Spiti Valley offers breathtaking landscapes, serene monasteries, and charming villages. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking adventure and peace, perfect for unforgettable experiences amidst nature’s beauty.
Spiti is a cold desert located high in the Himalayas. Spiti is about rugged mountains, ancient monasteries, rivers, and roads that test your courage (and your vehicle’s suspension). Dubbed as the “Middle Landa” between India and Tibet, Spiti is a blend of stark landscapes and warm-hearted locals who’ll greet you with endless cups of butter tea. Whether you’re trekking to a hidden monastery, spotting snow leopards in Pin Valley, or just admiring the iconic views at Chandratal, Spiti Valley Tour Packages is all that you need to experience the best Himachal pradesh, especially if you love biking, and cold desert.
It is a high-altitude cold desert, which means it stays freezing throughout the year. However, summer brings some relief, with temperatures climbing to a manageable 0-15°C, making it the best time to visit. Doesn’t matter when you’re visiting, here are the best places to visit in Spiti that will leave you speechless.
But fair warning—Spiti isn’t your usual weekend getaway. The high altitude demands acclimatization, the roads can be unpredictable, and WiFi? Well, let’s just say nature gives you all the “connection” you need. But that’s the beauty. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
So, pack your bags and load up on snacks, Let’s go for Places to Visit in Spiti.
Located at 13,668 feet, Key Monastery is the heartbeat of Spiti’s spiritual world. This 1,000-year-old monastery is what Spiti is known for. A stunning sight with its fortress-like structure which is home to hundreds of monks. The walls have beautiful murals, ancient texts, and thangkas. Sitting inside while the monks chant is a moment of pure serenity.
– Location & Timings: Located 14 km from Kaza, the monastery is open daily from 6 am – 6 pm. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Be prepared for a short but steep climb to the entrance.
– Highlight: Don’t miss out on seeing the monastery from a particular viewpoint. Also, the butter tea offered by the monks is an experience in itself—an acquired taste, but a warm welcome to the Himalayan culture.
Often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” Tabo Monastery is over 1,000 years old and is still an active Buddhist learning centre. Inside, you’ll find ancient frescoes, stucco sculptures, and stunning murals that tell stories of Tibetan Buddhism. It’s a living museum.
– Location & Timings: Situated in Tabo village, about 50 km from Kaza, it is open from 6 am – 5 pm. Entry is free, but photography inside the monastery is restricted.
– Highlight: The meditation caves near the monastery, where monks have been meditating for centuries, are an absolute must-visit. No wonder it’s one of the famous places to visit in Spiti Valley that history lovers love.
One of Spiti’s lesser-known but incredibly fascinating monasteries, Lhalung Monastery, is believed to change colors with the mood of the mountains. Built by Rinchen Zangpo, it holds centuries of history, stunning murals, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it worth the visit.
– Location & Timings: Located in Lhalung Village, about 40 km from Kaza, it is open from 6 am – 6 pm. Entry is free, and the road leading to it is beautiful in itself.
– Highlight: The monastery’s wooden carvings are a masterpiece. If you’re lucky, you might get to witness an ancient Buddhist ritual being performed by the monks.
Unlike Spiti’s other monasteries, Gandhola Monastery has a distinct wooden pagoda-style architecture. Founded in the 8th century, this monastery is a hidden gem known for its ancient relics, intricate paintings, and serene surroundings.
– Location & Timings: Located near Tandi in Lahaul Valley, it is about 8 km from Keylong. It is open from 6 am – 6 pm with free entry. The road leading here is rough but scenic.
– Highlight: Home to an ancient seven-story wooden tower, this monastery is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Lahaul Spiti. The views from the top are breathtaking!
Chandratal, also known as the “Moon Lake,” is one of the most stunning lakes in India. The deep blue water, surrounded by barren mountains, creates a dreamlike landscape. Whether you visit during the day or under a star-lit sky, the view is mesmerizing.
– Location & Timings: Situated 40 km from Kunzum Pass, it is accessible from June to October. There is no entry fee to visit Chandratal.
– Highlight: Camping at Chandratal is an unforgettable experience, with a sky full of stars above you. No wonder it’s one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley.
Situated at a staggering altitude of 16,020 feet, Suraj Tal—meaning “Lake of the Sun”—is a breathtaking sight. This pristine, glacial-fed lake remains frozen for most of the year, but when it melts, it reveals a stunning turquoise hue that perfectly contrasts with the rugged brown mountains. It’s a hidden gem for trekkers, bikers, and nature lovers alike.
– Location & Timings: Located near Baralacha La Pass, about 65 km from Keylong, the lake is accessible from June to September. There’s no entry fee, but the cold and high altitude demands proper gear.
