10 Top Places to Visit in Tashigang Village: A village with only Four Houses

How about we take you somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? Let’s call this the least frequented, least known, and least discovered. Don’t you want to travel somewhere where there are fewer humans and where nature prevails supremely? Tashigang in Spiti Valley is exactly what describes your dream holiday destination, and we’ve developed a list of places to visit in Tashigang Village and the surrounding areas.

Tashigang Village in Spiti Valley is a small and alluring village at a height of 4,650 meters above sea level, which comprises only four houses. To get here, one must first pass via Kibber Village, which is located 18 kilometers from Kaza and has an elevation of 4,205 meters. After traveling through Kibber, you will arrive at Gette, followed by Tashigang. Spiti Valley Tour Packages has all these captivating villages of Spiti Valley in their itinerary for tourists to discover. 

10 Places to Visit in Tashigang Village

• Kibber Village

• Gette Village

• Chicham Village

• Key Monastery

• Ancient Chortens

• Tashingang Monastery

• Rangrik

• Nako Village

• Khab Village

• Kungri Monastery

Let’s discover the Places to Visit in Tashigang Village in detail. 

Kibber Village

Kibber Village in Spiti Valley is a high-altitude village of Spiti Valley that is connected by motorable roads. Kibber Village is well-known for its splendid landscapes and trenches trekking trails. Kibber houses only 40 houses and the main occupations of the people of the village are agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism. Although the village is dependent on tourism for only half of the year during the winter, Spiti stays snowbound, and temperatures drop below zero. The weather forces the inhabitants to spend the majority of their time indoors. Villagers stockpile food for the winter and use their free time to knit garments and manufacture handcrafted products. Despite its distant location, Kibber has all of the necessities, such as power, a civic dispensary, a school, and a post office. 

Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, India’s only wildlife Sanctuary in a freezing desert, is located here. This Sanctuary is the home to the exclusive endangered Species Snow Leopard. This is a must place to visit in Tashigang Village Kibber in Winters to capture a glimpse of the snow Leopard. During winter, snow Leopards move down to lower altitudes in quest of prey and hence it is easier and more frequent to capture the big cat. This Wildlife Place in Spiti Valley is also home to other endangered species like ibex, blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan woolly hare, Himalayan wolf, lynx, pika, and Tibetan wild.

Gette Village

This village lies on the way from Kibber to Tashiganag and is a delightful place to visit in Tashigang Village. There is not much to look around the village except for only 2 mud architecture houses. You will have to leave your vehicle on the main road and trek for nearly around 1 km to reach the village. From this Village, you can enjoy your bird’s eye view of the nearby villages Hikkim Village, Langza, and Key Monastery. If lucky you can even spot Ibex, the Spitian Deer as you have entered into their habitat. Gette Village like the Tashigang Village is not very popular as these are very small villages but offers a breathtaking view of the Key monastery complete with the Spiti River and the mountains in the backdrop. This village can be covered within an hour, it’s just the beauty of the village that is to feel and create an everlasting memory.

Chicham Village

Chicham Village in Spiti Valley is a small village located about 22 kilometers from Kaza Village in Spiti Valley, at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level. This place to visit in Tashignag is located right next to Kibber Village, across a deep gorge called Samba Lamba Nallah. Because of the gorge, there was no route connecting to Kibber and Chicham. Kibber was connected by a road from Kaza and Chicham was connected by a road from Kiato, this was the only route possible to Chicham Village. 

Because of the longer route to Chicham, this was the least frequented place to visit in Tashignag Village and Kibber. Tourists were unaware of this gem in Spiti Valley and hence it remained undiscovered. But with the construction of the Chicham Bridge, things have changed drastically and have eased the route from Chicham to Kaza and Via versa. 

Chicham Bridge is the suspension bridge that connects Chicham and Kibber and is believed to be the largest man man-made bridge in Asia. This spectacular bridge took 14 years to complete and after a lot of hurdles, this was finally inaugurated on 15th August 2017. The bridge is 114 meters long and was built with an estimated cost of Rs. 485.5 Lacs. The Chicham Bridge is a sight to behold and is worth a visit when in  Spiti Valley.

