If you don’t believe heaven exists on Earth, you must explore the surreal and enthralling Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. I am sure your belief will change. Aptly tagged as ‘Little Tibet’ – this rugged and sprawling cold desert is rough, barren yet totally stunning. Surrounded by deep ravines and gorges, the picture postcard beauty of Spiti and its top attractions will make your jaw drop in amusement. Vibrant monasteries, picturesque hamlets, snow-laden mountains, plush forests and marvellous lakes build up to the list of most fascinating places to visit in Spiti Valley. Before we move on to the must-see places in Spiti, here is some essential info on how to reach and best time to visit Spiti.
26 Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley
Are you planning a vacation to Spiti Valley and looking for the popular attractions here? Here is a list of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley that you must know about for a heartwarming holiday.
1. Key Monastery – For A Spiritual Experience
Key Monastery or Kye Gompa is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti valley, located in the Kaza region. Overlooking the Spiti River at an altitude of 4112 m, Key Monastery is one of the biggest gompas known for the stunning Buddha shrine, ancient books, manuscripts, and murals. With its fort like structure resembling Chinese theme, a gorgeous assembly hall, and charming Tengyur room, Key monastery is surely one of the mesmerising places to visit in Kaza and Spiti Valley. The place is part of almost all the Spiti Valley sightseeing tours.
Best time to visit: May to September
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Railway Station
Famous for: Chinese interiors
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2. Tabo Monastery – One Of The Best Attractions
Well-known for its majestic paintings, Tabo Monastery is one of the ancient places to visit in Spiti valley. It has 9 temples of Tara and Buddha Maitreya and multiple Stupas that are the key attractions of the monastery. Other things worth seeing are various stucco sculptures of Bodhisattvas, marvellous wall paintings, and works of Buddha. Photography is not allowed inside the Gompa premises.
Best time to visit: May to October
Nearest railway station: Kalka Railway Station
Nearest airport: Kullu Airport
Famous for: temples
3. Lhalung Monastery – Historicity And Spirituality
Lhalung is one of the earliest monasteries of Spiti, founded by Rinchen Zangpo– a Buddhist Mahaguru. Adorned by complex of 9 shrines, this ancient monastery is considered as a hub of Buddhist teachings. Also, Lhalung is sometimes called as Golden Temple because of various gold leaf deities kept in its shrine.
Best time to visit: mid-May to September
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Railway Station
Famous for: historicity and architecture
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4. Gandhola Monastery – Witness The Heritage
Founded by Padma Sambhava, Gandhola Monastery is almost 800 years old and is famous for wooden idols and shrines. Situated at the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga – this monastery is simple and basic – yet has a heritage value.
Best time to visit: May to October
Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station
Nearest airport: Kullu Airport
Famous for: historicity
5. Chandratal – Ideal For Photography
If waterbodies bring alive the poet in you, Chadratal is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Lahaul, Spiti Valley. The name has been derived from its crescent moon-line shape. Located near Kunzum Pass, this sparkling scenic wonder is a photographer’s paradise. Also, the crystal blue water surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains make it an idyllic destination for camping and trekking.
Best time to visit: June to September
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar airport
Famous for: views
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6. Suraj Tal – For Adventurers And Nature Lovers
Suraj Tal, which literally means the Sun Lake, is one of the most photogenic places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti. Located close to Baralacha Pass, this spectacular lake is frequented mostly by nature lovers, ardent trekkers, and photographers. To see it at its colorful best, visit Suraj Tal during the summer months of May to October.
Best time to visit: mid-May to mid-October
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Railway Station
Famous for: trekking, sightseeing, photography
7. Dhankar Lake – A Sight Worth Beholding
Undeniably one of the mesmerising things to see in Spiti valley, Dhankar or Sar Kund Lake is a fabulous natural lake perched on a cliff at 4270 m. A slightly challenging trek leads to this scenic lake, where heavenly views of clear lake water and breathtaking mountains wash off the weariness of the trek.
