The human tendency to respite & enjoy is not in reaching a destination but living the journey of it.
As the summer is breaking records every year, people turn their hearts towards mountains to add memories to remember and there can’t be a better place within the heart of Himachal as good as Lahaul & Spiti.
With an aesthetic geo-location under the Pir Panjal range, Lahaul & Spiti bear below 00 temperature and remain covered with snow for the most part of the year.
The place shares borders with Ladakh in north-west and Tibet on the east. As the name reflects, the place is named after two towns: Lahaul & Spiti.
Lahaul is a high altitude (3340m) greener plateau with uncluttered mountain range and glaciers.
Spiti, on the other hand, borrows its name from the “Spiti” river. And, is relatively colder and lower of the two. Also, it is ideal for family tours and honeymooners.
So, skip the Diwali date in the USA and journey into Lahaul and Spiti.
1. Journey to Lahaul & Spiti
Though, it’s difficult to build better lanes at such steep height. The people of this valley have left no stone unturned to connect it to major roads.
Doesn’t matter if you are coming from south or east or west, you will have to reach Manali or Shimla.
Cabs are available for further journeys. But, no private vehicles can go beyond Manali on account of safety.
You may also book a flight as the nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu). It is situated 40-50km from Manali. Cabs will go through Rohtang pass and Rani Nala. Both are a great attraction for tourism.
2. Different Cultures and Religion
Sharing international fences with Tibet, the influence of Buddhist culture seems evident. In Lahaul, there is the 800-year-old Guru Ghantal Gompa located at the convergence of rivers Chandra and Bagha.
Ki Monastery situated next to the Spiti River, could not have been set on a more beautiful location. A thousand-year-old Tabo gompa is hovering on an amazing height of 3050 meters and looks like honeycomb on a hillside.
3. Other famous Buddhist monasteries include:
a. Dhankar Monastery
b. Sha Shur Monastery
c. Kardang Monastery
d. Tayul Gompa.
That doesn’t narrow the gaze of cultural diversity within the valley. Places like TrilokNath, Udaipur shows the influence of Hinduism and are groomed with carvings of Lord Shiva & Guru Padmasambhava. Excited to fly to India, yet?
When it comes to festivals, Lahaul & Spiti enjoys a wide style of Celebrations. Ladarcha fair is a festival of Tibetans celebrated during early summer and the time when tourism starts flaring.
All tribes and communities celebrate various religious occasions like Pauri Fair, Tsheshu Fair, Diwali, Fagli Festival and Gochi Festival are in good spirits and zeal.
4. Adventure: Trekking, Camping & Exploring
With rare clouds and a clear sight of sunshine most of the summer, the enthusiasm of trekkers and explorers never go down in Lahaul & Spiti.
You should be trek-ready with tents, sleeping bags, snow gear, light cooking equipment, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
They are a must for trekking in these hills. Find exclusive deals to India from the USA or the rest of the world.
Crossing Glaciers, high passes and enjoying fortune of surprising snowfall, gives that inexplicable feeling. Popular treks are Parangla Pass, Pin Parvati Pass, Baba Pass, Hampta Pass.
The good thing about Lahaul & Spiti is the least abundance of mass media & tourism, thereby the nature keeping its weather cycles intact.
The last but not the least, Chandratal or moon lake is the last place you want to miss. Also, the awe-inspiring lake is built on a glacial bowl and a scene, not comparable to any other part of the earth.
Suraj Tal Lake and Dashir Lake are also worth visiting. If your love towards animals is impatient, you can’t say no to a visit to pin valley national park. Snow leopard and Tibetan gazelle are the main attractions of this park.
With so much preserved and kept to its most primal glory. The nature of precarious Humpty mountains and glowing snowcaps will surely give you the chance to create timeless memories in this twin valley. Lastly, book in advance for the best deal on flight booking.