When you dream about Spiti Valley, you think of big mountains stretching far into the distance. A community situated on the tops of those slopes. Few homes, and fewer people, go about their lives in these perilous regions with a smile and stories full of mysticism in their hearts. We’re here to help you turn your dreams into reality. Allow us to tell you how to plan a Spiti Valley trek for just under 10k.
Duration Of Spiti Valley Trek
The Spiti Valley trail is 55 km long and takes around 5 days to complete. The first 13.5 km is covered by cab, and the remaining 41.5 km is covered on foot. The journey begins in Langza and concludes in Dhankar.
The hard grounds of these locations appear to arouse a profound need in thrill-seeking spirits. The valley’s numerous paths are ideal for exploring and gratifying your craving to leave the comfort of your house and hit the road.
Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley
The summer season is an ideal time to visit Spiti Valley for trekking. For those who wish to explore the valley while escaping the chilly weather, the months of May to June are ideal. People consider it the best time for different outdoor activities such as sightseeing, trekking, and so on.
Additionally, the road via Manali to Kaza opens in May, signaling the start of the tourist season. During these months, the maximum temperature may reach 15°C with a low of 3°C to 4°C, making it the ideal time to visit Spiti Valley. The Manali-Kaza path is open until October and is highly popular for the occasional snowfall.
Difficulty Level Of Spiti Valley Trek
At an elevation of 4,000 meters, the Spiti Valley is a hidden and untapped jewel in Himachal Pradesh. It’s an exceptional adventure location, with tough terrain and breathtaking scenery. This trek is 55 km long and will take at least 5 days to complete.
In terms of difficulty, the trail is moderate and can be completed easily after some training. The entire journey has some of the tallest settlements, the oldest monasteries, and the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see.
How To Get To The Start Point Of Spiti Valley Trek
The starting point of Spiti Valley is Kaza and we’ll guide you on how to reach there. You can start your journey from Chandigarh and reach Manali which is around 280 km. Keeping budget in mind, the cheapest way will be by bus.
The bus ride from Chandigarh to Manali takes about 7 hours. Every day, about 53 buses ply from Chandigarh to Manali. Depending on the bus type, the bus fare ranges from INR 599 to INR 1,580. We advise you to travel at night and wake up to the stunning views of Manali.
This will help you save up on accommodation costs while still covering the route. Following that, you’ll need to board another bus to Kaza, which is around 184 km. HRTC operates two buses per day between Manali and Kaza.
One departs at 5 am, the other at 5.30 am, and reaches on the same day around 4 pm. The fare is around INR 250. Since there are only two trips each day, reserve your bus ticket as soon as possible and plan your trip accordingly.
Spiti Valley Trek Route
Once you’ve reached Kaza, we are sure you’ll be awestruck by its beauty but you’ve got a long way to go and much more to capture so chop-chop. Since it’s a 5-day trek you’ll need a place to crash. The homestays spread across Spiti Valley cost around INR 800 to INR 1,000 per night along with meals.
- Kaza To Langza
This trail needs to be covered in a shared cab. It will take you through Kibber, where you can check out the 1000-year-old Key Monastery. The view from here is something you’ll brag about to your grandkids with pictures. Explore this region a bit and then you can head to where the trek begins. We recommend you get some good night’s sleep as you’ll need the energy for the trek. There are local homestays where you’ll be provided meals two times.
Distance And Duration: 13.5 km, 5 – 6 hours
- Trek From Langza To Komik
The true adventure comes on the second day when you begin with a 3 to 4-hour moderate climb towards Komik, Asia’s highest inhabited settlement. Stop in Hikkim along the trip to see the world’s tallest post office. Then continue trekking uphill until you reach Komik, which is 15,000 feet above sea level. You can call it a day once you reach the top, as the temperature dips down from 3°C to 4°C. For the night, rest at the local homestays and enjoy the meals provided by them.
Distance And Duration: 9 km, 3 – 4 hours
- Trek From Komic To Demul
On the third day of the expedition, you’ll walk from Komik to Demul, passing via the Chemai Lepcha Pass. After spending so much time surrounded by arid mountains, you enjoy the luscious greens of Demul. Relish a traditional yak safari to get a feel of the local surroundings. If you manage to form a bond with the locals, you can spend the night in their house as they’re generally welcoming.
Distance And Duration: 14 km, 5 – 6 hours
- Trek From Demul To Lalung
Then the fourth day of the walk leads you from the remote Demul to the settlement of Lalung in Lingti Valley, through lush forest. It gives your tired body a break while you go down a steep hill to Lingti. Lalung sits at the base of the Tangmar Mountains.
The inhabitants believe their God dwells in these mountains, and its hues vary depending on the mood of their lord. Before ending the day in Lalung, you can pay a visit to one of the valley’s oldest gompas.
Distance And Duration: 10 km, 4 -5 hours
- Trek From Lalung To Dhankar
On the final day of the trip, you take an easy trail to Dhankar, the historic capital of the Spiti Valley. Dhankar is positioned above the junction of the Spiti and Pin rivers, providing a 360-degree panorama of the valley. The trip is completed on foot up to this point. You travel from Dhankar to the 1000-year-old Tabo monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive in Kaza in the evening and spend the night with the same homestay bidding your goodbyes.
Distance And Duration: 9 km, 4 -5 hours
Summing Up
We’ve now given you all the facts of the exhilarating Spiti Valley trek, under 10k. So get ready to seek out surreal scenery and panoramic encounters that stay hidden beneath nature’s painting. Plan your vacation, put in that much-needed leave application, and pack your bags, to taste every last drop of perfection.
FAQs
Which Month Is Best For Spiti Valley?
The summer months of March-June are regarded as the finest for visiting Spiti, not only because of the lovely weather but also because of the lower number of visitors. The months of October through February are ideal for a winter holiday in Spiti.
Why Is Spiti Valley So Famous?
Spiti Valley is well over 3,000 m in height in the highlands. It greets visitors with postcard-perfect hamlets, surreal scenery, old monasteries, and picturesque lakes.
Is Spiti Valley Better Than Ladakh?
Ladakh and Spiti have their attractions, but Ladakh offers a little wider choice as it has comparatively more lakes and monasteries to explore.
Is Manali In Spiti Valley?
No, Spiti is around 202 kilometers from Manali.
Are 2 Days Enough For Spiti Valley?
The answer to that question is yes, but only under certain conditions. If you ask whether it should be done, the answer is simply no. Visiting Spiti in two days means you hardly touched the ground before heading back.
Do We Need Oxygen In Spiti?
The oxygen in Spiti Valley is certainly quite thin, but if you remember to stay hydrated with modest sips of water, it should not disturb you.
Is Spiti Valley Safe For Girls?
Yes, Spiti Valley is entirely safe for female hikers and travelers. In fact, there are a lot of backpackers in Spiti.
