Lahaul and Spiti - The Land of High Passes
Words fall short when describing the surreal beauty of Lahaul and Spiti, a true wonderland in Himachal Pradesh. The irresistible beauty of the fantastic mountain valley leaves you awestruck. Well-maintained motorable roads also allow visitors to reach here on bikes while enjoying nature's beauty. 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 about peaceful roads winding around the cold desert along the snow-capped mountains. Due to its panoramic views of nature, Lahaul and Spiti are great places 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, where you can get 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 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
Lahaul is a derivative of the Tibetan word, Lho-Yul, which 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 centres and monasteries of Buddhism were founded here. Soon after the rulers of Ladakh were vanquished by the Mongol and Tibetan armies, this region was explicitly 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.
Best Places to Visit in Lahaul and Spiti
As Rudyard Kipling stated, ‘A World within the World', 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 by its sheer beauty. 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 that you must definitely visit with your loved ones. It is a hub for innumerable activities and opportunities, especially for adventure seekers and wildlife photographers.
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 and ancient books. If you want to open the gates of history and trot along, this is the place to plan a trip to.
3. Kunzum Pass
Situated on the Eastern Kunzum Range, this mountain pass connects the Kullu and the Lahaul Valley with the Spiti Valley. Located at an altitude of about 4,551 m, it is considered one of India's highest motorable mountain passes. Due to its thrilling natural beauty, this pass is every photographer’s dream destination.
4. Suraj Tal
Suraj Tal is at an altitude of 4950 m above sea level and is one of the largest lakes in India. When talking about the meaning of Suraj Tal, there is an interesting term associated with it: The Lake of the Sun God. For 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-year-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 exciting attractions in Spiti Valley, Dhankar Lake, is known for its fantastic beauty. It is a natural lake perch atop a cliff, approximately 4270 m high. This place is undoubtedly a trekker’s paradise. Mesmerising and commanding views of the natural beauty, with soaring mountains overlooking the crystal clear lake, leave 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 the Zanskar and the 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
Pin Valley National Park is a rich bio reserve home to some of the rarest and endangered fauna and flora. It is located close to semi-frozen lakes that add further splendour 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 festival, 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. Basic comforts are 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 for adventure seekers, soul-seekers, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photography aficionados. You can use the nearest airport, railway station, and bus services to reach this surreal and enthralling destination. 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, so planning a trip via airways can be a comfortable, convenient, and faster option. Hire a cab or a taxi to reach the centre 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. Train routes from Joginder Nagar Railway Station are well-connected throughout the country. From Joginder Nagar Railway Station, tourists can take a cab or just walk to the centre 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 also consider travelling to Mandi by road. Well-maintained highways make the place easy to access. For your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run buses, cabs, or personal vehicles.
- 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
What awaits you? Get ready to explore this dreamy destination and capture countless memories! Book now at adotrip.com and let the fun begin! With Adotrip's technically driven circuit planner, you can plan your trip and create your own route to the city. Click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lahaul and Spiti
Q1. Where is Lahaul and Spiti?
A. Lahaul and Spiti are located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh in the North.
Q2. How far is Lahaul from Spiti?
A2. The distance between Lahaul and Spiti is 218 km.
Q3. Which is the best time to visit Lahaul Spiti?
A3. Summer is regarded as the best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti.
Q4. Is Spiti Valley safe for girls?
A4. Yes! Spiti valley is considered safe for female travellers.
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