Key Monastery

Key Monastery in Spiti Valley or the Key Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery dedicated to the Sakya sect and built on a scenic hilltop at an elevation of 4,166 meters above sea level, near the Spiti River. The monastery is one of the oldest and largest in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti area, is a significant religious center and it also serves as a training center for lamas. Key Monastery is home to around 300 lamas who undergo religious education here.

This Monastery is believed to be 1000 years old and huge celebrations were held after the Millennium in the presence of the Dalai Lama. The Monastery is an architectural marvel. The monastery’s walls are adorned with exquisite paintings and murals, and most unique thangkas (painted or embroidered Tibetan banners), precious texts, sculptures, and one-of-a-kind ancient musical instruments. There is also a collection of weaponry that was used to defend the monastery against attacks. These weapons and musical instruments are still used during the festivities and especially for the Cham Dance performances.

Ancient Chortens

Ancient chortens dot the walk to the village and mark the entry of the Tashigang village. Chortens are Buddhist monuments or constructions found across the Himalayas, from Bhutan to Nepal to Tibet to India, and all over Asia, housing relics, holy writings, and even the preserved remains of respected Lamas who were supposed to commemorate the Buddha and his teachings. Chortens come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from modest shrines to towering towers visible for miles. They serve as a focal point for Buddhist devotion and meditation, from which devotees might derive virtue. The chortens are present in Tabo Monastery Spiti Valley where there are 23 Chortens and the others are at Tashignag Village.

Living near or taking rounds through a chorten is said to provide positive energy, hence they are regarded as religious and spiritual meditation centers by Buddhists. This is the Positive energy place to visit in Tashigang Village and do not forget to spend some time meditating in the realms of the ancient Chortens. 

Tashigang Monastery

Just located 11 kilometers from the Tashignag Village is the Tashigang Monastery. Tashigang Monastery or Tashigang Gompa in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley is located at the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti rivers.

This monastery in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley because of its religious significance and architectural wonder attracts a huge number of tourists each year. This place to visit in Tashigang Village is a peaceful, spiritual, and rejuvenating experience.

Rangrik Village

Rangrik is a tiny settlement located approximately 6 kilometers from Kaza across the Spiti River, accessed by a short bridge. The Village is the largest in Spiti Valley in terms of both size and population. This settlement has a population of around 900. Across a dam in the village is a small cave containing a mystery stone with magnetic powers. 

The cave itself was interesting and tells the stories of the culture of the place to visit in Tashiganga Village. The cave is 6 feet by 6 feet and has everything that is needed for an individual to stay there. A kitchen, a prayer area, a bed, and a study table. It is believed that a monk used to live here in solidarity and this place is now open for the visitors to have a look. A huge Buddha statue is installed here overlooking the village and is now the major attraction of the Village. The village monastery is situated very close to the Buddha statue. The town is also referred to as Kaza because of its similarity and close to the Kaza. This top place to visit in Tashigang Village is the best place to have a stay from the Kaza crown and also near the well-known attractions of the Spiti Valley.

Nako Village

Located just 50 km from the Tashigang Village is the Nako Village in Spiti Valley. Nako Village in Spiti Valley is the remotest village and is the last village in the Kinnaur district. At this village, you cannot expect to have wifi or internet connectivity and even mobile connectivity is a fight. There isn’t much to do or stroll about the village except for the quaint beauty surrounding it and the charm of the old village and the Monastery. Tourists like to have a stay in one of the homestays away from the crowd of other villages and to have a settling peace in the calm of the village. 

This place to visit in Tashigang Village is adorned with the 11th Century Buddhist Gompa which is the reason attracting the visitors to Nako Village. The Tibetan monastery is situated just next to the old village houses and it’s hard to miss it, especially with the huge colorful entrance of the Monastery. The Nako Lake is just in the Vicinity of the Nako Village and it offers a serene setting to spend some quiet time near the banks of the lake. .

Khab Village

Khab is a small Village in Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Sutlej River valley, close to the India-Tibet border. The major attraction of this place to visit in Tashigang Village is the Khab Sangam. Khab Sangam is the confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers. The Spiti River flows through the Spiti Valley and meets the Sutlej, which originates in Tibet’s Mansarovar Lake. 

Khab Sangam appears where the Spiti and Setluj rivers meet on the left and an old silk route connecting India and Tibet and the major trade road may be seen on the right. Khab Sngam, located in Himachal’s Kinnaur area, is flanked by massive mountains on all sides. 

