The Best Things to See and Do in Spiti Valley, India

Spiti is a religious and cultural center for Buddhists, and many Buddhist monasteries are scattered throughout the valley. The biggest Tibetan monastery is the fort-like Key (Ki) Monastery, set at an elevation of 4,166 meters (13,668 ft) and overlooking the Spiti River. Otherwise known as Key Gompa, this monastery was built in the Pasada style of architecture. The interiors are adorned with unique and rare Thangkas, ancient murals and weapons, along with the images of Gautam Buddha. The scenic backdrop provided by the snow-laden peaks and glaciers add to its charm.

Try visiting this monastery in late July, during the annual three-day Chaam festival, where masked dances, spinning prayer wheels and ancient rituals will transport you into the spiritual trance.

Tip: Trek your way to the monastery or rent a car/hitch-hike. There are no eateries there, so pack some food to take. The best time to visit is May to October.

Key Monastery, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

There are several more Tibetan monasteries worth-visiting. The Tabo Monastery dates back to 996 AD and houses nine temples of Tara and Maitreye Buddha, meditative caves where you can contemplate in peace, 23 chortens, ancient paintings and murals, and Tibetan artwork. The Lhalung Monastery is the center of Buddhist teachings, and often referred to as the Golden Temple, owing to its gold-leaf deities in the shrine. Other monasteries worth visiting are Dhankar, Gandhola and Komic Gompa.

Tabo Monastery, Tabo, Spiti Valley.

Dhankar Monastery, Sichling-Dhankhar Gompa, Dhankhar, Himachal Pradesh.

Komic Gompa.

Be one with nature at the emerald-green Suraj Taal, meaning ‘Lake of the Sun God’. Fed with the Bara-lacha-la Glacier, it is the third highest lake in the country, at an altitude of 4,883 meters (16,020 ft). The area around the lake is perfect for mountain biking and trekking. It also happens to be a pit-stop for trekkers and mountain bikers on the famous Manali-Leh trail.

Suraj Tal.

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, trek to the Dhankar Lake, perched above the Dhankar Monastery. The trek is a bit arduous, but those who take up the challenge are rewarded with the jaw-dropping vistas of the mountains, crystal-clear lake water, and picturesque villages below.

Dhankar Lake.

Joining a trekking expedition for as little as two days or as long as ten will allow you to camp out or sleep in tiny hamlets along the way. The Spiti Valley offers all kinds of trekking trails and of varying grades of difficulty. Some of the popular ones are:

the Pin Parvati Pass trek, a ten-day trip that passes through tiny hamlets tucked in the barren mountains; 5,319 meters (17,450 ft);
the Pin Bhabha trek, a seven-day trip; 4,907 meters (16,100 ft);
the Parang La trek, a nine-day trip; 5,486 meters (18,000 ft);
the Kanamo Peak trek, another challenging seven-day trek; 6,705 meters (22,000 ft);
the Baralacha Pass, the highest mountain pass, at 4,890 meters (16,040 ft).
Chandra Taal Lake, a moderate trek.

All these treks require a certain level of fitness and can be a bit physically taxing, but worth it for the views.

Village to village treks are also possible, like Kaza to Langza, Komic to Lalung via Demul, Lalung to Kaza via Dhankar and Tabo.

Perched at 3,200 meters (10,499 ft), the village of Giu is home to a 500-year old mummy kept in a glass chamber. It’s a naturally preserved ,with hair and teeth intact. According to local folklore, the mummy is of a meditating lama, whose body was buried under a glacier during an avalanche, remaining there for more than 500 years until it was found by Indo-Tibetan police force personnel. Some consider it a living god and believe it has been looking after the hamlet for centuries. There are many explanations for its existence, but whatever the truth, it is worth visiting.

To experience Spiti like a local, opt for a local ride; that is, a yak safari. Almost all village families have at least one yak. If you aren’t up for trekking, this is a perfect alternative.

Adrenaline junkies looking for more than a yak safari or trekking should go whitewater rafting. Snowy mountains, hilltop monasteries, whitewashed settlements and wonderful scenery around every bend, Spiti is a perfect place to enjoy this water sport. The Spiti and Pin Rivers offer whitewater rafting opportunities.

To experience true local hospitality, explore the charming villages of Spiti Valley. Discover how the inhabitants of the valley survive the cold weather, and indulge in local cuisine. Some villages worth exploring are:

Kibber, at 4,270 meters (14,009 ft), with a Gompa and monastery;
Komic, Asia’s highest motorable village, at 4,587 meters (15,049 ft), and a camper’s and trekker’s paradise;
Langza, at 4,400 meters (14,435 ft), known for its marine fossils.

Other villages include Demul, Dhankar and Llalung.

Kibber, Himachal Pradesh.

Komic, Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.

Langza, Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.