Best time to visit: May to September
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Railway Station
Famous for: sightseeing
8. Kunzum Pass – Trekkers’ Paradise
Snuggled in Kunzum Range at 4590 m, Kunzum mountain pass bridges Kullu and Lahaul Valley with Spiti Valley. This is an important place on the Spiti valley map. The region offers a jaw dropping vistas of Chandrabhaga Range and can be accessed by trekking from Chandratal Lake. The vibrant Buddhist flags and an age old Devi temple enhance the beauty of this topographical wonder.
Best time to visit: June to September
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
Famous for: Chandrabhaga views
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9. Baralacha Pass – Breathtaking Views
Besides being a nexus for multiple hilly roads between Lahaul and Ladakh, Baralacha on Manali-Leh Highway in Zanskar is one of the most challenging passes for adventurous travelers. It is here that you can see the intersection of Pir Panjal, The Great Himalayan and Zanskar ranges. Bhaga and Yunam rivers on the sides add to the beauty of the pass. One of enthralling tourist places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti, it is ideal for camping, trekking, and mountain biking as well. If you are planning a Ladakh road trip with your partner or your friends, Baralacha in Spiti will be one of the best experiences you take home.
Best time to visit: April to October
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
Famous for: camping, biking, trekking
10. Pin Valley National Park – For Flora And Fauna
Located by the semi frozen streams, Pin Valley National Park is a rich bio reserve of rare to endangered flora and fauna, which makes it one of the most thrilling places to see in Spiti valley. The Park’s sprawling reserve is home to snow leopards, snowcocks, chukar partridges, and Siberian ibex. Many medicinal plants, alpine vegetation, cedar and deodar trees are commonly seen here too. With the backdrop of stunning Himalayas, this Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is ideal for adventure lovers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and bird watchers.
Best time to visit: July to October
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
Famous for: flora and fauna
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11. Kibber – Awe-Striking Hamlet
Spiti Valley has some of the most picture perfect hilly hamlets and Kibber is one of them. Frequented by adventure freaks and hard core trekkers, it is surely one of the most picturesque yet challenging places to visit in Spiti valley. Locally called Kyibar, Kibber is a small village located at 4205 m that has its own monastery and Gompa, and offers breathtaking view of the surroundings. It is also an important stop of the Spiti Valley Trek.
Best time to visit: May to July
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
Famous for: local culture
12. Losar – Serene Tourist Site
Losar – one of the must visit places of Spiti – is placed right next to Indo-Chinese border, at the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams. It is one of the pristine villages in Spiti largely untouched by tourism. As a result, food and stay options are very limited. However the mesmerizing beauty of the village makes up for lack of comfort and luxury. Visit Losar for its spectacular views, sparkling rivers and lakes and sizzling waterfalls.
Best time to visit: March to June; October to November
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar
Famous for: view of Indo-Chinese border
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13. Udaipur – Vibrant Tourist Place
Famed for Marikula Mata Temple, Udaipur is one of the most picturesque places of Spiti. It is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Buddhists and is equally popular among backpackers and trekkers. Its location is also spot on – right by the Chandrabhaga River bank. But what completely bowls you over is the stunning scenery – you can never have enough of its vibrance.
Best time to visit: March to June; October to November
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Best time to visit: May to mid-October
Famous for: religious experience
14. Komik – For Trekking And Camping
Yes, Komik is world’s highest village with a road. Roughly 20 km from Kaza, it is a small, beautiful village located at 18,000 feet above sea level. Nothing less than paradise, Komik is a trekker and camper’s dream. But remember, there is nothing fancy about it. The weather conditions are harsh and the terrains are tough to tread.
Best time to visit: March to June
Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station
Nearest airport: Murcia Airport
Famous for: trekking, hiking, camping
15. Darcha – Witness The Local Culture
With just about 300 inhabitants, Darcha is that isolated cluster where all your camping goals come to life. Lifestyle in here is simple, yet beautiful. Wake up to the valley views, and enjoy local delights as you spend your time in Darcha.
