Lahaul Spiti

Lahaul-Spiti became the district of Himachal Pradesh in 1960 and is one of the frontier districts of India. It is 120 km. away from Manali and has snow fed glaciers and barren mountains. Keylong is the headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti and oasis of green fields. The two valleys at Lahaul and Spiti have a tenous link over the Kunzam Pass ( 4,520 metres ). The two twin valleys, Lahaul and Spiti in the North-Eastern corner of Himachal, protected by distance is a region of nature at its wildest which has lent it much enchantment. The threshold of one of the Lahaul plateau is nourished by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers and is surrounded by high mountains on all sides, the Great Himalayas to the North, the Pir Panjal to the South and the Spiti and Chandra watershed to the East. Lahaul has curious mixture of Buddhist and Hinduism. There are a number of Monasteries and Temples.


Lahaul Spiti : General Information

Altitude : 3,165 meters.
Headquarter : Keylong ( 3,165 meters )
Location : Situated between 31°44'57'' and 32°59'57'' North Latitude and between 76°46'29'' and 78°41'34'' East Longitudes. To its North lies Jammu and Kashmir, to the East is Tibet, to South-East is Kullu and Kinnaur and to South-West and West is Chamba.
Access by Air : The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies over the 3,978 metres high Rohtang Pass. The high Rohtang Pass is at the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Access by Rail : The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies over the 3,978 metres high Rohtang Pass. The high Rohtang Pass is at the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Access by Road : The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies over the 3,978 metres high Rohtang Pass. The high Rohtang Pass is at the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Distance : Distance between Keylong and Manali is 115 km. And distance between Keylong and Shimla ( via Kunzum Pass ) is 610 km.

 

Famous Places around Lahaul Spiti :

Sarahan

Sarahan Bhima Kali Temple (2,100 Mtrs):- Shri Bhima Kali Temple is a temple at Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh in India, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass. The town Sarahan is known as the gate way of Kinnaur.

Sangla

Sangla Valley (2,621 Mtrs):- This valley starts 57 km short of Kalpa which has been named after a beautiful & populous village Sangla. Sangla is situated on the right bank of Baspa river 17 kms from Karcham. Journey from Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa River flows through this area. This is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur. A temple dedicated to Nages god is worth a visit & other places are Sapni, Rakcham, Kilba, and Kamru Fort which can also be visited. There are post offices, banks, rest houses for the convenience of the visitors.

Sangla (Kamru Fort)

Sangla (Kamru Fort) (2,600 Mtrs):- This fort is a perfect place for a glimpse in to the artistic legacy of past. Now converted into a temple, it is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kamakhya Devi. The fort comprises of wooden balcony with a large idol of the goddess is placed on third floor. The fort welcomes its visitors with a huge image of Lord Buddha on the main gate.

Rakchham

Rakchham (2,900 meters):-  It is in Kinnaur and on the right bank of the Baspa river between Sangla town and village Chitkul of Sangla valley. Its name has been derived from 'Rak' a stone and 'Chham' a bridge. It is one of the most beautiful villages of Baspa Valley. The location of the village is striking.

Chitkul

Chitkul (3,450 Mtrs) :- It is said to be the last inhabited village within the Indian boundaries on the old Indo-Tibetan Road. It is situated on the right bank of Baspa River. The village is located at a distance of 28 km from Sangla. There is a road along the left bank from Karcham.  It is a frontier village and the last settlement before the Indo-Tibetan border. It is also the last northward point in India that one can travel to without a permit. There are 3 temples of local goddess Mathi, the main ones are said to have been constructed about 500 years ago.

