Lahaul And Spiti

Adventure

Himachal Pradesh

-5°C / Snow

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Words fall short when it comes to describing the surreal beauty of Lahaul and Spiti, a true wonderland in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The irresistible beauty of the amazing mountain valley leaves you awestruck. Well-maintained motorable roads also allow visitors to reach here on bikes while enjoying the beauty of nature all-around. Lahaul is situated at the border of India and Tibet. Visiting this stunning destination feels like time has come to a standstill. Witness pristine mountain rivers, scenic mountain hamlets, soaring snow-clad peaks, medieval monasteries, and whatnot in all its glory. A Himachal Pradesh district, Lahaul and Spiti is all about peaceful roads winding around the cold desert, along the snow-capped mountains. Due to its panoramic views of nature, Lahaul and Spiti is a great place to experience various adventure activities. For instance, the treks here start from Kaza (capital of Spiti where you can make a base camp) to other Herculean peaks from where you can get the delightful views of the Himalayan mountains. All these attractions make it an integral part of Himachal Pradesh tourism.

Best Time to Visit Lahaul and Spiti

The highlight of this place is that it receives only 250 days of sunshine in a year which makes the district one of the coldest places to visit in India. This is the reason why summer is the best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti. The best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti is from March to June. You can plan a winter vacation from October to February. The Destination is accessible all through the year.

History of Lahaul and Spiti

The word Lahaul is derived from Lho-Yul, a Tibetan word that means Country of the Gods. It was in the 8th century that Buddhism became one of the significant religions to be followed in this region. And eventually, various centers and monasteries of Buddhism were founded here. Soon after the rulers of Ladakh were vanquished by the Mongol and Tibetan armies, this region was specifically divided by the nearby kingdoms amongst themselves to be ruled. Thus, the lower part of Lahaul came to the rulers of Chamba, and the upper regions were controlled by the rulers of Kullu. Then in 1847, many regions of Ladakh and Spiti were conquered by the rulers of Kashmir, and Kullu and Lahaul came under the British administration, under Kangra.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Lahaul and Spiti

‘A World within the world’, as stated by Rudyard Kipling, Lahaul and Spiti are beautiful destinations worth exploring. Bordered by soaring Himalayan ranges, the beauty of this place cannot be described in words. Gurgling rivers, cold barren lands, pristine alpine lakes, rich Buddhist history, and more leave visitors stunned with the sheer beauty of this place. Have a look at the top 10 places To Visit In Lahaul And Spiti. Check out!

1. Chandratal Lake

Chandratal Lake is an amazing travel destination which you must definitely visit with your loved ones. Especially for adventure seekers and wildlife photographers, Chandratal Lake is a hub for innumerable activities and opportunities.

2. Key Monastery

The monastery is a renowned tourist attraction to visit in Himachal Pradesh. This place also enshrines many statues of Lord Buddha in his meditative state along with plenty of murals as well as ancient books. If you want to open the gates of history and trot along, then, this is the place to plan a trip to.

3. Kunzum Pass

Situated on the Eastern Kunzum Range, this mountain pass is responsible for connecting the Kullu and the Lahaul Valley with the Spiti Valley. Situated at an altitude of about 4,551 m it is considered to be one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India. Due to its thrilling natural beauty, this pass is every photographer’s dream destination.

4. Suraj Tal

Suraj Tal is situated at an altitude of 4950 m above sea level and is one of the largest lakes in India. Talking about the meaning of Suraj Tal, it has an interesting term associated with it which means The Lake of the Sun God. Anyone who loves photography, this is the place you mustn’t miss at any cost.

5. Tabo Monastery

One of the most ancient buildings worth visiting, Tabo Monastery is known for its stunning paintings. A group of nine temples dedicated to Buddha Maitreya and Tara and multiple stupas are the highlights of this monastery. The stucco sculptures, wall paintings, and more make the place worth exploring.

6. Gandhola Monastery

800 years old monastery, founded by PadmaSambhava, Gandhola Monastery is famous for its beautiful shrines and wooden idols. Located at the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, this monastery has an immense heritage value.

