The snow-white winter wonderland is a sight to behold for travelers adventurous enough to visit Spiti valley in the stark winter months (November to March). Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh is filled with a blanket of snow during winter creating magical spectacles in all directions. A road trip to the pristine Spiti river valley lined by the magical Himalayas is an experience of a lifetime! Travel groups organize ultimate winter expeditions to the cold desert of Spiti during winter. Foreign tourists love to visit the valley in winter for sightseeing, skiing, trekking, and other activities. Look for cheap last minute flights to Delhi on Flyopedia Canada and start your 12-15 days Spiti trip from Chandigarh or Shimla.
Itinerary to follow during Spiti Winter Expedition:
Chandigarh/ Shimla- Narkanda- Reckong Peo- Nako-Tabo-Kaza town-Pin Valley
The only route to visit Lahaul and Spiti district in winter is through Shimla. Most Spiti Winter expedition groups start the journey from Chandigarh or Shimla. International travelers can take a low-cost travel package and book cheap flights from Toronto to Delhi and reach Chandigarh easily through flight, train or bus.
The scenic journey from Reckong Peo to Nako in Kinnaur district:
The first halt that travel groups often make is in Reckong Peo. This is because going directly to Kaza might expose travelers to extreme temperature variations. The road from Kalpa/Reckong Peo to Nako follows a scenic route along the Indo-Tibet Highway, with snow-covered Himalayan mountains on one side and the ferocious Satluj river on the other. Notably, the confluence of Spiti and Sutlej, known locally as “khab,” is a wondrous sight to behold. Upon reaching Khab, the view changes dramatically, and each stretch of the road offers a new picture-worthy view for a shutterbug or vlogger.
The pristine beauty of Nako Lake, surrounded by ice-covered mountains and featuring four Buddhist temples, marks a memorable and peaceful first stop on the expedition. Be sure to explore the serene meditation caves nearby, which are believed to be the meditating site of the saint Padmasambhava. With no shortage of direct flights from Toronto to Delhi, booking now can set the stage for an experience of a lifetime this winter!
A view of serene Monasteries: Tabo, Gue, and Dhankar:
The quaint village of Tabo is the next stop. The peaceful village is popular for Tabo Monastery and meditation caves that date back to 1010 AD. The ancient monastery has the oldest repository of murals and sculptures related to Tibetan Buddhism in the Spiti region. There are decent accommodation options in Tabo village.
Many tourists and devotees also love to explore the nearby Gue Monastery where a 500 years old mummified monk named Sangha Tenzin is located. The mummified body of the still-meditating Buddhist monk is one of the most astonishing sights you will see in your lifetime.
The 16th-century-old Dhankar Monastery is perched at a 3600 m high elevation and contains incomparable murals and scriptures belonging to ancient Buddhism. The erstwhile capital of Spiti, the frozen terrain at Dhankar is simply lovely and a must-visit for history and culture buffs. Both monasteries are approximately 30 km away from Tabo village. Book cheap last minute flights to Delhi on Flyopedia Canada to catch a rare glimpse of a mummified monk in Gue this winter.
Visit the popular villages of Kibber, Langza, Hikkim, and Komic:
The capital town of Kaza is 49 km ahead of Tabo village. Kaza is where travelers and bikers love to stay for a long time . The marketplace is bustling with life and contains lots of cafes, restaurants, and classy accommodations for tourists of all types. Most tourists take a halt here to visit the nearby villages of Kibber, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, and the ever-so-beautiful Kee/ Kye Monastery.
The exquisite ice-covered mountain view from Kee Monastery and the tranquil faces of meditating monks will add an element of mysticism to the experience. Furthermore, the monastery houses around 200 lamas belonging to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It boasts precious murals, manuscripts, Thangkas, and other traditional instruments from a bygone era. Interestingly, you can even stay in the 1000-year-old monastery by paying a nominal rate.
Moving on to the nearby Kibber village, it holds the world record for the highest motorable road in the world. During winter, you will be lucky enough to spot animals like Snow Leopard, Pika, Lynx, and Himalayan Wolf in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Additionally, the houses in nearby villages of Langza, Hikkim, and Komic showcase distinctive Tibetan-style architecture. This architecture looks mesmerizing against the backdrop of the towering Himalayan ranges. Check Flyopedia Canada to get budget-friendly last minute flights to India and enjoy the thrilling winter expedition to the untouched Spiti river valley this winter.
Pin River Valley:
Pin River Valley is 30 km away from the Kaza town and is a sight to behold both in summer and winter. The roaring Pin river lines the road and leads to Mud village. Each scene in the ever-changing landscape looks like God’s masterstroke.
The breathtaking frozen landscape of Pin valley is a starting point of high-altitude treks (15,500 ft.) like Pin Parvati trek. Winters see ice-covered landscapes on all sides. There is also a possibility of rare sightings of animals like Siberian Fox, Red Fox, Weasel, Obex, Bharal, etc. in the Pin Valley National Park. Check business class flight ticket price online on Flyopedia Canada and make a quick travel plan to the wondrous Spiti valley this winter season.
A trip to the untouched Spitian landscape in winter is not without its share of problems like electricity, mobile connectivity, subzero (-10 to -30 degrees) temperature at some places, and road blockages due to landslides. Going solo is not always recommended. If the adventurer in you is roaring to visit the pristine cold desert in Winter, make sure to travel with an experienced tour guide or travel group. Whether you want to visit the white wondrous valley for the views or want to indulge in adventure activities like skiing or trekking, the mystical Spiti valley will completely satiate your adventurous spirit!