Best time to visit: March to June
Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar
Famous for: views
16. Trilokinath Temple – A Religious Experience
One of the top places to visit in Spiti, Trilokinath temple holds a great value in the hearts of both locals as well as tourists. Located in Tunde village, the temple sits on a cliff and offers amazing views of the surroundings.
Best time to visit: March to June
Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar
Famous for: architecture, historicity
17. Shashur Monastery – Views And More
This monastery has got its name from the blue pines that surround it. The monastery has three storeys. It gives breathtaking views of the surroundings. This is one of the best Spiti Valley tourist places whether you are visiting with family or friends.
Best time to visit: May to early November
Nearest railway station: Ahju Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar
Famous for: location and interiors
18. Tayul Monastery – Religiously Rich Site
Home to the biggest statue of PadmaSambhava, this monastery is one of the places you must visit while holidaying in Spiti. The gompa of the monastery incorporates mani wheels and it is believed that they let the visitors receive the compassion of God.
Best time to visit: May to November
Nearest railway station: Ahju Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar
Famous for: Religious site
19. Kardang Monastery – Beside The Beautiful Baga River
Located near the Bhaga river, this monastery is nestled amidst lush greenery and picturesque mountains. It will give peace and tranquility to your mind and soul like never before. The monastery has a white building decorated with prayer flags that gives the most positive feeling! This is amongst the best places in Spiti Valley.
Best time to visit: May to November
Nearest railway station: Ahju Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar
Famous for: location
20. Tangyud Monastery – Awe-Striking Architecture
This monastery is unique because of the fact that its structure is in the form of castle. The castle type monastery has huge mud walls and is situated at the edge of a canyon. For a thrilling experience, you must visit this monastery!
Best time to visit: May to early November
Nearest railway station: Mandi Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar, Kullu
Famous for: architecture
21. Keylong Market – Shopaholics’ Paradise
If you want to have a great shopping experience, then you must visit the famous Keylong Market. This is the place where you’ll get a variety of woolen items like mufflers, shawls, caps, and more. You can even buy some of the most beautifully designed traditional jewelry, ceramic items, and stones.
Best time to visit: May to October
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport
Nearest railway station: Keylong Railway Station
Famous for: woolen clothing accessories
22. Kungri Monastery – Second Oldest Monastery
One of the best highlights in Pin Valley, Kungri Monastery is considered to be an attraction worth visiting owing to its religious and traditional beauty. It ranks second amongst the oldest monasteries in Spiti. The monastery is frequented by various tourists, pilgrims, as well as scholars of Buddhism.
Best time to visit: May to early November
Nearest airport: Kullu Manali Airport
Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station
Famous for: Religious site
23. Sarchu – Backpackers’ Favorite
This town lies around the periphery of Ladakh and Himachal and is also known by the name Sir Bhum Chun. Established at a height of 4,290 meters, this town is enveloped within Baralacha La mountains and Lachulung La. This place is admired as one of the best camping sites in Spiti Valley and finds its place in the travel plans of dedicated backpackers.
Best time to visit: May to September
Nearest airport: Gaggal Airport
Nearest railway station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Famous for: Camping
24. Tashigang – Isolated Haven
Established on the banks of Sutlej River, Tashigang is a beautiful village that lies at the highest point of Spiti Valley, that is 4,650 meters. The village comprises only 4 houses and the whole population has around 6 families. This is one of the best Spiti Valley tourist places for those who want to explore the offbeat regions here.
Best time to visit: October to December; April to May
Nearest railway station: Chandigarh
Nearest airport: Yongphulla Airport
Famous for: local sightseeing
25. Nako Lake – Natural Beauty Amidst Mountains
This is one of the most mesmerising places to see in Spiti Valley, as it is an eye-pleasing reservoir that is covered by greenery from all the directions. The serenity and heartwarming beauty of this lake will keep you hooked throughout your visit. There are 4 amazing temples that are based on Tibetan religious aspects and are known for their historicity.