7. Dhankar Lake

One of the most interesting attractions in Spiti Valley, Dhankar Lake is known for its amazing beauty. It is a natural lake perch atop a cliff, approximately 4270 m high. This place is undoubtedly a trekker’s paradise. Mesmerizing and commanding views of the natural beauty around, with soaring mountains overlooking the crystal clear lake leaves the visitors awestruck.

8. Baralacha Pass

Located by the Manali-Leh highway, close to the hilly roads of Ladakh and Lahaul, Zanskar has proven to be one of the most challenging passes. Passing through this area gives magnificent views of Zanskar and Great Himalayan ranges. Check the Pir Panjal intersection and soak in the beauty of nature. It is the perfect place for mountain biking, trekking, and camping.

9. Pin Valley National Park

A rich bio reserve, Pin Valley National Park is home to some of the rarest and endangered fauna and flora. It is located close to semi frozen lakes that add further splendor to the area. Visit the park and spot rare wildlife like snow leopards, chukar partridges, snow cox, Siberian ibex and more. Soaring Deodar and Cedar trees provide thick arboreal cover.

10. Losar

Located adjacent to the Indo-Chinese border, close to the area where Peeno and Losar streams intermingle, Losar is a must-visit hamlet in Spiti Valley. Largely unexplored and untouched, this village allows visitors to feel enveloped in the warm embrace of natural beauty. There are no more than basic comforts available at the places to stay but tourists still feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

How To Reach Lahaul and Spiti

Plush forests, crystal clear lakes, snow-laden mountains, deep ravines and gorges, vibrant monasteries, quaint hamlets and more force you to fall in love with the picture postcard beauty of Lahaul and Spiti. It is a perfect destination worth exploring for adventure seekers, soul-seekers, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photography aficionados. To reach this surreal and enthralling destination, you can use the nearest airport, railway station, and bus services. Here are the details of how to access this destination using diverse modes of transportation.

Nearest Major City. Chandigarh
Nearest Airport. Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
Nearest Railway Station. Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Distance from Chandigarh. 217 km

By Air. Deboard at Bhuntar Airport and from there you can take a private bus or a taxi to reach Mandi which is 85 km away from the town. Flights from all parts of the country arrive at this airport hence planning a trip via airways can be a comfortable, convenient, and faster option. Hire a cab or a taxi to reach the center of the town.

Distance from Bhuntar Airport. 85.2 km

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Lahaul and Spiti

By Train. There is good connectivity of train routes from Joginder Nagar Railway Station from all parts of the country. From Joginder Nagar Railway Station, tourists can take a cab or just a walk to the center of the town. State-run and private buses are also available to help passengers reach Mandi from Joginder Nagar.

Distance from Joginder Nagar Railway Station. 360 km

By Road. Depending on your geographical location, you can consider traveling to Mandi by road as well. Well-maintained highways make the place easy to access. As per your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run buses, cabs, or by your personal vehicles as well.

Distance From Chandigarh. 217 km
Distance From Jalandhar. 223 km
Distance From Ludhiana. 239 km
Distance From Patiala. 270 km
Distance From Dehradun. 263 km
Distance From Yamunanagar. 277 km
Distance From Amritsar. 260 km
Distance From Saharanpur. 295 km
Distance From Delhi. 436 km
Distance From Mumbai. 1570 km
Distance From Kolkata. 1553 km
Distance From Bengaluru. 2183 km

Frequently Asked Questions About Lahaul and Spiti

Ques 1. What makes Lahaul and Spiti famous?
Ans 1. Lahaul is situated at the border of India and Tibet. Visiting this stunning destination feels like time has come to a standstill. Witness pristine mountain rivers, scenic mountain hamlets, soaring snow-clad peaks, medieval monasteries, and whatnot in all its glory.

Ques 2. What is the best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti?
Ans 2. The best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti is from March to June. You can plan a winter vacation from October to February. The destination is accessible all through the year.

Ques 3. Which is the closest airport to Lahaul and Spiti?
Ans 3. The closest airport to reach Lahaul And Spiti, Himachal Pradesh is Bhuntar Airport. The airport is just 85 kilometers away from Lahaul and Spitii.

Ques 4. What are the major tourist attractions in Lahaul and Spiti?
Ans 4. Some of the major tourist attractions in Lahaul and Spiti are Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Chandratal, Kunzum Pass, Dhankar Lake, and more. Soak in the surreal beauty of this amazing destination.

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