32 Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley: A Detailed Guide

While the rugged mountains and valleys, semi-frozen rivers, and colorful Buddhist architecture do make for some of the most stunning places to visit in Spiti Valley, it’s also its soul-soothing weather, delectable food, and hospitality that make travelers fall in love with it.

In addition to immeasurable beauty, Spiti has some of the highest landmarks in the world, including the world’s highest motorable road, and some of the most ride-worthy routes and passes that are sure to give you an adrenaline high!

Now before you start browsing Spiti Valley tour packages and plan a trip, make sure you scroll down to see the best Spiti Valley tourist places we have listed for you and make your itinerary accordingly.

Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley

The weather during this time is most pleasant and you can enjoy everything from its gorgeous architecture, traverse through its barren hills, ride to the greatest of altitudes with ease, and even encounter some of its peculiar wildlife. The temperature in Spiti in summer ranges from 15°C to 20°C with cool winds in the day and cold nights, which also make it one of the top destinations for backpacking in Himachal. 

Prefer snowy landscapes over summer bliss? Visit Spiti in winter and explore the utmost beautiful Spiti Valley places to visit. 

Spiti experiences harsh winter conditions during the months from November to January where the temperature dips as low as -30°C on many nights. In addition to this, a lot of major routes as well as a few prominent places to visit in Spiti Valley are closed off due to snow, making winter a somewhat unsuitable time to travel to Spiti for many.

However, despite the weather conditions and restrictions, Spiti in winter is slowly turning into a major attraction for adventure seekers, photographers, and filmmakers courtesy of its ‘Winter Wonderland’ looks and breathtaking white vistas. If you are a keen traveler, you must visit Spiti valley in winters! It is a mesmerizing place with all the surreal views. 

1. Komik

Tucked high up at an elevation of 18,000 feet above sea level, Komik is the highest village in the world connected via a motorable road. In addition to that, Komik is among Spiti’s most scenic and mystical realms, especially in the month of June. These are some of the serene places to visit near Spiti valley and have a beautiful time with nature. 

Bounded by white mountains and hazel valleys, this surreal yet minimalistic village attracts travelers in quite a number, who come riding from far and wide to explore this barren beauty and also places near Spiti valley populated by just 150 people, 12 houses, and the Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery.

In fact, this little monastery in Komik is itself one of the most wonderful places to visit in Spiti Valley. If you know, Spiti valley in May is also one of a kind! You can choose the season to explore most of the place with all its hidden gems. 

While its peaceful aura and the stunning idol of Maitreya Buddha are a charmer, what truly makes this shrine beautiful is the fact that it offers accommodation services to travelers, giving them a raw, authentic experience of the local culture.

Imagine living inside a beautiful monastery and munching local delicacies at its eco-kitchen set amid the most breathtaking landscape! It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience!   Read More

Location: Spiti Tehsil, Lahaul & Spiti district

How to reach Komik: Komik is 754 km away from Manali and 19 km away from Kaza in Spiti. The route from Manali to Komik is a lot smoother than via Shimla, so it is preferred that you get there via Manali. If you don’t want to drive/ride there in your own vehicle, you can rent your ride from Kaza or take a local bus to explore the hidden beauty in places near Spiti valley. 

Things to do in Komik: Living in an ancient monastery, stargazing, camping, astrophotography, a day trip to Tangyud Monastery. 

2. Kibber

Dotted with blooming green fields and surrounded by limestone rock mountains, Kibber is an enchanting package of age-old monasteries in Spiti valley, thrilling highland treks, and the unique flora and fauna of India’s only cold desert wildlife sanctuary. Whenever you are here, go and find more about nature which can even give you goosebumps, take a ride and see the places to visit near Spiti valley. 

This perfect blend of magnificent views, beautiful weather and scenic treks is what pushes Kibber to the top of every hardcore traveler’s list of places to visit in Spiti Valley.

