Things To Do In Spiti

Kaza remains the main administrative centre of the Spiti. Being the main town, travellers can enjoy sightseeing of Key Gompa, Komic Monastery, and later on, visit the local market area for the best options of shopping in Spiti. From Tibetan handicrafts to local jewellery, there are plenty of things to bargain for.

Spiti Valley trek passes through Kibber, Kaza, Komic, Hikkim, Demul, and Chemai Lepcha Pass. The tiny village of Mud in Spiti serves as a base camp for two major Himalayan treks through Pin Parvati National Park. Pin Parvati Pass Trek is one of the most challenging treks in India. It takes usually 9 days to finish this trek via 5,319-m Pin Parvati Pass that connects the fertile Kullu Valley with semi-arid Pin Valley which is a part of the Spiti Valley. One of the relatively unknown treks in Spiti Valley, Pin Bhabha Pass Trek is a spectacular trail to reach Mud Base Camp in Spiti from Kafnu village via Bhaba Pass. There are several other options for single day trekking in Spiti Valley near Kaza.

Camping in Spiti Valley allows one of the most rewarding experiences. What better way to spend the night with your friends than chatting and singing around a bonfire and watching the beautiful night skies. Camping at Chandra Tal is an unforgettable experience worth having. Another adventure activity to enjoy on a holiday is rafting in Spiti Valley. Spiti-Pin River system is ideal to conquer its white rapids between Class I and Class IV from Rangrik to Sichling and Nadang.

Celebrated in the month of July, Ladarcha Fair is probably the largest festival in Spiti Valley. Buddhist followers from Spiti, Lahaul, and Kinnaur gather in Kaza to take part in Ladarcha Fair. Travellers can enjoy shopping, music, traditional dance performances and feasts to make the most of their trip to Spiti. Ki Cham Festival, Tsheshu Festival, Gochi Festival, Tsheshu Festival, and Chakhar Mela are other notable fairs and festivals in Spiti Valley.

Situated in the higher elevations of the Himalayas, Pin Valley National Park is home to endangered animals such as snow leopards, Siberian ibex, Tibetan gazelle, and more. Make sure to explore the town of Kibber for its whitewashed mud houses and barley farms. Wildlife safaris in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary allow lucky travellers to spot elusive snow leopards, red fox, and Himalayan wolf in the winter season.

Driving through Kunzum La while coming to Kaza from Manali is one of the best things to do in Spiti Valley. The 4551-m-high Kunzum Pass forms the watershed between the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures in Spiti, Dhankar Lake is an ideal alternative. Situated at 4,270 metres near the Dhankar Monastery, this lake is a mesmerizing spot with sweeping views over the valley and of the twin peaks of Manirang. The nearby crumbling ruins of Dhankar Fort is another must-see attraction here.

Stargazing, yak safaris, and volunteering in Spiti Valley are other top things to do in Spiti. Travellers can help local communities to develop sustainable work and provide teaching or language skills to local children.