Spiti isn’t for beginners. If you’re an avid adventurer or nature lover, this high-altitude cold desert in the Himalayas can be one of the most exciting places to visit. Spiti offers postcard-pretty mountains, monasteries, serene landscapes, and stunning glacial streams surrounded by the winter chill.
Travelers can get to Spiti from Manali through the Rohtang pass which is usually open only between June and early October. There is also a route to Spiti Valley from Shimla through Kinnaur which is open most of the year.
If you would rather spend your weekends making that road trip away under the stars than in a discotheque, then planning the perfect itinerary is essential. Below is a handy guide on the best time to visit Spiti Valley.
What is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between June to October. This is the main tourist season and is set with clear skies, pleasant weather, and no snow. April and May are spring seasons and with fewer crowds, travelers may also see snow, however, there are higher chances of blocked roads.
If you’re planning a solo trip or to drive down with your friends, try to visit Spiti Valley between June to September.
The Best Spiti Valley Itinerary: For an Epic Himalayan Road Trip
Since getting to Spiti requires a fair bit of time, planning the right Spiti Valley itinerary is essential to properly enjoy the region. This will give you enough time to travel, visit the famous Tabo and Dhankar monasteries, and try out various adventure activities.
Spiti Valley is only accessible by road via Manali or Shimla. You can also travel here from Kullu-Manali Airport depending on where you’re flying from. Below is a detailed itinerary to help you see the best Spiti Valley has to offer.
1. Thanedar, Himachal Pradesh
Thanedar is famous for being the birthplace of apples. This place offers several apple orchards coupled with Deodar and Pine forests. Thanedar is famous for its local sights like the Tanni Jubbar Lake, the Saroga Forest, and Hatu Peak.
2. Saharan, Himachal Pradesh
As a part of the Spiti Tour Packages, Saharan offers stunning views of the Sutlej Valley. Here, travelers can visit the Bhima Kali Temple, the ancient Kinnauri houses, the River Baspa, and the village of Batseri.
3. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Chitkul is also called as the last village of India. Here travelers can find gushing rivers, birds, apple orchards, and even stunning views of the Himalayas. Travelers can also enjoy a village walk in the Raksham village and shop for Kinnauri jackets and caps from the local villages.
4. Batseri, Himachal Pradesh
Batseri offers traditional Kinnauri houses along the Baspa River. Travelers also visit the village of Nako and the village of Gui. Here visitors can see Tabo Monastery which is well-known for its nine temples and meditation caves.
5. Tabo, Himachal Pradesh
Tabo offers stunning views of the Spiti Valley. Travelers can explore the Dhankar monastery, hike to the nearby Dhankar Lake for beautiful views, or even explore the Key Monastery which allows you to attend the morning prayers for a soulful experience.
6. Kaza-Langza, Himachal Pradesh
One of the top 5 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, travelers can visit the Langza Village and even go fossil hunting with the locals. Here you can also see the Langza Buddha Statue, explore Kaza market, and Pin Valley National Park which is a haven for trekking, and wildlife spotting.
7. Kibber, Himachal Pradesh
Among the various things to do in Himachal Pradesh, travelers can explore Chandra Taal Lake also known as Moon Lake. Visitors can camp by the lake and even stargaze under the clear night sky. This area also offers views of the Chicham Bridge and Spiti River.
8. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
One of the best hill stations in North India, travelers can get the best views of Lake Chandertal and explore Manali. Here you can see the Atal tunnel, the Hadimba Temple, the Beas River, Valley and even shop at the local Manali market.
Exploring The Best Things to Do in Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley being one of the best holiday destinations in India has so much to offer, from its culture to its cuisine and adventure activities. Let’s uncover the secrets of this Himalayan paradise and the best things to do, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer.
A monastery lunch experience
Certain monasteries like Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery offer a simple yet delicious meal to travelers from dal-rice to momos and even Thukpa at a nominal fee.
Camping at Chandratal Lake
Chandratal also known as Moon Lake is surrounded by dense forests and beautiful snow-capped mountains, making it the perfect setting for camping.
Indulge in winter sports
One of the main reasons why Spiti Valley is the top 10 beautiful places in India is owing to its wide variety of winter sports activities. Travelers can enjoy ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, or even rent equipment.
Spend a night stargazing
One of the top 10 beautiful places in India, travelers can take advantage of Spiti’s clear skies and absence of light population which creates the ideal setting for stargazing. This magical experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts and offers breathtaking views of the night sky.
Explore Spiti Valley Your Way with a Tailor-made Vacation
Spiti Valley offers an unparalleled experience of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. At Anubhav Vacations our team of specialists will build activities into your trip that resonate with your tastes and personality.
Whether you want to explore monasteries and temples, trek through the rugged mountains or simply try some local culture and food, our team offers hand-picked stays and experiences, to create meaningful travel experiences. Simply let us know what you want so that we can plan the adventure of a lifetime for you.
