A Comprehensive Guide To Why Spiti Valley In Winter Is The Perfect Choice For You

‘I think the months of winter are the finest of the year. Snowy days, blowy days, Aren’t you glad they’re here, these lines by Elanor Hammond perfectly describe the happiness one gets in the winter season. These lines go well with Spiti Valley, or to be precise, Spiti Valley in winter, hence making Spiti Valley tour packages a traveller’s favourite. Spiti Valley, also known as the ‘middle land’, is abode to some of the highest altitude attractions and landmarks and is an essential addition to every traveller’s bucket list. 

Spiti Valley is a barren desert land and has rugged terrain; the summertime is an absolute favourite to visit the valley of adventures. But, the same valley turns into a white beauty; the desert land gets covered under thick sheets of snow and makes Spiti Valley in winter an absolute delight to behold. When travelling to Spiti in winter, you’ll see the colour white as far as your sight can go. 

Spiti Valley in winter is a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes and stunning views that will take your breath away. Spiti Valley in winter is surrounded by snow-covered mountains that are a sight to behold. The mountains become the perfect background for your Instagram pictures. 

Besides the snow-capped mountains, Spiti Valley in Winter also allows you to witness the beauty of the frozen rivers. The Spiti river is one of the most visited ones during the winter, which also gives you the opportunity to see the frozen waterfalls. Travelling to Spiti Valley in Winter is one of the best experiences you can take in this lifetime, and travelling to some of the ancient monasteries present in the valley will take your Spiti in Winter adventure to the next level. Monasteries such as the Dhankar monastery, Key monastery, and Tabo Monastery, among other high-altitude monasteries, become even more enchanting during the winter season. 

Well, this is just a glimpse of what Spiti Valley in Winter has to offer; scroll through and check out the blog, which tells you why travelling to Spiti in Winter is the perfect choice for you.

Why Travel To Spiti Valley In Winter?

Travelling to Spiti Valley in Winter in itself is a whole different experience, and besides the unique experience, there are a plethora of advantages to why you should travel to Spiti Valley in Winter.

The unparalleled beauty is probably one of the major reasons why you should travel to Spiti Valley in winter. The views of the snow-capped mountains, the stunning landscapes, and the breathtaking frozen rivers will for sure leave a lasting impression in your heart and mind. The desert land, which transforms into a winter wonderland, also offers stunning backdrops for those Insta-worthy pictures.

Fewer crowds are one of the most significant advantages of visiting Spiti in winter. Spiti Valley is a popular destination in the summer months, which is why the region gets crowded. However, in winter, the number of tourists decreases significantly, and one can enjoy the serene beauty of the Spiti Valley without the crowds. You can have a more authentic experience of the region, interact with the locals, cover the best places to visit in Spiti Valley and explore the local way of life.

Winter Sports lovers, ASSEMBLE! Spiti in Winter has the perfect adventure opportunity for you. During the summer, Spiti is an adventurer’s paradise where you can take part in adventure activities like biking, off-roading, river rafting and much more. But, the valley offers equal opportunities during the winter months too.

Spiti Valley in winter offers a different kind of charm and beauty, with a wide range of winter sports activities for adventure enthusiasts. Some of the most popular activities that one can participate in during the winter include Skiing, as the valley has myriad ski resorts and ski schools, where you can rent equipment and take skiing lessons. The slopes in Spiti Valley are ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Snowboarding is another popular winter sport that you can enjoy in Spiti Valley. The valley offers a wide range of options for all levels of snowboarders. Ice skating during winter in Spiti Valley is an exciting activity that provides an adrenaline rush. Spiti in winter itself, becomes the perfect setting for ice skating, which takes the entire experience to the next level.

Another important reason why Spiti in winter is an ideal option for travellers is that they can get the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the culture of the region. The valley is abode to some of the most ancient monasteries in India, which are an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage. In winter, the monasteries become more enchanting, with the snow-covered landscape adding to their beauty. You can also witness the traditional festivals and celebrations, such as Losar, and the Tibetan New Year, and interact with the locals to learn more about their culture and way of life.

These are just a few of the major reasons why you should visit Spiti in winter. The valley has much more to offer to those who visit, and with that being said it is now time to know about the climate during winter in Spiti Valley.

Climate Of Spiti In Winter

Though summer offers a favourable temperature and climate, with the snow melting and the roads opening making travel easier, winters, however offer a different charm coupled with harsh climate and extremely low temperatures. 

