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Shailza Sood Dasgupta has travelled all around India and has a strong hold on the trans-Himalayan region, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Rajasthan. Her expertise lies in writing travel stories and guides. She is closely associated with major publications other than Happytrips. You can read her travel stories on http://www.flight-of-a-little-bird.com.
Road journey to Spiti, a desert mountain valley located in the Himalayas in northeast Himachal Pradesh, is the most beautiful drive I’ve done so far. One needs to be an adventure lover to enjoy this challenging journey. It will include driving on dangerous rocky terrain with no petrol pump for hundreds of kilometres as well as coping with low oxygen levels due to the high altitude. But it surely is worth all the effort. While driving towards Spiti, you’ll be amazed to see how the scenery changes drastically from green pines to rocky mountains, and how the smooth drive gets difficult and thereafter dangerous on rocky terrains. The rugged landscape, small villages and old monastic complexes will all be a part of this unforgettable journey. Spiti is accessible only by road and there are two ways to reach here, either via Shimla or via Manali. The route via Shimla is open throughout the year and the one via Manali opens with the opening of Rohtang and Kunzum passes around July. The best time to explore Spiti—the Himalayan wonder—is between the months of July and September. Following are some of the places you must visit in this beautiful destination.
If you are going to Spiti via Shimla, Nako is a beautiful stopover. Being a part of the sensitive restricted zone along the border, it can be explored only if you have an Inner Line Permit. A walk around the quaint villa...more
Between Karchham and Puh, a road branches off to Ribba—a small village that you will hardly find in any travel guide. Kasuraj Ji Temple where both Hindu gods and Buddhist deities are worshiped is worth a visit. It would ...more
Tabo is a small village situated at an altitude of 3280 m on the banks of the Spiti River. There is an old monastic complex that is believed to be the holiest of all monasteries. Many old paintings and frescos dating bac...more
Located at an altitude of 4000 m on the left bank of the Spiti River, Kaza is the largest township and commercial centre of the valley. Being centrally located, it is a good base to explore the rest of Spiti. Day trips c...more
Originating in a beautiful valley in the Himalayas, the Pin River joins the Spiti River southeast of Kaza. Around 15 km away from Kaza, the Tabo road branches off towards Pin Valley, which was bestowed upon the status of...more
Dhankar, the old capital of Spiti, was originally known as Dhakkhar (dhak meaning cliff and khar meaning fort). If you are coming from Tabo, a road branches off from the main Kaza Road at a point around 30 km away. Dhank...more
Key Monastery is the biggest monastery and a prominent religious training centre for lamas in Spiti Valley. Around 11 km drive from Kaza takes you to the gompa that is located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4166 m (1...more
What I like the most about Spiti Valley is its small villages perched high on the mountains, inhabited by lovely lively people. One such village is Kibber, which is around 16 km from Kaza and is located at an elevation o...more
Situated at an altitude of 4400 m, Langza is one of the most beautiful villages in Spiti Valley. Driving through winding uphill road for around 13 km you will find yourself in a different world altogether. Rich pasture a...more
Situated at an altitude of around 4275 m, Komic is said to be the highest village in the world with a motorable road. It’s a beautiful drive of around 18 km from Kaza to Komic. Though the drive is a bit tough you will be...more
Located between Komic and Langza, Hikkim is a small village that houses the world's highest post office. The post office appears very different from the ones seen in the cities, and is hidden somewhere amidst stone and m...more
Chandra Taal is one of the world's most photographed lakes, and rightly so as it’s simply beautiful. Driving through the magnificent landscape, you reach Kunzum Pass. The road to the lake from the pass is quite challengi...more
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