Shopping in Kaza: Kaza Market in Spiti

The valley of Spiti is cut off from the mainland for more than 6 months and is only accessible during the summer months between May and September. Tucked in between Tibet and India, Spiti Valley bears a stark similarity to Tibet in its way of life, food habits and culture. It is also to a great extent influenced by Hinduism. Hence we can say that Spiti Valley is a melting pot of cultures and has paved a unique Tibetan Hinduism which is an assimilation of both Tibet and India, just like its name Spiti, or Piti, which means ‘The middle land’.

It is quite astonishing that the cold desert that Spiti has so much to offer and the locals out here are one of the most hospitable indigenous people in the world! It is just amazing how much they face in their everyday lives and yet still they always carry a smile and open their doors and arms to everyone.

Kaza, situated at an altitude of 3650 m, is not only the largest town in Spiti Valley but also the sub-divisional headquarters. Known to be the last point where you will get access to a petrol pump and ATMs in Spiti Valley, it also has an array of hotels, luxurious stays, amazing restaurants and cafes and shopping markets!

Places for Shopping in Kaza

Most tourists visit Spiti for the trekking routes that the district has to offer. Some of the popular treks are Spiti Valley Trek, Pin Valley National Park Trek, Chandratal Trek, Dhankar Lake Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, and Kanamo Trek to name a few. You might also visit the Sakya Tangyud Monastery and Key Monastery which are two of the most significant Monasteries in Spiti Valley.

Kaza is known for its colorful festivals and the ancient Sakya Tangyud Monastery, which is located 14km away from here. It is a popular destination amongst tourists and adventure seekers during the summer months because of its central location and connections to the rest of the valley and the mainland.

Shopping in Kaza Market is yet another exciting tourist attraction where you will find pure woolen shawls, fleece shawls, silver trinket jewelry, Buddhist prayer flags, statues, souvenirs, Buddhist thangka paintings and murals, a range of local handicrafts, bone china crockeries, etc. While Shopping in Kaza market you will also find some great options for food and local teas like Seabuckthorn, Apple, etc which are made from locally sourced ingredients.

One of the most unique things found in this place is the human thigh bones and skulls which are decorated out of gold and silver which are used for religious purposes. One of the best places for street shopping in Kaza.

Some of the popular places to find great food like momos, thukpa, noodles, etc in Kaza are