If you don’t believe that heaven exists on earth then you haven’t seen Spiti yet. It is an exquisite valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, India. The literal meaning of Spiti is (the middle land) i.e the land between India and Tibet. This hidden gem is famous for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The Buddhism religion is widely followed by the locals of Spiti and you can find immense monasteries embellished with outstanding murals and ancient stupas. If you are planning to visit Himachal on your next adventure and searching for the best places to visit in Spiti Valley then keep on reading the information below to know more.
Top 10 Spiti Tourist Places to Add in Your Bucket-List
Spiti is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in Himachal Pradesh and god graced this place with beautiful attractions in Spiti Valley. The valley is famously known as “Little Tibet” and the desert of Spiti is rough and barren yet it contributes to the stunning beauty of Spiti. You can find vibrant monasteries, picturesque landscapes, and marvelous lakes which help in completing the list of best places to explore in Spiti. So let's move on to find out more about this glorious district.
1. Key Monastery: Never Before Spiritual Experience
Known as the largest monastery of Spiti which is also a religious training center for young lamas. The spectacular monastery is located in the Kaza Region. The monastery is also known as Kye Gompa and appears stunning because of the Buddha shrine, ancient manuscripts, and beautiful murals. This Chinese-themed fort-like structure has a remarkable assembly hall and should become a part of the list of top tourist places near Spiti Valley.
- Location: 72X6+4QM, Key, Himachal Pradesh 172114
- How to reach: You can get taxis or buses from the nearest town Kaza which is 14 km away
- Nearby airport: Bhutar Airport
- Opening Hours: 7 AM–7 PM
- Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Best Times: May to September
2. Chandratal Lake: Capturing the Majestic Views
If you are searching for inner peace and want to bring out the poet from inside of you then this lake will help you feel the calmness of the surroundings. The lake is one of the best places to witness in Lahaul, Spiti. The lake is sitting at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level which is unspoiled and located in the middle of nowhere and gets mentioned as one of the top Spiti tourist places to explore.
- Location: South-Western Himalaya, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- How to reach: You can take a bus to Batal which is at a distance of 15 km away from Chandratal Lake
- Best Times: June to September
3. Kunzum Pass: The Nirvana for Trekkers
The most enchanting and mysterious place is located in the Kunzum Range at 4590 m, which can be reached via Kullu and Lahaul. The pass is ideal for photography and taking in the jaw-dropping vistas of the Chandrabhaga Range and can be reached via trekking from Chandratal Lake. You can observe the vibrant flags and Devi’s temple in this topographical wonder.
- Location: Kunzum Pass, Dhar Thachakarpo, Himachal Pradesh 175140
- How to reach: You can book a private taxi from Manali
- Best Times: June to September when the pass is open to travel except August.
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4. Spiti River: The Calmness of Nature’s Streams
The river is known to be forming the lifeline of the Spiti-Lahaul district in Himachal. The river originates from the Kunzum range of the Himalayas from where other streams of Pin River are met with the Spiti River. The water in the river is fed by the glaciers of the Himalayas which melt day to day. You can find human habitats near the river such as Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, and Rangrik. The river water freezes during the winter season and some resorts in Spiti Valley take this opportunity to organize mud baths when the weather is pleasant.
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5. Tabo Monastery: Enchanting Spirit of Buddhism
Tabo Monastery is one of the most wondrous attractions in Spiti Valley. The place has 9 temples of Tara and Buddha Maitreya and contains multiple stupas that are key attractions of the splendid monastery. You can also find impressive wall paintings, the life work of Buddha, ancient scripture, and much more but be careful as photography is not allowed on the monastery premises.
- Location: 39VM+C56, Tabo, Himachal Pradesh 172113
- How to reach: You can go to the monastery which is 337 km from Shimla and 149 km from Reckong Peo
- Best Times: June to September
- Opening Hours- 6 AM to 5 PM
6. Kibber: The Marvellous Structure
Spiti Valleys has some of the most picturesque hilly areas and Kibber is one of them. The place is flocked with adventure enthusiasts and trekkers and is one of the most challenging places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The small village is located at 4205 m and has its own Gompa and monastery which contributes to the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You can admire the beautiful rocky mountains, and wildflowers-covered meadows and enjoy the pollution-free environment of the valley. It is also an important stop while you are trekking in Spiti Valley and you can also visit Kibber Monastery and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary which are the major attractions of the town.