The best time to visit Kibber is in June when the valley is bathed in the most vivid colours (that are otherwise unlike of Spiti Valley) and visitors can undertake some truly scenic treks to Parang La, Gette, Dangcham Peak, Chicham and the Tashigang villages. They are the best Spiti valley tourist places for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. You must try the beautiful and surreal Spiti valley treks to witness the tranquil views like never before. 

Other than the treks and the admirable vistas, the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary too draws people to this narrow valley. And, also the several places near Spiti valley have added more value to the beautiful land. 

If you visit in summers, you can spot the rarest of animals species like the Snow Leopards, Red Fox, Himalayan Wolf, Tibetan Wild Ass, Siberian Ibex, Blue Sheep, Pika, Tibetan Woolly Hare and Lynx in what is undoubtedly among the best places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti for wildlife sighting. Himalayan birds like the Bearded Eagle, Griffons, and the Snow Cock can also be seen here. If not here, then you can go to explore more and see more of the beautiful landscape while experiencing magic in places near Spiti valley. Read More

Location: Spiti Valley, Lahaul & Spiti district

How to reach Kibber: Kibber is just 20 km (or a 40-minute car ride) away from Kaza. You can either hire a private cab in Kaza, rent a vehicle, or hop on the local bus that goes from Kaza to Kibber at 4 PM each day and returns at night.

Things to do in Kibber: Wildlife sighting, trekking, photography, enjoying the La Darcha festival in August, fossil hunting

3. Chandra Taal

The most fascinating part about this lake is how perfectly its water mirrors the changing sky above it the whole day, turning from blue to green to orange to red as the sun shifts position. However, being able to see those colours takes a lot of effort owing to the fact that Chandra Taal isn’t easy to reach. So, you should know which are the best places to visit in Spiti valley to make the most out of your trip! 

That’s right! This lake falls among the most isolated Spiti Valley places to visit and it takes about five whole days to see it if you’re visiting from Delhi (three from Manali) considering one must make a stopover at either Batal or Khoksar PWD Rest House to acclimatize (unless you’re coming via Kinnaur). Try for a solo trip to Spiti valley this time! It is a one time experience of your life and can totally make an impact. 

Acclimatization, however, isn’t the only challenge you’ll face if you’re trying to visit this breathtaking landscape of crystal clear blue waters and hazel-coloured mountains surrounding it.

The road leading up to Chandra Taal via the Batal – Chattru – Gramphu route is very rough, bumpy, and not suitable for people with back problems. In addition to the route, the massive altitude tends to give people acute mountain sickness (AMS), making adaptation all the more important.

While attempting to reach this place is no minor feat, we promise you the stunning end-result will make up for all your efforts. And if you’re into stargazing, you can stay at the campsites near the lake and be greeted by a million stars overnight in one of the best places to visit near Spiti Valley.   Read More

Location: Southwestern Himalayas, Spiti Valley

How to reach: In order to reach Chandra Taal, you will need to take multiple transport options unless you’re driving in your own vehicle or renting one. You can take an overnight Volvo to Manali from Delhi and then hire a taxi service to take you further up which typically costs about INR 12,000 for a five-day trip. Take the Rohtang Pass-Batal-Chattru-Gramphu route towards Chandra Taal, making a stop at Batal along the way to acclimatize.

Things to do in Chandra Taal: Overnight camping, stargazing, trekking, landscape photography, astrophotography

4. Pin Valley National Park

However, what truly makes it their favourite is its biodiversity park sheltering Spiti’s rare flora and fauna. Set at a height of 15,000 feet above sea level and spanning an area of 9,700 sq km, the Pin Valley National Park is home to over 20 recorded species of endangered animals and plenty of rare birds.

Some of the species you can find lurking in the region’s sparsely scattered vegetation and a cold arid expanse include the Snow Leopards, Chamurthi Horses, Siberian Ibex, Snow Finch, Tibetan Gazelle, Snow Partridge, Woolly Hare, the Himalayan Snowcock.

