Preserved, raw and authentic region

There are no nearby airports and rocky roads in between highest in the world leave Spiti away from the crowds. Not to mention the harsh winter isolates it for most of the year. Travel has to be earned and requires a bit of courage. You have to go to Manali in the foothills of the Himalayas. Then venture on the Lahaul road, before crossing the Kunzum Pass, a legendary track that peaks at 4550 m. Suddenly, the Spiti valley, was named after him river with silver and turquoise reflections who crossed it.

In his book Kim, Rudyard Kipling describes the Spiti Valley as “world in world”. More than a century has passed, and things haven’t really changed. Even if the road is gradually improving, we have not changed the desires of the sky and the height of this area.

Treasures of monasteries, mountains and serenity

Small villages stand out from the picture with their traditional houses. In summer, when the surrounding fields come alive and are a soft green, there is lost air of oasis. In this region, one of the least populated in the country, every encounter counts. Good hospitality and centuries old traditions of the population is charm.

As in Ladakh, the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism is deeply rooted. Forcing the monasteries to watch this forgotten world. Perched more than 4,000 meters above sea level, Kye is biggest in the valley. The Dalai Lama himself came to inaugurate this shrine in 2000.

Next, the Dhankar monastery sits majestically. Trip highlight: the discovery of Tabo, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the worldcomes from X^th century. Inside, visitors solemnly admire priceless collection of frescoes covering the walls.

Spiti Ecosphere, a sustainable tourism player

In Kaza, the regional capital, located 3,800 m along the river, the Spiti Ecosphere office doubles as a cafe, serving essential sea buckthorn juice, super vitamin local drink. Ishita Khanna, the founder, has been working for a long time responsible tourismgoing so far as to be rewarded on several occasions for his commitment.

His little social enterprise and solidarity worked environmental protection and preservation of local culture. Beyond the classic visit to a monastery, the team offers a variety of experiences with the valley’s inhabitants: pottery lessons, overnight stays with locals, meetings with an amchi – a Tibetan doctor…

Ishita tells us that recently, some Indian tourists go to Spiti in winter.

“This is a rare species! They have to be prepared for the unexpected as snow often blocks the roads and high passes.”

Braving temperatures that can drop to -30 degrees, travelers may have the chance to observe snow leopards…