This Cold Desert mountain with impressive decorations and sparse population alongside awesome trekking opportunities offer a feeling of unexplored remoteness in an area yet untouched by tourism located high in the Himalayan Mountains in the north- eastern part of the Indian state.
Pristine lakes and some of the worlds’ highest inhabited villages, Spiti leaves you with picture-postcard memories of barren desert and precariously perched monasteries set against a backdrop of clear blue skies.
Short Description of Ride :
How you get to Manali is your headcache, but typically day 1 starts form here.
Manali – Jalori Pass – Rampur – Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa – Nako – Hikkim – Kaza – Kibber – Chandratal – rohtangla - Manali
1. Walk up to the Hidimba temple on one of the evenings during your stay in Manali. It’s a simple walk through some beautiful forests.
2. A beautiful forest walk connects Old Manali to the Manali market. You walk through the thick deodar forest along the Beas river as numerous birds follow you. It’s hard to believe that the road is just a few meters away.
3. You can spend some time in the Solang valley to get that adrenaline going
4. Naggar palace is well preserved and will satiate the history buff in you.
Wake up early in the morning to ride on the world's one of the toughest road of the Manali-Spiti highway. As soon as you leave Manali, the climb for the 3223 Mtr feet high Jalori Pass starts. Jalori Pass, Banjar, Soja, Kullu, Angora Rabbit Farm, Vishnu Devi Temple
Drive to Sangla valley which is also called Baspa valley, Sangla Valley is also famous for its natural beauty and few old villages. Overnight stay at the guesthouse and same day Sangla Sightseeing Visit to Chitkul on of tribal tour for Kinnaur and Spiti Valley Chitkul is the highest and the last village in the region at the height of 9000 feet above mean sea level.
Early morning wake up and start ride toward nako enroute we will visit Historical Kamru fort and maling nala. Nako Lake isa high altitude lake in the Pooh sub-division of the Kinnaur district. It forms part of the boundary of Nako village and seems that the village is half buried in the lake’s border. It is about 3,662 metres (12,014 ft) above sea level. The lake is surrounded by willow and poplar trees. Also witness suicidal point of Kalpa village.
Enter Spiti valley at Sumdo and little further we will take the link road to Gue where you will be visiting the famous mummy of the old monk. We will be visiting to Tabo monastery later drive towards kaza , also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas.
Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo, the renowned translator is said to have built this monastery. Interestingly the statues are very similar to that of Alchi monastery in Ladakh. Dhankar monastery beautifully perched on a hill top overlooking Spiti river. Kaza, the district headquarter of Spiti valley. Overnight at hotel/camps.
Key monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley and is founded in 11th Century. Little further is the beautiful Kibber village at the height of 4270 m. Visit Kibber monastery and walk around the village.
Kibber is also the starting or end point of famous Parangla trek which connects Spiti valley with Ladakh. Later drive back to for a hot lunch and there after visit Langza known for fossils and Komic village, the highest village in Asia.
Situated at an altitude of 4300 m, this lake due to its crescent shape has got the name of Chandra meaning moon and taal for lake ( the moon lake). We have to cross Kunzom Pass to reach this lake, the Pass that connects Spiti Valley with Lahaul valley.
The lake is very famous amongst the trekkers and also a must visit place for the nature lovers. One can also do trek from here to Suraj Taal or Baralachala Pass. Overnight at camp.
This day is Very important day today you have to start ride by early morning because you have to cross this day 14 to 15 water fall and also this is the last days of your bike trip and you have to climb a Famous Rohtang pass. Overnight journey in Manali.
2 yo 3 Buffer days to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
A bit of Q&A ?!
Is Spiti Valley Worth It?
A lot of people get confused between whether to visit Ladakh or Spiti Valley and then they think about whether or not Spiti Valley is worth visiting. If I am to answer this in a single sentence, yes Spiti Valley is definitely worth every minute or penny that you spend here.
When to visit Spiti Valley?
Spiti valley is open by road for all 12 months. When to go to Spiti will really depend on what your preference is but majority of the tourism happens in the months from June till September. This is the time when both the routes; from Shimla and Manali; remain open.
Permits for Spiti Valley?
Permits for Spiti Valley remain to be a topic of confusion really. Take a look at the articles below and these should help clarify any doubts. In a nutshell, as an Indian citizen, you do not need a permit for Spiti Valley. Irrespective of whether you are an Indian or foreigner, you will definitely have to obtain a permit for Rohtang Pass.
Spiti Valley with Family ?
Not too long ago, Spiti Valley was considered a place only for the adventurous type and motorcycle enthusiasts. Back then, people were not even aware of the name ‘Spiti Valley’ and the ones who were knew of it as a region close to the border and where no one goes. Much however has changed in recent times. The number of people visiting Spiti now increases by each passing year and the place is slowly getting transformed into a tourist hotspot.
Time Needed for Spiti Valley Trip
It will entirely depend on where you were coming from and your mode of travel. But assuming Delhi as a starting point, a total of 9 days is what I will recommend for this journey.
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