Other than trekking in this alluring protected biosphere overlooking majestic white peaks, you can also undertake guided treks to the Pin Parvati Pass and the Bhabha Pass to make your journey memorable in one of the most beautiful places to visit near Spiti Valley.   Read More

Location: Kaza Valley, Lahaul & Spiti district

How to reach Pin Parvati National Park: The nearest motorable road-head to the national park is 13 km away in Mikkim Village which in turn is 32 km from Kaza if you’re driving towards it from the Kaza-Dhankar side. The entrance to the reserve is through Pin Parvati Valley (Mud Village) and you will need to explore the whole park on foot as vehicles don’t venture inside.

Things to do in Pin Valley National Park: Wildlife sightings, wildlife photography, trekking

5. Dhankar Lake

The lake is situated at an elevation of 4,270 meters and 1.5 hours high-altitude trek away from the Dhankar Monastery in the village. It takes about 40 minutes to ascend the steep incline up to the lake, and can prove rather taxing for someone with weak cardio or breathing problems according to the most popular Spiti Valley tour guides.

Once there, you will be mesmerized by the endless splendour of this untampered landscape of azure blue and the lofty Manirang Pass mountain range in its backdrop.

The true essence of this lake lies in not its jaw-dropping beauty, but the silence and solace it offers. Up there, you’re truly one with nature, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the splashing of water and the tingling whispers of the cold wind. The lake remains frozen till late April, a sight that is just as breathtaking as after that ice melts.

It is undoubtedly one of the most charming Spiti Valley tourist places for those who yearn for some peace and quiet far away from dusty industrial air and urban noise. But, you definitely need to check on the places near Spiti valley because you can’t miss that beauty! 

While the path leading up to the lake is well marked, it is advised you venture on the trek with company. You can even seek the assistance of an experienced guide to make sure the treacherous hike up and down is as hassle-free and safe as possible. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle, glucose packets and dry fruits to keep yourselves hydrated and nourished.  Read More

Location: Near Sichling-Dhankar Gompa, Dhankhar, Spiti district, Lahaul & Spiti

How to reach Dhankar Lake: If you’re in or around Kaza, it is quite easy to reach Dhankar Lake, one of the most peaceful places to visit in Spiti Valley. The trek to the lake begins from Dhankar Monastery which is 32 km away from Kaza and 31 km away from Tabo. Both routes also include a short drive of 8 km over a diversion mud road from Shichilling in order to reach the village of Dhankar. So, plan your itinerary accordingly and see which are the best places to visit in Spiti Valley. 

Things to do in Dhankar Lake: Trekking, photography, indulging in a ‘digital detox’ sitting on the banks of the lake

6. Hikkim

It is one of the most incredible places to visit in Spiti Valley bordered by snow-capped mountains year-round, is home to the sweetest and friendliest folks, and maintains its aura of tranquility despite receiving a rather huge influx of tourists each year. Also, try some of the different places to eat in Spiti Valley where you can find the incredible food choices of mountains. 

In addition to the world’s highest post office as well as the highest polling station, Hikkim charms visitors with its vivid Tibetan culture, tiny mud houses in red and white, chequered green fields, and a sweet little monastery. What’s tough is getting to this village in the first place.

While the road to Hikkim is rather treacherous, it offers the most spellbinding views, and driving on those hairpin bends ascending steeply towards Hikkim is the stuff true thrill seekers dream of! 

The people follow an organic lifestyle and there is hardly any technological influence. Even the post from Hikkim’s famous high-altitude post office is delivered all the way to Kaza by hand by the postmaster himself! If the experience of sending handwritten letters to your tech-savvy friends from an other-worldly land frozen in time doesn’t make Hikkim one of the most spectacular places to visit in Spiti and Lahaul, we don’t know what will!

Location: Hikkim Village, Spiti district, Lahaul & Spiti

How to reach Hikkim: Hikkim is a 16 km (45-minute) bumpy drive away from Kaza and you can easily hire a vehicle or get on a state transport bus heading to Hikkim to get there.

