From Kaza to the Clouds: Our Spiti Adventure

On the third day of our trip from Shimla, we reached Kaza by evening. Our stay was in a small homestay run by a lady, located in the old village side. People from the old settlement often say, “This is the real Kaza,” and we couldn’t agree more. If you truly want to experience the charm of village life, this is the place—though it is a little interior, and at first feels a bit difficult to reach. I too hesitated initially, especially after learning that there was only one bathroom and two toilets, located outside the house. But once inside, the rooms felt cozy, and the warmth and hospitality of the owner quickly won us over.

Check out our complete Spiti Valley journey on our travel blog.

The next morning, we set out to explore Spiti. With just one and a half days in hand, we planned to cover Chicham Bridge, Key Monastery, Langza, Komic, Hikkim, and then return to Kaza—without realizing the surprises that awaited us.

Our first stop was Chicham Bridge, about 12 km north of Kaza. The landscape here was breathtaking, with deep gorges and rugged mountains. Standing tall at 13,596 ft, Chicham Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in Asia—a true engineering marvel in the middle of the Himalayas.

From there, we headed to Key (Ki) Monastery, also around 12 km from Kaza (and 16 km from Chicham). Over a thousand years old, Key is the largest monastery in Spiti. It preserves ancient murals, scriptures, and thangkas, standing as a symbol of resilience and faith. We explored both the old and new temples, admired the panoramic view of the valley, and during lunchtime were offered tea and prasad. The monastery also displays fascinating old photographs, utensils, and artifacts that connect you with its history.

After this peaceful experience, our adventure truly began as we moved towards Langza. Langza, often called the “Fossil Village of Spiti,” is famous for ancient marine fossils—remnants of a time when this high desert was submerged under the Tethys Sea millions of years ago. At its heart stands a majestic Buddha statue, gazing over the valley and symbolizing peace and protection.

The moment we arrived, dark clouds gathered, and strong winds brought rain across the valley. We rushed into a small coffee shop to take shelter. After about half an hour, as the weather calmed slightly, we decided to make our way back to the cab. Yet, walking even 200 meters at 4,400 m altitude was a struggle for me—it felt as if every step was slowed by the thin air.

Unfortunately, due to the weather, we could only visit the statue before moving ahead.

Our next stop was Komic Village, where we reached just in time for the monastery prayers. The monks welcomed us warmly and showed us a place to sit. Unlike many monasteries, Komic allows visitors to take pictures and videos, making the experience even more memorable. Sitting amidst the chants while rain poured outside was surreal.

On the way to Hikkim, the landscape was stunning yet intimidating. At one point, a strong spring (nala) crossed the road, cutting into the path. Though we managed to cross it with difficulty, we soon realized the risk and decided to turn back. Returning was equally challenging, but thankfully, we managed it safely, grateful for the wisdom to make the right choice.

Our journey back to Kaza was no less dramatic. We encountered falling stones along the road, and at one point, our car tire punctured. In such remote areas, getting help is never easy—but the spirit of the Spiti drivers is remarkable. They always support each other, and with their help, we were able to continue safely.

On the second day, we began hearing reports of landslides and overflowing nalas (springs cutting across the roads). This left us with little courage to venture further, so we decided to head back towards Shimla, hoping to cover Kalpa village on the way. For anyone planning a trip to Spiti, I would strongly suggest avoiding the monsoon season. The best time to travel is early winter, around October–November, when the weather is more stable without any risk.

Though the journey tested us with rain, landslides, and tough roads, Spiti gifted us unforgettable views, peaceful monasteries, and warm hospitality. It’s a place that humbles you and leaves memories that last far beyond the trip.