Snapshots
While most people visit Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Losar, and Chandratal as part of a typical Spiti itinerary, there are a few spots that aren't on the typical route that aren't visited as often. If you are looking for offbeat places in Spiti Valley, then you have arrived at the right place! The kinds of places that first-timers often fail to see because they are either unaware of them or just do not have the time to dedicate to seeing them. However, you should make an effort to visit at least a few of these offbeat places in Spiti Valley if you wish to experience the region's authentic side.
Mane Village
Nestled in the shadow of the towering Himalayas, Mane Village is a true treasure of Himachal Pradesh. The Kinnaur district is home to the peaceful village of Mane, which is well-known for its scenic views, cultural heritage, and welcoming locals. The hamlet offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the people, surrounded by verdant forests, apple orchards, and snow-capped mountains.
Mane Village is easily recognisable by its typical housing construction. The houses are built to endure the severe weather conditions of the area using locally obtained materials including wood, stone, and mud. The elaborate carvings and paintings that cover the dwellings further attest to the cultural wealth of the hamlet.
Mount Dhangkar
Visiting Dhangkar (or Dhankar) Monastery is on the itinerary of nearly every traveller. In fact, it makes perfect sense. Dhangkar means "fort on the cliff," and the entire community lives up to that moniker, even the monastery. Additionally, Dhangkar is set against a breathtaking background provided by the meeting of the Pin and Spiti rivers.
However, the secluded beauty of Dhangkar Lake, which is only three km away, is often overlooked. Dhangkar Lake is located on a desolate landscape, and getting there requires navigating a shaky gravel path. This fish-shaped lake is encircled by mountains, which is hilarious in and of itself. The water may lack the pristine clarity of the majestic Chandratal, but the breathtaking scenery makes up for it.
Sopona Lake
At an elevation of 3,600 meters, the tranquil Sopona lake is a popular stop for hikers, ecotourists, and adventurers thanks to its setting amid verdant woods and snow-capped mountains, creating an idyllic haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On their way to the lake, hikers will pass through some of the most beautiful scenery, including desolate mountains, rugged landscapes, and verdant woodlands. There are a lot of little towns along the route where hikers may meet the people and learn about their culture. The Kinnaur Kailash range and the Spiti Valley are visible in the distance as you walk, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Lhalung
At the base of the Tangmar Mountains is Lhalung, home to one of the most ancient Gompas in Spiti Valley. The local deities' emotions are thought to be reflected in the many hues that these mountains change during the day.
The name Lhalung derives from the Sanskrit word for "the land of gods," and local belief holds that Lhalung Devta is supreme among the valley's deities. Additionally, the Lhalung Monastery is said to be as old as the sacred tree that stands in Lhalung. Rinchen Zangpo, a famous Tibetan translator, established this monastery near Spiti. From Tibet to Bhutan and India, his name is known far and wide.
The Giu Mummy
Even though Spiti is rife with myths, the mummy of Giu may be the only one you personally know about. Supposedly, a number of lamas were preserved in mummified form during a drought that struck Tibet. Most of these mummified remains were destroyed when Tibet was occupied by the Chinese. Nevertheless, the Indian authorities recovered one of these mummies after it washed ashore in the Spiti River during the 1975 earthquake. The mummy began to bleed after a spade struck its skull in an excavating mishap when it was kept in Giu.
Pangmo
Pangmo, a little settlement at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet, is the next stop on our trip. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and spectacular snow-capped mountains, Pangmo is a hidden gem in the Spiti Valley. Tourists may enjoy the village's ideal blend of natural splendour and rich cultural heritage. Pangmo culture and customs are well-known for being unique. In the village, you may still find a few of people who have stuck to their traditional ways of living. Tourists may learn about the local way of life and bring home unforgettable experiences by participating in area festivals and cultural events and mixing with the hospitable inhabitants.
Fukchung
The Fukchung Spiti region is home to several ancient Tibetan Buddhist temples and schools of thought. The town of Fukchung is a network of stone caverns that the Nyingmapa school of Buddhist nuns use for extended periods of seclusion. Usually, they won't talk to or see a human soul throughout their three years of meditation in a cave. As you make your way through the caverns, try to put yourself in the shoes of the devoted nuns who formerly meditated there.
Kanamo Peak
Trekkers and adventurers often go to Kanamo Peak, a beautiful peak that stands at an amazing 19,553 feet. The difficult but ultimately rewarding trek to the top is well-known for the breathtaking panoramas it affords. Those that brave the ascent will not regret it for a second since the views from the peak are breathtaking. Because of the breathtaking views that hikers may enjoy from its peak, this mountain is one of the most beautiful, as-yet-undiscovered spots in Spiti Valley.