Things to do in Hikkim: Sending post from the world’s highest post office, walking tour of the village, hiking, exploring the monastery, fossil hunting

7. Langza Village

Whether you wish to dig up fossils, capture the beauty of a million stars in the night sky, or spot a Snow Leopard hiding stealthily in the snow, Langza is the place to be! 

Located at an elevation of 14,500 feet above sea level, Langza is among the remotest corners of Himachal filled with green fields, whitewashed mud houses and guarded by snow-capped brown hills.

A minefield of well-preserved fossils from the Tethys Sea 50 million years ago, this pretty little hamlet is an absolute delight for history fans and geologists. The region also plays host to plenty of wildlife lovers and photographers from time to time who dare to brave its unforgiving weather for a single glimpse of the majestic Snow Leopards!

Even Astro enthusiasts find this village to be one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley courtesy of its mind-blowing night sky scenes! The same has, in fact, made this village a somewhat popular location for overnight camping, one of the many delightful things to do in Spiti.

Other than endearing sceneries, Snow Leopards, and marine fossils, the village of Langza is also famous for its handicrafts, shawls, and Zama pottery. Coming on the stay, you can definitely find some of the best resorts in Spiti valley without any worries. Definitely, you can take over the best time in the beautiful valley. 

Location: Spiti Tehsil, Lahaul and Spiti district

How to reach Langza Village: Langza is among the remotest places to visit in Spiti Valley but is still rather easily accessible from Kaza which is just an hour’s ride away (16 km) from it. No state-run buses ply on this route so you either have to drive there in your own vehicle or rent a car/jeep in Kaza.

Things to do in Langza Village: Snow Leopard sighting, stargazing, fossil hunting, camping, shopping for handicrafts, learning Zama pottery, exploring ancient monasteries

8. Kungri Monastery

Built-in the 14th century, the monastery is nestled in the narrow Pin Valley and is famed for bewitching its visitors with its burst of colors and detailed Tibetan artwork that adorns its halls.

Upon your visit to this beautiful gompa, you’ll find everything from a rich collection of silk paintings, intricately carved figurines, sacred books, and impressive wall paintings, all depicting tales of Buddhist deities and sacred Tibetan scriptures.

But that’s not all that attracts Kungri vagabonds to Kungri. Many people visit Kungri in the month of July each year to witness the traditional performances of the ‘Devil Dance’ and the ‘Sword Dance’, both integral elements of the Nyingmapa tradition.

It’s these charismatic dance performances and the soaring grandeur of this festival that brings people seeing exotic cultural experiences to Kungri’s doorstep every July. The festival, the brilliant artifacts, and the Gompa’s treasure trove of knowledge about Buddhism are what collectively make it one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley. Go through the guide of “how to reach Spiti Valley” in detail to have the best trip ever without any mishaps! 

Location: Pin Valley, near Kaza, Lahaul & Spiti district

How to reach Kungri Monastery: In order to get to Kungri Gompa within the Pin Valley which is 16 km (an hour’s ride) away from Kaza, one can take a state-run bus to Mikkim and then walk to Pin or simply rent a jeep and drive all the way to Pin.

Things to do in Kungri Monastery: Exploring the ancient artifacts, learning about Buddhism, witnessing the ‘Sword Dance’ and the ‘Devil Dance’

9. Tabo

Located 47 km away from Kaza and at a low elevation of 3,280 meters, Tabo is mostly popular for its ancient monastery which is believed to have been built more than a thousand years ago and is one of the holiest Buddhist sanctums in northern India. Captivated by the sheer charm and peacefulness of this village, even His Holiness the Dalai Lama had once expressed an interest in retiring in Tabo!

