Places to visit in Losar Village: Travel Guide for Losar Village
The first inhabited village of Spiti Valley, Losar Village is situated at an altitude of 4085 m. It lies at the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams and is adjacent to the Indo-Chinese Border. It is at the extreme end of Spiti Valley with its landscape resembling that of Ladakh. Your visit to Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is incomplete if you have not visited this heaven on earth.
Being on the border of the Spiti Valley, the population of this village is about only 242 and there are only a few shops, a school, a post office, and a health center in the village. This place is relatively unexplored with picturesque spots. It is a mecca for trekkers and photographers who love to explore this cold desert for its exquisite beauty and has an array of places to visit in Losar Village.
There are a few hotels and homestay options in the valley, which have come up of late, that offer comfortable stays for the guests. These magnificent and untrodden mountains and valleys often restore a feeling of calm and peace to everyone visiting them. Your ticket to tranquillity is right here in Spiti Trip Packages.
Losar Village in Spiti Valley can be accessed from Manali, but this route is accessible only during the summer months of June and September. The route from Manali stretches 145 km and this road has one of the most breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, virgin landscapes, and the Chandratal Lake.
You can also access Losar Village through Shimla, via Kaza and this way is accessible throughout the year. One of the most unique experiences in Losar Village is that you will be able to experience silence in its true sense. It is a lifetime experience and can be understood if one actually experiences it- Pristine Valley with rugged mountains with infinite silence. Total Bliss!
10 Places to Visit in Losar Village, Spiti
1. Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake is a lake in the Spiti part of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Chandratal is on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River, the source of the Chenab. Perched at an altitude of 4300 m in the mighty Himalayas, the Chandratal Lake gets its name from its crescent shape.
Chandra Taal is a tourist destination for trekkers and campers and also for motorbike riders on a road trip to Spiti Valley. The lake is accessible by road from Batal, as well as on foot from Kunzum Pass from late May to early October. It takes approximately two hours from Kunzum Pass to ChandraTal.
It is one of the easy to moderate-level treks in Himachal. Chandratal Lake trek starts from Manali and the total trekking distance of this trek is 80 km. This emerald-green lake also changes its color along with the changes in the direction of the sun’s rays. The landscape is also covered in lush green meadows with wildflowers laden everywhere around it.
Best time to visit Chandratal Lake: June-September
Hotels near Chandra Taal:
- Chandratal Camps (0.11 km)
- The Chandratal Lake Camp Retreat (0.83 km)
- The Nomad’s Cottage, Losar, Spiti Valley (13.72 km)
- Sakya Camp Chandratal (2.70 km)
- The Nomad’s Cottage, Losar (13.67 km)
2. Kunzum Pass
Located at a height of around 4600 m, the Kunzum Pass is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India. It serves as a gateway to Spiti Valley through Lahaul. It lies on the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas and is at a distance of 122 km from Manali.
Kunzum La offers an incredible 360-degree view of the Bara-Shigri Glacier which is the second longest glacier in the world, the Chandrabhaga Range, and a spectacular view of the Spiti Valley. These picturesque views make Kunzum Pass a photographer’s dream.
The Kunzum Pass is normally open from June/July to October/November. The dates of opening and closing are dependent on the weather and road repair by the Border Roads Organisation.
This place is also known for the Goddess Kunjum (Durga/Parvati) temple, which is located on the top of Kunzum and both bikers and trekkers seek blessings from Maa Kunjum before embarking on their onward journey to Chandratal Lake. It is believed that Maa Kunjum is the protector of all evils.
Losar Village is 16 km from Kunzum Pass and many tourists often spend the night at Losar Village which has some homestays and some eateries offering basic dal, roti, rice, vegetable curry, momos, and noodles.
The best time to visit Kunzum Pass is between June-September but subject to BRO clearance.
3. Chicham Bridge
At a height of 4000 m, Chicham Bridge is the highest bridge in Asia connecting Chicham Village to Kibber Village. It is an engineering marvel because below it is a 1000 ft deep gorge known as the Samba Lamba Nallah which has taken 15 years to build.
It has also cut down travel time between the two villages by at least 40 km. You can cross this bridge while visiting the other remote villages in Spiti Valley like Kaza, Komic Village, Tashigang Village, Nako Village, and Tabo Village
The best time to visit Chicham Bridge: June-September when all roads are clear and accessible. One of the most easily reachable places to visit in Losar Village Chicham Bridge is a spectacular architecture.
4. Key Monastery
A 1000-year-old monastery and the oldest training center for young Lamas, Key Monastery is perched at an altitude of 4166m. Founded by Dromton, a famous disciple of teacher Atisha in the 11th century, the monastery used to house about 350 lamas at one time.
The key monastery is famous for its architecture called Pasada style of architecture. The monastery is spread over three floors – underground, ground, and first floor. The underground is mainly utilized for storage; the ground floor is used as an assembly hall, called Du-Khang. The ground floor also has small rooms for monks.
