Overview
Spiti Valley, which means “middle land”, was named this way because it lies between Tibet and the Indian subcontinent, reflecting its cultural and geographic links with both regions. Geographically located within Lahaul and Spiti districts at 12,500 feet above sea level, the region is defined by its cold desert hills, rugged terrain and a climate that sees only about 250 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the coldest places in India.
The history of Spiti Valley has been shaped by numerous cultures, thereby becoming extremely diverse, just like its landscape. Many tribes have made this valley their home for ages. That's why Buddhism is still one of the most practised religions there. The first known rulers of Spiti were from Lhasa (Tibet), which makes this place important to Ladakh’s history too. In 1262 AD, Kubla Khan conquered Spiti and it remained under Tibetan influence until the 17th century, after which the British annexed it to India. In 1846, under the Treaty of Amritsar with Raja Gulab Singh, the valley was made part of India.
The local chieftains, more popularly known as Nono, played an important role in governing the valley. These chieftains were given some modest administrative powers but gradually, they managed to become powerful due to the isolation of Spiti from all other Indian territories. It is derived from Greek, meaning “king of kings”, that the word “Nono” is.
Buddhism is deeply ingrained within Spiti Valley’s culture with most people following Geluk-pa sects. The valley has several ancient Monasteries like Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, and Dhankar Monastery, which are spiritual centres and architectural wonders. Of these, the Tabo Monastery holds a significant place because it is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also famous for its ancient murals and thangka paintings.
For this reason, Spiti Valley tourism began to grow notably in 1992, when the area was opened up to tourists. In 2019 alone, 64,700 Indian tourists and 3612 foreign tourists visited the valley through the Shimla route. There are many things to do and see here in this valley. Some of them include Chandratal Lake – a beautiful natural lake situated at a high altitude, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the best places to see wild animals and birds at such heights, Komic Village – where every house looks unique or different from each other, Langza Village - famous for its Buddha statue that leaves people amazed when seen from far away and Hikkim Village known for being home to world’s highest post office.
For adventure lovers there are trekking options, mountaineering expeditions as well as winter sport activities. Some popular trekking routes are Kanamo Peak Trek, Parang La Trek and Pin-Parvati Pass Trek, among others. Ice skating, ice-hockey skiing, etc., also gaining popularity with national championships held in Kaza.
While planning your trip to Spiti Valley, do not forget that some preparatory efforts should be taken into account. Because of higher elevations, acclimatization becomes very significant so persons must avoid altitude sickness. You should carry warm clothes and rain gear as the weather tends to be unpredictable. Remember that it is a delicate ecosystem and adhere to local customs and practices.
There are many accommodation choices in Spiti Valley travel guide, ranging from affordable homestays to five-star hotels. One way of really getting into the local culture is by opting for homestays. Different types of Spiti Valley tour packages designed for different pockets and interests are available here. Hence, they include transport costs, meals, accommodation, and sightseeing.
The Himachal Pradesh tour packages go beyond Spiti. They offer an all-around experience of the state's various landscapes as well as heritage. There is also a Himachal honeymoon package, so it’s not only about romance but about finding peace and quiet in the lap of Himalayas’ beauty.
Adventure, culture, and natural beauty are unique features of this place called Spiti Valley. Someone could be a mountaineer, someone who cherishes traditions, or even someone who wants to enjoy their own time without distractions in the valley, which accommodates all these persons, too. When visiting Spiti Valley, expect to be taken back in time with its colourful history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, which will definitely make your stay memorable. Therefore, get your bags ready, pick one among numerous Spiti Valley tour packages, and set out on your trip to this magical land found in Himachal Pradesh.
