A Comprehensive Guide To Visit Spiti Valley In Winters

Spiti Valley, also known as the ‘middle land’, is abode to some of the highest altitude attractions and landmarks and is an essential addition to every traveller’s bucket list. 

Spiti Valley is a barren desert land with rugged terrain; the summertime is an absolute favourite to visit the valley of adventures. But, the same valley turns into a white beauty; the desert land gets covered under thick sheets of snow, making Spiti Valley in winter an absolute delight. 

The mountains become the perfect background for your Instagram pictures. The Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley is in the winter when everything is covered in snow. 

Besides the snow-capped mountains, Spiti Valley in Winter also allows you to witness the beauty of the frozen rivers. The Spiti Valley in December is one of the most visited during the winter, allowing you to see the frozen waterfalls. 

Travelling to Spiti Valley in Winter is one of the best experiences you can have in this lifetime. Travelling to some of the ancient monasteries in the valley will take your Spiti in Winter adventure to the next level. Monasteries such as the Dhankar Monastery, Key Monastery, and Tabo Monastery, among other high-altitude monasteries, become even more enchanting during winter. 

This is just a glimpse of what Spiti Valley in Winter has to offer; scroll through and check out the blog, which tells you why travelling to Spiti in December is the perfect choice for you.

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Why Travel To Spiti Valley In Winter? 

The unparalleled beauty is one of the significant reasons you should travel to Spiti Valley in winter. The views of the snow-capped mountains, the stunning landscapes, and the breathtaking frozen rivers will for sure leave a lasting impression in your heart and mind. The desert land, which transforms into a winter wonderland, also offers stunning backdrops for those Insta-worthy pictures. 

Fewer crowds are one of the most significant advantages of visiting Spiti in winter. Spiti Valley is a popular destination in the summer months, which is why the region gets crowded. However, in winter, the number of tourists decreases significantly, and one can enjoy the serene beauty of the Spiti in December without the crowds. You can have a more authentic experience of the region, interact with the locals, cover the best places to visit in Spiti Valley and explore the local way of life. 

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Winter Sports lovers, ASSEMBLE! Spiti in Winter is the perfect adventure opportunity for you. During the summer, Spiti is an adventurer’s paradise where you can participate in adventure activities like biking, off-roading, river rafting and much more. But, the valley offers equal opportunities during the winter months, too. 

Spiti Valley in winter offers different charm and beauty, with a wide range of winter sports activities for adventure enthusiasts. Some of the most popular activities that one can participate in during the winter include Skiing, as the valley has myriad ski resorts and ski schools, where you can rent equipment and take skiing lessons. The slopes in Spiti Valley are ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

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Snowboarding is another popular winter sport that you can enjoy in Spiti Valley. The valley offers a wide range of options for all levels of snowboarders. Ice skating during winter in Spiti Valley in December is an exciting activity that excites adrenaline. Spiti in winter becomes the perfect setting for ice skating, which takes the entire experience to the next level. 

Another essential reason Spiti in winter is an ideal option for travellers is that they can get the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the region’s culture. The valley abodes some of the most ancient monasteries in India, which are an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage. In winter, the monasteries become more enchanting, with the snow-covered landscape adding to their beauty. You can also witness the traditional festivals and celebrations, such as Losar and the Tibetan New Year, and interact with the locals to learn more about their culture and way of life.

These are just a few significant reasons you should visit Spiti in winter. Spiti Valley in December has much more to offer to those who visit, and with that being said, it is now time to know about the climate during winter in Spiti Valley. 

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Climate Of Spiti In Winter

The temperature of Spiti in the Winter months, from December to February, can drop to as low as -30°C  at night, with daytime temperatures ranging between -5°C to 10°C. The Spiti Valley experiences harsh cold waves during the winter months, and it is essential to be well prepared for the extreme cold weather.

Spiti Valley in December: Besides the low temperature, the valley also experiences severe snowfall, which covers the entire region, including the roads and villages. The snowfall, at times, can make the commute in the valley extremely difficult as the streets close, making them inaccessible. 

The valley is a high-altitude region, which already means that the oxygen levels are deficient, and during the winter months, the level stoops to new lows, which means that one can quickly get struck with Acute Mountain Sickness in Spiti Valley.  

To sum it up, Spiti in winter has a harsh and challenging climate with cold, heavy snowfall, strong winds, and high altitude. However, despite the challenges, the Spiti Valley in December offers a unique, mesmerising, truly unforgettable winter experience. With proper preparation and planning, travellers can explore the stunning snow-covered landscape and enjoy a winter adventure that will create memories that last a lifetime. 

Things To Do In Spiti In Winter

1. Visit the Monasteries

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Visitors will be left mesmerised after the visits as they will observe traditional ceremonies, participate in winter festivals, and learn the Buddhist way of life. 

2. Trekking

3. Camping

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4. Spotting A Snow Leopard

5. Taking Part In The Local Festivals 

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These are just a few things you can do in Spiti in Winter; there’s a lot more you can do when you visit the valley. Next up is the Places To Visit In Spiti In Winter.

Places To Visit In Spiti In Winter

1. Kaza

The snowfall makes the roads completely inhospitable, therefore, it is suggested that you visit Kaza at your own risk during the winter season. If you are visiting Kaza during the winter season, don’t forget to check out the monasteries, which give an insight into the Buddhist culture with the addition of stunning views. 

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2. Dhankar Monastery

3. Pin Valley National Park

To reach the national park, you will have to traverse on the second route. After getting to the national park, you can spot animals like Snow Leopard, Ibex, and the Himalayan Snowcock, among others. 

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4. Key Monastery

Common Issues In Spiti In Winter 

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Harsh Winter and Temperature

Limited Accommodation

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Limited Food Options

Snow Blockades

Limited Connectivity

Altitude Sickness

How To Reach Spiti Valley In Winter

By Air: The closest airport to Spiti Valley is the Bhuntar Airport, about 250 kilometres away. However, the airports remain closed in the winter, and the only way you can reach the valley is by road. 

By Road: The road is the only way to reach the Spiti Valley in winter. The best way to go Spiti Valley in winter is by hiring a local taxi or a private vehicle along with a skilled driver with prior experience driving on the narrow and winding roads of the Spiti Valley. 

There are usually two routes to reach the valley. One is from Shimla, while the other is from Manali. The Shimla route is closed during winter. Therefore, the Manali route is the only way to reach the Spiti Valley in winter.

Travelling to Spiti Valley in winter has its pros and cons. Travellers can experience something new when visiting the valley in winter, though travelling during the winter requires some preparation; one thing is for sure: you will have the time of your life in Spiti Valley in Winter.