Spiti stems from two words Sa Piti, literally meaning, the country (Sa) of Piti river (Spiti). Not many people know the meaning and origin of the words- Similarly, the Spiti and upper Lahaulis call themselves La-Yul-Mis, the folks from the god’s land. The word Lahouli, Spiti, Laddhakhi and Tibetan seemed to have come from Lah, which means mountain, peak or pass. Mountains command great reverence in theregion.
A day long Delhi-Manali bus or taxi journey; or a two-hour Delhi-Bhuntar flight, and one is at the sprawling riverside Manali town, enjoying the sylvan environs and the surrounding peaks and meadows. From Manali, one goes driving through 13,050 feet high alpine Rohtang Pass. Between Rohtang and Kunzom Pass are rich riverscapes, snow-capped Himalayan mountain views, and exciting glimpses of the gigantic Bara Shigri glacier’s north-eastern tip; and several oasis camping sites: tiny streams meandering along the feet of high mountains, cutting neatly through grassy patches, as if designed by an imaginative landscape architect. Kunzom Pass, abode of Kunzom Lahmo, a female deity, is around 4,551 metres above sea level.
It beckons visitors to get out and about, and explore its essence. Here are eight ways you can immerse yourself in the wonders of Spiti.
1. Delve into Spirituality
There are five main Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Spiti, filled with mystical dimly lit rooms and ancient treasures. Inside, you’ll be able to unearth well preserved artwork, scriptures, and statutes. The largest and most accessible monastery is Ki Gompa, perched on an isolated hilltop not far from the main town of Kaza, Narrow stairways, multitudes of box like rooms, courtyards, and a magnificent view over the valley captivate all who enter. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the thrice daily prayer ceremonies. Sitting quietly in the prayer hall, while the monks perform their rituals, is an uplifting interlude. The wafting incense, clanging cymbals, and powerful chanting add to the magic. Yet, the monasteries of Spiti aren’t the subdued places you may expect. The courtyards are filled with lively chatter, while children run about. These children are the second eldest sons of local families, who have been donated to the monasteries as tradition requires. A small peek into such remarkable customs and you’ll be curious to know more! Don’t miss the annual three day Chaam festival at Ki Gompa, featuring masked dancing monks. It usually takes place late July.
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| Monastery in Spiti |
2. Tabo Gompa
Tabo monastery, true to its Himalayayan Ajanta image, has rare palette, style richness, and presence of the Buddhist Pantheon in its 9 temples, 23 chortens, and chambers for monks and nuns. Its ever glowing wall-paintings, and stuccos-reveal Buddhist teachings, and depict tales from the Buddha’s previous’ and immediate lives. The three-dimensional stucco images, 33 in number, fixed to the walls of the Lah Khang (Assembly hall) are unique works of craftsmanship and form the vajra mandala. The kind of rich and lasting palette created in earth-colour wall paintings speak of excellence of temple art and architecture in this valley. The highlight of the Assembly hall is the four-fold Vairochana, who is considered one of the five spiritual sons of the Abibuddha, the primordial Buddha. |
| Tabo Gompa Spiti |
3. Experience Village Life
One of the most fascinating things that you can do in Spiti is spend time in a village. Highlights include the highest village in Asia (Komik), and the world’s highest village with vehicle access and electricity (Kibber). Local Homestays offers some charming, rustic accommodations where you can live with a local family and discover exactly what it’s like to inhabit such a remote, high altitude environment. The way of life is simple and uncomplicated, but challenging. Winters are harsh. Heavy snowfall and below freezing temperatures force residents to be homebound for months at a time. “We stockpile food and pass the time by making handicrafts”, they tell. While visiting Spiti’s villages, you’ll be able to dine on delicious home made local cuisine, often consisting of momos (vegetable dumplings), thukpa and thenthuk (hearty noodle soups).
