Spiti Valley, nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, has been stealing the limelight as one of India’s top destinations in recent years, and it’s easy to see why! Often referred to as ‘The Middle Land,‘ Spiti Valley offers the perfect blend of breathtaking nature, rural simplicity, thrilling adventures, and rich culture. From being home to renowned monasteries like Key Monastery to cradling nature’s wonders like Chandra Taal Lake, Spiti Valley is a treasure trove of experiences. But it’s not just the Himalayan beauty that captivates; the warm and hospitable locals add a layer of charm that makes your journey unforgettable.
All of these 10 Places to visit in Spiti Valley, can easily be accommodated on your 7 Day Spiti Vally Itinerary.
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10 Epic Places to visit in Spiti Valley
Nako Village and Nako Lake
A Himalayan Gem: Nako Village, ensconced within the Kinnaur district, feels like an ethereal sanctuary. Its ancient roots and spiritual aura are deeply intertwined with the mesmerizing Nako Lake.
Serene Reflections: As you stand by the shimmering waters of Nako Lake, surrounded by the rustling leaves of willow and poplar trees, you’ll feel an immediate connection with nature’s tranquility. This is Spiti Valley’s heart welcoming you.
Dhankar Village
A Timeless Spectacle: Dhankar Village, just a short three-hour road trip from Nako, feels like a page torn from history. Once the administrative heart of Spiti Valley, its ancient monasteries and fort whisper tales of centuries gone by.
Dhankar Lake’s Pristine Beauty: A trek from the village leads to Dhankar Lake, an exquisite gem nestled amidst the rugged mountains. Its crystal-clear blue waters and the surrounding wilderness create a surreal landscape.
Demul Village
A Glimpse of Authenticity: Demul, often overlooked by travelers, offers an authentic Spiti experience. Add Demul Village on your Spiti Valley trip plan, and immerse yourself in local life by staying in a homestay here. Share stories, meals, and laughter with the warm-hearted locals.
Unveiling Local Traditions: In Demul, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing age-old traditions and customs passed down through generations. It’s a journey back in time, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Pin Valley National Park
Mud Village’s Isolation: Pin Valley National Park shelters Mud Village, one of Spiti Valley’s most remote settlements. Here, modern distractions melt away, leaving you with the pure essence of nature and simplicity.
Starlit Campsites: In Pin Valley National Park, where cell signals vanish, immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness. Under a canopy of stars, camping becomes an ethereal experience, and connecting with locals feels like an ancient ritual.
Make sure that you add at least 1 night in Pin Valley National Park on your Spiti Valley Tour Package.
Kaza Monastery
Kaza’s Cultural Hub: Beyond its monastery, Kaza town is a cultural melting pot. Wandering through its bustling markets, you’ll encounter the warm smiles of locals and the charm of a community deeply rooted in tradition.
A Riot of Colors: Kaza Monastery, adorned with vibrant red thangkas and towering statues, is a visual feast. If you’re lucky, you might even have the opportunity to join the locals in their prayer meetings.
Key Monastery
Architectural Marvel: The Key Monastery stands as an architectural marvel amidst the stark Himalayan landscape. It’s whitewashed walls, adorned with vivid red and gold accents, create a breathtaking visual contrast.
Monastic Experience: With over 250 resident monks, Key Monastery offers an unparalleled insight into Spiti’s monastic life. Consider spending a night here and participating in morning prayers for a deeply spiritual encounter. It might just turn out to be one of the best memory of your trip to Spiti.
If you want to visit more such Buddhist Monasteries, we would recommend you visit These 9 Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh, on your trip to Ladakh.
Langza, Hikkim and Komic
The triplet villages!
Langza’s Divine Buddha: Langza boasts a colossal Buddha statue that seems to touch the heavens. Its serene presence adds a spiritual dimension to the already breathtaking landscape.
Hikkim’s World Record: Hikkim is home to the world’s highest post office, perched at a dizzying 4,400 meters. Sending a postcard from here is a memory you’ll cherish forever.
Komic’s Celestial Magic: Komic, the world’s highest motorable village, gifts you an enchanting celestial show. The Milky Way sprawls across the night sky, leaving you awestruck. Staying in a homestay here is a quintessential Spiti experience.
Chicham Bridge
Spiti’s most famous Instagram destination – Chicham Khas or Chicham Bridge – is known to be Asia’s highest bridge at the height of 4500m, and should definitely be on your Spiti Valley Tour package. As you stand amidst the towering mountains, don’t forget to capture this marvel for your Instagram.
Kunzum La
Kunzum La, at an altitude of 4,551 meters, is the door to Lahaul Valley. It welcomes you with a quaint Buddhist temple and a structure that beckons travellers to embrace the Pass’s wonders. If you are doing the Spiti Valley circuit tour, you will end up crossing Kunzum Pass on your journey between Spiti Valley and Manali.
Not only that, in order to visit Chandrataal Lake from Spiti Valley, you’ll have to cross Kunzum La Pass.
Chandra Taal Lake
Lahul’s most famous lake, Chandra Taal, is among the top destination to visit not only in Spiti, but in all of India as well. Known as the moon lake, it is famous for camping and its night skies when the moon shines bright and reflects on the water in the lake.
These immersive Spiti Valley experiences, promise to transport you deep into the heart of Spiti Valley’s wonders. Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural encounters, or the thrill of adventure, Spiti has it all, waiting to be explored and cherished. Your journey to ‘The Middle Land’ is an odyssey of a lifetime.
How to reach Spiti Valley:
You can reach Spiti valley via two routes, one starting from Shimla, and the other from Manali.
- The first is via Kinnaur district. You can find buses from Shimla till Reckong Peo. From there, you can catch a bus till Nako/Kaza. Prices range from INR 500 to INR 700.
- The other route is from Manali via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass. You can get a direct bus from Manali to Kaza and shared cabs.
You can even cover Spiti Valley, by extending this 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary, and starting the Spiti Valley Circuit Tour from Manali, and follow the route, shared below –
Manali – Jalori Pass – Rampur – Reckong Peo/Kalpa – Nako – Tabo – Pin Valley National Park – Kaza – Hikkim/Langza/Komic – Kibber – Chicham – Losar – Kunzum La – Chandra Taal – Batal – Gramphu – Rohtang La – Manali
Most of the popular Summer Spiti Valley tours, starting from Manali or Shimla, follow this Spiti Valley Circuit tour.
Both Shimla and Manali, have been rated as some of the Best Winter Destinations in India, that you should definitely add to your Incredible India Bucket List.
However, in the winters, the only access is from Kinnaur side, as Kunzum Pass is blocked, due to heavy snow.
Things to remember for your Spiti Trip:
- Spiti valley is essentially a cold desert. We recommend carrying a down jacket and a fleece to keep yourself warm all the time, especially during the night.
- Finding ATMs can be difficult (except in Kaza). Carry a good amount of cash to avoid any problems.
- The valley is a sensitive eco zone. Please do not litter and carry your personal reusable water bottle and straws.
- Be respectful of the local culture while visiting places of religious importance like monasteries or home-stays.
- It is important to keep an extra day or two in your Spiti Valley trip itinerary. Getting stuck on the way is quite common due to landslides and snowfall.
- JIO, Airtel works perfectly fine with 4G speeds, specially in and around Kaza and Tabo. However, the connection can be unreliable at places, so be prepared.
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