Elevation: 4,270 m
Population: 33,224 (2001)
Headquarters: Keylong
Average annual precipitation: Scanty Rainfall mm
Altitude 3340m (average)
Access:-
Access to Lahaul & Spiti district by road can be made from two different locations one is Sumdo through (Kinnaur District) for entry into Spiti valley and another is through Manali (Kullu District) for entry into Lahaul valley.
Lahaul & Spiti are the perfect locations for nature walking and trekking too. The breathtaking views of snow capped mountains and the alluring beauty of these regions had been always attracting points for the visitors. A beautiful land of captivating Buddhist art and culture of Lahaul is distinguished by inflicting mountains and glaciers while the vegetation, climate and the landscape of Spiti are similar to that of Tibet. That’s why the village of Spiti is also popular as ‘Little Tibet’.
Holidays here offer a pleasant experience while unfolding the angelic beauty of these valleys. Both have their own speciality like Lahaul is blessed by nature and fostered by Chandra and Bhaga Rivers while on the other side Spiti is a living museum and there are breathtaking trek routes, valleys and very popular monasteries that captivate tourists who visit here from different parts of the world. Spiti is famous as the ‘Land of the Lamas’, and the Tabo Monastery situated here has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and includes scriptures and wall paintings like Tankhas and Stucco.
Adventure Activities:-
Lahaul & Spiti are also known for best adventure activities as it houses the best treks and ski areas in the world. One may enjoy skiing, trekking and river-rafting activities in this region. Some of the popular trekking routes in this region include Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Komic-Kaza, Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza, Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La and Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-NakoIn fact, Grand /Pin Parvati route is also recommended for trek leads to Chandra valley.
Best Places to visit in Lahaul & Spiti:-
Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is an ancient monastery that was established in 996 CE. It is considered to be an important monastery and is often referred to as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. The complex has 9 temples and many stupas—all of which are made in mud and have been standing like this for more than 1000 years.
Rohtang Pass
It is the gateway to Lahaul Spiti valley. There is a beautiful sight of glaciers, snow clad peaks and Chandra River that flows down in the Lahaul valley. During summer season from June to October this place is open for tourists. Rest time of a year it is closed due to bad weather conditions (heavy snowfall)
Kye Monastery
Kye Monastery was built in 11th century, located about 11 kms away from Kaza town. It’s also a training centre for monks and nearly 301 monks receive training. Here you will also come to know about several rare paintings and sculptures of Buddha.
Dhankar Buddhist Monastery
Dhankar Monastery was built in 10th century AD, located about 34kms away from Kaza town. Now some of the parts of this Monastery are in devastating position because of the landslides and oozing rainwater. Main attraction here is Statue of Vairochana (Dhayan Buddha)
Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley National Park located in the Pin valley of Spiti Region at an altitude of 3501 meters. The Park includes a number of endangered animals including the Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex.
Sissu
It’s a small village situated in Lahaul Valley, at an altitude of 3131 mts, on the right side of river Chandra. This village is located on plains of Lahaul Valley famous for Lord Ghepan (the lord of Gyephang peak).Sissu waterfall is the main attraction in the village.
Gondhla village
Located just about 17 kms away from Keylong, also situated on the right side of river Chandra at an altitude of 3161mts.Main vegetation here is of poplars and willows. Gondhla castle or fort is the main tourist attraction in the village which was constructed 17th century by Raja Man Singh of Kullu.
Tandi village
Tandi Village is situated at the meeting place of two rivers Chandra and Bhaga about 8 km away from Keylong Town in the Lahaul Valley. This village was founded by Raja Rana Chand Ram. This village is about 153 km away from state capital shimla.
Kunzum Pass
Kunzum pass is a high mountain pass situated on the Eastern side of Kunzum Range. It connects Kullu Valley and Lahaul valley with Spiti valley. One can reach here via Kaza. Kunzum pass is also called as Kunzum la in Chinese, having an elevation of 4590m.
Gui Mummy
500 years old mummy of a Buddhist monk lies on a small hillock on the outskirts of Gui village in a small room inside a glass chamber. The nails, teeth and hair appear as these are of a living body, without the use of any chemical preservative. Apparently his body got buried beneath a glacier during an avalanche and remained there for hundreds of years till ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) personnel found it during some road clearance project. It was then brought to Gui and placed here, and a small shrine was built around it, known as Gui Monastery
Chandratal Lake
Chandratal literally means moon, got its name due to its cresant shape. It is one of the most beautiful lakes, having an altitude of 4300 m. The lake is accessible on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzum Pass from late May to early October. There is also a motor able road from Batal which is 14 km (8.7 mi) away from Chandra Taal.