There are plenty of places to visit in Spiti Valley, despite the fact that it is a chilly desert region in Himachal Pradesh. The environment of Spiti is distinctive and diverse, ranging from rocky, vegetated hillsides to lush meadows, rivers gurgling quickly at the foot of mountains to snow-covered glacier passes, and from vibrant Buddhist temples to little settlements. The area is free of light pollution, and the night sky is so crystal bright that you can see the Milky Way in all its glory. If you need a jolt of excitement, you could always go trekking.
Try some salty, buttery tea and get a real experience of Tibetan culture. Get your camera out and spend hours taking pictures of the green waterfalls and deep ravines. Rent a motorcycle or go mountain biking on the winding roads and let your senses come alive as you take in the breathtaking trans Himalayan range.
Lakes like Chandrataal and Dhankan will leave you awestruck, while the Baralacha and Kunzum passes will take you to the top of the world. We have all the information you need about the Spiti Valley’s most popular places to visit.
Tourist attractions in spiti valley
1. Kee Gompa (Kee Monastery)
Visit the Key Monastery to discover a wealth of old Buddhist texts, manuscripts, and murals, in addition to a spectacular Buddha Shrine. It’s one of the most visited spots in all of Spiti Valley, and it goes by the name Kye Gompa. At an elevation of over 4,112 metres, it offers breathtaking views of the Spiti River and the surrounding Kaza landscape.
The fort also includes a beautiful assembly hall and the Tengyur chamber, which is richly painted with murals in the style of ancient China. There you can watch and hear the Lamas’ remarkable dance to the accompaniment of pipes and horns. Additionally, it is here that the lamas receive their religious education.
2. Kaza
Beautiful Lahaul and Spiti Valleys are home to this lovely village at an elevation of around 12,500 feet. Beautiful peaks surround this picturesque hamlet. Kaza is a wonderful destination thanks to its beautiful surroundings and lively marketplaces, as well as its towering snow-capped mountains.
The entire town of Kaza may be roughly broken down into two distinct areas: the old Kaza and the new Kaza.Kaza Khas, the “old Kaza,” is where the royal palace, monasteries, and other historic buildings are located. The old Kaza is home to the Chicham Bridge, Key Monastery, and Hikkim; the modern Kaza, or Kaza Soma, is where you’ll find the local government offices, hotel chains, and restaurants. The largest and oldest gompa, Key Monastery has approximately 100 lamas. Chicham Bridge and Hikkim are the highest points in Spiti Valley. Send handwritten postcards from the world’s highest post office in Hikkim.
3. Kunzum Pass
At an elevation of 4,551 metres above sea level, Kunzum Pass—or Kunzum La as the locals call it—is one of the tallest mountain crossings in India. Through Kullu and Lahaul, it is the way to get to the beautiful Spiti valley. It is located 122 kilometres away from Manali in the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas. Kunzum La gives you a 360-degree view of the Bara-Shigri Glacier, which is the second longest glacier in the world. It also gives you a stunning view of the Chandrabhaga Range and the Spiti Valley. Kunzum Pass is a photographer’s dream because of this beautiful view.
Kunzum Pass is 15 km away from the famous Chandratal Lake (moon lake). On their journey to the pass, tourists must stop at the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi to pay their respects and ask for her grace. The tradition is to make a complete circle of the temple in your vehicle. It is traditional for you to complete a full round around the temple in your car.
4. Chandra Tal Lake
At an elevation of 4,300 metres, you’ll find Chandratal, also known as the Moon Lake. The view from there is the most beautiful in the area. This stunning natural wonder is a photographer’s and hiker’s dream, and it’s not far from the Kunzum Pass.
The lake is a brilliant blue, making this a picture-perfect spot for tourists. Beautiful scenery, including verdant hills and snow-capped mountains, surrounds the lake. You’ll have to hike through some heart-pounding batal trails to reach this magnificent lake.
In addition, between Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, you’ll be able to make it up to the glaciers. Many legends surround this fascinating spot. Blue water, picturesque mountains, and peaceful scenery are what really attract visitors here, though.
5. Komic Village
Next on the list of top places to visit in the Spiti Valley is the world’s highest settlement, which is situated 15,027 feet above sea level. Komic does a wonderful job of capturing the elegance and charm of Spiti. Komic is all about taking in the purest air possible and living a life that is both uncomplicated and self-reliant. One of the best things about visiting this location is the peace and quiet it provides. According to local legend, something weird occurred when monks relocated the monastery to Hikkim Village.
