Spiti Travel Guide & Tips

Weather

Before chalking out a Spiti Valley trip plan, it is prudent to know when to visit it and when to avoid. Mid of May to September is the best time to visit Spiti Valley as it is during these months when the region is blessed by summers and weather is pleasant during the day. Spiti Valley roads are also accessible, facilitating bikers to enjoy Spiti Valley bike tours. During monsoons, the region witnesses frequent downpours and landslides. October to February is the least advisable time for a visit to Spiti as the region experiences extreme winters. The roads connecting Spiti Valley to the rest of India are cut-off most of the time in this season. Spiti Valley in winters turns a desert that is generously covered in thick sheets of snow. Thus, a Spiti Valley road trip should be avoided during this season.

Food

Culinary treats are among the best things about Spiti Valley. The cuisine serves an eclectic blend of various flavors such as North Indian and Israeli, dominated by Tibetan tastes. Barley is the main food source that is used in various food items such as laddoos of roasted flour and breakfast cereal called thungpa. A Spiti Valley trip is incomplete without relishing momos, thukpa, and butter tea. In addition, flavoured and aromatic teas such as those with garnishes of lemon, mint, ginger, honey are quite popular. Arrack or Arkah (barley whisky) and Chang (barley beer) are also enjoyed here.

Shopping

Every Spiti Valley itinerary should keep some spare time for shopping. Carpets, pure wool shawls, woolen clothes, bedroom slippers made of grass, Chinese ceramic utensils, and stone gems and local jewelry are must buy items. Government hand-loom centre and co-operative society run shops are best places to buy these items.

City Attractions

The incredible Spiti magnetizes tourists to its surreal landscapes and glaciers. Usually visited by bikers and trekkers, Spiti is loved by nature lovers as well. Some of the Spiti Valley attractions are Tabo monastery - a home to some Ajanta like paintings, Gandhola Monastery, Lhalung Monastery, Chandra Taal, Suraj Taal, Kunzum Pass, and Pin Valley National Park.

Festivals

When vacationers visit Spiti Valley, fairs and festivals enrich their holiday. Some of them are -

§  Dechhang – Celebrated in December-January, this is a community celebration.

§  Lossar – Celebrated in February, Lossar marks the start of a new year and is celebrated in all the monasteries.

§  Ladaracha fair – Held in every July in Kaza, Ladarcha is a traditional trade fair.

§  Tribal Fair – Keylong town hosts this fair from 14th to 16th August.

§  Chakhar Mela – Celebrated in last week of September, only once in every three years.

§  Tsheshu Festival - At the monasteries of Shashur, Gemur, Kye, Kardang, Tabo, and Mane, this festival is celebrated in June.

Correctly known as ‘Little Tibet’, Spiti is a cold and sprawling desert that is blessed immensely by Mother Nature. The region is dotted by deep ravines and gorges, in addition to other aspects that make it a picture postcard beauty. A visit to this breathtaking landscape is precious enough to overlook the Spiti Valley tour cost. This, a vacation with a detailed Spiti Valley travel guide imparts memories to treasure.