Explore A Very Beautiful Twin Valley – Lahaul And Spiti: Lahaul and Spiti lie north of the Pir Panjal Ranges. They are bordered to the northwest by Ladakh and to the east by Tibet. Because Lahaul is a different place and Spiti is a completely different place, I am referring to it as “are”. Both valleys get very little rain, but Lahaul is greener and much more fertile. Lahaul is a plateau high above the ground, surrounded by huge glaciers and uniform mountains. Spiti Valley is a cold desert made up of barren mountains and deep ravines formed by the powerful Spiti River. Lahaul has more mountain villages and is therefore more developed. Spiti and Lahaul are breathtaking in their majestic mountains.
The Journey to Lahaul and Spiti
Spiti and Lahaul are located in a remote part of the world. They can be reached by climbing the highest mountain passes. Manali is reached via the Rohtang Pass, and then the tricky Rani Nala. Kunzum La Pass is the only way to access the twin valleys from Shimla. Another route is the Pin Parbati Pass. It is a thrilling adventure to travel to Lahaul and Spiti. There are no roads, no vegetation, and no civilizations for miles around. It’s a test of endurance and resilience.
Driving from Delhi to Lahaul and Spiti is a long one. Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport. To get to Lahaul and Spiti, travelers will need to hire a taxi or take a bus. The region’s summers are hot and sunny. You should always have snow gear and woolens, no matter what season it is. Even summer nights can be cold. Winter temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Due to heavy snowfall, Rohtang Pass and Kunzum La Pass are still closed during winter.
Bike rides to Lahaul and Spiti
Bike Rides in Spiti Valley
In recent years, adventurers biking to Ladakh have been dominated by Lahaul and Spiti. Be aware that the route to Spiti can be more difficult than the one to Ladakh. Spiti, with its rugged terrain and winding roads through rivers, is an ideal destination for adventure and biking enthusiasts. Kinnaur is accessible all year. The road from Manali-Kazaa is only open between mid-June and mid-October.
Monasteries in Spiti Valley: Ki Monastery and Tabo Gompa
Tabo Montesory in Spiti Valley
There is a lot of Buddhist influence in the area due to its proximity to Tibet. In the local language, these are called gompas. Guru Ghantal Gompa, an 800-year-old Buddhist monk, is located at the confluence between the rivers Chandras and Bagha in Lahaul. Named after the blue pines that surround it, Sha-Shur monastery is known for its large thangka murals and the valuable wall paintings of all 84 Buddhist Siddhis. Spiti Valley is the main center for Buddhism in Himachal, and the monasteries there are favorites of the Dalai Lama.
The location of Ki Monastery, which is located next to the Spiti river, couldn’t have been more perfect. The Tabo gompa, a thousand-year-old Tabo, sits at an incredible elevation of 3050m and looks like a honeycomb perched on a hillside. Lahaul and Spiti monasteries are rich repositories for ancient murals, thangkas, and wood carvings as well as golden images of Padmasambhava.
Festivals in Lahaul and Spiti
Halda festive in Lahaul
Lahaul, Spiti, and many other festivals are held in their respective cities. Ladarcha Fair is the start of summer, and it’s a time for fun and entertainment. The fair attracts traders from Tibet and other parts of Himachal to trade. Another trade fair is the Tribal Festival, which is celebrated on Independence Day. You can also observe various religious occasions throughout the year, such as Pauri Fair and Tsheshu Fair, Fagli Festival, Gochi Festival, Diwali, Fagli Festival, and Diwali.
Temples to See in the Spiti Valley
Beautiful Gue Montasoty in Spiti Valley
You can also visit some stunning temples in Lahaul. The Trilokinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is surrounded by stunning hills. It is more than a thousand years old. This white, gleaming temple is located on the edge of a cliff and hosts the annual Pauri Fair which is celebrated by Buddhists as well as Hindus every August. The Markula Devi Temple was built in the Himachali style using timber-bonded stone. The temple’s walls are decorated with Kashmiri art depicting scenes from Indian mythologies. The temple’s main attraction is its silver idol.
Trekking & Exploring
trekking paths on top of a mountain
The region receives very little rain, making it a popular place to trek. Unbroken sunshine assists trekkers in exploring the wilderness of the inner Himalayas. Trekkers can cross high passes and snowfields while on a high-altitude trek. Parangla Pass is a popular trek. In recent years, this area has seen a surge in popularity for skiing as an adventure sport. It is ideal for winter sports because it has little rainfall and lots of snow, and there aren’t many tourists. You can also go on a yak ride while in Spiti Valley. This is an adventure-filled, fun activity that you won’t find anywhere else.
Lakes in the Spiti valley: Chandratal Lake, and Suraj Tal
Suraj Tal, near Bara-lacha La, Lahaul & Spiti District,
The stunning Chandratal, or moon lake, is one of the most breathtaking sights on Earth. It lies in a glacial bowl. It is surrounded on all sides by snowy hills and is worth a visit for anyone visiting Lahaul and Spiti. At 4270m, the Chandratal lake is one of the most stunning sights you will ever see. It’s located 12 km from Kunzum La. The last 1 km must have been walked. It is surreal to camp in Chandratal. It’s a magical place to camp under the stars, with meteor showers if you are lucky. You don’t have to travel all the way from Ladakh to enjoy this amazing experience. Also worth visiting are Suraj Tal Lake and Dashir Lake. Pin Valley National Park is an alpine meadow that houses rare Himalayan animals such as snow leopards or Tibetan gazelle. Lahaul and Spiti are nature at its most primitive. The twin valleys remain unspoiled by mass tourism and are unsurpassed in mountainous glory. Memories that last a lifetime include the rugged beauty of their rocky escapements and the majestic splendor of their snow-capped summits.