India /Himachal Pradesh /Spiti /Lohaul & Spit

Lahaul and Spiti is a district located on a very high altitude in the north-eastern part of in Himachal Pradesh. It is a desert mountain and the name means ‘The Middle Land’ owing to the location of the city, which is between Tibet and India. The region is popular for its distinctive Buddhist culture and its unexplored natural beauty. Rohtang Pass segregated the regions of Lahaul and Spiti from Kullu valley and they are further separated from each other by the higher Kunzum Pass. Monasteries are the main attraction of Lahaul and Spiti. The Ki and Tabo monastery are one of the oldest monasteries in the world and are a favourite of Dalai Lama. The area of Spiti is laden with extraordinary natural beauty and has also served as the location of various Hindi films like ‘Paap’ and ‘Milarepa’. The region is also blessed with some of the rare species of flora and fauna. Keylong and Kaza are the most important towns in the district. Some of the festivals celebrated in Lahaul-Spiti with much fanfare and gusto includes burning of the devil, chaam dance and Pauri festival. A few adventure options, too, invite tourists to Lahaul and Spiti. Spiti valley is accessible throughout year by Kinnaur-Shimla route which is 412 km long and difficult road, however, tourists from outside India, requires an Inner Line permit to enter the region. In summers, tourists can also take the route via Manali, through Rohtang Pass and Kunjum Pass to reach Spiti. The valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are very different in character. Spiti is a very rugged and difficult terrain with lofty peaks ranges, Lahaul is a comparatively less barren and easily accessible. The climate of Lahaul and Spiti is inhospitable and this is the reason why the region is known for being one of the least populated regions in the country. During winters, heavy snowfall cuts off Spiti from the rest of the country. The main settlements along the Spiti River and its tributaries are Hansi and Dhankar Gompa.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Trekking

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 175132

STD Code: 1906

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Jun – Sep

HistoryEdit

The district of Lahaul-Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The present administrative centre is Keylong in Lahaul. Before the two districts were merged, Kardang was the capital of Lahaul, and Dhankar the capital of Spiti. Buddhism arrived in Lahaul and Spiti during the 8th century AD with the Indian missionary Padmasambhava. By the 10th century, upper Lahaul, Spiti and Zanskar had been incorporated into the vast Guge kingdom of western Tibet. The Great Translator, Ringchen Zangpo, founded a series of centres of Buddhist learning along the Spiti Valley, including Tabo, one of the most remarkable Buddhist monasteries in North India.

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How to ReachEdit

By Air : Bhuntar (Kullu district) has the nearest domestic airport for Spiti. From here tourists need to book either a bus or take a taxi for Spiti. The nearest international airport is at Delhi.

By Train : Jogindernagar has the nearest railhead but the place has limited connectivity. Shimla and Chandigarh are the nearest broad gauge railway station and are well connected to most of the cities. Direct buses or taxis can be hired for Spiti from these places.

By Bus : Buses are available from Chandigarh, Shimla and many other places around Lahaul and Spiti. The charge for buses is anywhere between Rs 4-5 per km.

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Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

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