Travel Tips: Spiti Valley Travel Guide

With gorgeous lakes in the midst of barren land and lush greenery around brown rugged mountains, Spiti Valley has a culture centered around its countless monasteries. Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche is believed to have introduced Buddhism to this area and since its proximity to Tibet, its people mainly follow a religion which is a mix of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Its rich heritage can be seen in its monasteries- Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Tabo, Kaza, Komic, etc, and traditional dances, songs, and customs.

Best Travel Tips for Spiti Valley

1. Acclimatize Slowly: Most tourist spots in Spiti Valley are situated at high altitudes, so it is advisable to acclimate yourself before heading on to the next destination. It is best to spend a day or two in a lower altitude place like Manali or Shimla to acclimatize before heading to Spiti Valley. Doing this will also ensure you do not get Altitude sickness.

2. Check the season before traveling: Although Spiti Valley is a beautiful place to visit, one needs to be aware of some facts before traveling here. Spiti Valley is a high-altitude destination that is totally cut off from the mainland for seven long months between October- April. Hence it is recommended to plan your itinerary accordingly.

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3. Pack Light: Travelling through the narrow, winding roads of Spiti Valley can be challenging, especially for vehicles, and bikes. Always pack light to make your journey easier and more comfortable.

4. Carry Essentials: Pack essentials like warm clothing, various lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit with some essential medicines. Spiti Valley can be chilly during the nights even in the summer months of June-September and most remote places do not have access to modern amenities. Also, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared for both hot days and cold nights.

5. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can occur pretty quickly due to high altitudes. You should always drink plenty of water throughout your journey to stay hydrated.

7. Fuel Up: Gas stations are sparse in Spiti Valley. The first Petrol station that you will encounter after leaving Manali, is in Kaza. So make sure to fuel up whenever you get the chance, especially before heading into the remote areas.

8. Respect Local Customs: Spiti Valley is home to many Buddhist monasteries and villages. Respect local customs and traditions by maintaining silence while visiting these places, removing your shoes before entering a monastery, and asking for permission before taking photographs.

9. Pack Snacks: Food options may be limited and scarce, especially in remote areas. Hence it is a great idea to pack snacks like nuts, energy bars, fruits, and dry food items to keep you energised between meals and your travel.

10. Stay Connected: Mobile network coverage is very poor in Spiti Valley. Most villages do not have any mobile network hence inform someone about your travel plans and try to stay connected whenever possible.

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12. Respect Nature: Spiti Valley is known for its pristine natural landscapes. Please try to maintain the Valley’s sanctity by disposing of waste properly and being responsible.

13. Plan for your Accommodation: Accommodation options in Spiti Valley range from homestays to guesthouses. It is always recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season since the entire valley is flooded with tourists and last minute bookings can be frustrating and chaotic.

14. Carry Cash: ATM facilities are limited in Spiti Valley, so carry enough cash for all your needs and transactions, including food, travel, accommodation and souvenirs.

15. Check Weather Conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Check the weather forecast before starting your journey and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature. Keep an open mind and try to be flexible. This way you will enjoy your trip and leave frustration at bay.

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17. Pack Warm Sleeping Gear: Ensure you have warm sleeping gear such as a good quality sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad to stay comfortable during the nights because nights during the summer months also can get quite cold and you may require extra bedding.

18. Stay Flexible with your Itinerary: Weather conditions and road closures due to landslides or snow can disrupt your travel plans in Spiti Valley. Stay flexible with your itinerary and be prepared to adjust your route or activities accordingly.

19. Respect Wildlife: Spiti Valley is home to some of the most diverse wildlife including Himalayan ibex, snow leopards and blue sheep. Please remember you are visiting their habitat and therefore, it is only our responsibility to respect them by observing them from a distance and refraining from any activities that could disturb or harm their natural setting.

20. Learn Basic Phrases: While English and Hindi is spoken in most tourist areas, knowing a few basic phrases in the local Tibetan dialect can go a long way in communicating with locals and showing respect for their culture. Learn greetings, thank you, and please to enhance your interactions with the community.

How to reach Spiti Valley

Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Delhi to Shimla and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Reckong Peo, from where you can take a shared or private taxi to Kaza.

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As Spiderman’s uncle said-” With great power comes greater responsibility”, traveling is also a great power that has been bestowed on us and it is our responsibility how we use it. We need to understand and respect the fact that these simple, humble people live amidst the harshest of weather conditions and have very little amenities for themselves, yet they open their arms and their homes for everyone visiting their lands. So it is more than courteous to be respectful towards them and their way of life. A little warmth and respect goes a long way and only reflects your own manners and culture.

So pack your bags and set off on an adventure that will be etched in your memories forever with these Travel tips for Spiti Valley!