“You can’t get too much winter in the winter” -Robert Frost
As Robert frost, the famous poet outlines the importance of embracing the winter season, the coziness and snowy weather associated with winter is what motivates us for taking a trip to cold places and experiencing the snowflakes and the mountain views will refresh your mind and you will be taking the beautiful memories of snowy wonderland Spiti. Winter is the best time to visit Spiti valley. Spiti valley in winter transforms into heaven and the lake, which is the crown jewel of the Spiti valley gets frozen and captivates your heart with its serene beauty.
Immerse yourself in the frost chilly vibes of Spiti valley in winter. The winter months in Spiti span from November to March. Spiti valley lies in the Northern Himalayas. Spiti separates India from Tibet, Spiti means “the middle land”. It is bordered by Ladakh from the north and Tibet from the east. The valley is inhabited by the least number of people.
There is so much to explore in Spiti valley, Spiti valley has influence of Tibetan culture and it is a place full of monasteries and Tabo being the holiest and the most famous one. Being in Spiti valley you cannot miss visiting the world’s highest post office in Hikkim. Isn’t it amazing? The stargazing in Kaza will also blow your mind with its charm and tranquility. So, this place needs to be on your bucket list this winter season.
Why Visit Spiti Valley in Winter?
Spiti is a cold desert valley located in the northern part of himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. Winter is the best time to visit Spiti valley because it gets covered with snow and the temperature drops to below 0° C and it feels heavenly to be surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The river in Spiti transforms drastically in winter months. By late December and January the river begins to freeze. Here are the top reasons why you should not miss visiting Spiti valley this winter.
Top 11 Things to do in Spiti valley
There is a lot to explore in Spiti valley, You can visit the majestic monasteries, get amazed by the beauty of Chandratal lake, visit the quaint villages and involve in the activities such as camping, trekking and visit the highest bridge, the highest village and the highest post office in the the world. Isn’t it too dreamy and adventurous? Let us give you the glimpse of the meandering experience that Spiti valley in winter will take you through.
Visit Monasteries
Key monastery
The key monastery is the holy grail for many, the breathtaking views which look surreal with the background of winter Spiti. The Kye Gompa, more commonly known as the Key Monastery is located on a hill at an altitude of 13,668 ft. Key monastery has a lot to tell about history, there is history embedded in the ancient artifacts present in Key monastery. There is a collection of medieval weapons and musical instruments, which gives insinuation to the historical events that happened in the past. So, there is a lot to explore in Spiti valley in winters.
Nako monastery
Nako Monastery is a beautiful and historic monastery located in the Nako village of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Spiti Valley, it is known for its picturesque surroundings and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. The monastery is part of the larger Nako complex, which includes ancient murals, sculptures, and a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation and reflection.
The architecture of Nako Monastery reflects traditional Tibetan styles, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Nako Lake. The monastery is a significant site for both pilgrims and tourists, providing insights into the spiritual practices and artistic heritage of the region.
Kalpa monastery
It is a very small and ancient monastery located in the picturesque town of Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a significant spiritual site for Buddhists and offers stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. It is known for its striking Tibetan architecture and beautiful murals. It serves as a center for learning and meditation, attracting both monks and visitors seeking tranquility and spiritual growth. It is a popular destination for tourists. The apple orchards and beautiful landscapes will enhance your travel experience.
Tabo monastery
Tabo monastery is often known as “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its rich collection of scriptures, murals that depict the teachings of Buddha and his philosophy. There are paintings of Indo-Tibetan art. The temperature goes below freezing point in winters, so be prepared to overcome the harsh weather conditions as you will get to see the ethereal Tabo monastery covered with snow.
Dhankar monastery
Located in the Dhankar village. It is a village and Gompa located in the district of Lahaul and Spiti district of Spiti in India. Monastery is established on a 1000 feet high mountain. Nestled between the towns of Kaza and Tabo. Dhang means cliff and Kar means fort which means the fort on the cliff. The monastery is built on Tibetan pattern architecture. You can witness the breathtaking views of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers. The place has its own charm and attracts lots of visitors due to its winter beauty.
Read more about how to reach winter Spiti valley.
Chandratal Lake
Chandratal is located in the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by rugged mountains and vast meadows, the color of the water is turquoise which turns to blue sometimes, the lake water also mirrors the clear blue sky creating a captivating reflection that draws photographers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. But it is not recommended to visit Chandratal after October as the weather starts getting harsh, making it difficult to access because the temperature drops down below -30° Celsius.
Lingti Falls In Winter
Explore the mystical beauty of Lingti Falls,it remains frozen in winters as the temperature goes below -35° Celsius. You can indulge in ice-climbing activities. The falls transform into frozen marble, The suspension bridge over the Lingti river makes the Lingti falls accessible. The beauty of Lingti falls gets intensified due to snowfall. The blanketed snow capped mountains and the frozen falls will make you spellbound in its beauty. You might have got the question in your mind that “Why visit winter Spiti valley in December”. So, here is the answer. Isn’t it a heavenly feeling to witness such exquisite waterfalls in Spiti valley.
