The winter season is one of the best, in fact, an ideal season to visit snow-capped regions in India. These include places like Ladakh, Sikkim, Manali, and of course, Spiti. The last one, known as one of the most remote places in the country, is no less than an adventurer’s paradise in the winter season. As snow covers most of the region, it transforms into a heavenly, postcard perfect place calling travelers, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers from all over the world. So if you’re planning a winter Spiti trip, mark these ten places right now!
Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley In Winter
1. Key Monastery
Key or Kye Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery located in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The monastery is located at a staggering altitude of 13,500 ft above sea level, overlooking the scenic Spiti River. It is believed to have been built in the 11th century by a Buddhist scholar Dromton.
The monastery or gompa is known for its beautiful murals, rare manuscripts, stucco images of Buddha, weapons, and ancient wind instruments. It is operated by a Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhist monks, and about 250 monks reside in this monastery.
Altitude: 13,500 feet approximately
2. Pin Valley National Park
A visit to Spiti Valley in the winter is incomplete without the Pin Valley National Park winter safari. The Pin Valley National Park is most notably known for its elusive, endangered snow leopards, along with many exotic flora and fauna residing in the snow-capped regions of the Himalayas.
The national park is also quite good for adventurous treks and expeditions, promising an adrenaline-pumping experience for hikers and trekkers such as the Pin Parvati Pass trek. If you intend to explore this valley, the ideal season is between July to October.
Altitude: 11,500 to 20,000 feet approximately
3. Cliff-Hanging Dhankar Monastery
The sight of the cliff-hanging Dhankar Monastery in snow is a spectacular sight to behold! The monastery, also known as Dankhar, Drangkhar, or Dhangkar Gompa, is situated at an altitude of 12,774 feet above sea level. The monastery is perched atop a mountain as it overlooks the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.
Inside the monastery, you’ll find an enchanting Dhayan Buddha statue and a small museum containing manuscripts and murals. The monastery, built in the 12th century, was once the capital of the Spiti kingdom and served as an important cultural and administrative center.
Altitude: 12,774 feet approximately
4. Chicham Bridge
Chicham Bridge is easily one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley in winter. Why, you may ask? Well, it is known to be the highest suspension bridge in Asia, located at a whopping altitude of 13,596 feet above sea level. The Chicham Bridge connects the Chicham village to Kibber, and promises breathtaking views of the rugged Himalayan terrain sprawling beneath your feet.
It sits atop the deep gorge carved by the Samba Lamba stream and was inaugurated recently in 2017. Today, the suspension bridge attracts thousands of visitors, including enthusiastic bikers, travelers, and trekkers. Its architecture is impressive and the infrastructure is world-class, standing tall in the barren yet beautiful landscape of Spiti.
Altitude: 13,596 feet approximately
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5. Tabo: Ajanta Of The Himalayas
Tabo is often said to be the ‘Ajanta’ of the Himalayas. Founded in 996 CE by Tibetan King Yeshe O, Tabo is one of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayas. In 1975, the monastery survived a major earthquake, but the Archaeological Survey of India managed to safeguard the monastery and push conservation efforts.
It has earned the ‘Ajanta’ nickname because of its temples, decorated stupas, cave shrines, wall murals, ornate frescoes, and other historic elements that blend Indian and Tibetan styles of art and architecture. If you’re visiting Spiti Valley in winter, you must definitely visit Tabo: Ajanta of the Himalayas.
Altitude: 10,760 feet approximately
6. Langza Buddha Statue
Despite being one of the remotest villages in Spiti, Langza attracts a considerable number of enthusiastic travelers, and there are many good reasons for the same! The high-altitude village is known for its ancient marine fossils and a gigantic Buddha statue that overlooks the gorgeous Spiti Valley. Locals believe that the statute protects the village from negative spirits.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Spiti, consider adding Langza to your itinerary. It is easily explorable through a day-trip from Kaza, one of the more popular populated regions in Spiti. While you’re here, you can also try your luck at spotting local species such as the red fox, ibex, and the Himalayan wolf. Spend the day photographing the beautiful locales, gaining information about the ancient fossils found here, and engaging with the warm and friendly locals.
Altitude: 14,435 feet approximately
7. Hikkim: World’s Highest Post Office
Spiti’s rugged terrain is not only home to some of the most unique monasteries and villages but also to the highest post office in the world. We’re talking about the Hikkim Post Office located at an altitude of more than 14,500 feet above sea level! Despite its remote location, the post office has been operational, all the way since 1983! Today, it has evolved into a cultural landmark, attracting travelers from all over the world.
Hikkim’s post office stands as a symbol of human resilience and the spirit of ensuring communication even in a remote and rugged place like Hikkim. If you visit the post office, do not miss out on sending postcards to friends and family that bear a special postmark.
Altitude: 14,500 feet approximately
8. Gue Village
Gue or Gyu is another village located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The village is about 10,000 feet above sea level and is quite close to the India-China border. With roughly a few hundred people, the village nestles in the quaint, peaceful, and equally fascinating Spiti terrain.
However, the most captivating aspect of the village has to be its Buddhist monastery, where a 500-year-old mummy of a late Buddhist monk has been preserved. Believed to be monk Sangha Tenzin, it’s said that the mummification process occurred during the final stages of the monk’s life.
Altitude: 10,000 feet approximately
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9. Komic
Komic earns a special distinction of being the world’s highest motorable village! Komic is also home to the 500-year-old Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery or the Tangyud Monastery, considered to be one of the highest monasteries in India.
The monastery is one of the only two monasteries in Spiti belonging to the Sakya sect and houses a unique stuffed snow leopard hanging inside the monastery. Overall, Komic is a great place to soak in the local landscape, especially in the winter season.
Altitude: 15.050 feet
10. Fagu
Fagu in Himachal Pradesh is a winter destination that more people must visit when in this state. It is a serene, offbeat hill station, known for its cedar forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The hill station is most notably known for its apple and potato farms, but there’s more to it!
Visitors in Fagu can go trekking to nearby Mahasu Peak for activities like trekking, birdwatching, photography, and more. Additionally, during winter, you can engage in winter sports such as skiing at the Fagu Ski Resort.
Altitude: 8,200 feet
Summing Up
In case you were planning a Spiti trip, consider adding these ten places to your itinerary without fail. Whether you’re in the mood to visit remote villages or explore ancient monasteries, Spiti has it all! From Langza and Key Monastery to Komic and Chicham Bridge, Spiti is home to some of the most breathtaking locations in the world.
