Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti

Spiti Valley. A part of me still hasn’t come back.

Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a desert mountain valley high up in the massive Himalayas. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India. Unlike Ladakh & Kashmir, Spiti Valley is still unexplored by people and less crowded. The picturesque landscape is unmatched to any other place I have ever been to. You can reach Spiti Valley through Shimla or through Manali.

After traveling through Spiti, you will be proud of a few things that you ticked off your bucket list. Here’s how you’re going to feel.

1. Traveling through the world’s most Treacherous Roads

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 1/26 by Rahul Shah — **You cannot miss this bus ride. They also let you sit on top if the bus is full.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 2/26 by Rahul Shah — **Check.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 3/26 by Rahul Shah — **Unbelievable Sights.**

2. Taking a dip in the mighty Spiti River

Who says only a dip in the River Ganga makes you feel pure. The clean water of the Spiti River is just so rejuvenating.

3. Extend your family

Live with a family you’ve never met before. The Local Spitians are amazing people and one of the most hospitable people I have ever come across.

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 6/26 by Rahul Shah — **Sweet Sonam**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 7/26 by Rahul Shah — **Our hosts at **Kibber** – Mr. & Mrs. Dorje (Serkong Guest House)**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 8/26 by Rahul Shah — **Rooms at the Local Home stays for about 200 – 300 INR per night.**

4. A treat to your eyes – The Majestic Himalayas

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 9/26 by Rahul Shah — **On Top of the World. Literally.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 10/26 by Rahul Shah — **The landscape of Dhankar.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 11/26 by Rahul Shah — **Image Courtesy – Siddhant Chawla**

5. The Local Diet

Never come back from a place without trying the local food.

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 12/26 by Rahul Shah — **Thukpa – A Tibetan Noodle Soup.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 13/26 by Rahul Shah — **The juiciest Apples I’ve ever tasted.**

6. The most memorable Road Trip

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between April to September when the weather conditions are not extreme. November – March is a good time only for those who can adapt to extreme cold conditions of about – 15 to – 20 degrees.

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 14/26 by Rahul Shah — **The Best Journey so far.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 15/26 by Rahul Shah — **The car wouldn’t start due to the extreme cold. We had to melt the ice by pouring some hot water. (November 2014)**

7. Visiting Ancient Monasteries

Spiti possesses a distinctive Tibetan culture as most of the people are descendants from Tibet. It is one of the least populated places in India.

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 16/26 by Rahul Shah — **The beautiful Ki Gompa – There are rooms in the monastery where tourists can stay for a minimum charge.** **Image Courtesy – Siddhant Chawla**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 17/26 by Rahul Shah — **The 1000 year old **Tabo** Gompa (Monastery).**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 18/26 by Rahul Shah — **Dhankar Gompa (Monastery)**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 19/26 by Rahul Shah — **Zimshung is a room in the Ki Gompa where the Dalai Lama stayed during his visit in the 90’s. The bed he used is still neatly preserved.**

8. Walk Of a Lifetime

Stroll through the local streets and you will see & learn so much from how the locals live their daily lives. They are never complaining & always smiling. The local architecture is also something you shouldn’t miss noticing.

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 21/26 by Rahul Shah — **Image Courtesy – Siddhant Chawla**

9. Basket Bridge Crossing

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 22/26 by Rahul Shah — Kibber to **Chicham**

To do OR not to do.

10. Touching the highs of life.

Himachal Pradesh is the home to some of the highest points in the world. I’m glad to have made it there.

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 24/26 by Rahul Shah — The Worlds Highest Post Office at **Hikkim**. Image Courtesy – Siddhant Chawla

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 25/26 by Rahul Shah — **World’s Highest Gas Station in **Kaza**.**

Photo of Himalayan Hangover - Unexplored Spiti 26/26 by Rahul Shah — **Kibber – One of the world’s highest** **villages**

This trip to Spiti Valley was surely one of the most exclusive experiences of my life. My journey with this Land is not over. I’m sure to visit this place once again or more.

Regards,

Travel Trotter India

https://traveltrotterindia.wordpress.com/