Kaza is the main city of Lahaul and Spiti Valley district in Himachal Pradesh. Commonly referred to as “Little Tibet,” the district is a virtual heaven on earth. Despite being a sprawling cold desert, it is a breathtaking place to visit and explore at least once in a lifetime. Situated at about 12,500 feet above the sea level and surrounded by huge mountains, Kaza is worth visiting for those who want peace and enjoy a peaceful vacation.
You can explore numerous places to visit in Kaza and its surroundings. It is a picture-perfect location wherein you can explore magnificent monasteries, deep gorges, ravines, snow-capped mountains, lush green forests and stunning lakes that dot the entire territory of Kaza as a paradise.
12 Best Places To Visit In Kaza
Let us take a look at the top 10 interesting places to visit in Kaza. The ideal time to visit Kaza would be from June to September when day temperature levels are at an average of 25 degree Celsius and at night it dips down to 3 to 4 degree Celsius. Once snowfall begins in November, roads are closed for travel till summer sets in. Plan your trip accordingly to savor nature at its best. Have a blessed tour of the following places and experience bliss.
- Key Monastery: Visit The Largest Monastery In Kaza
- Chandra Taal: Crescent-Shaped Lake Will Lure Your
- Dhankar Lake: Gape At The Changing Colors Of The Lake
- Baralacha Pass: Challenge Yourself With A Trek
- Kunzum Pass: Test Your Driving Skills
- Pin Valley National Park: Watch The Varieties Of Flora & Fauna
- Kibber Village: Visit The Namesake Wildlife Sanctuary
- Triloki Nath Temple: Explore The Temple On The Cliff
- Gandhola Monastery: Abode Of Wooden Idols
- Suraj Tal Lake: Reach The 3rd Highest Lake Of India
- Komic Village: A Town Like No Other
- Sakya Tangyud Monastery: Serenity With The Views
1. Key Monastery: Visit The Largest Monastery In Kaza
Located at an awe-inspiring altitude of 4,166 meters, Key Monastery is a noted Buddhist Monastery in the district of Lahaul & Spiti. It is the largest monastery in the region where approximately 300 Lamas get their education – a reason this institute remains one of the most important places to visit in Kaza.
Key Monastery was subjected to repeated external attacks and had to be rebuilt several times over the centuries. Consequently, its architectural beauty went for a toss and the present structure looks like an arrangement of irregular boxes. The monastery preserves rich art & craft through beautiful paintings and murals.
Location: About 190 km from Manali
How to Reach: Reach Kaza from Manali by bus and take a private bus or cab to the Monastery
Places To Stay: Tendel Homestay, Zostel Homes Kibber, Deshek homestay, Tarahomestay chicham spiti valley
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2. Chandra Taal: Crescent-Shaped Lake Will Lure Your
Chandra Taal derives its name from its crescent shape. It is at an altitude of 4,300 meters above the mean sea level and is on a plateau called Samudra Tapu in the Himalayas. It is a popular destination for trekkers and you must opt for it as it one of the top things to do in Kaza. It also attracts hundreds and thousands of enthusiasts and adventurists from across the globe.
The place has a mythological significance for it is said that Lord Indra picked up Yudhishtira, the eldest son of Pandava, from this very place. A speciality of this lake is that the water’s colour alternates between red, orange, blue and green during the day. It is an ideal place for camping, while trekking route from Batal to Chandra Taal is at about 6,000 meters high but worth the risk.
Location: Near to Kunzum Pass
How to Reach: Motorable road up to 2 km from the lake. Alternatively, it can also be reached by car from Manali in 2 hours.
Places To Stay: The Nomad’s Cottage-Losar Spiti Valley, The Nomad’s Cottage, Spiti Sojourn, Nirvana Hamta Retreat, kothi camps
Packages Starting From: ₹ 33,117/-
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3. Dhankar Lake: Gape At The Changing Colors Of The Lake
One more high altitude lake and one of the best places to visit in Kaza, Dhankar Lake is visited by a large number of people throughout the year. Situated at an elevation of 4,140 meters from the mean sea level, this lake is about 5 km away from its namesake Monastery. Also known as Sur Kund Lake, Dhankar Lake presents a rare spectacle to its visitors. The lake waters reflect the changing colours of the overhead sky at every few hours interval. Keep your cameras handy and it is undeniably a top priority among the list of places to visit in Kaza.
Location: About 32 km from Kaza
How to Reach: From Manali, reach Kaza (12 km) by bus, and from Kaza to Dhankar Lake, you can take a cab that takes about 45 minutes to reach Dhankar Lake.
Places To Stay: Tenzin homestay, Zhiwa Ling, NotOnMap – Mulche House, Zostel Homes Tabo, Namsay Homestay
Suggested Read: 15 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In December
4. Baralacha Pass: Challenge Yourself With A Trek
Baralacha pass is an exhilarating pass in the high altitude Zanskar Range of Mountains. This mountain range connects Lahaul with Leh in the Ladakh region and has an interstate highway connection. It is a highly challenging trek for adventurists, therefore, it remains an intersecting point for 3 mountain ranges namely Pir Panjal, Zanskar, and the Himalayan Mountains.