Despite great attempts, the statue of Mahakaal remained stationary. The monastery had to be moved as a result, but one monk remained and was seen worshipping by the statue. Sadly, an earthquake in the 1970s wiped off the monastery’s beautiful new construction. On the way from Hikkim to Kaza, you can still come across these. Despite the huge earthquake that struck the valley, the Mahakaal Statue remained standing. The monks decided to move the monastery back to its original location as a result.
6. Suraj Tal
Located 4,950 metres above sea level, Suraj Tal Lake is India’s third-largest lake.”The Lake of the Sun God” is another name for Suraj Tal in Spiti Valley. A trip to the beautiful lake located just below the Baralacha pass is a must if you’re a photographer in the area. One of the most beautiful and dreamy lakes is the Suraj Tal.
Since many people visit Suraj Tal for its spiritual significance and because they believe that bathing there will wash away their sins, it is a popular tourist destination. The lake is inching closer to the popular Manali-Leh circuit, which includes the Baralacha-La Pass and is popular for trekking and biking. Therefore, Those who are both brave and devoted should try Suraj Tal.
7. Dhankar Monastery
The Dhankar Monastery is a tribute to the Buddhist community’s spiritual ideals. Among the world’s top one hundred most endangered landmarks, you’ll find this one in the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. A melting pot of various cultures and beliefs, it is located at a height of 3,894 metres and offers a breathtaking view of the Spiti valley. It was some time around the year 1000 when the Dhankar Monastery, also known as the Dhangkar Gompa or the Dhankhar, was built. Hence, Lha-od, a well-known lama, founded and renovated the temple; hence it was also known as Lha-od Gompa.
This Buddhist monastery has priceless thanksas that have been collected over many decades, maybe centuries. Vairochana, a statue of four meditating Buddhas, is a highlight of this monastery. You’ll also find Buddhist scriptures, Medicine Buddha murals, and protection deities. It has a museum with murals and scriptures. The Thangka paintings that adorn the walls of this monastery are quite breathtaking. Some parts of this gompa have been left abandoned due to decay, and a new one has been built in its place. Due to its precarious condition, the monastery restricts visitors to no more than twenty at a time. An exciting trek will take you to Dhankar Lake from the Dhankar Monastery.
8. Tabo Monastery
There are nine Tara and Buddha Maitreya temples at this monastery in the Tabo Valley. In addition to the beautiful paintings, stupas, and Bodhisattva statues made of plaster, It was constructed by Yeshe-O, a well-known Buddhist king.
The Monastery, which beautifully reflects the heart of the culture, is a treasure for the neighbourhood. There are many who consider it to be the Ajanta of the Himalayas. This is due to the monastery’s stunning mural paintings and folk art decorations on its walls. The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are an inspiration for this. It’s a “National Historic Treasure” according to the Archaeological Survey of India. Those in search of peace and a fascinating past will find their visit to this monastery to be nothing short of a beautiful treat.
9. Langza
At an altitude of 4,400 metres, the picturesque village of Langza is a popular destination for vacationers. There are several beautiful mediaeval monasteries and other historic buildings in this picturesque town. However, the presence of natural elements such as lush meadows, snow-capped mountains, and lonely plains enhances its beauty. Langza Yongma (lower) and Langza Gongma (upper) make up one of the most out-of-the-way settlements in all of India (upper). There are about 137 permanent residents. Handmade goods like shawls and rugs are also available.
The towering statue of Buddha that stands watch over the town is the tallest building in the area. The Chau Chau Kang Nilda summit is also a notable landmark in the area, dominating the panoramic over the village. The children of the community can be seen walking about with fossils they have collected and playing with them. Likewise, they make an effort to persuade visitors to buy goods in exchange for payment. The word “chaudua” describes this fossil in the local language.
10. Trilokinath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Trilokinath Temple (or Sri Trilokinathji Temple) may be found in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti district. The temple is the only location in the world where Buddhists and Hindus can worship together, and it is around 9 miles from the village of Udaipur (not to be confused with Udaipur in Rajasthan).
In the Hindu religion, this deity is known as Lord Shiva, whereas in the Buddhist religion it is known as Arya Avalokiteshwar. As a form of the Hindu deity Shiva, “Trilokinath” refers to the “Lord of Three Worlds“. However, the Trilokinath Temple was likely a Buddhist monastery in its earlier form. At the end of the route, at an elevation of 2,760 metres, stands the whitewash temple of Trilokinath village.
The Trilokinath Temple, also known by its previous name “Tunda Vihar,” is third only to Kailash and Manasarovar in terms of importance as a pilgrimage site. Trilokinath Temple offers a calm view and wonderful comfort to the eyes with its colourful Tibetan prayer flags, brass bell, and snow-clad mountain peaks and pine trees. It is without question the best place to visit for those interested in religion or peace.
