Travel Tips: Spiti Valley Travel Guide
A land that remains cut off for 7 whole months, Spiti Valley, “the middle land” snuck between Tibet and India is witnessing a rise in tourism thanks to its alluring valleys, mystical villages, and rugged terrain. If one is an ardent traveler and is looking to run away from the city and all responsibilities, Spiti Valley is the place to be! Travel tips for Spiti Valley are also very important in helping you plan your travel itineraries.
With gorgeous lakes in the midst of barren land and lush greenery around brown rugged mountains, Spiti Valley has a culture centered around its countless monasteries. Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche is believed to have introduced Buddhism to this area and since its proximity to Tibet, its people mainly follow a religion which is a mix of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Its rich heritage can be seen in its monasteries- Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Tabo, Kaza, Komic, etc, and traditional dances, songs, and customs.
Best Travel Tips for Spiti Valley
The very offbeat nature of Spiti Valley has created a mystery as far as tourism to this enchanting valley is considered. Travelers should be aware of some basic fundamentals before traveling to Spiti Valley like its harsh weather during winters or the rocky terrains and road closures because of landslides and heavy snowfall, etc. If you’re planning a trip to “The Middle Land”, then these Travel Tips for Spiti Valley will make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
1. Acclimatize Slowly: Most tourist spots in Spiti Valley are situated at high altitudes, so it is advisable to acclimate yourself before heading on to the next destination. It is best to spend a day or two in a lower altitude place like Manali or Shimla to acclimatize before heading to Spiti Valley. Doing this will also ensure you do not get Altitude sickness.
2. Check the season before traveling: Although Spiti Valley is a beautiful place to visit, one needs to be aware of some facts before traveling here. Spiti Valley is a high-altitude destination that is totally cut off from the mainland for seven long months between October- April. Hence it is recommended to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Spiti Valley
3. Pack Light: Travelling through the narrow, winding roads of Spiti Valley can be challenging, especially for vehicles, and bikes. Always pack light to make your journey easier and more comfortable.
4. Carry Essentials: Pack essentials like warm clothing, various lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit with some essential medicines. Spiti Valley can be chilly during the nights even in the summer months of June-September and most remote places do not have access to modern amenities. Also, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared for both hot days and cold nights.
5. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can occur pretty quickly due to high altitudes. You should always drink plenty of water throughout your journey to stay hydrated.
6. Drive Carefully: The roads in Spiti Valley can be narrow and winding, with steep turns and loose rocks and sand. It is always a better idea to drive cautiously and at a lower speed so that one can be better prepared for encounters with livestock and other obstacles on the road.
7. Fuel Up: Gas stations are sparse in Spiti Valley. The first Petrol station that you will encounter after leaving Manali, is in Kaza. So make sure to fuel up whenever you get the chance, especially before heading into the remote areas.
8. Respect Local Customs: Spiti Valley is home to many Buddhist monasteries and villages. Respect local customs and traditions by maintaining silence while visiting these places, removing your shoes before entering a monastery, and asking for permission before taking photographs.
9. Pack Snacks: Food options may be limited and scarce, especially in remote areas. Hence it is a great idea to pack snacks like nuts, energy bars, fruits, and dry food items to keep you energised between meals and your travel.
10. Stay Connected: Mobile network coverage is very poor in Spiti Valley. Most villages do not have any mobile network hence inform someone about your travel plans and try to stay connected whenever possible.
Suggested Read: Spiti Weather
11. Be Prepared for Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness can affect anyone travelling to high altitudes. Know the symptoms and take precautions like drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and resting if you start feeling unwell. Also do not forget to carry medicines for Altitude Sickness in case of emergency.
12. Respect Nature: Spiti Valley is known for its pristine natural landscapes. Please try to maintain the Valley’s sanctity by disposing of waste properly and being responsible.
13. Plan for your Accommodation: Accommodation options in Spiti Valley range from homestays to guesthouses. It is always recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season since the entire valley is flooded with tourists and last minute bookings can be frustrating and chaotic.
14. Carry Cash: ATM facilities are limited in Spiti Valley, so carry enough cash for all your needs and transactions, including food, travel, accommodation and souvenirs.
15. Check Weather Conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Check the weather forecast before starting your journey and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature. Keep an open mind and try to be flexible. This way you will enjoy your trip and leave frustration at bay.
16. Enjoy the Journey: Try to soak it all in and just appreciate the nature scapes that this valley has to offer. Let all your worries and stress be taken care of by some picturesque landscapes and crisp mountain air.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Places in Spiti Valley
17. Pack Warm Sleeping Gear: Ensure you have warm sleeping gear such as a good quality sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad to stay comfortable during the nights because nights during the summer months also can get quite cold and you may require extra bedding.
18. Stay Flexible with your Itinerary: Weather conditions and road closures due to landslides or snow can disrupt your travel plans in Spiti Valley. Stay flexible with your itinerary and be prepared to adjust your route or activities accordingly.
19. Respect Wildlife: Spiti Valley is home to some of the most diverse wildlife including Himalayan ibex, snow leopards and blue sheep. Please remember you are visiting their habitat and therefore, it is only our responsibility to respect them by observing them from a distance and refraining from any activities that could disturb or harm their natural setting.
20. Learn Basic Phrases: While English and Hindi is spoken in most tourist areas, knowing a few basic phrases in the local Tibetan dialect can go a long way in communicating with locals and showing respect for their culture. Learn greetings, thank you, and please to enhance your interactions with the community.
How to reach Spiti Valley
If you are traveling from Delhi, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Manali, which is about 550 km away. From Manali, you can take a shared or private taxi to Kaza, the sub-divisional HQ of Spiti Valley and also the biggest town with all amenities available. The Manali to Kaza route remains open from June to October.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Delhi to Shimla and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Reckong Peo, from where you can take a shared or private taxi to Kaza.
Suggested Read: Spiti Valley Solo Trip
As Spiderman’s uncle said-” With great power comes greater responsibility”, traveling is also a great power that has been bestowed on us and it is our responsibility how we use it. We need to understand and respect the fact that these simple, humble people live amidst the harshest of weather conditions and have very little amenities for themselves, yet they open their arms and their homes for everyone visiting their lands. So it is more than courteous to be respectful towards them and their way of life. A little warmth and respect goes a long way and only reflects your own manners and culture.
So pack your bags and set off on an adventure that will be etched in your memories forever with these Travel tips for Spiti Valley!
What are the road conditions like in Spiti Valley?
Thanks to the commendable work of the Border Road Organisation, most roads in Spiti Valley have improved, barring certain tricky spots where there are just dirt tracks and very narrow roads.
Are there any trekking or outdoor adventure opportunities in Spiti Valley?
Yes, of course. There are many trekking opportunities in Spiti Valley. You can either contact a travel company that most often runs these treks or contact your hotel/ guest house which can connect you with some trusted names conducting these tours and local treks.
Can I find accommodations easily in Spiti Valley?
Yes, there are many options available for accommodations in Spiti Valley, however, it is always best to book them in advance so as to avoid any cancellations or nonavailability.
What are the transportation options to reach Spiti Valley?
The most common way to reach Spiti Valley is by road. You can either hire a taxi from the nearby towns of Shimla, Manali, or Chandigarh, or you can drive yourself. The Manali to Spiti route via the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass is one of the most popular routes.You can also reach Spiti Valley by bus operated by HPTDC.