Kalpa

Kalpa (Headquarters of Kinnaur) (2,670 Mtrs):-  Kalpa (Sanskrit: कल्प kalpa) is a Sanskrit word meaning a relatively long period of time (by ... Another definition of Kalpa is the world where Buddhas are born. There are generally 2 types of kalpa, Suñña-Kalpa and Asuñña-kalpa. Once a favourite hunt of Lord Dalhousie, the district headquarters till recently, when the headquarter was shifted to 'Rekong Peo' (1,900 meters) was the venue of Kalchakra Sermon delivered in August 1992 by His Holliness "The Dalai Lama" ; and a monastery to commemorate this auspicious occasion was built up is 13 kms. Short of Kalpa and 7 kms. Off the Powari on Hindustan - Tibet Road. Looming in front of Kalpa is an imressive view of 'Kinner Kailash' directly across the Satluj River. This mountain changes colors several times a day with a change of weather conditions or may be as destined by Lord Shiva his eternal abode. 'Parvati Kund' is located on the top of Kinner Kailash. The ancient villages of Pangi, Moorang and Kanum are situated close to Kalpa.

Nako Lake

Nako (3,662 Mtrs):- It is a high altitude lake in the Pooh sub-division of the Kinnaur district. It forms part of the boundary of Nako village and seems that the village is half buried in the lake's border. The existence of lake formed out of the masses of ice and snow above adds to beauty of the village. Village deity is 'Deo-dum' and another Lagang temple with several idols exists there. It is situated about 2 kms. Above the Hangrang valley road and is 103 kms from Kalpa on the western direction of the huge mountain of Pargial.

Tabo

Tabo (village and monastery) (3,280 Mtrs): - The town lies on the road between Rekong Peo and Kaza At the right of Spiti river, is an ancient village named Tabo, flanked on either side by lofty brown hills and sun burnt, is the seat of one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries - Sherlang, Duang, Chamba, Chibbo, Domlang Gompas, regarded by many as only next to the Thelong Gompa in Tibet. The 10th Century Tabo monastery houses more than 60 lamas. Large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings - 'Tankhas' and 'Stucco'.

Dhankar

Dhankar (3,894 Mtrs):- Dhankar Village (also Dankhar, Drangkhar; Brang-mkhar or Grang-mkhar) between the towns of Tabo and Kaza is a large high village which used to be the capital of the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh The Dhankar village is known for the existence of Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Fort, that were built as a fort monastery in the Central Tibetan pattern. The monastery is located right below the Dhankar Fort, which is built on a 300 meter high spur, and there are beautiful wall paintings, available inside the monastery that tourists can see on their expedition. It is one of the world's most amazing settings for a fort; however, the ground of this village is very weak due to erosions caused by wind and rain, and the Dhankar Fort is on the stage of worsening because of soil erosions.

Gue

Gue (4,270 Mtrs):- The mummy  of Monk Sangha Tenzin, was found inside a tomb at Gue village in Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India about 6000 meters above sea level.Gue villagers have known about the mummy since 1975, when an earthquake struck the region and brought down a part of the tomb. However due to the remoteness of Gue, in a desolate mountainous area close to India's border with China – restricted to the public and under the control of the paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Police – the mummy's existence has remained under wraps. 

Pin Valley

Pin Valley (3,500 Mtrs):- Pin Valley National Park is 23 km from Tabo. It is formed by the Pin river, which rises on the eastern slopes of Pin Parbati pass and meets the Spity river exactly opposite Lingti village. On its way it is joined by the 'Parahio Nala' near Pokchung. From Pin valley one can cross over to the Kullu valley over Pin Parbati peak and to the district of Kinnaur via 'Shakarof Pass' or 'Tarikhango pass'. Pin valley is much more rugged and barren than the main Spiti valley. This valley is famous for Ibex and Snow Leopard. The whole Pin valley, including all the villages, forms the protected area, varying in altitude from 3,500 to 6,632 meters above sea level. The Pin valley ca boast of being somewhat moist area during the summer months, in sharp contrast to much of the remnant arid Spiti.