– Highlight: The reflections of the surrounding peaks on the crystal-clear water create an unreal view. Whether you stop here while biking on the Manali-Leh highway or trek your way up, Suraj Tal is on the way and so becomes a must-visit.
Kunzum Pass is no ordinary mountain pass—it’s an adventure in itself! Standing tall at 15,060 feet, this high-altitude gateway connects Lahaul and Spiti, offering some of the most jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas. The road is narrow, the curves are wild, and the landscape is straight out of a dream.
– Location & Timings: Situated between Lahaul and Spiti Valley, the pass is open from June to October. Entry is free, but only experienced drivers should attempt the route, as the roads are challenging.
– Highlight: One of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley, Kunzum Pass is famous for its 360-degree views of the Bara-Sigri Glacier, one of the largest in Himachal Pradesh. Travelers also stop at the Kunzum Mata Temple to seek blessings.
Hidden behind the iconic Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake is a secluded alpine gem that offers peace, solitude, and a stunning panoramic view of Spiti’s surreal landscape. The trek to the lake is a bit of a challenge, but the view at the top makes every step worth it. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, this is the spot.
– Location & Timings: The lake is located about 5 km from Dhankar Village, and reaching it requires a 2-hour trek from Dhankar Monastery. Open all day, with no entry fee.
– Highlight: The lake’s serene waters reflect the towering peaks around it, making it an ideal spot for meditation, photography, or just soaking in the tranquility of the mountains. Unlike other attractions, you won’t find crowds here—just you, nature, and the whispering wind.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Pin Valley National Park is the place to be. This cold desert sanctuary is home to some of the rarest Himalayan wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, ibex, and red fox. With its rugged landscapes and remote villages, the park offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.
– Location & Timings: Located in Pin Valley, the national park is open throughout the year, though the best time to visit is from May to October. Entry is free, but guided wildlife tours are available for a fee.
– Highlight: As one of the best places to visit in Spiti, Pin Valley is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. The Pin-Parvati trek, which passes through the park, is a dream for adventure seekers. If you’re lucky, you might just spot a snow leopard prowling in the distance!
Kibber is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world? Welcome to Kibber, a charming little village known for its whitewashed houses, stunning mountain views, and warm hospitality. At 14,200 feet, Kibber is a surreal mix of Tibetan culture, rugged landscapes, and absolute serenity.
– Location & Timings: Located 19 km from Kaza, Kibber is accessible all year round. There’s no entry fee, but staying overnight in a homestay is highly recommended for an authentic experience.
– Highlight: Apart from its eye-soothing-perfect beauty, Kibber is also home to the famous Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot Himalayan blue sheep and, if you’re extremely lucky, a snow leopard! The combination of nature, culture, and adventure makes Kibber a must-visit destination in Spiti.
Tucked away at 13,400 ft, Losar is the first village you’ll hit when entering Spiti from Manali. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great spot to adjust to the high altitude. It’s the last place you’ll get network, after this, you’ll get it back in Manali. For 24 hrs, there will be no network.
– Location: 56 km from Kaza, near Kunzum Pass.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day, free entry (unless you count the cost of getting here!).
– Highlight: The village offers insane views of snow-capped peaks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a red fox or even a snow leopard. If you’re hunting for places to visit in Spiti Valley, taking a stop at Losar should definitely be on your list.
Komic is the highest motorable village in the world. Yep, Komik is located at a crazy 15,027 ft! It’s tiny, remote, and feels like it’s straight out of a National Geographic cover. At the top, there’s also the world’s highest restaurant where you can enjoy maggie, momo, and some typical Himachali dishes. Also there’s a monastery besides the restaurant.
– Location: 20 km from Kaza.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24/7 (because you can’t exactly “close” a village), free entry.
– Highlight: Home to the Tangyud Monastery, Komik offers spectacular views of Spiti’s rugged terrain. It’s also famous for fossil hunting, so keep an eye out—you might just find a piece of prehistoric history.
A lesser-known gem in Lahaul, Shashur Monastery is a peaceful retreat surrounded by cedar trees. Monks here are super friendly and happy to share stories about their way of life. If you’re listing down hidden places to visit in Lahaul Spiti, this one deserves a spot.
– Location: Keylong, Lahaul Valley.
– Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 6 pm, free entry.
– Highlight: The monastery is famous for its murals and 15-foot Thangka paintings. The annual Cham dance festival here is a must-see.
Hidden away in Lahaul, Tayul Monastery is where you go if you want absolute peace. It’s not as famous as the others, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
The monastery has a full library of 101 Kangyur (religious Tibetan texts in their original form). The main attraction of the Tayul Monastery is the huge prayer wheel which is famous because it rotates on its own on special occasions.
– Location: 6 km from Keylong, Lahaul.
– Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 5 pm, free entry.
– Highlight: Home to a massive 12-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava, this monastery feels frozen in time. The backdrop of snow-covered peaks makes it a photographer’s dream.
