Ah, Spiti Valley! The very name evokes images of rugged mountains, serene monasteries, and the thrill of adventure.
But did you know it’s also a fantastic destination for a family vacation? Yes, Spiti isn’t just for the hardcore trekkers; it’s a treasure trove of experiences perfect for families.
Let me take you through some of the Best Places to Visit in Spiti Valley with Family.
About Spiti
Spiti Valley is a cold desert in the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is translated as ‘The Middle Land,’ and it is located between Tibet and India.
Also known as ‘Little Tibet,’ this place has breathtaking landscapes, peaceful monasteries, and magical rivers and lakes. Tours and treks here have become a treat for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Spiti Valley’s wild cold desert, lush forests, and scenic mountains are a treat to the sore eyes of city dwellers.
The Best Time To Visit Lahaul Spiti Valley
The best time to visit Lahaul Spiti Valley is from June to September.
The day temperatures can be pleasant to the extent of 25 degrees Celsius, but the nights can become very cold with temperatures ranging between 3-4 degrees Celsius.
During winters, Spiti Valley is like a wonderland with snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes.
Most of the roads remain closed because of the heavy snowfall, but it can be approached through the Shimla side.
Key Monastery
Key Monastery is one of the most famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India located at 4,166 meters above sea level near the Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh.
It is also known as Kye Monastery and Ki Monastery. It is believed to have been founded in the 11th century by Dromton, who was a student of the great guru Atisha.
The monastery contains Buddha idols in the Dhyana position and has collections of ancient books and murals.
Key Monastery is more than a thousand years old and is one of the oldest and largest monasteries. This is a training monastery for 300 lamas.
This place has faced several attacks. The Kye Monastery ended its thousandth year in 2000 with the Dalai Lama.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Key Monastery
1. Take enough cash with you as Kaza has only one or two ATMs that may sometimes run out of cash.
2. The monastery offers stay facilities in case of advance intimation. This is a nice experience of the life of monks and their interaction with one another. The rate is as low as INR 250 per night along with meals.
3. The top attraction is the Cham festival which is celebrated annually in June or July where cham dancers perform along with lamas.
Chandratal Lake
The Chandratal Lake is located at an elevation of 4300 meters, at the source of the Chandra River, lying in Samudra Tapu on a plateau in Lahaul.
Chandra Taal, or Moon Lake, is named such for its crescent shape. It is one of the two high-altitude Ramsar sites in India. It was once a stop for Tibetan traders, but now many adventure seekers visit this place.
Locals have also been narrating tales about how God Indra had taken Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, into his chariot next to the lake.
This story proves the sanctity of the lake and makes it extra attractive to Hindu devotees.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Chandratal Lake
- Chandratal Lake is a formerly favored camping ground. Now camps have been banned within 3 km from its boundaries.
- The Chandratal Baralacha trek is the most famous attraction of Chandratal Lake.
- The trek from Batal to Chandratal Lake is quite a long and tedious trail but the stunning views make it all worth it.
Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley National Park is located in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve of Lahaul and Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh, over semi-frozen rivers.
The park ranges from 3,500 to over 6,000 meters in elevation. It is home to rare Himalayan snow leopards and ibex.
The Pin Valley National Park is famous for a fantastic trek, quite exciting due to the deep cover of snow for all time. Obtain permits. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the park.
The core area covers about 675 sq km with a buffer zone of almost 1150 sq km. Currently, Pin Valley Park hosts more than 20 species.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Pin Valley
- A well-informed and educated guide is essential, and make sure you iron out all minor details well in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
- There will be no food stops along the way. It’s generally a good idea to bring your own meals while trekking.
- Pin Valley does not provide adequate accommodation for trekkers. Most tourists bring their own sleeping bags and tents. Mud Farka allows camping.
Tabo Monastery
The Tabo Monastery, standing tall and powerful at a staggering height of 10,000 feet, is one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti Valley’s Tabo village.
This beautiful monastery is known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’.
This culturally significant heritage monument, spanning 6300 square kilometers in the freezing desert of the Tabo Valley and surrounded by thick mud brick walls, is widely respected by Buddhist monks and ranks second only to Tibet’s Tholing Gompa.