Nako Village and Nako Lake
Nako village is located in the Kinnaur village of Himachal Pradesh. It is a restricted zone which borders Tibet. It is the largest village at an elevation of 3,625 meters. The village has a traditional atmosphere famous for its ancient monastery known for its scriptures, artwork and murals. Nako lake and Nako monastery are the main spots to visit in Nako village. The frozen lake in winter becomes the hub of ice skating in winters. Although the shops are limited, you can buy souvenirs from Tibetan Buddhist artifacts as souvenirs.Nako is famous for apple orchards and sun-dried apricots. The eating options are very limited, Indian and Tibetan foods are available at few restaurants.
Exploring the market of Reckong Peo
Reckong Peo is a quaint village, located in the Kinnaur district. It is 235 kms away from Shimla and serves as the administrative center of the whole district and known for its full-fledged market and it serves as the pit spot for travelers while heading towards Kalpa and Tabo.
It is known for apple orchards. The place has a lot to explore, the bus station at Reckong Peo will help you to explore other places. The place is often called Peo by local inhabitants and it is known for its diverse culture. You can explore the nearby places such as Kalpa, Bhabha valley, Kinnaur Kailash, Chango, Leo, Kanam, Nako lake to experience the innate beauty of the hamlets and breathtaking views.
Chicham bridge
Chicham bridge is located in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It stands at an elevation of around 4000 meters above sea level and connects two isolated villages Chicham and Kibber upon the river Spiti. This bridge has become a popular attraction for adventure seekers. The winding roads and steep cliffs make it a destination for those who want to explore the raw beauty of Spiti valley.
Enjoy the stunning views of Spiti valley from Chicham bridge. The snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and the panoramic views of the mountains, sky, and river will blow your mind with its beauty. It is also a paradise for photographers, you can capture the scenic beauty of the valley.
Komic village
Plan your trip to the world’s highest village this winter season. This place offers a unique experience with serene and snow covered landscapes, the amenities might be limited in winters so be prepared to adjust with minimal things.
Explore the remote Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan culture. The valley remains less crowded in winters. The village might experience extreme cold, if you are planning your visit in winters then you must visit this village. In winter the place becomes less crowded which will facilitate your exploration.
Chitkul
Chitkul is located at the bank of Baspa river. It is the last village on the India-Tibet border. You can explore Chitkul fort, Mathi temple during your visit to Chitkul. You will get the glimpse of Kinner Kailash that will take your breath away. According to the Hindu mythology, the Kinner Kailash peak serves as an abode to Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. You can trek to Kinner Kailash which is relatively tougher but if you would be lucky enough you can see the stunning views of Kinner Kailash from the window of your hotel room.
Embark on your thrilling adventure and witness the beauty of this cold desert and feel the thunder of Spiti valley’s cold temperatures.
Langza village
Langza village is a beautiful hamlet located in the Spiti valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for Tibetan style architecture. The village is divided into two parts Yongma Langza and Gongma Langza. A massive statue of lord Buddha, which is 1000 years old, located in Langza Gongma. The village is known for the fossil park, which is known for the buried sea creatures. so, while you visit Spiti valley, do not forget to explore the historic beauty of Langza village.
Kaza
It is located in the Spiti valley in western Himalayas. It serves as the commercial center of Spiti Valley. It is closest to Ladakh and Tibet, in terms of culture it has Buddhist influence. The central location of Kaza makes it ideal for base camps for trekking and mountaineering. You can go to the highest post office in the world at Hikkim village after passing Kaza. September to February is the best time to visit Spiti Valley because you can experience the unparalleled beauty of starry nights. Stargazing is one of the best things to do in Kaza, Spiti valley.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
Spiti valley is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Kibber wildlife sanctuary is a place begging to be explored.Kibber village is 20 kms away from Kaza. The valley is a home to exotic wildlife. It is known for its plethora of flora and fauna. The flora comprises of medicinal herbs and vibrant flowers, namely, Rhododendrons, Chara, Agropyron, Rheum, Rosularia, Rhodiola. Snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, Ibex, Blue Sheep, Pika, Tibetan Wolf are some of the animals found in Kibber wildlife Sanctuary.
The key monastery, Tabo monastery, Hikkim, which is at the proximity of Kibber village. You can even see snow Leopard in the snow peaks of Spiti and Trekking is the best means of exploration in Spiti valley. You can even try a Yak ride to satiate your wanderlust.
Read more to know about Snow Leopards in Spiti valley.
Temperature in Spiti Valley during winters
Spiti valley in winter months from November to March experiences extremely low temperatures. