Lahaul and Spiti are not just usual getaway destinations, they are a whole vibe to catch for the adventure like never before. Lahaul Spiti Valley is far from the tourist trails, and is where the barren mountains lie under the blue skies.
People crave mountain roads without any traffic, visiting ancient monasteries on high cliffs and watching the stars in a sky with no city lights! And guess what? Spiti Valley in Himachal is something where you get it all!
This Lahaul and Spiti travel guide is here to help you plan the perfect trip and gather everything you need to know before booking the right Spiti tour package for yourself.
Best Time To Visit Lahaul Spiti
Let’s kick off this guide by learning when the best time to visit Spiti Valley is. Well, Spiti Valley is one of those hill stations in Himachal Pradesh that can be visited at any time of the year. The best time to visit Spiti Valley tourism usually depends on what you want to do, witness, and experience in the valley.
Scroll through and check out a month-by-month breakdown of what Spiti Valley is like during the year, so that you can know the right Spiti temperature and weather to choose from.
January- February – March
The months of January, February and March are the winter months in the valley. This is the time when the barren land turns into a winter wonderland, and one will be able to see snow as far as the eye can see.
Spiti in winter is bliss for adventure enthusiasts, and travellers can take part in a plethora of activities like skiing, ice skating, winter treks and much more for a guaranteed adrenaline rush. Travellers can also take part in some of the best festivals in Lahaul and Spiti Valley, which are organised exclusively in winter.
However, along with the fun and thrill, the Spiti Valley tourism guide also has its own challenges during the winters, because of the snow, the roads get blocked, and it becomes difficult to commute in the valley.
April And May
The months of April and May are considered to be the best time to visit Lahaul Spiti. During these months, the snow melts, and the roads open up, making the commute in the Spiti Valley tour guide easier.
Travellers visiting Spiti Valley in May can also take part in the adventure activities that the valley offers, like trekking in the mountains, biking, camping, and many more activities can be done in the valley during this month.
Since commuting is easier in the valley, travellers can also visit some of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, like the Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Hikkim, Komic and Langza, among other destinations.
June- July- August
Spiti Valley between June and August is one of the best times to visit Spiti Valley in Himachal. The weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights, making it perfect for sightseeing and road trips.
Both the Manali and Shimla routes are open, so you can explore the valley fully. But you should keep that July and August may bring some rain on the way, especially near Manali, so it’s good to stay updated on the road conditions as well.
October-November-December
These are the months when the winter starts to settle in, the snow starts to fall and the Spiti temperature continues to drop, turning the valley into a winter wonderland. The region starts to get covered under thick sheets of snow and sightseeing usually becomes harder during this time.
However, the valley still continues to provide scintillating views of the landscape and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Those who are interested in getting a glimpse into the local way of life, can visit the villages of Kaza, Hikkim and Langza and learn about the lives of the resilient and hard-working villagers.
Also check out: Spiti summer
How To Reach The Spiti Valley in Himachal
Here is a a Lahaul and Spiti travel guide for how to reach Spiti Valley!
By Road
A drive to Spiti Valley is the most popular way to reach the destination. One can either drive to the valley by hiring a cab or taxi or if adventure is on your mind then you can also self-drive to the valley. There are two main routes to reach the valley, one is from Shimla, while the latter is from Manali to Kaza.
- From Shimla via Kinnaur: This route passes through Rampur, Reckong Peo, Nako, and Sumdo before entering Spiti with Kaza as the entry point.
- From Manali via Rohtang Pass: This route is usually the most preferred one and passes through Rohtang Pass, Gramphu, Chhatru, Batal and Kunzum Pass before reaching Kaza.
By Air
The nearest airport to Spiti Valley in Himachal is Kullu, which is located about 250 kilometres away. Travellers can fly from Delhi to Kullu and then hire a taxi or cab from Kullu Manali to Spiti Valley.
By Bus
Shimla and Manali have bus services on a regular basis to Spiti Valley. Travellers can take a bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo and then switch to another bus for the onward journey to Kaza. You can take a direct bus from Manali to Kaza.
Well, now that we know about the various ways to reach the Spiti Valley, it is now time to get a glimpse into the places to visit in the Spiti Valley with our Lahaul and Spiti travel guide.
Places To Visit In The Spiti Valley in Himachal
Want to know the best places to visit in Spiti Valley? Here is a whole list provided in Lahaul and Spiti Travel guide that you can visit.
Key Monastery, known as Kye Gompa, is one of Spiti Valley’s most well-known and oldest monasteries. Perched on a hill overlooking the Spiti River, the Key Monastery provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery, which is home to around 300 monks, is also a centre for Buddhist learning and meditation.
Location: 72X6+4QM, Key, Pinjoor, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry fee: NIL
Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest and most peaceful monasteries in Spiti Valley. It was built over 1,000 years ago and is often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its beautiful ancient paintings and murals. Surrounded by mountains and a calm vibe, monks still live and study here and explore the temples to soak in the beauty of this place.
