What comes to your mind when you picture a cold barren desert surrounded by tall snow clad peaks and picture perfect villages? If you cannot picture it yet or cannot think of such a place , you are mistaken. Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is exactly like that. With the vast flatlands stretched over, surrounded by mighty mountains and a river flowing through while small villages tucked in the arms of the mountains is what makes Spiti a different experience that any other place.
With its close proximity to the land of Tibet, it is also known as the Middle Land infamously. Also, owing to the location of the valley, most of the population here is Buddhist and follow the ancient traditions of Buddhism. While there a few temples in the valley, you will find a lot of beautiful monasteries out of which some are even the oldest one’s to exist. The monasteries are a perfect way to dive into the Buddhist culture and experience a different way of life led by people living there.
Let us now take a look at some of the monasteries of Spiti you must visit.
Located in the Tabo Village of Spiti Valley, this monastery is the oldest working monastery in all of Spiti. With old age architecture of mud stupas and monastery complex, the Tabo monastery is more of an experience than just a place to visit. Tabo is a small village on the way to Spiti while you are coming from Kinnaur. The monastery is worth visiting for the old carvings and manuscripts on the rocks here. You literally travel back in time as you visit the monastery. There is also a new monastery complex in Tabo which is quite bigger in size but does not have the same charm as the old one. In fact the Tabo monastery is so beautiful that Dalai Lama himself has expressed his wish of staying here after retirement. Thus, Tabo Monastery is one of the places you must visit while you are in Spiti Valley.
2) Tangyud Monastery
Spiti is known for its age old traditions and ancient ways of dealing with things. While the other monasteries are mostly used by monks for living and their prayers, the Tangyud is not an exception except one thing. The monastery is known for its occult practises that are happened here and also the history dating back to old ages. Kaza, which is the district headquarter of Spiti has another monastery by the same name which is quite bigger in size than this one. Around 80 monks live here as of today and practise their daily rituals and routine life here. The monastery is located in the village of Komic in Spiti which is regarded as the highest village in the world accessible by road. Thus, while you are here, you must visit the Tangyud Monastery to experience something different like never before. Also, NotOnMap’s House at Komik is something you must experience while you visiting here.
3) Dhankar Monastery
Considered as the capital of Spiti once upon a time, Dhankar is a town which is sure to mesmerize you with its jaw dropping views. Also, there is quite an old monastery located in the village known for its old age structure and traditions. Visit the village of Dhankar in Spiti and head out to the monastery to experience the old monastery of Dhankar. The small complex made full of stones and mud is decorated with different artifacts and every evening the priest comes to the monastery for daily prayers and rituals. You can sir in the monastery and experience the strong vibe during the prayer sessions in the evening. There is also a fort above the monastery which is worth visiting. Thus, while you are at Dhankar in Spiti, do not forget to visit the old monastery here.
4) Key/ Kye/ Kee Monastery
Among all the other monasteries of Spiti, the largest one and the most popular one is the Key Monastery. Located at around 10 kms from the town of Kaza, Key Monastery stands tall on a hill overlooking the beautiful mountains and the river flowing through. Key Monastery is home to some 250 residing monks. You must visit the monastery to see the views of the mighty valley surrounded by tall mountains. Also, while you are here, you can also stay at the monastery for a night to experience the monastic life. The experience of eating , sitting and praying with the monks is life changing altogether. Thus, while you are here, do not forget to visit the Key Monastery to witness the beautiful complex along with the experience of meeting hundreds of monks here.
Now, Spiti being in the higher altitudes of the region has a number of glaciers which are the main source of water in the villages nearby. And below the glaciers near the villages are some of the beautiful lakes which you cannot miss while you are here. While some lakes are easy to reach by road, some might require you to hike along the mountains. But do not hesitate when you are in Spiti, because its all worth it.
Let us now take a look at some of the lakes of Spiti that you must visit.
1. Dhankar Lake
Among the less popular lakes is the Dhankar Lake which is located right above the village of Dhankar in Spiti Valley. The lake is one of the most beautiful glacial lakes and you need to hike for an hour to reach here. Start off by walking on a trail from Dhankar Village and you will reach the lake in an hour. The lake is located on the top of the hill with the backdrop of the beautiful Himalayan ranges. You can spend some time here and head back in the evening to return back to the village. Thus, while you are here in Spiti, do not forget to visit this mesmerizing untouched lake.
India Hikes has been organizing Dhankar Lake Trek and many more since years now. If you wish to join them in the adventure, you can visit their website.
(Image Source- India Hikes)
2) Surya Tal Lake
Located near the famous Baralacha la pass on Leh-Manali highway, Suraj Tal Lake is another untouched lake that you must visit while in Spiti. With the spellbinding views of the surrounding mountains and pristine blue waters of lake, Suraj Tal is treat to both the eyes and the soul. You can visit the lake while you are heading to Leh via Manali. Thus, make it a point to visit Suraj Tal to witness the pristine blue waters surrounded by mighty Himalayas.
(Image Source- Walking Wanderer)
3) Sopona Lake
Spiti has a number of lakes that are only known by locals and are quite untouched. One such lake is the Sopona Lake above Mane village which you can visit to witness the splendid views of nature like never before. Mane is small village at a few kilometers before Kaza. From Mane, you need to hike for around 3-4 hours to reach the untouched lake of Sopona. It is better that you take a local person with you while you are heading there as the trail is not marked properly. But the adventure of going on a hike to a lake that is not visited by many is a different experience altogether. Thus, while you are in Spiti, do make it a point to visit Sopona Lake for some beautiful views of untouched nature.
(Image Source – DevilonWheels)
Devil on Wheels has been a reliable name in the internet blogging history for constant updates regarding treks, trail, places to stay, food and road conditions in Spiti.
Go here to have more information on Sopona Lake Trek.
4) Chandertal Lake
Among all the lakes in Spiti, the most popular one is the Chandratal lake. Located at a few kilometers ahead of Kaza, Chandratal is famous among the most of the travelers. The ride to Chandratal from Batal is one of the most bumpy and tiring ones. But trust me, when you reach the lake after a 2 hour drive, all the pain goes away in seconds. The lake is located deep inside the valley surrounded by the mighty mountains. While there are numerous options to stay for a night here, if you take your own tent, you can camp around the lake finding a spot away from the crowd. The spectacular sight of the lake on a cold starry night is something you should not miss.
Thus, visiting Chandratal Lake is a must while you are in Spiti .
(For Image Source and more Info on the lake - Varghis Khan)
In the end, Spiti Valley has a lot to offer to its tourists. Along with the mighty mountains and picture perfect villages, you must make it a point to visit the monasteries and lakes of Spiti to truly experience the untouched beauty of what it is .
(Note: Add a link to the NOM spiti exploring article here in the last line)