Ranked as one of the top places to visit in Kaza, Baralacha Pass is ideal for camping and trekking beside mountain biking.
How to Reach: Tourists reach here by road using personal vehicles Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs buses to & fro.
Places To Stay: TIH Himalayan Shakia Camp, Himalayan Routes Camp Sarchu, Moustache Jispa, Himalayan Spirit Camps, Hotel Yak Jispa
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5. Kunzum Pass: Test Your Driving Skills
Located on the eastern Kunzum Range of Himalayas, Kunzum Pass is considered to be one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India. Sitting lofty at an altitude of 4,551 meters above the sea level, this pass provides you with a breathtaking view of the second largest glacier in the world namely Bara-Shigri Glacier. This pass is notorious for one of the most hazardous hairpin bends on the roads. Indeed, 15 of them test the driving skills of even the most experienced navigators. Vehicle owners consider it an auspicious one to take the blessings of the Kunzum Mata, a local deity, before embarking on this thrilling journey. There is a local custom here to go around the temple in a vehicle.
Location: About 122 km from Manali, on the route to Kaza from Manali.
How to Reach: 15 km from Kaza.
When to Visit: Kunzum Pass is open from June to September. Heavy snowfall forces the authorities to stop travel on this pass during wintertime.
Places To Stay: The Nomad’s Cottage, The Nomad’s Cottage-Losar Spiti Valley, Spiti Sojourn, Nirvana Hamta Retreat, Tethys Himalayan DEN
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6. Pin Valley National Park: Watch The Varieties Of Flora & Fauna
Pin Valley National Park is a sanctuary to experience rare flora and fauna varieties. It is located in the desert habitat of the Spiti region of the Himalayas. The park elevation range is between 3,500 meters to 6,000 meters above the mean sea level. It is a visual treat for bird lovers as some of the very rare birds such as Himalayan Snowcock, Snowfinch, Snow Patridge, etc. are found here.
The park is also home to several endangered livestock and animals like Snow Leopard and the famed Siberian ibex. The area abounds twenty-two varieties of medicinal herbs out of which most are endangered besides alpine and Himalayan Cedar trees. The park is a favorite spot for adventurists and trekkers due to rough terrain which is why it is included in the top tourist places in Kaza.
Location: 27 km from Kaza
How to Reach: Car or bus takes tourists from Kaza to the National Park in 2 hours.
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7. Kibber Village: Visit The Namesake Wildlife Sanctuary
Kibber is a village in the high altitude range of 4,270 meters above the mean sea level in the Himalayas. It is noted for a monastery and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Lush green fields abound this area. Uniqueness of this village is that less than one hundred families live in it! That is why it remains one of the sought after tourist places to visit in Kaza. Indeed, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over a sprawling 2,220 sq. km. whose medicinal herbs are extensively popular. This sanctuary is home to nearly 30 snow leopards as well.
Location: 20 km from Kaza
How to Reach: Regular bus services from Kaza are available during the summers. During the rest of the seasons, private cars are available from Kaza to this village.
Places To Stay: Spiti Sarai, Lara Homestay, Hotel Deyzor, Mangalam Guest House, Spiti Village Resort, The Alpinist cafe and Retreat
Suggested Read: 11 Travel Tips For Himachal Pradesh That Will Come In Handy For Your Trip
8. Triloki Nath Temple: Explore The Temple On The Cliff
Triloki Nath Temple is a sacred abode to both Buddhists and Hindus. It is located in a village of the same name and is on the left bank of Chenab River. The shining white temple stands on a cliff at an altitude of 2,760 meters above mean sea level. Though the name suggests it to be a Hindu temple, locals consider it a Buddhist Vihara. In the earlier days, this temple had a marble idol of a Buddhist god which was reportedly stolen and has been replaced by a granite idol. Buddhist architecture and temple practices are visible here. Though not one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kaza, it is still frequented by the travellers for this temple.
Location: About 45 km from the District Headquarters Keylong and about 146 km from Manali.
How to Reach: Tourists reach here by road in the summer season while the helicopter is the source of transportation during winters. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs buses to & fro Triloknath.
Places To Stay: Spiti Sarai, Lara Home stay, Langza, Hotel Deyzor, Mangalam Guest House
Suggested Read: 17 Monuments In Himachal Pradesh For Your Vacation In The State!
9. Gandhola Monastery: Abode Of Wooden Idols
This 8th-century monastery is located on a hill at a pious junction of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers. It is perched at an altitude of 3,160 meters above mean sea level. Considered to be the oldest monastery founded by Padmasambhava, it is famous for wooden idols instead of the usual stone idols. Gandhola Monastery is equally famous for its towering seven-floor fort. It is built with alternating layers of stone and timber. It was once the abode of the local chieftain but now remains an abandoned place which is frequented by the visitors.
Location: About 18 km from the district headquarters of Keylong.
How to Reach: Private cars are available in plenty from Keylong to this monastery.