Kardang Monastery in Gompa is the largest and most important monastery in Lahaul, Kardang is located on a hill with jaw-dropping views of the Bhaga River. It’s over 900 years old! The monastery showcases an extraordinary assortment of murals, paintings, frescoes, Thangka artworks, ancient weapons, and musical instruments such as horns, flutes, and drums.
– Location: Near Keylong, Lahaul.
– Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 6 pm, free entry.
– Highlight: The monastery houses ancient murals, weapons, and Buddhist scriptures written in golden ink. If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, Kardang is an absolute must.
A high-altitude lake so still and serene, it feels like a mirror reflecting the Himalayas. Nako Lake is Situated The tiny village and mountains surrounding it make this even more beautiful. A sacred site for locals, the lake is a gateway to Tibetan culture and breathtaking Himalayan beauty.
– Location: Nako Village, Kinnaur.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day, free entry.
– Highlight: The lake freezes in winter, turning into a natural ice rink. In summer, it’s a picture-perfect picnic spot with monasteries around. Just sit, breathe, and take in the beauty.
Situated on a cliff, Dhankar Monastery looks like it’s defying gravity. Once the capital of Spiti, this place is full of history and legends. Dating back over a thousand years, this ancient monastery was the capital of the Spiti Kingdom. The monastery also offers breathtaking views of the Spiti River and surrounding landscapes.
– Location: 32 km from Kaza.
– Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 5 pm, free entry.
– Highlight: The monastery offers breathtaking views of the Spiti River below. Dhankar Lake Trek is even more stunning panorama. If you’re listing down places to visit in Spiti, this one should be high on the list.
Langza Village is famous for two things—its gigantic Buddha statue and its prehistoric fossils. It’s like stepping into a time machine. The village is famous for its ancient marine fossils, a reminder of its prehistoric past when the region was submerged under the Tethys Sea.
– Location: 16 km from Kaza.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day, free entry.
– Highlight: Langza is known for its unique mud houses, friendly locals, and unbeatable mountain views. Fossil hunting here is a popular activity, so keep your eyes on the ground!
This place has Spiti’s most mysterious attraction in Gue Monastery—a 500-year-old naturally preserved mummy of a Buddhist monk. It is also known as “Gue Mummy Stupa“. No chemicals, no mummification process, just pure Himalayan magic. The stupa is located in the village of Gue near the Indo-Tibetan border, is a significant spiritual and historical site.
– Location: Gue Village, near the Indo-Tibet border.
– Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 6 pm, free entry.
– Highlight: The mummy still has hair and teeth intact, making it one of the most well-preserved mummies in the world. If you’re exploring the places to visit in Spiti Valley, this eerie yet fascinating spot should be on your list.
One of the bluest, most secluded lakes in Lahaul, Ghepan Lake is a hidden unknown treasure. If you love to explore unknown places, this is one of the hidden places to visit in Lahaul Spiti. It requires a trek, but the view is so worth it! Due to its remote location, the lake remains untouched and pristine, attracting nature and peace lovers.
– Location: Near Sissu, Lahaul Valley.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Trekking required, free entry.
– Highlight: The lake’s blue water, surrounded by rugged Himalayan peaks makes it more beautiful. It’s still off the typical tourist radar, making it a perfect spot for solitude seekers.
A. The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between May and September, when the roads are open, and the weather is pleasant. During these months, temperatures range from 0-15°C, making it ideal for road trips, trekking, and sightseeing. Winters are harsh, with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall blocking access.
A. Spiti Valley is a high-altitude cold desert, just like Ladakh, it has ancient monasteries and high-altitude villages. It’s a paradise for adventure lovers, offering trekking, biking, and camping under starry skies. The region is also known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, fossil-rich terrains, and unique places to visit in Spiti, such as Key Monastery and Chandratal Lake.
A. A minimum of 7 to 10 days is recommended to explore Spiti properly. This allows time for acclimatization, visiting monasteries, trekking to hidden lakes, and experiencing village life.
A. Both are stunning, but Spiti is more secluded and raw, while Ladakh is slightly more commercialized. If you prefer offbeat travel, Spiti is perfect, because of its untouched landscapes and remote villages. However, Ladakh has better roads and infrastructure. Either way, both regions offer spectacular places to visit in Spiti Valley and Ladakh.
A. Several Bollywood films have been shot in Spiti, but the most famous is “Highway” (2014), starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. Other movies like “Paap” and “Kailash Kher’s Music Videos” have also been filmed here.
A. Absolutely! Thanks to minimal light pollution, Spiti is one of the best places in India for stargazing. On a clear night, you can witness the Milky Way stretching across the sky. Chandratal, Kaza, and Langza are some of the best places to visit in Spiti for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Also Read: Things to Do in Spiti Valley
