Snapshots
The Spiti valley is an outstanding adventure location due to its breathtaking beauty and treacherous terrain. Spiti Valley trek is perfect if you are someone who loves adventure sports!
Spiti Valley Trekking- why you should consider it!
Certain regions in India are famous for their adrenaline-pumping trek routes, scenic beauty and gorgeous snow capped locales and one such location is Spiti Valley. The mountainous region of Spiti is characterised by breathtaking scenery, ancient monasteries, and some of the world's highest settlements. At an elevation of 4000 m, the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a barren and undiscovered jewel that exemplifies the surrealist side of nature. So if you are considering a Spiti Valley trek- the right time is now!
Need some ideas? Here’s our recommendation for Spiti Valley treks! So be prepared to be amazed by the breathtaking snow-capped mountains, discover the meandering old monasteries, and savour the wonders of this ancient civilisation.
Trek to the highest village in the world (well, almost!)
A picturesque town with whitewashed mud and stone buildings, Kibber was dubiously proclaimed the "highest village in the world" prior to Komic stealing its fame. Pea and barley fields in the desert provide a splash of vibrant colour. Located within Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, you may be lucky enough to see red foxes, ibex, Himalayan wolves, blue sheep, and snow leopards—animals that descend from the slopes only during winter. Add this to your wishlist for your Spiti valley trek for sure!
Important point to note: For stay options, we highly recommend checking out the homestays and local options in advance as most of these places get sold out fast!
Nako to Tashigang Village
Now if you really want to enjoy Spiti at its most authentic best- trekking to its picturesque villages are your best bet! Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, meet the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the culture of Spiti when you embark on this Spiti Valley trek. So how to get there?
Important point to note: If you are travelling from Shimla to Spiti, you will pass via Nako, a medium-sized settlement in the Kinnaur valley. We suggest taking the 11 a.m. bus from Peo to Nako after spending a few days in the picturesque town of Kalpa, which is close to Reckong Peo. Another option is to catch the first bus in the morning from Peo to Kaza, alighting at Nako. To avoid disappointment, plan ahead during the busiest season.
The most popular- Manali to Kaza route
This is by far the most popular Spiti Valley trek! Roads in Kinnaur Valley, particularly during the monsoons, are more prone to landslides than the Manali-Kaza route, which isn't nearly as thrilling as the Shimla-Kaza route.
If you want to save a day and avoid exhaustion, the fastest option is to go from Manali to Spiti. Recharge for the impending journey. Because you won't have to go as far, this option is more economical. Lastly, if you find traversing different high-altitude passes fascinating, you should choose the road to Spiti Valley from Manali. By using this route, you may reach Lahaul Valley from Kullu Valley by crossing Rohtang Pass (3980 m), and from Lahaul Valley to Spiti Valley, you can enter Spiti Valley by passing Kunzum Pass (4551 m). There is no way to describe the sensation of rushing over these passes!
Returning from Manali, there is a morning bus that goes to Kaza, which is the district seat of the Spiti district in Himachal. While there is a single government bus that travels the five hours between Manali and Kaza, the route is quite treacherous due to the regular landslides that occur along it. The roads between Manali and Spiti (Kaza as the starting point) are not very good; thus, it's best to rent a private car. If you want to cut costs, you can split the fare with other passengers in the cab.
Important point to note: This Spiti Valley trek is accessible only during the summer as the Rohtang and Kunzum passes, which connect Manali to the valley are open only during this period!
Trek to Dhankar Monastery
Although it is now little more than a hamlet, Dhankar ("Fort on Cliff") was the capital of Spiti in the 17th century. It would appear as though the mountain serves as an invisible boundary between the community and its structures. Among the world's 100 most endangered sites is the Dhankar Monastery- making this truly one of the most adrenaline pupming Spiti Valley treks! Perched precariously on top of two crumbling granite peaks, the monastery reviews out the Spiti and Pin rivers' meeting point, making it an ideal target for wind and soil erosion. On the other hand, the monastery's location is very breathtaking! Dhankar Lake, located above the monastery, is also accessible by foot. Located south of Dhankar Gompa, Pin Valley National Park is Himachal's sole cold desert park, spanning from Pin Parvati to Pin Bhaba.
Important Point to note: Once you are done with this trek and if you want to go to Spiti after you cross Rupin Pass, you may do it by using the Hindustan Tibet route. While picturesque, this road—bored through a cliff and filled with hairpin turns—is also one of the world's most dangerous roadways. Around the time when you begin to follow the Spiti River, Sumdo and Tabo both fall.