Places To Stay: Tandi Sarai, Blue Pine Camps, Tashi Yang-khil , Tashi Dhing Camping Site, TIH Siramani River Camp
Suggested Read: 7 Scintillating Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In Monsoon!
10. Suraj Tal Lake: Reach The 3rd Highest Lake Of India
Suraj Tal Lake means the Lake of Sun God. It lies below the Baralacha Pass and is considered the 3rd highest lake in India. This lake gets its water from the glaciers stemming from the Baralacha Pass. It is located in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. Being a high altitude region, this place is surrounded by mountainous terrains and is a fond destination for hikers. Also, when the area is motorable, bike expeditions are undertaken by the tourists. If you are an adventure enthusiast then you must include this place in your list of places to see in Kaza.
Location: Suraj Tal is 65 km from the district headquarters of Keylong and Lahaul Spiti districts.
How to Reach: The district is accessible by road via National Highway NH 21, popularly known as the
Leh-Manali Highway. The road leading to Suraj Tal Lake is around 3 km short of the Baralacha-La Pass.
Places To Stay: Tandi Sarai, Blue Pine Camps, Tashi Yang-khil , Tashi Dhing Camping Site, TIH Siramani River Camp
Suggested Read: Himachal Pradesh In May: 16 Places To Escape The Busy Life In Summer
11. Komic Village: A Town Like No Other
Image Credits: Sumita Roy Dutta for Wikimedia Commons Sitting at a height of 4275, Kosmic Village is one of the most exciting and tranquil tourist places in Kaza that you should visit at least once in the lifetime. This town is as colorful as its name. The traditional local houses that cover the floors of this destination are something that you would not find anywhere else. The locals here are also truly humble and helpful. You would not feel like an outsider when visiting the village. However, one might need to keep a couple of things in mind. One, there would be a few villagers who will try and sell various fossils to you. Avoid getting tempted by that as it is illegal to buy and transport fossils from there to any other destination. The second one is that the village is home to a small monastery that does not allow women to enter during prayers. It is better to respect their decision, as it’s their land. Location: About 217 km from Manali How To Reach: Reach Kaza from Manali by bus and take a private bus or cab to the Village. Places To Stay: Spiti Valley Hotel, Hotel Deyzor, Snow Lion, Hotel Spiti Heritage Himalayan Brothers
Suggested Read: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip: Everything You Need To Know From The Scratch
12. Sakya Tangyud Monastery: Serenity With The Views
Image Credits: Sumita Roy Dutta for Wikimedia Commons We talked about a small monastery that is located in the above mentioned Village. That Monastery is known as Sakya Tangyud Monastery, the only place of worship that you can find in Komic Village. This is one of the highest altitude gompas that you can find in an entire country sitting at the height of approximately 4250 meters. It is among the top tourist places in Kaza. It is located in the periphery of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and has an essence of serenity spread all around. It is also an incredible place to learn more about the religion of Buddhism. Along with peacefulness, this monastery also has some incredible views to offer! Location: About 202 km from Manali How To Reach: Reach Kaza from Manali by bus and take a private bus or cab to the Monastery Places To Stay: Spiti Valley Hotel, Hotel Deyzor, Snow Lion, Hotel Spiti Heritage Himalayan Brothers
Further Read: Shopping In Ladakh: A Detailed Guide For All Shopaholics!
Touring to some of the exciting places to visit in Kaza offers innumerable experience to travelers. From temples to Buddhist monasteries and lakes, the region has enough diversity to offer. Adventure lovers find it a great challenge to accept and trek to some amazing high mountains. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your vacation to Kaza right now and explore all these places.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Kaza
How many days are enough for exploring Kaza?
A trip of 3-4 days would be enough to witness the best of Kaza. To enjoy your vacation, you can go sightseeing and indulge in outdoor activities.
Which are the best places to visit in Kaza?
Key Monastery, Chandra Taal, Dhankar Lake, Baralacha Pass, Kunzum Pass, Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Village, Triloki Nath Temple, Gandhola Monastery, etc. are some of the best attractions in Kaza.
Can I visit Nigeria during the current Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a visit to Nigeria during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.
Which are the best things to do in Kaza?
Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy in Kaza: Spending some soulful moments in monasteries Indulging in adventurous activities Gorgin upon the local delicacies Star gazing in Dhankar Village Taking a stroll in the villages
How far is Kaza from Manali?
The distance between Kaza and Manali is about 203 km by road.
How to reach Kaza from Manali?
Kaza is accessible from different destinations by road, rail and air routes. The journey by bus or taxi from Manali takes 2 days. Alternatively, tourists can fly from Kullu, Dharamshala, Dehradun or Shimla.
What is the local cuisine of Kaza?
Being a predominantly Buddhist area, Tibetan cuisine is the most served and consumed food in Kaza. The steaming hot food is quite tasty.
What type of clothing should the tourists carry while visiting Kaza?
Kaza is a cold climate region and winters, as well as nights, witness harsh climatic conditions. However, the day temperatures during the tourist season are usually around 25 degrees celsius while night temperatures slip down up to 3 degrees. It makes it necessary to pack both, woollens as well as normal.
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