There’s a lot to do when you’re in Tabo! For one, you can hike to the top of Tabo’s hills and explore the caves where monks used to meditate, or you can take guided treks to its deep gorges that are a sight for sore eyes! You can also know about what all you can experience in Spiti in August, because several seasons come with several experiences! You can choose the season and see what all you know about! 

Being the second most important region in Spiti after Kaza, Tabo is brimming with energy year-round and is the perfect place to explore the joyous Tibetan heritage and the Spitian way of eco living!

There are quite a few homestays and guest houses in Tabo where travelers prefer to take refuge during their Spiti sojourn in order to adapt to the weather and the elevation before moving up to higher altitudes. Not a lot of places to visit in Spiti Valley offer visitors such well-furnished accommodation options with basic amenities and homely comfort.

Location: Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal

How to reach Tabo: Tabo is about 337 km from and 149 km from Shimla and Reckong Peo respectively. Road travel is the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach Tabo. You can either take an overnight Volvo to Shimla and then a local bus to Tabo, or rent an inter-state taxi service to drive up there yourself. The nearest airport is in Shimla, followed by the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu (if you’re traveling via Manali). The nearest railhead is Kalka located 450 km away from Tabo.

Things to do in Tabo: Sightseeing, partaking in Buddhist prayers at the monastery, camping, trekking, hiking, exploring caves, stargazing

10. Lahaul Valley

Environed in lush greens and an occasional dash of color, Lahaul Valley offers its guests awe-inspiring views of mighty glaciers, turquoise rivers, charming monasteries, tall peaks, deep valleys and uninterrupted views of the surreal Chandrabhaga Range, all which in themselves are some of the most wonderful places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti.

Lahaul boasts of a number of glorious places that you must check out to get acquainted with its true essence. Some of the best places to visit in Lahaul include the gorgeous Sissu Waterfall, the Gondhla Fort, the scenic Jispa village, the temples of Pattan Valley, the high pass of Baralacha-La, and the gateway to Zanskar – Shinku La.

You’ll encounter various wondrous gompas (monasteries) along your journey and you shouldn’t miss a single one of them! Some of these include the Labrang Gompa, the Guru Ghantal Gompa, Shashur Gompa, Kyi Gompa, and the Kardang Gompa.

The lakes Gephan, Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal are also some of the most delightful unspoiled jewels that you must visit here among other places to visit in Spiti Valley and Lahaul Valley. Besides, exploring Lahaul has anyway become super easy thanks to the construction of the Atal Tunnel that now connects it to the rest of the world.

Location: Lahaul district, Lahaul & Spiti

How to reach Lahaul Valley: It is located 33 km from Manali on the Manali-Leh Highway and is accessible easily via the Atal Tunnel that bridges the two. The nearest airport is the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, while the nearest railhead is Joginder Nagar. Yet, the best way to reach it is by road. You can get cabs, private Volvos, and local HRTC buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali to take you to Lahaul.

Things to do in Lahaul Valley: Trekking in Chandrabhaga mountains, trekking to lakes, exploring monasteries (gompas), Jispa walking tours, Chaam Festival (June)

11. Key Monastery

Set at an elevation of 13,500 feet above sea level, Key is, without a doubt, one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley with massive historical significance, a great location, and jaw-dropping beauty!

Key (Ki) Gompa sits atop a hill overlooking the entire valley and is believed to be the oldest and biggest monastery in the entire Spiti region. Bounded by an aqua-blue river meandering on straight plains on one side and coffee-colored hills on the other, Key is picture-perfect from every angle!

This breathtaking combination of monastery and fort in Spiti is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. The gompa keeps on display a wonderful collection of stunning scriptures, 800 year-old silk thangkas, vivid frescoes, and priceless paintings of Buddhist deities including Lord Buddha.

And to top it all, the fact that you can actually stay at the monastery also makes it one of the most exciting places to visit in Spiti Valley! Situated on top of the same hill, Key’s guest house offers the most marvelous panoramas of the Rangrik Village, the serpentine Spiti River, and parts of the Key Village that fall before the monastery.  Read More 

Location: Key, Spiti Valley

How to reach Key Monastery: Key is 14 km away from Kaza. All you have to do is hire a cab or jeep and drive towards Losar village and then take a straight road ahead when you reach a bridge. It’ll lead you to Key Gompa.

