows, which once served as a grazing ground for horses. However, it’s most beautiful part is the sight around Tso Moriri Lake with different shades of blue as you continue to walk along. The trek finally ends with the serenity of various Buddhist monasteries in the Karzok village in Leh.
With a challenging terrain and mesmerizing landscape, Spiti valley treks welcome travelers with open arms. Trekking in the valley often includes fighting off the cold, rigorous walking on testing mountain routes but also the comforting stay with the locals and generous rewards from nature as mesmerizing surroundings. Calmly lying in the lap of great Himalayas, snow covered mountains, some dangerous roads for adventure seekers, pristine lakes and ancient monasteries await you on your next trek in Lahaul and Spiti.
We at InstaHimachal, hope to keep bringing you comprehensive travel guides and mesmerizing Himachal tales. What would you like us to write next? Let us know in the comments below.
