Plan Your Travel To Spiti
Places To Visit In Spiti
Stargazing
Stargazing is a unique experience that is especially enjoyable in the hills. And Spiti Valley is one such place where you can en-cash this surreal experience. On clear nights, you can see the night sky studded with millions of diamond like stars. While the activity is in itself, immensely peaceful, it is also a time to reminisce, and is surely going to be an experience of a lifetime for you.
Suraj Tal
Located at an elevation of 4950 m above the sea level, Suraj Tal Lake is considered as the 3rd largest lake in India. Situated in Spiti Valley, Suraj Tale In literal sense means, ‘The Lake of Sun God’. Just below the Baralacha pass, the stunning lake should definitely be visited while here, especially if they are into photography. The Suraj Tal, is one of the most dream-like and photogenic lakes.
Due to the belief that a dip in the Suraj Tal lake cleanses a person of his sins, it attracts a lot of people and is therefore considered spiritual. However, the major reason that the lake has gained popularity is that it comes en-route to the famous Manali-Leh path that is popular for trekking and biking trips, that also encompasses the Baralacha-La Pass on the way. Suraj Tal is, thus, meant for people who are mostly adventurous, and religious at the same time.
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Tabo Monastery
Standing tall and strong at a dizzying height of 10,000 feet, the Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries located in the Tabo Village of Spiti Valley. In fact, it is the oldest monastery in India and the Himalayas that has been functioning continuously since its inception. This alluring monastery is renowned as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'.
The walls of the monastery are decorated with fascinating murals and ancient paintings, much like the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra and hence the name. Resting peacefully on the left bank of the sparkling Spiti River, the Tabo Monastery is proud of having preserved the glorious traditions and heritage of Buddhism in the form of artistic murals, intricate paintings, elegant stuccos and exquisite frescoes. Being one of the most historically significant sites in the Buddhist culture, the Archeological Survey of India has taken over the responsibility of its maintenance and preservation. Spanning over an area of 6300 sq. Km. in the cold desert of the Tabo Valley and enveloped by tall walls of mud bricks, this culturally rich heritage site is highly revered by Buddhist monks and comes second only to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. Built by the revered Buddhist king, Yeshe-O, the Tabo Monastery is now a priceless treasure to the Buddhist community.
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Tashigang
Situated in the Sutlej river valley near the India- Tibet border, Tashigang is a quaint little village in Himachal Pradesh which is also the highest point in the Spiti Valley. Perched at an altitude of 4650 m, the village has just over four homes with a meagre population of 6 families and around 40 people in all. Boasting of gorgeous mountain views and narrow winding roads, the pristine hamlet offers peace and quiet like no place else.
Besides being the most perfect place to unwind and relax amidst bounteous natural beauty and stunning views of the mountains, the sun and the valley, the highlight of Tashigang is that it is known worldwide to have the highest polling booth in the world. Aside from that, there is a beautiful lake which adds to the ambiance of the picturesque landscape. And there are tiny house built in Tibetan architecture with thatched roofs which act as insulation during snowfalls.
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Tayul Monastery
A Buddhist Monastery located in the Bhaga Valley of Spiti, the Tayul Monastery houses the biggest statue of Padma Sambhava. The statue is 12 ft. tall, in his two manifestations as Singhmukha and Vajravarahi. Situated around 6 kms from Keylong, the Tayul Gompa also has a hundred million mani wheels, which are supposed to open the minds of visitors to the compassion of Lord and are said to turn themselves on auspicious occasions.
Thangka Painting
Thangka painting is a Buddhist painting made on cotton and silk.When they are not used for display, they are rolled and kept on a textile backing which look like Chinese scroll paintings, with a silk cover. They can last for a long time. But they are of delecate nature, that's why they are kept in dry places so that it doesn't get affected by moisture. The painting depicts a Buddhist deity or a scene.
Thangka paintings, made on cotton, are paintings depicting the life of Buddhist deities. They serve as important teaching tools. Thangka painting are used for devotional and decorative purposes. There are workshops held by famous thangka painters who teach the visitors the importance and procedure that goes in the making of the painting.
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Tibetan Shopping
Tibetan shopping in Spiti Valley offers a unique and culturally enriching experience for travelers seeking authentic handicrafts and traditional artifacts. Exploring the local markets provides a glimpse into the rich Tibetan heritage and craftsmanship. Here are a few notable shops and logistics details to enhance your Tibetan shopping adventure in Spiti:
Himalayan Handicrafts Emporium:Location: Kaza Market, Spiti Valley.Specialties: Handwoven textiles, traditional Tibetan carpets, and intricately crafted Thangka paintings.Open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Cash is preferred, but some shops may accept cards.Tibetan Wood Carving Studio:Location: Near Key Monastery.Specialties: Exquisite hand-carved wooden items, including prayer wheels, masks, and furniture.Customization options available. It is advisable to arrange transportation for larger items.Kye Monastery Gift Shop:Location: Kye Monastery premises.Specialties: Spiritual artifacts, Buddhist prayer flags, and monk-made handicrafts.Limited operating hours, usually aligned with the monastery's visiting hours.Spiti Cultural Centre Gift Shop:Location: Kaza Market.Specialties: Locally produced textiles, jewelry, and traditional Spitian attire.Supports local artisans. Bargaining is common, so feel free to negotiate prices.Om Handicrafts:Location: Tabo Village.Specialties: Tibetan incense, singing bowls, and meditation accessories.Open throughout the week. Cash transactions are prevalent.
Tips for Tibetan Shopping in Spiti:
Bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice in Spiti, especially in local markets. Politely negotiate for a fair price.
Cash Transactions: While some shops may accept cards, it's advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially in remote areas.
Transportation: Arrange suitable transportation for larger purchases, as public transport may not accommodate bulkier items.
Local Artisan Interaction: Engage with local artisans and shop owners to gain insights into the cultural significance of the items and support their craftsmanship.
Shop Hours: Be mindful of the opening and closing hours, as some shops may adhere to specific timings.
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Trekking in Spiti Valley
Spiti is the haven for adventure seekers and trekkers as it offers treks through some of the most unseen, dream-like landscapes, watched over by majestic sceneries. For the more experienced trekkers there is the Pin-Parvarti route. Other routes include Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Comic-Kaza, Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza, Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La and Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-Nako.
Trilokinath Temple
The Trilokinath Temple, also known as Sri Trilokinathji Temple, is located in Trilokinath village in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. About 9 km from the village of Udaipur (not to be confused with Udaipur in Rajasthan), the temple is the only place in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists worship. The diety is considered as ‘Lord Shiva’ by Hindus while the Buddhists see it as Arya Avalokiteshwar. ‘Trilokinath’ is another name of Shiva, a Hindu god and it means the ‘Lord of Three Worlds’. However, it is believed that the Trilokinath Temple was originally a Buddhist monastery.
At an altitude of 2760 metres, the beautifully white-painted temple could be seen at the end of the street in Trilokinath village. ‘Tunda Vihar’ is the ancient name of the Trilokinath Temple and is considered as the most sacred pilgrim tirth after Kailash and Mansarovar. The colourful Tibetan prayer flags swaying in the wind, the sound of the brass bell with the surrounding snow-clad mountain peaks and pine trees, Trilokinath Temple offers a serene view and magical comfort to the eyes. For peace seekers and religious people, it is surely an ideal place to explore.
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Yak Safaris
Yak and Horse Safaris are the best and some of the most popular and loved ways to explore this region.
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