Yeshe-O, the famous Buddhist king, built the Tabo Monastery, which is today a treasured treasure to the Buddhist community.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Tabo Monastery
1. To get the most out of the monastery, stay for one night at the guest house.
2. Because temperatures remain low throughout the year, heavy woolen clothing is required.
3. Bring a torch, as there is no electricity at the monastery. It is always advisable to ask a monk to join you when exploring the monastery because monks are quite knowledgeable about the history of the region.
Dhankar Lake
At 4,270 meters above sea level, the lake is a 1.5-hour high-altitude hike from the village’s Dhankar Monastery.
It takes roughly an hour to get to the lake by following a well-marked trail from the monastery.
The 40-minute climb to the lake’s steep gradient might be quite exhausting for someone with poor cardiovascular health or respiratory issues.
If you spend enough time at the lake, you may see the sky change hues and reflect on the crystal-like lake, making it more spellbinding each time, in just a few hours.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Dhankar Lake
- To avoid emergencies in a high-altitude environment, you must carry an oxygen supply.
- Carry an adequate supply of basic items because there are few to no shops in this area.
- Dhankar Lake has been named one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites; therefore, do not contaminate the environment or put waste into it.
Suraj Tal
Suraj Tal Lake, located at an elevation of 4950 m above sea level, is India’s third largest lake. Suraj Tale means ‘The Lake of the Sun God’.
The stunning lake just below the Baralacha Pass is a must-see, especially for photographers. Suraj Tal is a popular destination for those who are both adventurous and religious.
Many people believe that taking a dip in the lake cleanses them of their sins, so it is considered spiritual.
However, the main reason for its popularity is that it is on the way to the famous Manali-Leh path, which is popular for trekking and biking trips and also includes the Baralacha-La Pass.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Suraj Tal
- It is not easy to go to Suraj Tal. It’s on the Manali-Leh Highway, and the shortest way to get to Suraj Tal is via the Manali–Atal Tunnel–Keylong–Jispa–Suraj Tal route.
- There isn’t much in the way of adventure here. The genuine joy of this spot is the spectacular view in front of you.
Kunzum Pass
Kunzum Pass, also known as Kunzum La by locals, is one of India’s highest motorable mountain crossings, rising 4,551 meters above mean sea level.
Kunzum La gives an amazing 360-degree panorama of the Bara Shigri Glacier (the second-longest glacier in the world).
Kunzum Pass leads to the famous Chandratal Lake (moon lake) via a 15-kilometer journey.
It is claimed that tourists must stop at the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi on their route to the pass to pay their respects and ask for blessings for safe passage across the tough terrain. The ritual is to drive a full circle around the temple.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Kunzam Pass
1. The Kunzum Pass is usually open from June to September. During the rest of the year, it remains frozen.
2. You might get altitude sickness. Take proper safeguards.
3. Because there are no restaurants on the Pass, it is best to stock up on food before embarking on the adventure.
Kibber
Kibber, also known as Kyibar, is a small village in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley, at an elevation of 4270 meters.
Kibber, surrounded by picturesque mountains and bleak landscapes, takes pride in being the highest hamlet with a motorable road.
The hamlet is best known for its local monastery and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Kibber is notable for its about 40 similar-looking Tibetan-style buildings.
Tibetan Buddhism is practiced here, and the area has special significance for Buddhists because Serkong Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama’s teacher, died there. He was also the founder of the Kibber Monastery.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Kibber
- Walking and using local buses are the most convenient ways to experience Kibber Village. Cabs and taxis are in short supply.
- The best time to visit Kibber is from July to October when the cold temperatures are manageable. Winters are harsh, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
- Main attractions include Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Chicham Bridge, which opened to the public in 2017.
Sarchu
Sarchu, located on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, is a popular overnight stop for travelers on the Leh-Manali Highway.
It is located 222 kilometers from Manali and 252 kilometers from Leh.
Sarchu, also known as Sir Bhum Chun, is at a height of 4,290 meters. It is located between the Baralacha La mountains in the south and Lachulung La in the north.