The rooms with murals called Tangyur are definitely a must-see. The monastery is known for its ancient murals, rare thangkas, and ancient weapons. The images of Gautam Buddha in the dhyana (meditation) position are also noteworthy. The monastery also has a sizable collection of musical instruments like trumpets, cymbals, and drums.
The best time to visit The Key Monastery is during May-October. This monastery is also one of the must visit Places to visit in Losar Village.
5. Sakya Tangyud Monastery
Situated in Komic Village, at an altitude of 4520 m, it stands on the edge of a deep canyon overlooking the town of Kaza.
The architecture of the Sakya Tangyud Monastery reflects traditional Tibetan architecture, with its pagoda-like roof and colorful prayer flags flying in the wind. It also serves as a center for Buddhist learning for everyone visiting Komic Village.
The best Time to visit Sakya Tangyud Monastery is between June- September.
6. Komic Village
Komic Village is Asia’s highest village with a motorable road at an altitude of 4587 m. This cold deserted village hosts many festivals throughout the year and the same can be enjoyed by tourists who love to see Lamas performing the Chham dance or mask dance.
It was prophesied in Tibet that a monastery in the shape of the eye of a snow cock would be built in a mountainous region in Spiti. Hence, this place was called Komik or Koumik, where ‘Ko’ stands for snow cock and ‘Mik’ means eye after the prophecy.
Komic Village is 2 hours 35 mins from Losar Village and is like many other remote villages found in Spiti, stunning and peaceful and a must-visit place in Losar Village.
The best time to visit Komic Village is between May and October.
7. Kibber Village
Kibber Village is home to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and is situated at a height of 4270 m in Spiti Valley. It also has a monastery and is a haven for stargazers by the night. One of the highest villages in Spiti, it offers unobstructed views of the Milky Way and is quite popular for tourists to go Stargazing in Spiti Valley.
The best Time to visit Kibber Village is during the summer months of June to October.
8. Langza Village
Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4400 m and is divided into two sections, namely Langza Yongma (lower) and Langza Gongma (upper). It has a population of only 137 people, who are dependent on agriculture and business for their livelihood. This village has an ancient Lang or temple, which is regarded as the headquarters of all the Deities of the Spiti Valley.
This village is also a great place for fossil hunting in Spiti Valley which is said to be submerged in the Tethys Sea a million years ago.
9. Hikkim Village
With the world’s highest post office, Hikkim Village is situated at 4440 m and falls en route to Komic Village and Langza Village. The post office was established in 1983 and has been served by the same postmaster ever since. With a mere population of only 150 people, Hikkim Village is known for fossil hunting, its unexplored beauty and the simple lives of the people living here.
The best time to visit Hikkim Village is during the months of summer from June- October.
10. Kaza
The sub-divisional Headquarters of Spiti Valley, Kaza is also the largest town in Spiti Valley. It is an important administrative and commercial center in Spiti Valley with all the modern amenities for tourists visiting this valley.
With most hotels and restaurants situated here, ATM facilities and petrol pumps are also located here. It also serves as a base camp for trekking, mountaineering, and other adventure activities.
The best time to visit Kaza is during the months of May-October.
How to reach Losar Village
Losar Village can be reached by road. The most common route is via Manali through the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass; however, this route is only open from June to October when the roads are accessible. Alternatively, visitors can travel from Shimla through Kinnaur Valley, which is a longer but all-weather route. There is no direct air or rail connectivity to Losar, and the closest airport is in Bhuntar, near Kullu, while the nearest railway station is in Shimla.
Are there any trekking routes or outdoor activities available around Losar village?
Losar sees high tourist activities during peak summer season, due to a sharp rise in Motorcycle and Bike tourism in Spiti and Ladakh valley in recent years. Normally tourists rent a motorcycle or bike from either Manali or Kaza to visit Losar and surrounding places. It is a popular place mainly due to its proximity to Chandratal and Kunzum Pass being some of the top places to visit in Losar Village. Trek from Losar to Kunzum Pass to Chandratal is the most popular trek in Losar.
What are the main attractions or points of interest in Losar village?
Losar Village is the remotest village in Spiti Valley with picturesque landscape, traditional Spitian homes, and serene environment. Some of the places to visit in Losar Village are the beautiful vistas of the Himalayan peaks, visit the ancient Losar Gompa (a Buddhist monastery), and witness the unique cultural heritage of the region. It’s a starting point for various treks and a place for experiencing the local lifestyle.
How can I reach Losar village from the nearest town or city?
Losar Village can be reached by road either by a private car or motorbikes.
What is the best time to visit Losar village?
The summer months of June- October are the best time to visit Losar Village because the roads are accessible only during these months. During winter, the roads are all closed due to snow.