Spiti – a lesser-known gem nestled amidst the Himalayas is a haven for trekking enthusiasts. Its location right between Tibet and India has earned it the nickname ‘The Middle Land’.
While there are plenty of things to do during the day when you’re in Spiti Valley, the place is equally exciting to be in when the sun sets. The night Spiti Valley views are truly something else, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the experience. So, here’s a list of 10 things to do in Spiti Valley at night.
10 Things To Do In Night Spiti Valley
- Stargazing
- Pitch a tent
- Bonfire
- Full moon spotting
- Brew a cup of chai or coffee
- Antakshari with friends
- Movie under the stars
- Star trail photography
- Constellation spotting
- Authentic Himachali Dinner at Spiti Homestays
Stargazing
Spiti Valley is an incredible destination for stargazing in India, mainly because of its geographically remote location. This makes it a unique place with little to no light pollution and good air quality. Spiti Valley at night looks no less than a dream, so do not miss out on this activity.
The best time to do stargazing in Spiti Valley is between September and February. This is when the skies are at their clearest and the weather is also pleasant. When you’re stargazing, make sure to carry warm clothes and necessary equipment like a binoculars or a telescope. However, it doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned astronomer or simply fond of the stars, the Spiti Valley night sky offers views that can be enjoyed by anyone!
Pitch A Tent
Camping and Spiti Valley go hand in hand without any doubt. The whole idea of pitching a tent or a camp under the Spiti’s night sky is itself quite exciting. While you can pitch your tent almost anywhere in the valley, it is recommended to do so near a cluster of houses, dhaba tents, or near tents of other people. This is especially recommended if you are traveling solo or it is your first time in Spiti.
While most locals won’t hesitate seeing your tent, it is always recommended to ask for their permission first. Once you’ve set up your tent, you can explore the place at your pace. You can then have a delicious dinner at one of these dhabas. In fact, you can also politely ask locals for the same, and chances are that they might even invite you to their home!
Bonfire
Gone camping to Spiti with your friends? Then you must definitely set up a bonfire. Out of all the things to do in Spiti Valley, a bonfire is a must do as it is fun, convenient, and quite useful. How, you may ask?
Well, for starters, you can grill marshmallows or meat over a bonfire. You can also strum musical instruments and sing your group’s favorite songs and even dance around the bonfire. Just like in a classic Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani style!
Full Moon Spotting
Now that you know that Spiti Valley offers some stunning stargazing views, you can also take part in spotting the full moon. Naturally, the full moon will not be visible every day, but you can plan your trip in a way that it coincides with a full moon date.
The serene view of the bright full moon against the black backdrop of the Spiti Valley night sky is truly an extraordinary sight to witness. The night Spiti Valley experience is only made better with spotting the moon in its full glory and millions of stars, accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee!
Brew A Cup Of Chai or Coffee
Speaking of a hot cup, if you’re setting up base in Spiti Valley, you should definitely enjoy making yourself a warm cup of chai or coffee. The joy of brewing these beverages is an unmatched experience, and it gets even more elevated when you are in the valleys.
You don’t need many ingredients to brew a delightful cup of coffee or chai. Just water, tea leaves, sugar, a few spices, and milk. You can borrow these ingredients from locals or even invite them to be a part of your rendezvous. This is a wholesome gesture that can impress them and grant you some perks!
Antakshari With Friends
Now that you’ve set up a bonfire, you can engage in plenty of fun activities around it. If you’re here with some new friends and want to break the ice, you should try playing some games. Most of them don’t even require any equipments, such as Antakshari.
Antakshari simply involves one player singing a song and the next one singing a song starting from the last letter of the previous song. This game can be made even more fun by assigning fun ‘punishments’ to players who are not able to sing a song in the given time. So, do you think you can ace antakshari ka khel?
Movie Under The Stars
Have you too been fascinated by the idea of watching a movie under the open sky? Well, you can do so when you are in Spiti Valley. Some camping groups in Spiti can offer a movie night experience. However, you too can carry a nifty movie projector and portable movie screen setup to experience the magic of the movies on the go.
This is a great activity to do especially if you are with a group of friends. Just imagine the beauty of Spiti Valley at night paired as you watch your comfort movie! Now, that’s a Spiti Valley experience you mustn’t miss out on.
Stair Trail Photography
Capturing the beautiful starry nightscape is just as much a pleasant experience as observing them with your naked eye. Star trail photography is especially recommended if you are an avid photographer. With just a few camera gear, you can click some mindblowing shots of the expansive Spiti Valley night sky.
But, don’t worry! Even if you aren’t a seasoned photographer with expensive camera gear, you can use a regular smartphone camera. The results might not be as impressive as compared to the camera, but most smartphones today are equipped with powerful cameras with a dedicated ‘Night’ mode to help you out!
Constellation Spotting
Spiti Valley night view is one of the best canvases to spot constellations on. The uninterrupted sky feels like taking a sneak peek into the depths of the cosmos. Thanks to negligible light pollution, you can spot a multitude of constellations in the sky on a lucky day.
This activity becomes even more exciting when you or someone in your group is into astronomy. Spotting a constellation is not at all difficult in these skies and we bet you’ll be having a fun time spotting Orion, Bear, Pegasus, Aquila, and so many other constellations!
Authentic Himachali Dinner At Homestays In Spiti
Nothing’s better than ending your day in Spiti with a wholesome dinner of authentic Himachali food. There are quite a lot of homestays here that offer delightful food as a part of their services. However, as you explore, you can visit a local family and request them to try out local food as well.
There is no shortage of the variety of dishes you can eat here. You will also get your usual staples like rice, daal (lentil-based gravy accompanied with rice) and sabzi (spiced or curried vegetables).
However, you can try local dishes like Siddu (steamed bun with mashed potatoes, green peas, and walnuts stuffed inside), Bhey (stir-fried lotus stems), and the Aktori (sweet pancake-like item made from buckwheat and wheat flours). In fact, Aktori is said to have originated in the Lahaul-Spiti Valley region and is consumed mostly on festive occasions.
Summing Up
Here’s some of the best things to do at night in Spiti Valley and we hope you’ve found a couple or more activities that excite you. Spiti Valley is a haven for travelers who are looking for an escape into the quaint mountainside and silent valleys. So, which of these fun things are you trying out when you land up in Spiti?
FAQs
Is Spiti Valley Safe For A Girl?
Yes, Spiti Valley is a safe travel destination for female travelers. The locals are quite hospitable and peace-loving, so you are likely to have a pleasant experience. However, it is always recommended to be alert of your surroundings and take necessary safety precautions.
Can We See The Milky Way In Spiti Valley?
Yes, indeed! Spiti Valley is blessed with some of the clearest skies, especially during night time. This allows travelers to observe the Milky Way in better ways.
Which Is The Coldest Month In Spiti?
January is usually the coldest month in Spiti. In this month, both minimum and maximum temperatures plummet down below the freezing point.