The temperature of Spiti in Winter months, which are from December to February can drop to as low as -30°C  at night, with daytime temperatures ranging between -5°C to 10°C . The Spiti valley experiences harsh cold waves during the winter months, and it is essential to be well prepared for the extreme cold weather. Besides the low temperature, the valley also experiences severe snowfall which covers the entire region, which includes the roads and villages. The snowfall, at times can make commute in the valley extremely difficult as the roads close, making them inaccessible. 

The valley is a high altitude region which already means that the oxygen levels are very low, and during the winter months, the level stoops to new lows which means that one can easily get struck with acute mountain sickness in spiti valley. 

Well, to sum it up, it is safe to say that Spiti in winter has a harsh and challenging climate with cold, heavy snowfall, strong winds, and high altitude. However, despite the challenges, the Spiti Valley offers a unique and mesmerising winter experience that is truly unforgettable. With proper preparation and planning, travellers can explore the stunning snow-covered landscape and enjoy a winter adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime. 

Things To Do In Spiti In Winter

Spiti Valley, synonymous with adventure valley has a plethora of things that visitors can take part in and cherish. There are a plethora of things in different parts of the valley that visitors can take advantage of. Though a lot of people say that there’s little do in Spiti in winter, however, with great will, determination and adventure in your heart you can do a lot. Some of the things to do in Spiti valley in the winter are:

1. Visit the Monasteries

One of the best things that you can do in Spiti in winter is visit the monasteries in the Spiti Valley, as there would be less crowd and you can explore more about the Buddhist cultural heritage without too many hindrances. The monasteries in the Spiti Valley have been spiritual centers of the region for centuries and even today they continue to attract visitors seeking spiritual solace. By visiting these monasteries, one can immerse themselves in the rich culture and religious traditions of the region and learn about Buddhism’s great teachings. 

Visitors will be left absolutely mesmerised after the visits as they would get the chance to observe traditional ceremonies, take part in the winter festivals, and learn the Buddhist way of life. 

2. Trekking

Trekking in Spiti during winter can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The harsh weather is what makes trekking in Spiti in Winter an adventurous experience, however it is an activity that should only be done by experienced trekkers as the weather will be harsh. Some of the most famous trekking destinations in Spiti in Winter are Langza, Hikkim and Komic villages.

3. Camping

Camping is a unique and unforgettable experience, especially in Spiti in winter. There are a plethora of camping sites that also offer other activities like trekking, hiking, biking and more. Though the experience is unparalleled there are still a few things which should be kept in mind before going camping in the valley. Points like choosing the right campsite, being prepared for the unpredictable weather, staying hydrated and being aware of the risks should always be kept in mind and taken into consideration. 

4. Spotting A Snow Leopard

Well, as interesting as it sounds, spotting a snow leopard in the Spiti Valley is a matchless experience that will leave a lasting impression in your heart. The snow leopard is an elusive cat native to the mountainous regions of central Asia, therefore spotting the cat in its natural habitat is truly a once in a lifetime experience. 

5. Taking Part In The Local Festivals 

Spiti Valley is home to several festivals that take place exclusively in winter. These festivals offer an opportunity to witness the local culture and traditions up close. Some popular winter festivals in Spiti include the Ladarcha Fair- A fair where traders from the neighbouring regions come and take part in the barter of goods with each other, the Lossar Festival- Said to be the Buddhist New Year; the festival is celebrated to express gratitude to the gods, and the Chaam Dance festival; masked monks perform the dances which symbolizes destruction of all evil forces and negative energy.

These are just a few of the things that you can do in Spiti in Winter, there’s a lot more which you can do when you visit the valley. Next up is the Places To Visit In Spiti In Winter.

Places To Visit In Spiti In Winter

A hidden gem in the winter, Spiti is home to a myriad destinations which take your Spiti in winter experience to the next level. The snow-covered mountains and the serene atmosphere create a unique and unforgettable experience. Some of the places to visit in Spiti in Winter are:

1. Kaza

Kaza, the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti is one of the top places to visit in Spiti in winter. The town during the winter season is surrounded by snow capped mountains and gives you the opportunity to cherish the stunning views of the landscape. The weather is extremely chilly during the winter months and there’s continuous snowfall in the region. The snowfall makes the roads completely inhospitable, therefore it is suggested that you visit Kaza at your own risk during the winter season. If you are visiting Kaza during the winter season, don’t forget to check out the monasteries which give an insight into the Buddhist culture with an addition of stunning views. 

