Lahaul is blessed with nature and is nurtured by the Chandra and Bhaga streams while Spiti on the other hand is a place where its exciting journey routes, vales, and monasteries are extremely popular.
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Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is a cold desert situated at an altitude of about 12,500 feet above sea level.
The breathtaking snow-capped hills and the beauty of these areas attract tourists immensely.
Lahaul and Spiti are two separate Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti valley is also known as "Little Tibet". Because the vegetation and climate here is similar to Tibet. Spiti Valley separates India and Tibet.
Spiti Valley is a sparsely populated area. Small villages nestled in beautiful plains and the culture here is the identity of this area. Spiti Valley is no less than a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers.
There are many adventure tracks in Spiti Valley from where tourists can reach different peaks. After reaching the top, one can enjoy the wonderful view of the HimalayasThe world's Mountains.
The hill ropeway from Kibber to Chichum is a major attraction here. In which one can enjoy seeing the view of the wonderful valleys by riding.
Why Lahaul Spiti is famous?
The world's highest post office in Spiti Valley, Asia's highest bridge, the world's highest village, India, and the world's highest petrol pump, pass, etc. are famous in the country and abroad. Its natural scenery and numerous Buddhist monasteries are the main tourist attractions. Where tourists can enjoy their vacation experience.
If you are planning to visit here, then let us tell you that these places have their own specialties.
Key monastery
Kibber village is situated near the Spiti river of Key Monastery. Key Gumpa is the largest Tibetan monastery in this valley. This monastery is situated on top of a hill.
Which is located at an altitude of about 13,500 feet (4,166 m) above sea level. This monastery has been established in the 11th century, this monastery is 1000 years old.
In which even today there is an old Buddha scroll and painting. Tourists can see a wonderful view of Spiti Valley from the courtyard of this scenic spot. Key Monastery is the identity of Spiti Valley.
A large number of Buddhist monks and lamas live in this monastery to receive religious Buddhist education.
Tourists can enjoy watching Leopard Snow here. Chicham Bridge is located at a short distance from here.
This bridge is the highest swinging bridge in Asia. This bridge is situated at an altitude of about 13596 feet above sea level. This bridge serves to connect Kibber village and Chichum village. This bridge is built at a very beautiful place.
Chandrataal Lake
Chandrataal Lake is one of the most beautiful tourist places in the country surrounded by colorful mountains. , The lake here is about 1 kilometer in length and half a kilometer in width.
The color of the water of this holy lake varies from red to orange and blue to green as the day progresses. Chandrataal Lake is also known as "The Moon Lake".
The lake here is one of the most beautiful lakes in India, situated at an altitude of about 4270 meters (14,100 ft) above sea level. This lake is in the shape of a crescent that is why this lake has got the name Chandrataal Lake.
This lake attracts people who love adventures from all over the world. Chandrataal Lake is a tourist and trekker's paradise. If you like trekking then you can go for Baralacha Trek.
Baralacha Track is a beautiful track full of natural beauty which passes through snow-capped mountains, rocky passes, rivers, lush green meadows.
The trekking event of Chandrataal Lake takes place in June and October. During monsoon, due to high water level in rivers and lakes, travel can be hampered.
Chandrataal Lake This lake serves as a temporary abode for Tibetan traders during their visit to Spiti Valley and Kullu Valley. The distance from Manali to Chandrataal Lake is about 130 kms.
Chandrataal Lake is an official camping tourist destination. Where tourism stands here for night stay and camping to spend the night in the lap of nature.
There is an interesting mix of Spiti cuisine when camping and traveling. Tibetan food is quite famous in Spiti Valley, here one can enjoy Israeli food along with North Indian food.
Spiti Valley's famous Spitpa, Butter Tea, Chang, Apart from this Lemon tea , Ginger, Mint, Honey Garnish is famous. The best time to visit Chandrataal Lake is considered to be July-August as the snowfall is less during this time.
Kunzum Pass
Kunzum Pass is also known by the local people as Kunzum La. It is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India situated at an altitude of 4,551 meters above sea level.
This beautiful pass serves as the gateway to Spiti Valley from Kullu and Lahaul and is at a distance of about 122 km from Manali. There is a 15 km trek from Kunzum Pass to the famous Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake).
It is believed that tourists stop near the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi on the way and bless her to travel safely through the bumpy terrain as a blessing.
The belief here is that the travelers have to make a complete round of the temple in their vehicle.
Pin Valley National Park
The height of this national park ranges from about 3,500 meters to more than 6,000 meters at its summit. Pin Valley National Park is home to the famous Himalayan snow leopard and the rare species of their prey.
Pin Valley National Park is most famous for its incredible trek which is the main attraction of all its tourists. This trek is covered with snow for most of the year.
The core zone of Pin Valley Park is spread over a vast area of 675 sq km and its ice zone covers an area of about 1150 sq km. It is home to more than 20 species of flora and fauna including the endangered snow leopard.
Surajtaal Lake
Surajtaal is the third largest lake in India situated at an altitude of 4950 meters above sea level. The literal meaning of Surajtaal, located in the Spiti Valley, is 'Lake of the Sun God'.
The stunning lake just below the Baralacha pass is a must visit while visiting this area. Surajtaal Lake is one of the dream-like and photogenic lakes.
Dhankar Lake
Dhankar Lake is situated at a distance of 5 km from Dhankar Math. It takes about an hour to reach the lake from Dhankar Math. You can spend a peaceful time on the banks of this lake and watch the changing colors of the sky.
Famous Trilokinath Temple
Trilokinath Temple also known as Shri Trilokinathji Temple is located in Trilokinath village in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh state, India. It is situated about 9 km away from Udaipur village.
This temple is the only temple in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists worship.
Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple by Hindus and Buddhists see it as Arya Avalokiteshvara. However, it is believed that the Trilokinath temple was originally a Buddhist monastery.
Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the oldest monastery in India and the Himalayas which has been functioning continuously since its inception.
This charming monastery is famous as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'. It is said that the walls of this monastery have attractive murals and ancient paintings like the Ajanta caves.
Being one of the most historically significant sites in Buddhist culture, the Archaeological Survey of India has taken over the responsibility of its maintenance and conservation.
This monastery is spread over an area of 6300 square kilometers and is a priceless treasure for the Buddhist community.
Best time to visit Lahaul Spiti
If you are planning to visit Lahaul and Spiti, the weather here is moderate and pleasant during summer which starts in May and lasts till October.
During the monsoon season, these regions receive little or no rainfall. The weather here remains dry and energetic during monsoon.
During the winter season from November to the end of April, there is heavy snowfall and the temperature goes down. The average snowfall in this season is about 7 feet.