Pin Valley (Kungri)

Pin Valley (Kungri):- The ever beautiful Kungri Monastery is located around 10 km from Attargo and 3 km from Gulling in Pin Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The town of Attargo is located approximately 12 km from the sub-divisional district headquarter of Spiti and one has to cross the stunning Spiti River to reach the Pin Valley, most of which has been declared a National Park. The Kungri Monastery happens to be the second oldest Gompa in the Lahoul and Spiti Valley and has the distinction of being the only monastery, which belongs to the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism. It is also the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in 1330, this monastery is a popular destination for Buddhist scholars, pilgrims, and tourists from all over the world and India and its primary purpose is to exhibits the treasure trove of ancient Tibetan Buddhist art, culture, and tradition. Another attraction of this historic monastery is the traditional 'Devil Dance,' which is performed in the month of July every year. Several tourists visit the monastery during this period to witness this popular dance. The sword dance is another popular dance form, which is an integral part of the tradition of the Nyingmapa. The Kungri Monastery has assorted silk paintings of various Buddhist deities on the inner walls and showcases huge statues and over 300 volumes of the sacred Tibetan texts, Kenjur and Tenjur preserved carefully in white muslin.

Lingti Valley

Lingti Valley : Largest and the longest side valley of Spiti. It runs North-East from Lingti village (3,460 meters) for about 60 kms. to its head. It is a living geological museum. Its geological history dates back to 250 million years and its shales and fossils are well known to all the world. 'Gya Peak' is also there in Lingti valley. At its summit Spity, Ladhakh and Tibet meet.

Kaza

Kaza (3,800 Mtrs):- It is sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti valley. It is situated at the foot of the steep ridges on the left bank of Spiti River. Once it was the headquarters of the 'Nano' the chief of Spiti. It is 425 kms from Shimla. Kaza has a filling station, rest house and small hotels. It serves as the base for excursions in the area. Among others, the Ki, Hikkim, Komik and Langia monasteries are at hand.

Langza

Langza Village (4,400 Mtrs):- It is a beautiful destination, located in one of the most majestic valleys in India 'Spiti Valley' in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This picturesque village is blessed with ancient monasteries and buildings of the prehistoric era. It is surrounded by green pastures, snow-clad mountains and barren landscapes that awe-struck every person who visit this stunning location, which is certainly one of the best places in the whole Spiti Valley. The magic of nature at Langza village leaves everyone speechless.

Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters and is divided into two sections, namely Langza Yongma (lower) and Langza Gongma (upper). It houses a population of approximately 137 people, who are dependent on agriculture and business for their livelihood. The production of vessels of all shapes and sizes and crafts such as shawls, carpets, etc. are common in Langza and helps residents earn money for a livelihood. The village has an ancient Lang or temple, which is regarded as the headquarters of all the Deities of the Spiti Valley.

Life is not easy in Langza during winter and the village remains disconnected from civilization as the temperature drops below zero, making it difficult for the villagers to continue their day-to-day task. As soon as summer approaches, the snow fields transform into green pastures and Langzu opens its door for a few fortunate visitors.

Langza Village is primarily dominated by the statue of Lord Buddha, overlooking the valley, an ancient monastery, and mud houses that the tourists can see during their visit in the village. Visitors can also take a trail to few high altitude lakes, around Langza and indulge in adventurous activities like mountaineering and trekking. This place is very rich in fossils of marine animals and plants that were found here millions of years ago and this is why many geologists and anthropologists visit the village each year to do research and to dig out more details about the fossils. Spiti Valley is said to have submerged in the Tethys Sea millions of years ago and one can catch a glimpse of the prehistoric era in Tangza even till date. This is the reason archaeologists and historians love visiting this place.