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| Village in Spiti |
4. Demul village
Demul village is one of the greenest regions in Spiti. At 4,300 metres above sea level, with a towering Chocho Kangnyilda peak against its backdrop, Demul is a dreamy village about 25km from Kaza. Situated in a sun-facing, crescent-shaped mountain plank-this village suddenly appears like a shock of white-washed houses. A harmonious settlement, its surroundings are replete with alpine flora and fauna, and marine life fossil. It is an ideal village tourism site.5. Discover High Altitude Farming
Farming is the primary source of income for villagers in Spiti. Every morning, they rise at the crack of dawn and head out into the fields to tend to plantations of barley, wheat, and peas. If you’re interested in agriculture or sustainable living, you’ll find it absorbing to learn of the cultivation and irrigation process. The extreme weather only allows for one crop per year, which is largely dependent on the melting snow. Join the villagers as they toil in the fields for a hands-on education!
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| Farm land Spiti |
6. Enjoy a Cultural Performance
Music and dance are integral parts of village life in Spiti. Visit Lhalung or Demul villages, and you’ll be treated to a live cultural show that will leave you spellbound. It’s possible to stay at homes in both villages. Higher altitude Demul, with its captivating vista, is the most alluring though. The night falling on the secluded mountain background in Demul, while traditionally dressed dancers gracefully perform to live music, makes it all the more memorable.
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| Folk dance spiti |
7. Track Endangered Wildlife
Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary are home to an array of India’s more uncommon wildlife. Some of them, such as the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Wolf, are as endangered as they are exotic. Ecosphere Spiti operates dedicated wildlife tracking tours from April to October. This remarkable organization — with a focus on conservation, responsible tourism, and sustainable development — has been working diligently to protect Spiti’s endangered species. The tours offered by Ecosphere run from nine to 19 days, with accommodations provided in village homestays and tents. Envisage the buzz of peeping into the den of a Himalayan Wolf, the world’s oldest surviving species of wolf and one of the world’s highest predators. Thrilling wildlife in India isn’t just limited to tigers!
8. Pin Valley National Park
The Pin Valley National Park is an ideal wildlife tourism spot with a transit camp accommodation at Mud Farka, and bunkers. Chhumurti horses are available for a ride. Two to three days’ travel in the Park under the guidance of the forest guides should be enough for sighting an ibex. Wildlife Census, 1999-2000, put the animal population of Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Sanctuary 12,245, including 508 snow ibex in the Pin valley.
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| Yalks Pin Valley National Park |
9. Trek Remote Trails
The trekking opportunities in Spiti are a popular attraction for adventure enthusiasts, and you’ll find a myriad of options to choose from. Some well-known treks are Pin-Parvati, Parang- La, and Pin-Bhaba. It’s possible to visit less frequented areas as well. Walk on glaciers, follow traditional trade routes, go on a floral foray, scale the Khanamo peak, or simply trek from village to village. Ecosphere Spiti organises regular five to seven day treks, and longer fixed departure treks, from May to October. This activity isn’t for everyone though. Trekking in high altitude requires fitness, stamina and endurance!
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| Remote trail Spiti |
10. Take a Yak Safari
Tell your friends and family that you’re taking a yak safari, and they’ll probably exclaim with amazement! Most people never get to see a yak in their lifetime, let alone ride one. A yak safari is perfect for those who want to explore Spiti’s surroundings, but aren’t up for trekking. Each village family usually owns one yak, which they let roam freely during the summer. Your safari will take place on one of these yaks, fetched by the village boys. You’re likely to discover that yaks are temperamental beasts. Still, by the end of the safari, it’s hard not to fall at least a little in love with these furry, stocky, quirky creatures. The yak safari from Komic to Demul villages, organized by Ecosphere Spiti, takes around four hours, including a stop for lunch. It passes though bare open slopes, rocky outcrops, and small religious shrines. All the while, the yak’s powerful legs never falter.
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| Yak Safari in Spiti |
11. Release Your Adrenaline
If the above activities aren’t exhilarating enough for you, get your adrenaline flowing by going white water rafting along the Pin and Spiti rivers, or traversing little known valleys and plateaus on a mountain bike. Ecosphere Spiti runs 13 day Biking Through Trans-Himalayan Back-Country trips from mid May to October, and 12 day Classic Spiti Adventure trips from June to October. The Classic Spiti Adventure combines trekking, biking, yak safari, and whitewater rafting — ideal for those who want to experience everything!
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| Remote site spiti |