- Location: Kibber, Himachal Pradesh 172114
- Best time to visit: May to July
- Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
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7. Losar Khas: Small Wonderland of Spiti
Losar Khas or Losar is one of the tops visited places in Spiti Valley which is located next to the Indo-Chinese border. Less number of tourists visit this place and that is why it is untouched and maintains its natural beauty. You can visit the village for its sparkling water streams, mesmerizing views, and authentic waterfalls. As the village has less tourism you can find limited choices with accommodation and food.
- Location: Losar Khas, Himachal Pradesh 172114
- Best time to visit: March to June; October to November
- Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
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8. Tayul Monastery: Soaking in the Holiness
Tayul Gompa or Tayul Monastery is a symbol of Buddhism in the Bhaga Valley of Spiti and Lahaul. It is located 6 kilometers away from Keylong and is home to the biggest statue of Padmasambhava, which will leave you baffled and soaked in spiritualism. The place should be added to your travel list as it comes as the top Spiti tourist place to explore. The Monastery was made by the Drugpa (Dogpa) Lama, Serzang Richen of the Kham region in the 17th century. The monastery is not that huge but it is located beautifully and it has brightly colored doors and windows which will leave you awestruck.
- Location: H396+VXQ, Himachal Pradesh 175132
- Opening hours: 5:30 AM to 9 PM
- Best time to visit: May to November
- Nearest railway station: Ahju Railway Station
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar
9. Keylong Market: Get Ready for the Shopping Spree
Keylong is the town and administrative center of Spiti and Lahaul which is situated 71 kilometers north of Manali if you're traveling from the Atal tunnel and 120 km from the Indo-Tibetan border. The Keylong market offers multiple options to buy such as woolens, shawls, mufflers, Himachali caps, ponchos, and baby shawls which are made from the finest Angora or Pashmina yarn. Also, you can bargain to get the best prices. If you are visiting tourist places near Spiti Valley and want to take some souvenirs for your loved ones then you can shop for stone gems, ceramic items, and local jewelry.
- Location: H2CM+52M, Leh Manali Highway, Lower Keylong village, Keylong, Himachal Pradesh 175132
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
- Nearest railway station: Keylong Railway Station
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10. Suraj Tal: Along with the Tint of Adventure
The most photogenic place in Spiti is Suraj Tal whose name literally suggests Sun Lake. The lake is located close to Baralacha Pass which is 800 m long. The place is usually flocked by photographers, trekkers, and nature lovers during the month of summer ( May to October) to capture the natural scenic views of the surroundings and should be added as the best places to visit in May. The lake also bags the position of the third-highest lake in India and the 21st-highest lake in the world.
- Location: CB Range, Lahaul Valley, Himachal
- Best time to visit: mid-May to mid-October
- Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Railway Station
Spiti is the place that attracts adventurers, hikers, and campers and provides various places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The valley also offers various activities to keep you entertained and thrilled throughout your stay such as River rafting, paying a visit to Buddhist monasteries, camping in the picturesque hill, chilling at Spiti Lake, Suraj Tal, etc. the valley is concealed in the natural wonders, and it is the ideal place for travelers who want to be isolated in the peaceful surroundings of nature’s lap. Overall the place provides an enchanting experience that can be easily experienced with Spiti Valley tour packages.
FAQs
River rafting, paying a visit to Buddhist monasteries, camping on the picturesque hill, and enjoying the scenery of Spiti River are some of the best things to do in Spiti Valley.
Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Kunzum Pass, Nako Lake, Spiti River, Tabo Monastery, Kibber, Losar, Udaipur, Tayul Monastery, etc. are some popular places to explore on your next visit to Spiti Valley.
The summer season from March-June is considered to be the best time to visit Spiti Valley because of the pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
If you want to explore the major attraction of this exquisite valley then 5-6 days are enough for planning a vacation to Spiti Valley.
The spectacular monastery is located in the Kaza Region. The monastery is also known as Kye Gompa and appears stunning because of the Buddha shrine, ancient manuscripts, and beautiful murals.
Yes, you can plan a family holiday in Spiti Valley as you can explore various spectacular monasteries, and serene lakes, enjoy adventurous activities such as camping, trekking, etc., and create some heartwarming memories to remember with your loved ones.
Tayul Gompa or Tayul Monastery is a symbol of Buddhism in the Bhaga Valley of Spiti and Lahaul. It is located 6 kilometers away from Keylong and is home to the biggest statue of Padmasambhava, which will leave you baffled and soaked in spiritualism.