Kungri Monastery

Kungri Monastery in Spiti Valley is the second oldest monastery in Spiti Valley, after Tabo Monastery in Tabo village. This monastery was constructed around 1330 and is considered the oldest Monastery and the best place to visit in Tashigang Village. This is the only monastery in the world that practices Nyingmapa Buddhism. When visiting the Kungri Monastery, do not miss an opportunity to visit both new and old monasteries, since both are worth visiting. While the new Monastery has a touch of modern architecture the old one is adorned with antique paintings and manuscripts. The monastery’s ancient buildings and tranquil surroundings offer insight into Tibetan Buddhism’s diverse traditions and culture.

The ideal time to visit Kungri Monastery is around July. Cultural festivals are held throughout the month, with the main attractions being the devil dance and sword dance, both of which are a vital part of the Nyingmapa sect’s tradition and are performed annually. This festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Best time to visit Tashigang village

The best time to visit Tashignag Village in Spiti Valley is from May to September. During the summer months, the temperature in the Village is pleasant which sets the ideal temperature for a leisure stroll around the village and exploring the culture and heritage of this quaint Village. The Sun however in these semi-arid conditions is quite sharp and can burn you during these months. So do remember to carry summer essentials like sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water with you. Since you will be trekking a lot around the village so keep in mind to carry comfortable trekking shoes along. 

July is a festive month in all of the Spiti Village. Cultural festivities are organised in all the monasteries and villages of Spiti Valley. The major attraction of these festivities is the Cham Dance and Devil Dance. These dances are performed by the monks of the monasteries and are a type of devotion and meditation to God. The dance is performed wearing huge masks of animals and birds wearing colorful clothing and performed with various musical instruments and weapons of ancient times. 

Spiti Weather in Winter is harsh in Spiti Valley and the roads leading to these villages are completely closed and are inaccessible. It is nearly impossible to reach the destination if you haven’t been here before. Try not to plan your trip around the Spiti Valley in winter as the weather is challenging. 

How to reach Tashigang village

The best way to reach Tashigang Village is by trek starting from Kaza. From Kaza start towards Kibber, then Getto and to Tashiganga Village. The motorable road connecting these villages takes a longer time to reach. 

Kaza is the nearest major town of Spiti Valley and can be reached from the nearest cities Shimla and Manalai. Both the routes are good however Shimla route to Kaza is longer but is operational throughout the year. Manali route to Kaza completely closes during the winters due to abundant snow but is a shorter distance. The nearest Railway station is the Joginder Nagar railway station and Shimla Railway station. 

Himachal tourism buses operate from both Manali and Shimla to Kaza and also from Kaza to Kibber. 

Suggested Read: How to reach Spiti Valley

Places to stay in Tashigang

Tashigang is a small village that comprises only 4 houses. There are no resorts and homestays in Tashigang. However, if you wish to spend a night here in the village far from the crowd of Kaza then you can ask one of the locals to rent out a space to you for a night, Locals are generous to rent out the room for a minimal cost that includes the meals too. This is the most exotic and once-in-a-lifetime experience to have a stay in the village and to experience the culture and the living style of the people of this remote village. 

Tourists also have an option to book a stay in Kaza which is the nearest largest town of the Spiti Valley. Kaza has several accommodation options including guest houses, hotels, resorts, and homestays. 

Things to remember when visiting Tashigang Village

• Only the BSNL network is operational in Tashigang Village and sometimes even obtaining that network is a fight.  So when you visit this village be prepared to be completely cut off from the rest of the world and enjoy being in the primitives. 
• Kaza is the last fueling center of the Spiti Valley. So going ahead to places to visit in Tashignag be prepared and fill your tanks to enjoy the trip without any interruptions. 
• Carry all the essentials with you. The summer essentials are the most important as at higher altitudes sun rays are sharp and can tan you. Also medical facilities at these villages are just the basic ones. So do carry all the required medications if any are needed. 
• There are no ATM facilities available at this remote destination except for Kaza. So carry cash with you as you might face cash issues in the village as the internet connectivity is not strong and there is no facility for online transfers.
  

Suggested Read: Spiti Valley in winter