20 Interesting Facts about Spiti Valley you Should Know

Tripoto
20th Jul 2020
Photo of 20 Interesting Facts about Spiti Valley you Should Know by TheHimalayanGypsy
Photo of 20 Interesting Facts about Spiti Valley you Should Know 1/1 by TheHimalayanGypsy
Key Gompa, Key Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

1. The name "Spiti" means "The middle land", i.e. the land between Tibet and India.

2. The road to Spiti Valley remains open all round the year through Shimla – Kinnaur while the road from Manali side closes in winter as soon as Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass close.

3. Late May to June is the best season to visit Spiti Valley as the temperature rises above the 0 degree celsius which makes traveling possible in this area. The temperature in Spiti Valley in June ranges between 0 and 15 degree celsius which makes it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

4. In Spiti, the only petrol pump is at Kaza.

5. Bara Shigri is the largest glacier located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the second longest glacier in Himalaya after Gangotri, both are around 30 km long. The glacier is located in the Chandra Valley of Lahaul. The glacier feeds the Chenab River.

6. The Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to retire to Tabo, since he maintains that the Tabo Monastery is one of the holiest.

7. Tourists from outside India need inner line permits to enter Spiti through Kinnaur. Click here for more info on that.

8. Hikkim Village near Kaza is one of the highest year-round inhabited locations in India, with residences from 4330 to 4400 meters.

9. Hikkim is credited to have the World’s highest Polling Station.

10. Key monastery is the highest altitude monastery in India at 4166 meters and is second highest in the world.

11. Tabo monastery is referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” and is also declared as a World heritage site by UNESCO. It is situated at 3500 metres above sea level. Tabo monastery was built in 996 AD and is more than 1000 years old.

12. It is also credited to have the World’s highest post office. The Pin code is 172114.

13. Lahaul Spiti is the 2nd Least populous district out of 640 districts in India with a population of 31564, according to 2011 census.

14. The 500+ years old Giu Mummy in the village of Spiti is supposedly, of a Buddhist lama. Discovered officially by ITBP forces that were working on a road in the region, it's believed to have hair and nails that are still growing!

15. Spiti is considered one of the most fossil rich areas in the world by the Geological Survey of India and the Geological Society of America.

16. Here is the direct map link for Spiti Valley: https://goo.gl/maps/WmqZtNezxQH4YmFMA

17. Spiti is surrounded by Tibet in the East, Ladakh in the North, Kullu and Lahaul in the South and Kinnaur in the South East

18. Spiti Valley is scarcely inhabited with the majority of the population being Tibetans

19. The world’s highest village Komic, is situated in Spiti. It also boasts of having the world’s highest post office and polling station in the village of Hikkim.

20. At 4587m The Tantric Tangyud Gompa is claimed to be the highest monastery in all of Asia.

For a complete itinerary on this trip, click here.