How many times have you wished to escape from the chaos of city life and ease away your senses in the lap of Mother Nature? Spiti Valley gives you the best of both worlds with its desert trails, ancient monasteries, quaint little habitations, snow-capped mountains, verdure forests, crystal clear rivers and magnificent glaciers. Nestled in the Himalayan range in Himachal Pradesh, it is sure to spellbind you with its enthralling and surreal sceneries. The breath-taking views and the untouched natural beauty will make your visit a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Sometimes even pin-drop silence is celebratory! And what more bliss than listening to the flapping wings of a duck which gets tingled by the sudden cold while swimming? Or seeing colourful fishes frolicking in the still and placid waters of the lake? Located at a height of 4,270m and about 6 km from the Kunzum Pass, Chandrataal is not just the most beautiful lakes found in the mighty Himalayas but also in India! Named due to this crescent moon-line shape it is a camper and trekker’s paradise. The serene surroundings complement the crystal azure waters of the lake. The lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, with acres and acres of snow makes it an idyllic destination for camping and trekking.
For bikers, this is ‘The Dream’! A nexus for multiple hilly roads between Lahaul and Ladakh, Baralacha on Manali-Leh Highway in Zanskar is one of the most daunting passes for adventurous travellers. It is also one of the most bikeable roads at the highest altitude above sea level! One of the enthralling tourist places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti, it is equally ideal for camping and trekking as well. Here you get to see the spectacular sight of the intersection of Pir Panjal, The Great Himalayan and Zanskar ranges. The gushing Bhaga and Yunam rivers add on to its awe-inspiring beauty.
Surrounded by snowbound mountains and majestic valleys, Komik Village is nothing less than paradise! Countless tourists visit at the favourable season, simply to lose themselves in its breathtaking beauty and charming festivity. Komik is situated at about 20 km from Kaza, 18,000ft above sea level. Komik is world’s highest village with a road. This beautiful village is renowned for the Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery, a fortified castle made of slanted mud walls, representing the murals, scriptures, and arts belonging to the bygone Buddhist era.
Key Monastery is a legendary Buddhist place of worship. At the height of 4112 meters, it one gets to see the enshrined idols of Buddha in Dhyana position. It is one of the biggest and oldest Monasteries in Spiti, overlooking the Spiti River which adorns it as the most beautiful landmark of Kaza. Its fort bears strong inscriptions from the Imperial Chinese influence. The aesthetically designed assembly hall, beautiful Oriental murals adorning the corridors along with the Tengyur room, are the thing to lookout for!