Things to do in Key Monastery: Touring monastery’s collection, learning about Buddhism, staying at the guest house, photography

12. Kaza

There’s a reason Kaza is always considered one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley by adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers and its city-like commercial aspect has nothing to do with it.

To begin with, Kaza is surrounded by the most picturesque views of snow-capped mountains that will melt your heart for sure! Other than this, the town boasts of a splendid landscape with a river, streams, coffee-coloured barren mountains, dense patches of green, and elegant monasteries perched under a sea of vibrant prayer flags.

In addition to its lovely vistas, this tiny village with an old-timey charm has a number of delightful ways to keep you entertained when you’re here. 

You can buy Tibetan handicrafts and woolens at the central bazaar, sip on some hot chocolate at the German Bakery, and taste Spiti’s lip-smacking local cuisine at cafes like Sakya Abode, The Himalayan Café, Taste of Spiti, and Rangyul. And if you wish to treat yourself to some delicious pancakes, take note that Sol Café is among the finest places to visit in Spiti Valley to get that!

You must also stop by the Spiti Sea BuckThorn Society where you can buy organic products like tea and jam made out of Spiti’s wonder-plant – Sea Buckthorn!

Location: Spiti district, Lahaul & Spiti

How to reach Kaza: Kaza is 182 km from Manali and 430 km from Shimla. Road travel is the most convenient and scenic way to reach Kaza. You can either take an overnight Volvo to Manali or Shimla and then a local HRTC bus to Kaza or rent an inter-state taxi service to drive up there yourself. The nearest airport is the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which makes traveling via Manali a more viable option. The nearest railhead is in Joginder Nagar located 365 km away from Kaza.

Things to do in Kaza: Exploring cafes and bakeries, shopping for handicrafts and ceramic items, trekking, visiting monasteries, and attending the Ladarcha Fair

13. Suraj Tal Lake

It’s not yet popular owing to the fact that it remains hidden, but one look at this magnificent tapestry of emerald blue water in the foreground of a gray and white mountain range will tell you why it totally deserves to be on every list of the beautiful places to visit in Spiti Valley!

The marvelous views of the Baralacha-la Pass and the lake’s semi-frozen streams amplify the beauty of this place. And the fact that it’s absolutely unspoiled and tranquil is a cherry on the top!

While it lies on the way to Baralacha-la, finding it is no easy feat. The drive up to the lake is rather rough and at one point the road starts slanting dangerously. You will require the company of a local guide to ensure you traverse the unforgiving route carefully and do not get lost. The final leg of the journey is a very short hike that’ll lead you straight to this fairyland!

Not much awaits you here in terms of adventure. The true thrill of this place lies in the unreal scenery before you and the aura of utter serenity around you!

Nothing matches the feeling of sitting on the banks of this lake and watching the colours of the water change from blue to orange to red as the day goes by, an experience it grants if one visits in April and June and not during winter in Spiti.

Location: CB Range, Lahaul Valley, Lahaul & Spiti

How to reach Suraj Tal Lake: As mentioned, it’s not easy getting to Suraj Tal. It’s among the most offbeat places to visit in Spiti and Lahaul. It’s on the Manali-Leh Highway and the quickest way to reach it is via the Manali – Atal Tunnel – Keylong – Jispa – Suraj Tal route. You can take a private Volvo to Manali if you’re not driving there yourself and then hire a jeep in Manali to get the rest of the way.

Things to do in Suraj Tal Lake: Photography, hiking, nature walks, mountain biking, stargazin

14. Kanamo Peak

If you hunger for challenging treks that test one’s physical and mental strength, Kanamo is among the most exciting places to visit in Spiti Valley to get that! Set at a staggering elevation of about 19,600 ft deep inside Spiti Valley, the Kanamo Peak is devoid of civilization and offers exactly the kind of adventure the serial trekker desires!

