Spiti's cold, haunting mountain desert landspace, in the far northeastern corner of Himachal Pradesh, is a truly captivating destination. This remote region shares its borders and topography with Tibet and its ethnicity, culture, and religion. Historically, it was part of a West Tibetan kingdom before becoming part of Ladakh in the 17th century. With its unique blend of history, culture, and rugged terrain, visiting Spiti promises a truly unforgettable experience. Here are 6 unique things you can do on your Spiti visit.
The village of Langza in Spiti is not just a place of stunning views and clear skies. More than 200 million years ago, Langza and the surrounding Spiti villages were part of the ancient Tethys Ocean. But 50 million years ago, the sea vanished as the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau rose due to the collision of Laurasia and Gondwana. What remains of that distant time are fossils of marine creatures waiting to be unearthed by anyone, regardless of their archaeological knowledge or skills, across Langza.
Langza is also renowned for its towering 35-foot Buddha statue, which commands a stunning view of the Spiti Valley from a ridge above Langza village at an elevation of 14,300 feet. The intricate Langza Gompa, a small temple located just 250 meters behind the statue, boasts a remarkable history of over 500 years, making it a must-see for visitors interested in delving into the region's rich cultural heritage. In fact, Langza stands out as one of the most stunning villages in the Spiti Valley, showcasing the majestic snow-capped peak of Chau Chau Khang Nilda (20,679 ft) that commands the skyline.
Situated at 13,504 ft, Ki Monastery is Spiti's largest and highest monastery, boasting a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The panoramic view from the gates of Ki Monastery is genuinely breathtaking. From this vantage point, you can feast on the expansive blue skies, the imposing, snow-capped mountains, and the meandering Spiti River cutting through fields adorned with varying shades of green. The monastery is also home to a prized collection of ancient thangkas, weaponry, and musical instruments, all of which play a significant role in the grandeur of the annual Chham Festival held during June and July.
Discover the famed Giu mummy in the high-altitude mountain village of Giu. Surrounded by majestic snow-laden peaks in the Trans-Himalayan region of Spiti, Giu lies between Tibet to the east and Ladakh to the north. Uncover the intriguing story of the Spiti Valley mummy. Read more about it here.
Tabo, located just 40 km from the border with Tibet, is home to a complex of 9 temples and cave shrines, making it India's oldest continuously functioning Buddhist enclave. Founded by King Yeshe Od of the Purang-Guge dynasty in West Tibet in the late 10th century CE, Tabo was established at the crossroads of two ancient trade routes as a centre of high Buddhist learning. The 10th-century Tsuglhakhang, the main temple, features famous murals and wall-mounted stucco clay sculptures. The other prayer halls in the primary complex date from the 15th to the 17th century.
Experience the breathtaking views of the night sky at Komic, one of the highest villages in the world. As night descends, indulge in a truly spectacular stargazing experience, with the clear skies of Spiti offering an unparalleled view of the Milky Way and countless stars. Cap off your evening by returning to Kaza for a memorable stay.