Spiti is an enchanting land full of vast cold deserts, mesmerizing monasteries, and landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a whimsical adventure film. It is one of India’s remotest destinations but that doesn’t stop travelers from visiting the region. As a traveler, if you are planning to visit Spiti, you might be confused as to what is the best time to visit this heavenly place – winter vs summer? Well, worry not, we’re here to help you out!
Spiti In Winter: Best Months, Tourist Spots, And More
Best Months To Visit Spiti
The months between September to February or early March are the best months to visit Spiti. These are the months when Spiti transforms into a winter wonderland – covered in a thick coat of pristine, white snow. During winters, daytime temperatures hover around 8°C. As the night approaches, average temperatures can plummet down, as low as -30°C!
Note that this is the time when the weather can become unpredictable. Many roads might get blocked due to excessive snow or avalanches, making it risky for travel. The season is the best to go on 4×4 expeditions – adventure trips using four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles to explore off-road terrain. This also involves overnight camping.
Best Places To Visit In Spiti During Winters
Kaza
Kaza acts as the administrative center of Lahaul and Spiti and is one of the most visited places in Spiti during winters. The small town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the entire town is covered in a blanket of snow. The market here is completely shut, with only a few shops and hotels open for travelers. Also, ATMs are inaccessible in these months, so make sure to carry enough cash. While you can get to Kaza in winters using the Shimla-Kinnaur route, the unpredictable weather can act as an obstacle in your journey. So, make sure to keep a tab on local weather conditions and keep an alternate plan ready.
Tabo Monastery
The town of Tabo is surrounded by mountains and has a river flowing next to it. It is home to a few homestays, hotels, and shops. You can explore the surrounding regions and visit a few viewpoints scattered nearby the town. The town is most notably known for its iconic Tabo Monastery. The monastery is quite beautiful on its own, however, it becomes even more breathtaking in the winter. Also, did you know that the monastery is known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’?
Dhankar Monastery
This monastery is perched atop a cliff and offers a stunning view of the majestic Himalayas and the vast, expansive stretches of land below it. Getting to the monastery can be a little challenging due to its altitude, but it is definitely worth the hike. The ancient monastery is also home to a small museum and a meditation area. You can arrange a day-trip from Kaza to visit the monastery, but make sure to check the conditions of the roads and weather updates.
Spiti In Summer: Best Months, Tourist Spots, And More
Best Months To Visit Spiti In Summer
The months of April to June are considered to be the best months to visit Spiti in summer. These are the months when the weather is warmer and the roads start opening up. Ice starts melting and many more places in and around Spiti become accessible for travelers. Daytime temperatures hover around 15°C to 20°C and the temperatures at night lie in the range of 4°C to 6°C.
Compared to winter, summer is a more pleasant time to visit this region as the harshness of winters goes away, giving way to lush green meadows and warmer days. While travelers do visit Spiti in winters, many more tourists flock to the region in the summer months.
Best Places To Visit In Spiti During Summers
Chandra Taal
This lake, known as the ‘Lake of the Moon’ is known by this name for its crescent shape. Plus, it is only accessible to the public in summer because it completely freezes in the winter and the roads leading to the lake are also blocked by snow. In summers, the snow starts melting down from the mountains surrounding it and lush green meadows cover the periphery of the lake. Many travelers set up overnight camps and participate in stargazing, and let us tell you that stargazing in Spiti is considered to be one of the world’s stargazing experiences! Try it out yourself!
Mudh Village
Mudh Village is a cluster of 17 small villages and hamlets and is situated on the left banks of the mighty Pin River. The river is known for its pristine blue waters that will surely take your breath away. Mudh Village, nestled at the base of the Parvati range, is also the base camp for the famous Pin Parvati Pass trek and the Bhabha Pass trek. During summers, the village is no less than a dream come true, with the landscape filled with lush greenery and bright, warm days.
Kibber
If you’re looking for a summer adventure in the truest sense, Kibber is the place for you. The town is known for its terraced agricultural fields and traditional stone and mud houses. Moreover, it is home to the Key Monastery, one of the most iconic landmarks in Spiti. This Buddhist monastery is believed to be more than thousand years old and is still a major spiritual place of worship for the local people. Kibber is also home to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary that gives shelter to plenty of unique Himalayan flora and fauna. Overall, if you’re visiting Spiti in summers, make sure to not skip Kibber.
Benefits Of Visiting Spiti In Summer And Winter
In Summer
- The summer is a good time to visit Spiti as the average temperature is comparatively warmer. If you’re not someone who’s used to harsh, cold conditions, visiting Spiti in the summer is a good idea.
- Summer is the time when all roads leading to Spiti are open and accessible. This makes it easier for commuting between different places in and around Spiti.
- The season also turns Spiti into an adventure paradise. You can go on various hikes and nature trails, try quad biking, yak riding, river rafting, stargazing, and many others.
In Winter
- If you’re someone who loves the winter season, you must definitely visit Spiti in winter.
- Winter is a time when the crowd is comparatively less than summer.
- As the crowd is less, you can expect prices for hotels, food, and other services to be comparatively cheaper as well.
Summing Up
Overall, the best time to visit Spiti completely depends on what you want from the region. If you’re someone who loves warm, alpine weather and lush green meadows, summer is the best for you. However, if you’re someone who loves a little more adventure and a smaller crowd, winter is the best time to visit Spiti. No matter what the season, we guarantee that a visit to Spiti will definitely prove a rewarding experience.
FAQs
Can You Go To Spiti In Winter?
Yes, you can go to Spiti in winter. However, note that the season can become quite unpredictable and you might experience road blocks. Spiti in winter is a tough game, but definitely worth it!
Which Is The Coldest Month In Spiti?
January is often the coldest month in Spiti. In fact, night time temperatures can plummet down to -30°C!
Can We See Snow In Spiti Valley?
Yes, indeed! Spiti Valley gets covered in snow every year and is one of the most popular destinations in India for the ultimate winter experience!