Best time to visit: April to October
Nearest airport: Shimla Airport
Nearest railway station: Dehradun Railway Station
Famous for: sightseeing, hiking
26. Dhankar Monastery – Serene Ambiance
Dhankar Monastery, also known as Dhangkar Gampa is located in Lahaul district of Spiti. Perched at an altitude of 12,774 feet, this peaceful monastery is known for offering panoramic views of the entire Spiti Valley. The monastery was built around 1000 years ago and overlooks the stunning confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers.
Best time to visit: May to September
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Railway Station
Famous for: Religious site
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Where To Stay In Spiti
There are few hotels and guest houses in Spiti valley such as Sakya Abode and Spiti Valley Hotel. During peak season, hotels and guests houses get occupied first. If stuck in such a situation, you can always opt for warm mountain hospitality offered at homestays in Spiti. There are many decent homestays with all basic living amenities, perfectly suitable for trekkers and solo travelers.
How To Reach Spiti Valley
Being a remote destination, Spiti Valley is not easily accessible. With no railhead or airport in vicinity, the best way to reach Spiti is by road. You can easily drive from Kalka, Shimla, Kullu, Manali or Chandigarh to reach Spiti. Paths from these destinations cut through lofty mountains and gorges making for a delightful view. To reach Spiti valley from Delhi, you can take a train to Shimla (the nearest railhead) and then drive from there.
Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley
The best time to visit Lahaul Spiti valley is from June to September. The weather in these months is comfortable with a pleasant 25 degrees during daytime and quite chilly 3 to 4 degrees during night. The best season to travel on road to Spiti valley is the summer. Before that, the roads remain closed for almost 6 months due to heavy snowfall.
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This list of places to visit in Spiti Valley is the perfect guide for your Spiti expedition. Now, you can have a perfect vacation in the beautiful valley. Plan your Spiti itinerary with our experts and book a trip to Spiti with TravelTriangle for the most soul-stirring experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Spiti Valley
Is there any covid test required in order to enter Spiti valley?
Yes, a negative covid report is mandatory in order to enter Spiti valley. The test report should be of 72 to 96 hours before arrival. You can follow the latest news or check for updates online before travelling to the destination. After arrival as well make sure to follow all the SOPs and guidelines issued by the government.
What is Spiti valley famous for?
Spiti valley is famous for its monasteries. Tabo monastery, for instance, is one of the prime attractions in Spiti. The walls are painted with forms of Tara and Buddha Maitreya. It consists of 9 temples and several stupas.
Is Spiti valley open?
In the months of April-May, the snow in Spiti starts to melt rapidly and most of the link road open up. An 8 days Spiti valley trip during this period is sufficient to explore every nook and cranny.
What can you buy in Spiti valley?
You can buy a range of items in Spiti valley like sea buckthorn tea, socks, sweaters, shawls, roasted barley, cheese, barley powder, and more such exotic items.
How can I go to Manali from Spiti valley?
You can reach Manali from Spiti valley in 1 day via a state-owned bus or Volvo. The distance between Manali and Spiti valley is 196 kilometres. It takes 5-6 hours to complete this journey.
Is Spiti valley dangerous?
The roads leading to Spiti valley are the most dangerous roads and one of the toughest roads to drive on. They are pretty narrow, steep, and covered with gravel. They are definitely far more challenging than the Leh-Manali highway.
How do I get to Spiti Valley?
The nearest railway station to Spiti is in Shimla. Having said that, we would advise you to book a government bus or a Volvo from Kashmere Gate ISBT, Delhi. It will take you around 17 hours to reach Spiti by road.
How can I go to Spiti valley from Mumbai?
You can take a flight from Mumbai to Delhi. From Delhi, you can book a Volvo or a government bus to reach Spiti.
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