Hey there, travelers! I just got back from an epic road trip to Spiti Valley, and I’m still buzzing from it. Imagine a place where rugged mountains, ancient monasteries, and starry skies steal your heart—that’s Spiti, a high-altitude desert in Himachal Pradesh, India. I drove in from Manali (those winding roads are no joke!) and spent a week exploring this magical land in late July. It was tough at times—hello, altitude headaches—but so worth it. Here’s a simple rundown of the best things to do in Spiti and what I got up to, straight from my travel diary.
What to Do in Spiti Valley
Spiti’s got something for everyone—adventure, culture, or just peace and quiet. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Visit Old Monasteries: Check out Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery. They’re ancient, peaceful, and have the coolest views. Morning prayers are a vibe.
Trek to Chandratal Lake: A stunning turquoise lake at 14,000 feet. It’s a bit of a hike, but the scenery is unreal.
Stargaze Under Clear Skies: The night sky in Spiti is like a blanket of stars. Perfect for camping, especially near Chandratal or Kaza.
Explore Villages: Wander through Kibber or Komic, some of the highest villages in the world. The locals are super welcoming, and the food? So good.
Raft on the Spiti River: Thrilling rapids with crazy mountain views. Not for the faint-hearted!
Hunt Fossils in Langza: Find ancient sea creature fossils—it’s like being in a time machine.
Cross Chicham Bridge: A wobbly suspension bridge with epic views. Bring your camera (and courage).
Spot Wildlife in Pin Valley: Look for snow leopards or blue sheep in this national park. Early mornings are best.
Mail a Postcard from Hikkim: The world’s highest post office—send a note to make friends jealous.
Shop in Kaza: Grab prayer flags or cozy shawls at the local market.
My Spiti Story
Alright, let me share what I actually did—it was a wild ride! I stayed in a cozy homestay in Kaza, where the hosts treated me like family (and fed me endless thukpa noodle soup). Here’s how it went:
First Days: Landed in Kaza and visited Key Monastery. Sat with monks during their chants—felt like I was in a movie. Biked to Kibber village, sipping butter tea with locals. It’s salty but weirdly awesome.
Chandratal Day: Trekked to Chandratal Lake. The climb was tough, but that sparkling water? Wow. Camped there overnight, staring at a sky full of stars. Chilly but magical.
Rafting Rush: Tried river rafting on the Spiti River. Those rapids had me screaming and laughing—best adrenaline hit ever.
Fossil & Postcard Hunt: Spent a morning in Langza hunting fossils (found a tiny ammonite!). Then hit Hikkim to send postcards from the highest post office. Felt like a quirky explorer.
Pin Valley: Did a jeep safari in Pin Valley. Saw blue sheep hopping around cliffs but no snow leopards (darn!). The wildflowers and quiet trails were still amazing.
Last Day: Strolled Kaza’s market, snagged a woolen scarf, and ate momos at a roadside stall. Left Spiti via Kunzum Pass, stopping for chai at a tiny dhaba with the sweetest owners.
Spiti was tough—dusty roads, thin air—but it’s one of those places that changes you. The silence, the mountains, the kind locals—it’s a reset for the soul. If you’re going, pack warm clothes, take it slow to adjust to the altitude, and respect the place (no littering!).
Got Spiti on your list? Or been there already? Share your stories in the comments—I’m all ears! Happy travels!
Cheers
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