Spiti Valley - It Is Truly A Treat To The Sore Eyes

SPITI VALLEY

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HIMACHAL PRADESH

Source : completewellbeing

Located at about 12,500 ft in Himachal Pradesh, the Spitti-Kinnaur Valley is nothing but a barren stretch of high-altitude desert. So what is it that draws nature lovers to this place? The solitude. The sky high Himalayan peaks all around, the freshwater river, the jewel-blue sky, the russet landscape dotted with the noble monasteries. 

The Spitti-Kinnaur valley is truly a treat to the sore eyes! One of the best Spiti Kinnaur Valley tour packages involves zipping through the Himalayan roads in a car. People here follow the Vajrayana Buddhism and the Key Gompa is the biggest monastery in the region. The Spitti Valley is one of the least populated regions in India. It is connected to rest of the country via the Rohtang Pass at 13,054 ft and Kunzum Pass at 15,059 ft. It is not easy to survive in the valley’s harsh cold weather without the warmth and help from the locals. Homestays along the journey make sure you are indeed welcome to enjoy their hospitality.

Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul & Spiti district with its headquarters at Kaza. Spiti also means "Middle Country". It is called "Little Tibet" because it has almost the same terrain, vegetation and climate. Some inhabitants have adopted Buddhism as their faith and Bhoti is the spoken language. The people are simple and honest. It lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Kullu. 

From Shimla via Kinnaur there is a motorable road which remains open up to Kaza for 8 to 9 months. About 10 Km. ahead of Pooh, Satluj enters India near Shipki la & Spiti River joins it at Khab. The road then goes to Sumdo via Hangrang valley. From Sumdo Spiti valley starts. The Spiti River flows fast through deep gorges at some places. It has an area of 4,800 sq. Km. The main Spiti valley is split into eastern and western valleys. They are connected with Ladakh and Tibet on eastern side & Kinnaur and Kullu on western side through high passes. 

The valley lies at a height of 2745 metres above sea level. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant with green grass and alpine flowers. There are little monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers & trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine to explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahaul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July, August and September. 

Dechhang is a community celebration and a moment of getting together, this is celebrated at the height of winter in December-January. 

Lossar is Celebrated in February, ritual dances and a rich imagery mark Lossar. This marks the start of a new year and is celebrated in all the monasteries. The rituals include the stylised chaam dance, with elaborate costumes and masks. Lossar also commemorates the assassination of the cruel Tibetan king, Lang Darma in the ninth century. Ladarcha Fair is a traditional trade fair, this is held every July/Augest in Kaza and is a time when a variety of goods are bartered and sold.

In summers, the maximum temperature goes till 26.8 C and minimum at 1.38 C.In winters, Lahaul and Spiti district receive a very cold temperature in winter. Snow fall is very common from December to February when the temperature may fall sub-zero.Season: Light woollen in summer and heavy woollen in winter.

Small hotels and camps at Tabo, Kaza and Kibber. At Kaza, Himachal Tourism runs the Tourist Lodge. Medical facilities are available at Kaza, Tabo, Sagnam and Kibber. All prescription medicines should be carried along. While travelling to the higher areas, adequate medical precautions should be taken

By Air

Spiti can be reached either from Manali or via Shimla. Buses and taxis can be hired from Manali to Kaza. Flights from New Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu operate on a daily basis to Shimla airport.

By Rail

Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station. The rail route from Jogindernagar to Chandigarh is a narrow guage one. Shimla and Chandigarh are the nearest broad guage railway stations. Buses and taxis are available from Shimla and Chandigarh to reach Spiti.

By Road

From Manali to Kaza there are regular buses from July to October. From Shimla via Kinnaur there are regular buses from May to October. 

Keylong Hill Station - It Is Cut Off From The Rest Of The World Until Summer Arrives Once More

KEYLONG HILL STATION

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LAHAUL AND SPITI

Source: odisha360

Keylong is the administrative centre of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Now rife with Buddhist influence, the region had quite a few different rulers in the past ' the Guge kingdom from Tibet, the Sikhs and finally the British, before India won her independence. This little village draws tourists for a variety of reasons. Trekkers make up the majority of tourists who stop at Keylong to rest. 

There are plenty of monasteries around the hill station that warrant a visit. The Kardang Monastery, belonging to the Drukpa or red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism is situated on a mountain slope, 5 km from Keylong. The Shaspur Monastery, which is 3 km from Keylong, is famous for paintings that depict the history of 84 Buddhas as well as the devil dance of the Lamas. 

The Tayul Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in the valley, is 6 km from Keylong houses a massive library and statue of Guru Padmasambhava. In addition to the monasteries, other attractions in the region include Gemur, which is famous for Buddhism-inspired arts and crafts, the ancient fort at Gondla, the Triloknath Temple, the Kelang Wazir Temple and the Pin Valley National Park.

The people of Keylong practice Buddhism. Every festival celebrated sees the inclusion of Lamas and monks. The annual Lahaul Festival showcases the best of Buddhist culture that is embraced willingly by the people of this region. The Tibetan influence finds its way into the food they prepare as well. 

Keylong experiences a long winter that begins in October and ends in April. During these months, the Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy rainfall. Keylong is cut off from the rest of the world until summer arrives once more. The average winter temperature is -2 degree Celsius. Summer brings colour to the hill station and is a perfect time to visit Keylong. The average temperature for summer is 25 degree Celsius. While the days are hot and the nights cooler, and carrying woollen clothing is a must. Keylong receives little rain throughout the year.

Keylong has neither private nor government buses operating within the city. Since this beautiful little hill station has only one main road called Mall Road, there is no need for buses or vans to run in Keylong. During the summer, however, buses do commute between Manali and Keylong. During this time, tourist buses are available to visit the many interesting monasteries and natural wonders in and around Keylong.The summer, which begins in May and ends in October is the best time to visit Keylong. The weather is pleasantly cool and light woollen clothing during this time should be sufficient.

Keylong does not have an airport of its own. The closest is the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Manali. The airport is considered to be a challenging one for pilots when it comes to landing as the only runway is set in a valley and surrounded by peaks. There are plans to upgrade the airport to improve connectivity. The airport is connected to Delhi and Chandigarh via Air India Regional and Deccan Charters. Dharamsala's Gaggal Airport is close to Keylong as well. The airport has many flights to Delhi via Air India, Spice Jet, and Jagson Airlines. Jagson Airlines also connect Dharamsala to Chandigarh and Kullu Manali.