Location: 39VM+C56, Tabo, Dhar Gangchhumi, Himachal Pradesh 172113
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry fee: NIL
3. Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley National Park is a quiet and beautiful place in Spiti Valley India. Covered with the tall mountains, a cold rivers and clean, fresh air! You might not see many animals, but it’s home to rare ones like the snow leopard and ibex.
The area is peaceful and perfect if you love nature and silence. Small villages, friendly locals and colorful prayer flags make it feel warm and welcoming as a great spot to relax, take in the views and enjoy the calmness.
Location: XVXJ+RX4, Kaza Valley, Himachal Pradesh 172117
Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 50 Per person.
Langza Village is a tiny, peaceful hamlet, located at about 4,420m in Spiti Valley India, just 16 Km from Kaza. Known as the “fossil village”, it’s scattered with ancient marine fossils dating back millions of years.
The first thing you will notice is a huge Langza Buddha statue overlooking the village, set against the dramatic Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak, it’s the perfect spot for sunrise or a starry night under the skies.
Location: 73FJ+GJQ, Langza, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Timings: Any time of the day
Entry fee: NIL
Must-Visit Valleys and Passes In Lahaul and Spiti Valley
Kunzum Pass is like a ride into the clouds! At 15,060 feet, it feels like you are touching the sky. It’s the kind of place where your phone loses signal, but you catch the best moments of your life.
The Pass is mainly open from June to October, as heavy snowfall cuts off access during winter. A small temple dedicated to Kunzum Mata sits at the top, where travelers often stop to seek blessings before continuing their journey.
Pin Valley is one of those places that is surrounded by green fields, tiny villages, and snow-covered mountains. It’s the perfect escape if you are looking for peace and raw beauty.
It’s also home to rare animals like the snow leopard and ibex, making it extra special for nature lovers. So, if you are someone looking to explore the calm trails or just soak in the views, Pin Valley gives you that rare feeling of being truly away from it all.
Where to Stay in Lahaul Spiti Valley?
Let us introduce you to basic stay options with this Lahaul and Spiti Travel guide! You can stay at the guesthouses, homestays and even camp at some sites.
Stay with local families and experience their culture, food, and way of life. It’s cozy, personal, and gives you a real feel of the valley. Enjoy local Spitian cuisine and immerse yourself in the culture that they follow.
Some of them are:
- Trekker’s Delight Homestay
- Langza Homestay
- Tara Homestay
- Sakya Abode
- Norling Homestay
2. Guesthouses and Basic Hotels
Simple and budget-friendly, these are great for travelers who want comfort without luxury. You can expect clean rooms, hot food, and stunning views from these amazing hotels in Spiti.
Some of them are:
- Hotel Deyzor
- Alpine Retreat
- Spiti Heritage
- Juniper Valley Camps
- Chandra Bhaga Camps
Get truly connected to the mountains, camping in Lahaul and Spiti is the way to go. It’s raw, real and amazingly beautiful.
Some of them are:
- Near Chandratal Lake.
- Keylong/Jispa Region
Where to Eat in Lahaul Spiti Valley?
Food in Lahaul-Spiti is like a warm hug after a cold day. You get simple and hearty food like momos, butter tea, the valley has its its own unique taste of the mountains.
These local dhabas are run by locals, they serve home-style meals like Thukpa, momos, rajma chawal and aloo paratha. You should expect simple seating, and freshly made food at such type of places to eat in Spiti.
Some of them are:
- Hindustan ka Akhri Dhaba
- Poonam Dhaba
- Chacha-Chachi Dhaba
You will find cozy cafes in town centers with coffee, pancakes and pasts with a mountain vibe. These are considered to be the best places to meet travelers, or just chill with a view.
Some of them are:
How To Prepare For A Trip To Spiti Valley
A visit to the Spiti Valley India is for sure an adventurous excursion, but it requires careful planning for a smooth and safe journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare for with this Lahaul and Spiti travel guide.
- Plan your itinerary carefully before you leave: Signals drop and roads can surprise you! So, having a flexible but well-thought out plan ensures you make the most of your time without rushing, stressing or missing out the magic.
- Pack wisely: The Spiti Valley is at a high elevation, and Spiti temperature can drop dramatically, especially at night. Warm clothing, such as thermals, jackets, and gloves, should be brought. Because there are many treks and hikes in the area, it is also important to bring comfortable and sturdy shoes.
- Carry necessary items: To protect yourself from the harsh sun, carry necessary items such as sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat. Because medical facilities in the region are limited, it is also important to bring a first aid kit and any necessary medication.
- Acclimatise: The Spiti Valley’s high altitude can cause acute mountain sickness in Spiti Valley in some visitors. It is critical to acclimatise to the altitude by spending a few days in the area before engaging in any strenuous activity. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Respect the local culture: The Spiti Valley India has a diverse and distinct culture, and it is essential to adhere to local customs and traditions. It is necessary to dress modestly. Before photographing locals or their homes, obtain permission first.
- Choose your mode of transportation: The Spiti Valley is easily accessible by road, and visitors can travel by bus or private vehicle. Since the roads in the area can be difficult to tread on, therefore it is critical to choose a dependable mode of transportation.