Komic

Komic: - Komic omik Village is the highest village in Asia and is located at a height of 18,000 feet above sea level. Komik Village is famous for Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery. It is believed that the monastery has 'Matrey Buddha,' or 'the future Buddha,' who looks after the well being of the people of Komik Village. It is also famous for being the highest motorable Buddhist monastery in the world, visited by bikers and travel enthusiast from all over the world. The 14th century monastery has a fortified castle made of slanted mud walls, representing the murals, scriptures, and arts belonging to the bygone era. It is said that even before the monastery was being made, it was already told in Tibet that a monastery in the shape of the eye of snow cock would be built in a mountainous region in Spiti. Thus, the place was called Komik or Koumik, where 'Ko' stands for snow cock and 'Mik' means eye. This area is completely cut off from the rest of the country due to heavy snowfall during winter and the local residents store enough food to last the winter season as they avoid getting out of their houses at this time. They use the time in making handicrafts like carpet, shawls, cap, jackets, paintings, etc.

Hikkim

Hikkim : Hikkim village is situated at a very high elevation (4,400 m (14,400 ft)) in the Himalayas. The village and the region itself remain cut off from other parts of the Himachal Pradesh state for half the year due to heavy snowfall over the mountain passes. An arduous track connects the village to Spiti Valley's Kaza town, 46 km away, the nearest town with access to asphalted road. Hikkim village has a post office situated at an elevation of 4,400 m (14,400 ft) and this post office is the highest post office in the world. The post office connects small villages in this isolated region to the rest of the world. It receives and sends postal letters. It also acts as a savings bank where villagers can deposit money in their savings accounts or withdraw money. Intrepid travellers make it this far to Hikkim village to take pride in mailing their letters from the highest post office on Earth. The Postal Index Number or PIN of the village is 172114.

Ki Monestary

KI-Monastery (4,116 Mtrs):- It is 12 km. from Kaza by road. It is the oldest and the biggest monastery of Spity dominating Ki-Village. About 300 lamas are receiving their religious training in its monastery, which houses rare paintings and beautiful scriptures of Buddha and other gods and goddesses. It is serving western population of Spiti. It is regarded as the largest in the sub-division. It is a collection of rooms and a labyrinth of corridors that do not follow any defined plan, but seem to have grown over the years. No definite data can be ascribed to the construction of the gompa - that acted both as a monastery and as a fort.

Kibber

Kibbar Village : ( 4,205 meters ) Locally known as Khyipur, one of the highest villages in the world at an altitude of 4,205 meters above sea level in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains from all sides. 'Gette village' at a short distance away from Kaza is the highest in the world, with a height of 4,270 meters. It also acts as the base for several high altitude treks.

Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge (4,145 Mtrs):- The gorge below is known by the name of Samba Lamba Nallah; the making of this bridge cuts down the journey from Kibber to Losar by 40 km. It is 19 Kms from Kaza and 113.83 meter-long bridge was constructed over a course of 15 years, and was inaugurated in 2017. It costed a whopping INR 485.50 lakhs to get the bridge constructed.

Kunzum Pass

Kunzum Pass (4,590 Mtrs):- As Rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahoul so Kunzum pass is the gateway to Spiti from Kullu & Lahoul. After crossing Rohtang pass and driving 20kms, one has to turn right from Gramphoo. While going to this pass, the panoramic view of Bara-Sigri glacier (second longest glacier in the world) is enthrilling and inspiring. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of stones erected ages ago. Kunzum Pass provides chief access to Lahoul valley by the great Kumzum range. The lofty Bara Shigri glacier is seen in front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of stones erected ages ago. Recently a temple has been built on the top dedicated to 'Lord Gyephang' - the chief deity of Lahoul. The belief is that, every vehicle passing over Kunzum pass will have to take a round (Parikrama) of this temple to get blessing of the God. Another interesting feature of the stone image of the Lord is that offerings in the form of cash (coin or currency notes) will stuck to the image, if devotee is acceptable to the Lord. Some people believe that this temple is of goddess Durga’s.

Chandertaal Lake

Chandertaal Lake:- Batal-Chandra Tal: Walking Time 6-7 hrs. It takes a day to reach Batal 3,950 m from Manali. Pir Panjal and Baralacha La merges at Kunzum La and Batal is nestled in its footsteps. Situated at 4250m Chandra Tal is a magical experience for many.

