Introduction 

Nestled in the foothills of the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 3800 meters, Spiti Valley is an ideal getaway for trekkers who wish to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities. As compared to the other popular locations in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is relatively more offbeat and less crowded, making it perfect for those who wish to spend some time immersed in the solitude that the hills provide. The verdant landscape, the snow-covered peaks at a distance, the azure Spiti River cutting across the terrain and the Himalayan Wilderness- all of it comes together to weave a beautiful carpet that will leave you mesmerized. However, this area is unknown to most people and thus you must know a few things before you embark on a journey to Spiti Valley.

How to Reach?

Spiti Valley is slightly inaccessible because of its geographic location and the nearest domestic airport is the Kullu Airport which is at a distance of 260 kilometers whereas the nearest international Airport is all the way in Chandigarh. The closest railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station so you will have to travel again for about 8 hours by road to reach Spiti Valley. From Manali, the distance is about 196 kilometers so trekkers can arrive here first and then leave for Spiti Valley through the Rohtang Pass or take the Shimla-Kinnaur Highway, also known as Hindustan-Tibet highway (NH05). Other than these options, one can also drive overnight from Delhi and  Chandigarh.

Best time to Travel

The ideal time to travel is the autumn season from End September to Mid November. Traveling to Spiti Valley takes a lot of planning and knowledge about the weather conditions as well as terrain of the region. During the winter months, the Rohtang and Kunzum Passes experience heavy rainfall and are closed for tourists so there is no way that you can travel from Manali. If you are traveling via NH05, you can still access Spiti Valley but the frigid temperatures are unbearable. During the summer season, the snow starts to melt in some areas but accessibility still remains uncertain till the month of June. The period that you definitely want to avoid is the monsoon months between July to September because this place is prone to massive landslides that can be fatal. During the autumn months, although much of the snow will disappear, you can easily traverse the visible mountain trails under the clear skies and visit most of the places, making your trip worth it.

Preparations for the Trip

The journey to Spiti Valley is hectic and you need to be very careful with your itinerary. The road journeys can get incredibly hectic and thus, spend a day in Shimla or Manali before heading towards your destination. Carry appropriate winter clothes to keep yourself warm during the cold nights when the temperature drops. Essentials such as medicines, first aid kits, flashlights and battery backup must be there with you as this place is far from the main town. 

Travel Itinerary 

From the picturesque town of Shimla, you will be heading towards the quaint town of Kalpa. On the way, you will come across verdant hills and carmine apple orchards especially in locations like Narkanda, from where the Hatu Peak is visible. As you travel along the banks of the glistening Sutlej River, you will arrive at Jeori which is known for its natural hot springs with healing properties. Once you arrive at the majestic Kinnaur gate, you will be entering the picturesque Kinnaur district  home to the Chilgoza Forests, stunning vistas of the Kinner Kailash range and a rich Tibetan culture. On day 3, you will be traveling to Tabo, known for the ancient monasteries in the surrounding areas. While you are here, you must pay a visit to the Tabo Monastery, known as Ajanta of the Himalayas, the Nako Monastery beside a serene alpine lake and the Dhankar Monastery offering a glimpse of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers. You could also take a detour and visit the Gue Village which is home to an ancient artifact- the mummy of a spiritual Buddhist Monk. You will pass through the cold desert-like terrain of the Pin Valley to reach Kaza on day 4. These terrain are perfect for trekking and you could also visit the village of Gete, the highest village in Asia which can be accessed by road. Rich in flora and fauna, you might even spot snow leopards and Siberian Ibex while crossing this stretch but it is rare. The next day, head towards the high-altitude location of Hikkim, post a letter to your loved ones from the famous post office and proceed towards Langza and Komic offering stunning visuals of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak.  Head towards the Kibber village on day 6, crossing one of Asia's highest bridges, the Chicham Bridge at an altitude of 4100 meters. On the way you will also be visiting the famous Key Monastery for an incredible spiritual experience. On the penultimate day, camp beside the Chandratal Lake in Kaza. With its turquoise blue waters, surrounded by lush meadows and colossal mountain peaks at a distance, this place is a photographer's muse. At night, fall asleep to the whispers of the mountains under a starlit sky. On the very last day, head back to Delhi via Shimla.

Conclusion 

Spiti Valley offers the perfect blend of nature, adventure, spirituality and culture through its vibrant landscape adorned with alpine trees and beautiful monasteries. It is an ideal location for a short getaway during the holiday season. Spend some quality time with your friends, family and with yourself.