It takes around two days to travel due to its high elevation and difficult roads. As a result, travelers and tourists camp at Sarchu to relax.
It’s interesting to learn that Sarchu was a key commercial stop on the Silk Route. It remains popular with nomadic tribes, traders, and adventurers.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Sarchu
- It is important to have multiple copies of the permission, since they may be required at various checkpoints along the trip to Sarchu.
- People who are sensitive to cold and high-altitude environments should be wary of flu and acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- Carry a substantial amount of cash because there are no ATMs nearby.
Nako
This picturesque settlement, located 3,600 meters above sea level, is properly called the ‘Land of the Fairytales’ since it is surrounded by natural greenery and is home to numerous unique species.
The community also provides visitors with a variety of sightseeing opportunities, including the famed Nako Lake, Buddhist temples, and Rakham, among others.
Near the lake, one may find the footprints of the saint Padmasambhava, who is said to have meditated there for many years.
Because the section is close to the Tibetan border, visitors must have inner-line permission to visit the zone.
Foreign nationals also require permission to remain overnight in any part of the hamlet.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Nako
- Sazo and Phagul are two of the most anticipated and well-attended festivities in Nako Village.
- Nako Village has no internet connection. The only phone network in the village is BSNL.
- The electricity connection here is extremely erratic. As a result, it is advisable to keep your phone and laptop charged.
Baralacha La
The Baralacha La, commonly referred to as the Baralacha Pass, is a high mountain pass located in the Zanskar range, 16,040 feet above sea level.
This 8-kilometer-long pass connects Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul area to Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh via the Leh-Manali route.
The famed Baralacha Pass is also mentioned in Rudyard Kipling’s celebrated novel ‘Kim,’ where the source of the Suraj Tal is used by the story’s character Lama to reach India from Tibet.
Must Know Things Before You Visit Baralacha La
- Exercise considerable caution because the pass is snow-covered, and hairpin twists and dismal weather make the path highly dangerous.
- Prepare yourself for high-altitude sickness. Bring adequate water and medications to deal with it.
- There are no cafes at the pass; therefore, food is only available at the campsites. Soup, noodles, and momos are among the dishes served here.
FAQs
Can we go to Spiti Valley with the kids?
Of course, families often take their kids to Spiti. Just prepare yourself and your kids for extreme cold and altitude sickness. Carry warm clothes and common medicines to treat altitude sickness.
What is Spiti Valley famous for?
Spiti is known for its serene beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures like trekking and hiking.
Do we need oxygen in Spiti?
At high altitudes, oxygen levels drop, so acclimatization is crucial. While oxygen cylinders aren’t a must for most, you can choose to carry one if you are traveling with old family members.
Is Spiti Valley safe for girls?
Yes, solo women travelers often refer to Spiti as empowering and safe. Locals are warm and respectful. But like anywhere, stay cautious!
Which city is closest to Spiti Valley?
Manali and Shimla are gateways to Spiti’s heaven. But Manali is closer to Spiti.
Do people take baths in Spiti?
Yes, people take baths in Spiti but avoid daily baths due to its sub-zero temps.
What medicine is used in Spiti Valley?
Locals rely on traditional Tibetan herbs for ailments, but travelers should carry altitude meds, painkillers, and basic first aid.
Is Spiti better than Ladakh?
Ah, the ultimate debate! Ladakh is grandiose, but Spiti whispers intimacy with fewer crowds and more connection. So which one is better? The one your heart picks.
Can we see the Milky Way in Spiti Valley?
Oh yes! Clear skies and no city lights make Spiti a stargazer’s paradise.
Which is the coldest place in Spiti Valley?
Komic, Losar, and Langza top the chilly charts, but these high-altitude hamlets are warm in their hospitality.
Can we stay at night at Chandratal Lake?
No, you generally cannot stay overnight at Chandratal Lake due to restrictions in the area.
Which season is best for Kaza?
The best season to visit Kaza is spring – April to June.
Conclusion
While all these places are some of the best places to visit in Spiti with family.
The only caution you need to exercise while traveling here is the extreme cold temperatures even during summers and altitude sickness.
Also read: How to Plan 3 Days Spiti Valley Package from Delhi