Khoksar

Khoksar (3,140 Mtrs) :- A break and windswept place is the first village and gateway to Lahoul and on the right bank of the river Chandra 5 kms. From 'Gramphoo'. During winter Khoskar is the coldest inhabited place in Lahoul. The river freezes during winter and is covered with snow to afford regular passage for human beings and also for mule traffic. Khoksar is located on the old trade route from Indian plains to the west Asia.

Shansha

Shansha :- It is situated on the right bank of river Chandra and Bhaga (Chenab) in Lahoul valley. The 'Ghepan' a powerful deity of Lahoul is believed to be born there. A shrine dedicated to the deity has also been built in the village

Gondhla

Gondhla (3,160 Mtrs):- It is located on the river bank of the river Chandra. House of the thakur of Gondhla, called Gondhla castle or fort, is the main attraction. According to district gazetteer, this was built in 1700 A.D. by Raja of Kullu Man Singh whose influence stretched up to the Lingti Plains beyond the Baralacha-La. But present Thakur Fateh Chand says that it was 20 generations old. This is eight story building. Raja Man Singh of Kullu had stayed there in 1720 A.D. while on his way to Trilokinath Temple. Remains of the past are lying there. Old age costumes, furniture and idols are also strewn around in a state of neglect. The 'Sharab Raldi' i.e. 'Sword of Wisdom' given to the Thakur by Dalai Lama in the past is also there in the possession of present Thakur. This sword seems to have been built in the 'Toledo' technique of Spain. In the month of July a fair is held when Lamas dance and enjoy. This fair attracts a large number of visitors.

Tandi

Tandi (2,573 Mtrs):-  is situated at the confluence of Chamba and Bhaga rivers. A legend says that there were two lovers, 'Chandra', the daughter of the Moon and 'Bhaga', the son of the Sun god. To perform their eternal marriage, they dedicated to climb to the 'Baralacha La' and from there they ran in opposite directions. Chandra being active and smart easily found her way down the pass and reached 'Tandi'. Soon Bhaga was found coming with great struggle through the narrow gorges to Tandi, where ultimately both met and the celestial marriage was performed. Tandi's importance for the people of Lahoul is same as it is 'Haridwar' for the Hindus.

Keylong

Keylong (3,340 Mtrs):- It located above Bhaga river, the district headquarters of Lahoul-Spiti has been described as oasis of green fields, willow planted water courses, brown hills and snowy peaks. In the past, Keylong was home of the Moravian missionaries. There well known monasteries, Tayul, Khardong, and Shashur are within a few kilometers radius.

Udaipur

Udaipur (2,743 Mtrs):- In olden times this village was known as 'Markul' and so the name of the local goddess is 'Markula Devi. Her temple is unique and is very famous for its wooden carvings on its roof and ceiling. This place is therefore a starting point for Mayur valley and further to Zanskar and other peaks.

Trilokinath Temple

Comming Soon (Description)

Jispa

Jispa :- It is in Lahoul valley, located on the bank of Bhaga river. There is a big camping ground. Sufficient trout fish is available in the river.

Darcha

Darcha (3,360 Mtrs):- It is in Lahoul valley from where trekkers start their trek to Padam via Singola as well as Barlacha/Phirtsela. Beyond this point there are hardly any trees. Yotche and Zanskar nallah’s meet Bhaga River here from different directions.

Baralacha La

Baralacha La (4,883 Mtrs):- It is in Lahoul valley, 73 kms from Keylong. The name Baralacha means 'Pass with cross roads on summit' (Roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahoul join on the top of it). There is no road yet from Spiti, only a path exists. This pass is also an origin of Chandra, Bhaga and Yamuna rivers. They flow to three different directions, through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.

Sarchu

Sarchu (4,290 Mtrs) :- It is the last border point in Lahoul valley between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh region of Leh. Sarchu is a major halt point with tented accommodation in the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway. It is 223 Kms from Manali approximately a halfway point between Manali and Leh.