The reward? The most magnificent views Spiti could provide await you right at the top of this giant mountain!

While one might argue that it’s similar to the trek to Stok Kangri at 20,190 ft, let us tell you how it’s not – Kanamo is completely secluded in comparison to Stok. If true isolation is what you desire, Kanamo is the trek for you!

Just make sure you get yourself checked by a medical expert before you decide to embark on this trek. Though it’s not a trek of pro-level difficulty, it does require high stamina and endurance, all-round physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and an inexhaustive will to make it no matter what. It’s a relentless climb to the top through a variety of terrain that will test your strength, not to forget the difficulties your body will face due to the increasing altitude.

The final leg of this trek usually proves to be most difficult. One has to ascend about 4,500 ft to reach the top and climb down to the base camp on the same day! This also means one must savour every moment admiring the remarkably handsome 360-degree views they get at the top of one of the most isolated places to visit in Spiti Valley. Read More

Location: Dhar Dum Bachenm, Kanamo, Spiti Valley

Trek starts from: Kaza

How to reach Kaza for Kanamo trek: The trek commences from Kaza. As mentioned earlier, the best way to reach Kaza is via road from Manali which is just 182 km away from it. Either opt for an overnight Volvo to Manali followed by a local HRTC bus to Kaza, or rent an inter-state taxi service to drive all the way up. Bhuntar Airport is the nearest one in Kullu, and the nearest railhead is in Joginder Nagar.

Things to do at Kanamo: Trekking, photography, camping

15. Lhalung Village

Though it’s somewhat remote and tad tough to reach, it’ll be a truly wonderful addition to your list of places to visit in Spiti Valley courtesy of its sheer tranquility, boundless natural beauty, and the magnificent Lhalung Gompa!

Once here, you’ll be entranced by its lovely contrast of multi-coloured fields set before a barren landscape of beige mountains! The next thing that will melt your heart is the warm hospitality and unconditional care you receive from the people of this village populated by a mere 45 families.

The Lhalung Monastery takes center stage in this small hamlet, and is believed to be among the earliest monasteries founded in Spiti. You can still find the feeble ruins and remnants of its outer walls standing upright against the test of time, along with the village’s sacred tree that is said to be as old as the monastery itself.

Inside the monastery, the structures and idols of deities have been left in their original and “purest” form to signify that their age-old heritage hasn’t succumbed with the passage of time, an attribute true of a lot of remote places to visit in Spiti Valley where locals have preserved ancient shrines, wildlife, watching, text, and relics to keep a part of their legacy alive.

Location: Spiti Valley, Lahaul & Spiti

How to reach Lhalung Village: Out of Shimla and Manali, the latter happens to be the closest and quickest option of getting to Lhalung. From Manali, you’ll need to get to Kaza, and then to Lingti Village. From here, you can either take the short Attargo Bridge Route or the long Dhankar route. If you don’t have your own conveyance, hire a jeep and guide in Kaza to give you a tour of Lhalung and nearby villages which typically costs about INR 4,000 per day. The cheapest method is to opt for public transport and take the 5:15 PM bus from Kaza to Lhalung where you can stay a day or two and return by the 7:30 AM bus to Kaza.

Things to do in Lhalung Village: Walking tours, hiking, photography, camping, stargazing

16. Kunzum Pass

See the colorful Buddhist flags and an old-age Devi temple which enhance the beauty of this wonderful place. Read More

Best time to visit: June to September

Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar

Nearest airport: Bhuntar 

Famous for: Chandrabhaga views

17. Nako Village

Do not miss this magical place that has intrigued many travelers till now! Also, there are 4 amazing temples that are based on Tibetan religious aspects and known for their history. 

