Kaza is the heart of Spiti Valley, and sits at 12,500 feet. Being the most popular highlight of the Spiti tours, it offers raw beauty and clear night skies perfect for stargazing. A hub for travelers, it connects to Spiti’s top spots like Komic, Hikkim, Chicham, and Langza.
Overview of Kaza:
Kaza, the magical capital of Spiti Valley, is located at a height of 12,500 feet. This little town has become a hotspot for travelers who want to escape the usual tourist crowds and find something real and raw. At night, Kaza transforms into a stargazer’s dream world—Here stars are so bright and clear, that you feel you can almost touch them! The zero light pollution makes it perfect for spotting constellations, and on most nights, the Milky Way shows up like a silver river in the sky.
In all the Spiti Valley packages, Kaza is the place where most travelers base themselves for at least 2 to 3 days. It’s not just a stopover but the heart of all Spiti adventures. From here, you can easily reach all the popular attractions of Spiti like Komic, Hikkim, Lagza, and Kibber. Plus, the warm smiles of the local Spitian people make you feel right at home, even when you’re literally on top of the world.
What are the Key Highlights of Kaza:
- Key Monastery Wonder: Visit this 1000-year-old monastery located at 13,668 feet. Amazing spot for sunrise photos and a chance to chat with friendly monks over butter tea.
- Langza Fossil Village: Hunt for marine fossils right on the ground in this 500-year-old village sitting at 14,500 feet. Great place to buy local handicrafts and click photos with the giant Buddha statue.
- Hikkim Post Office: Send postcards from the world’s highest post office at 14,567 feet. Super cool Instagram spot and a unique story to tell back home.
- Chicham Bridge: Walk on Asia’s highest bridge at 13,596 feet. Perfect for thrill-seekers and photographers – the view of the deep gorge below is mind-blowing!
- Local Food Experience: Try authentic Spitian dishes like Thukpa and Thenthuk at the local cafes. Don’t miss the yak cheese momos – they’re absolutely delicious!
- Star Gazing Sessions: Join night sky viewing sessions with local guides. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and space lovers – you might even catch shooting stars!
Timings & Entry Fees of Kaza:
Most monasteries open from 8 am to 6 pm. Most attractions like Chicham Bridge, Key Monastery, and Gue Monastery are free to visit. Photography is usually not allowed inside the monastery, so ask before clicking pictures.
Travel Tips / Essential Information for Kaza:
- Best Time to Visit: May to October is perfect. Skip monsoon months (July-August) as landslides are common.
- Altitude Sickness Alert: Take it slow on the first 24 hours. Drink lots of water and carry basic medicines. Local sea buckthorn juice helps with acclimatization.
- Stay Options: Book homestays for the real Spitian experience. Most charge between INR 800-1500 per night including meals.
- Power Backup: Carry power banks! Electricity can be sketchy. Most homestays have solar backups that help for a few hours.
- Warm Clothes: Pack layers! Even summers can be chilly. Night temperatures can drop to 5°C even in peak season.
- ATM Availability: Only one ATM in Kaza, often runs dry. Carry enough cash for your entire trip.
- Permit Requirements: An inner Line Permit is needed for some villages. Get it made at the SDM office in Kaza for INR 550.
- Local Transport: Share taxis available from the main market. Book a full-day taxi for INR 3500-4000 to cover nearby villages and attractions.
Also Read– Places To Visit in Spiti Valley
Must Read – Things To Do in Spiti Valley