2. Dhankar Monastery

Located at an altitude of over 12,500 feet above sea level, the Dhankar monastery is one of the most stunning monasteries and one of the best to visit during the winter months. The monastery is the perfect amalgamation of ancient art, spirituality and intricate architecture, and the same goes up a notch during winters.

3. Pin Valley National Park

One of the highest altitude national parks in the country, the Pin Valley National Park is one of the best places to visit in Spiti in Winter. There are usually two routes to reach the national park, one is the Manali-Rohtang-Kunzum Pass and the second is considered to be the winter pass which is Shimla-Tapri- Kaza which is open from March to December. In order to reach the national park, you will have to traverse on the second route. After reaching the national park, you might be able to spot animals like snow leopard, Ibex,and the Himalayan Snowcock among others.

4. Key Monastery

The oldest monastery in the Spiti Valley, the Key Monastery is known for its architecture which becomes more beautiful when covered with snow. Surrounded by snow capped mountains, the monastery offers stunning views of the Spiti river. The major attractions in the monastery during winter include the prayer hall,the library and daily prayer sessions. The monastery, untouched during the winters is perfect for those seeking peace without the hustle and bustle of the crowd. 

Common Issues In Spiti In Winter

Spiti Valley is probably one of the best places to visit during the winter months, the desert land turns into a white beauty and gives you views that you won’t get anywhere else. The winter wonderland for sure gives you an experience like no other, however there are some common issues that one can face in Spiti in winter.

Harsh Winter and Temperature

The valley is located at high altitude, and winter temperatures can drop to as low as -20°C. The extreme cold can become a hindrance to travel and staying outdoors for extended periods. It is essential to carry appropriate winter clothing, including insulated jackets, gloves, and hats, to protect yourself from the cold.

Limited Accommodation

In winter, many guesthouses and hotels in Spiti valley are closed, and the available ones have limited facilities. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, and also carry a sleeping bag and a warm blanket to stay warm and comfortable.

Limited Food Options

The food options in Spiti valley are limited in winter, and many restaurants and cafes remain closed. It is advisable to carry some non-perishable food items like biscuits, nuts, and chocolates to keep yourself energized during the day. You can also enjoy authentic Spitian dishes like Thukpa and Momos in the local homes.

Snow Blockades

The roads in Spiti in winter can get blocked due to heavy snowfall. The roads are narrow and winding, and snow removal can be a challenging task. Therefore, It is advisable to check  road conditions before embarking on the journey and carry snow chains for your vehicle.

Limited Connectivity

The connectivity in Spiti in winter is limited, and mobile networks and internet services are weak or non-existent in some areas. That’s why it is highly recommended to carry a satellite phone or a walkie-talkie to stay connected with your travel group and the outside world in case of an emergency.

Altitude Sickness

Spiti valley is located at high altitude, and some people may experience altitude sickness in winter due to the extreme cold and reduced oxygen levels. It is advisable to acclimatize slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and smoking.

How To Reach Spiti Valley In Winter

Reaching the Spiti Valley in winter is the real challenge due to the heavy snowfall, and the closure of roads in some areas. Though if you’re ready to take the challenge then you can take the route from Manali to reach the Spiti Valley in winter. 

By Air: The closest airport to Spiti Valley is the Bhuntar Airport, which is about 250 kilometres away. However, the airports remain closed in the winters and the only way by which you can reach the valley is by road. 

By Road: The road is the only way to reach the Spiti Valley in winter. The best way to reach Spiti Valley in winter is by hiring a local taxi or a private vehicle along with a skilled driver who has prior experience driving on the narrow and winding roads of the Spiti Valley. 

There are usually two routes to reach the valley. One is from Shimla, while the other one is from Manali, the Shimla route is closed during the winter months. Therefore, the only way to reach the Spiti Valley in winter is via the Manali route.

Travelling to Spiti Valley in winter has its own pros and cons. Travellers can experience something new when visiting the valley in winter, though travelling during the winter season requires some preparation; one thing is for sure, that you will be having the time of your life in Spiti Valley in Winter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling To Spiti Valley In Winter