Spiti along with Lahaul forms a district in Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is famous for monasteries and adventurous activities. For Buddhism people this is one of the important places to visit.
What to see at Spiti:
Ki Monastery: In the Spiti Valley this is the largest monastery. This monastery is famous for wind instruments, stucco images, rare manuscripts, thangkas, and murals. This monastery is dates back to 1000 years. This is the best place for Pasada Style of architecture.
Tabo Monastery: It is known as Ajanta of Himalayas. Richen Zangpo, great scholar, founded this monastery. UNESCO declared this monastery as world heritage site. This monastery belongs to 10th century. Major attractions of this monastery are Stucco, Wall painting Tankhas, pieces of art, rare collection of scriptures.
Flora and Fauna: Flora and Fauna is another attraction of this valley. For the wildlife lovers major attractions are Snow leopard, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Musk deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, ibex etc. Wild flower species of this place are Krascheninikovia ceratoides, Caragana Brevifolia, Crepis Flexuosa, Seseli trilobum, Causinia thomsonii. 62 species of medicinal plants also can be seen here.
Yak Safari: It is one of the adventurous activities. This is most adventurous activity of this place. To see the flora and fauna of this region, people can hire Yaks. Horse safari also conducts here.
Skiing: In Spiti it is popular adventure sport. This game provides thrilling experience. In the recently this game developed very much in India.
To-do-Trails: Trekking is another major attraction of this place. Some of the popular trekking routes are Kaza- Tabo- Sumdo- Nako, kaza- Losar- Kunzum- La, Kaza- Ki- Kibber- Gete- Kaza, Kaza- Langza- Hikim- Komic- Kaza.
Kaza: It is the base point for trekking. Places to visit in Kaza are Hikkim Monastery and Sa Kya Pa Sect monastery. It is situated 13 kms away from Kibber.
Other attractions of Spiti: At the base of the Kunzam Range Spiti river originates. Spiti has number of monasteries such as Giu, Mane Gogma, Sagnam, Ki, Tabo, Gungri, Mud and Lidang.
What to see around Spiti:
Lahaul: Lahaul along with Spiti forms a district. Rohtang Pass connects Manali and Lahaul and Spiti districts. This place is famous for Buddhist monasteries and adventurous activities. Lahaul Attractions are Keylong, Kunzam Pass, Kibber, Gondla, Khardong Gompa, Udaipur,Triloknath Temple.
Pin Valley: It is located on the banks of river Pin. Major activities in this place are archery competitions and Horse racing. Most of the tourists attracts towards Chamurti Horses. It is a part of Spiti Valley. It is located 17kms away from Spiti.
Tandi: It is located 8 Kms away from Keylong. This is famous for Chitwan National park.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary: In India it is only cold desert wild life sanctuary which is located on the banks of River Spiti. Area covered by this sanctuary is 1400 sq.kms. Very rare animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, ibex etc can be seen here. Bird species such as bearded eagle griffons, snow cock are major attraction in this sanctuary.
Getting to Spiti: Spiti is well connected with road. It is located 11kms away from Manali. From Kaza, Leh, Chandigarh, Delhi etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway head is located at Jogindernagar. From this station taxis are available to reach Spiti. Nearest airport is located at Bhuntar Airport.
Getting around Spiti: Taxis and cabs are available to visit the places in and around of Lahaul.
Best time to reach Spiti: Best time to visit this place is between mid may to mid October.
Where to stay in Spiti: Plenty of staying options are available at Kaza. Luxury accommodations are also available here. Few monasteries are providing rooms to stay. Best luxury hotels are Spiti Hotel, Delek House, Heavens Inn Spiti.
Where to eat in Spiti: plenty of restaurants are available here. Some restaurants are offering continental, Gujarati and Punjabi cuisines.