Best time to visit: April – October

Nearest airport: Shimla

Nearest railway station: Dehradun

Famous for: Lake, sightseeing, hiking

18. Dhankar Monastery

The wonderful architectural marvel is located at an altitude of 12,774 feet and is filled with peace all around. Are you ready to witness the jaw-dropping views around you? Do visit the Dhankar monastery which was built over 1000 years ago and now attracts so many tourists over the years.  Read more

Best Time to Visit: May – September

Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar

Nearest airport: Bhuntar 

Famous for: Religious site

19. Giu Mummy

So, make sure while visiting Spiti Valley you are going to this place and exploring more of it. Don’t miss this gem and make the most out of your getaway. 

20. Tabo Caves

Tabo caves are visible from the village and are known to be very old. So, while visiting the Tabo Monastery, you must witness these as well. 

21. Spiti River

But, this river gets no rainwater in this area and is made from the melted glaciers of the Himalayan ranges. But, this river looks the most beautiful between Kaza and Rangrik, this part is only visible from the Key Monastery. 

22. Gandhola Monastery

It is also known as Guru Ghantal Monastery, which is now known to e maintained by the order of Drukpa monks and nuns. It has some of the precious religious treasures with the best architectural specimen. 

23. Sopona Lake

But, you would be happiest with the trek of this lake, as it provides some of the breathtaking views. Sopona lake and Mane villages are some of the very few places which can give you the chance to disconnect from the outer world and just immerse in the lap of nature. 

24. Sakya Tangyud Monastery

It is a well-known center for Buddhist learning and also offers courses in Buddhism. For the people, it is a stunning example of traditional Tibetan architecture.

25. Lhalung Monastery

It is also known as the “Golden Temple” and also one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti. While visiting the Lhalung village, you must not miss this gem and have a visit to explore more of this paradise. 

You would be amazed to see the structures and idols which haven’t been dusted since ages and preserved in their “purest forms”.  Read More

26. Tashigang Village

But, it is a remote village and has no proper road connectivity till Tashigang. Also, it is a bit of unsafe for vehicular movement because it remains buried under the snow. But, you can explore this charming place to dig deep.

With so many places to visit in Spiti Valley one after another, waiting around for the right moment is not an option! Pack your bags and gear up for the most intoxicating travel experience of your life amid the remote valleys, snow-covered mountains, naked plains, and tingling cold winds of one of the most picturesque parts of India! Got queries regarding your itinerary? Just get in touch with our travel experts right away!

27. Sarchu

It is a camping site on the Himalayan mountain range where many semi-permanent camps are run between May and October. Come to adore the scenic beauty of this place and witness different adventures. 

Timings: 24 hours 

Entry fee: NIL 

28. Baralacha La

Then, a few kilometers away is the Bhaga river, which is the tributary of the Chenab river coming from the Surya Taal lake. You can witness beautiful sights around the Baralacha pass which leaves the tourists spellbound. 

If you want to come here, you will also ejoy the trek from the Baralacha up to the Chandratal which is really amazing altogether! 

Road: Leh Manali Highway

Elevation: 4,850 m 

29. Trilokinath Temple 

“Trilokinath” is another name of Shiva, the Hindu god and means “three worlds”. However, it is believed that it was originally a Buddhist monastery. 

Time required: 1-2 hours 

30. Shashur Monastery 

Located 600 m above the valley, the beautiful view of the river, mountains and Keylong town from the monastery is amazing. You can see that the prayer rooms are bedecked with large Thangka paintings and wall paintings, making this place even more beautiful. 

31. Kardang Monastery 

The religious significance and phenomenal collection of murals, thangkas, paintings and instruments have made their impact among the people. There are about thirty monks and nuns at Kardang monastery who have equal rights and permission to marry as well. They also spend the summer with their families while in the winter they return to the monastery. 

32. Ghepan Lake Trek 

Distance: 33.8 kilometers

Time to complete: 12 hours (approx)

Minimum age: 12 years 

Altitude: 4146 meters