LAHAUL & SPITI Location : Himachal Pradesh Altitude : 6,500 m Formed In : 1960 Attractions : Monasteries, Villages, Adventure

The Scenic Landscape of Monastery in Spiti Valley

Manali Kufri Chamba McLeodganj

Kullu Dalhousie Chail Bilaspur

Palampur Kasauli Dharamshala Kinnaur

Lahaul & Spiti – The Untamed Arm of Himachal Pradesh

Take a tour of Himachal Pradesh and enjoy the trip to the famous mountainous region of Lahaul and Spiti. The Himalayas is a land of superlatives whose grandeur and magnificence are beyond words. While on Himachal tourism, amidst the snow mountains and the rough winds lies the small towns of Lahaul and Spiti that has dazzling whites of Himalayas and the turquoise of the Chanderi river. This is a bleak land of rock debris, huge slopes and temperature fluctuations. A land of immense beauty make Lahaul and Spiti, an inevitable destination of Himachal Pradesh.

Enjoy a holiday in Lahaul and Spiti which will be more like a lesson of seclusion. The high passes, living museums, and anthropology as well as geography are the famous attractions of Lahaul and Spiti in HP.

Lahaul and Spiti – Attractions of the Barren Beauty

The most popular highlight of Lahaul and Spiti lies in the various monasteries and adventure options that one can enjoy in Himachal Pradesh. Take up exclusive tours of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy the various mood swings of nature.

When the Desolate and Arid Turns Green

Monasteries in Lahaul and Spiti – Cupping Bowl of Buddhism

Buddhist Pilgrimage

Monasteries

The most famous monasteries of Himachal Pradesh and the world are perched on the top of the mountains of Lahaul and Spiti. The most important monastery in this area is the Kye monastery that is also the oldest and largest monastery in the state. Located at a distance of 12 kms from Kaza the height of this monastery, 4116 m, serves as an added attraction. In this monastery you should see the beautiful sculptures and scriptures of Buddhist teachings. Religious training to the Lamas is provided here that includes dancing, singing and playing pipes and horns. Come to this monastery to see the aesthetically valued murals and books.

Another famous monastery in this region, at a distance of 17 kms from Kaza is the Tabo monastery that has also been acclaimed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Other important monasteries in the area includes Guru Ghantal Monastery, Kardang Monastery, Shashur Monastery and Tayul Gompa.

Village Attractions of Lahaul & Spiti – Begetter of Legends

Rural Charms

Beside the Buddhist pilgrimage, Lahaul and Spiti are also an important destination for all those who want to enjoy serenity and culture of the reposing Himachal culture. Take a village tours of Himachal Pradesh and see the thriving and languid existence of ritual, religion and culture in Lahaul & Spiti region.

The most famous village attractions will be that of Kaza, situated 224 kms from Manali and 425 kms from Shimla. Besides this village you cannot miss Losar, which is the first big village of the valley. Situated at the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams, in this village you should enjoy Yak and horse riding.

Illustrious Tabo Monastery Among the Yellow Fields

Other Baits to Catch the Tourists

While on a trip to Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, you cannot miss Gondhla, which is a castle built by the house of Thakurs of Gondhla. Serving as the main attractions of the area, it is located on the banks of river Chandra. The best time to visit this castle is during the month of July, when a grand fair is held where the Lamas sing and dance. Other attractions includes Sarcha, which is the last border point in Lahaul valley between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

The Opportunities For Adventure in Lahaul & Spiti are Bright

Himachal Adventure Water Sports Trekking

Skiing Mountain Sports Para Gliding

Camping Mountaineering

Lahaul and Spiti are by far the most amazing destinations for adventures in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the most popular adventure options in Lahaul and Spiti valley in Himachal are trekking, camping, mountain sports and angling. For trekking one can go to Darcha where one can indulge in trekking from Padam via Singola as well as Barlacha/Phirtsela. For camping and angling the best site in Lahaul and Spiti is Jispa which is located on the banks of river Bhaga. For other famous mountain sports you should make way for the Kunzum Pass and the Baralacha Pass that are located in close proximity.

Reaching Lahaul & Spiti – Making Way for Himachal Treasures

The best as well as the most scenic way one can reach Lahaul and Spiti is via road. Connected to all parts of the country the gateway of this valley is open during the months between June to November. You can take National highway 21 passes through this valley en route to Leh. Other two directions are from Shimla via the Spiti Valley, along the road, which runs up to the Tibetan border through Kinnaur and from Zanskar and Ladakh over the Shingo La and Baralacha La passes. The Shingo Lo gives access to Lahaul from Zanskar while the Baralacha La is on the Leh-Manali road and provides access to Lahaul from Ladakh.

The rail as well as the air routes for reaching to Lahaul and Spiti is Manali en route Rohtang Pass, which is at the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.