Spiti Valley, known as the middle land between India and Tibet, is a land of stark beauty and charm. Offering a captivating blend between Indian and Tibetan culture, a trip to Spiti Valley leaves you with bedazzled sights of dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries and a culture that makes you feel at home in every corner. Here’s a glimpse into five of the unforgettable cornerstones that make this unique region.
Kunzum Pass
This pass lies at the gateway to Spiti Valley, making it an essential pick as the pathway to your journey. Getting to the pass could be a journey in itself, as you trek alongside the meandering Spiti river. If you’re wondering what to look out for beforehand, the local beliefs hold that the Kunzum Devi Temple (devoted to the Goddess Durga) can bless your journey through the pass to follow.
Key Monastery
Once you’ve made it to the valley, you might as well start at the top with the largest monastery, perched majestically at an altitude of 4166 metres. The monks at the monastery dedicate their practice to Lochen Tulku, the 24th reincarnation of the great translator Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. You can even stay at the monastery while you’re there, dedicating yourself to their daily rituals and practices, amidst the captivating sights of ancient murals depicting Buddhist teachings.
Chandra Taal
Directly translating to Lake of the Moon, the Chandrataal Lake takes its name from its crescent shape and is a vision of pure serenity. Nestled between towering mountains, this lake glows turquoise at night, especially during summer, making it an incredible camping spot under the starry sky. However, do note that the temperature here drops rapidly at night.
Tabo Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage site that goes all the way back to the 10th century, the Tabo Monastery is renowned for its well-preserved mud paintings and stucco sculptures. It’s a site that truly emanates the spiritual aura filled with rich history at every turn, with several temples spread across its premises. Go for a trek and explore the story within each of the intricate pieces of art that reflects the ideals of Buddhist philosophy.
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Hikkim Village
Lastly, once you’ve reached the peak of your journey, with hopefully a touch of enlightenment and newfound understanding, it may be nice to pay a visit to the picturesque Hikkim village, home to the world’s highest post office. What better place to send a postcard of your journeys and perhaps a picture commemorating an experience you’re unlikely to forget.
