Group or Solo – Visiting the mesmerising geographies of “Spiti Valley” should be your 2024 travel motto. Ideally, the best time to visit Spiti Valley is March-June where you’ll get to experience pleasing weather perfect for adventurous activities. Although, if you want to catch sight of wildflowers blooming all over Spiti then planning a trip around July-Sep will be great. Now, if you’re someone who loves snow-capped hills or want to experience your first snowfall at Spiti then head over to this breathtaking winter wonderland in between Oct-Feb. We bet you’ll be blown away by the Spiti Valley weather during this time. There’s heavy snowfall all over which makes trekking fun, and exciting all in one go. Apart from indulging in trekking, you can visit marvellous Spiti Valley attractions simultaneously which will make you awestruck and a want to stay there forever!
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Top 8 Picturesque Spiti Valley Attractions
If you’re looking for a basic Spirit Valley travel guide but have no idea which places to cover then don’t worry we’ve got you back. In the upcoming sections, details regarding fascinating places in Spirit Valley have been mentioned along with prominent highlights about the destination. Go through them and plan your upcoming Spiti Valley journey hassle-free.
Key Monastery
Being known for its stunning Chinese interiors, “Key Monastery ” is an alluring destination to visit in Spiti. The weather here is extremely cold so make sure you’re all covered up with the best winter essentials. It was founded by Dromton and has been an educational centre for Lamas for ages. The monastery is indicated with cultural artworks, has a varied collection of historical manuscripts and enormous “Lord Buddha Statues” in dhyana position which make the environment more poised and peaceful. Cham Festival is the major highlight of this monastery around June-July. You get to enjoy cultural performances delivered by local Chaam dancers and Lamas within the monastery area.
Chandratal
Chandratal (Moon Lake) is a popular Spiti Valley photography spot. Crystal clear water, surrounded by big brownish hills and admiring nature defines the majestic beauty of this place. It’s located at a maximum altitude of 4,300 metres near the Kunzum Pass. You can enjoy moderate-level trekking, camping at this spot. During night, clear sky, shining blue water, and snow-covered mountains will be your spectacular view, which is worth capturing visual and digital memories for a lifetime. Lastly, before going here pack maximum eatables, necessary items as there are no shops available from Kunzum to Chandratal.
Tabo Monastery
9 temples built in remembrance of Tara and Buddha Maitreya are the key attractions of this monastery. The majestic Buddhist paintings, enchanting stupas, holy shrines, statues depicting local Tibet -Indian Buddhist culture, and original Buddhist legacy are the central highlights of this oldest monastery. You can visit here anytime between 9 am-5 pm. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the monastery so make sure to respect the instructions and moral values. For the best experience, you can stay here for a day and then resume your trip.
Kunzum Pass
A hubspot for motorbikes due to its thrilling route. Surrounded by the positive blessings of Goddess Kunzum it protects the passers from evil powers. Locals believe that those who visit this place should complete one round of the temple for a safe journey. Your entire journey will be packed with unforgettable experiences. On reaching here, you’ll see colorful Buddhist flags that fill up this place with a peaceful aura. You can get yourself clicked at this Spiti Valley photography spot, roam around Devi temple, and enjoy the weather. Consider visiting here during June-Sept to witness stunning views of the Chandrabhaga range.
Suraj Tal
Just like the name it means Sun Lake and is apt for capturing award-winning and Instagrammable pictures. It’s the 2nd highest lake in India which is situated at 4950 metres beyond sea levels. For the best experience, you’re advised to visit Suraj Tal somewhere around May-Oct. If you’re someone who’s fond of trekking in natural areas and loves wandering around photogenic lakes at the same time then Suraj Tal should be in your Spiti Valley travel itinerary.
Baralacha Pass
Nestled in the Zanskar range on the Manali-Leh highway, Baralacha Pass is ideal for a Spiti Valley road trip. It’s an 8km long passage which is located at 16,040 meters and offers a beautiful sight to travellers. You’ll find yourself teleported into a different world when visiting Baralacha, surrounded only with barren lands and serenity. The wildlife here is unique so make sure to sightsee Horned lark, Pica, Black Redstart, Snow Pigeons and other exotic species solely found in Baralacha.
Keylong Market
Simplistic shopping heaven in Keylong where you’ll find local clothes, mufflers, caps, and wollen shawls handcrafted by local artisans using Pashmina or Angora. There are a variety of shops available so you can visit and purchase items that fit your interest and budget. Additionally, it’s also a paradise for jewellery, ceramic crockery, and gemstones so don’t forget to get some beautiful pieces for your mother, female friends, and relatives.
Lhalung Monastery
Lhalung is widely known as “Golden Temple” as multiple gold leaf deities are kept inside the holy shrine. It’s an educational centre for Buddhist teachings and was built by a famous Buddhist mahaguru – Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century CE. Presently, it’s home to 9 composite shrines and is guarded with old Buddhist traditions and values. Outside the monastery, you’ll find a White Temple, Willow Tree which are spotlights of this monastery. The walls are studded with 50+ deities and the passage holds the evidence of old paintings that have faded with time.
Final Words
Located 4,270 metres beyond sea-level Spiti Valley attracts everyone whether you’re an extremely spiritual individual, spontaneous trekker, or oasis of tranquillity lover. You’ll fall in love with this cold desert aka middle land situated between India and Tibet. Ideally, Spiti experiences huge snowfall four times a year which makes it a cold weather spot. So what are you waiting for? Use this Spiti Valley itinerary and get set to explore Spiti – the mountainous destination showered with lush green valleys, soothing flowers, peaceful surroundings, and spiritual connection.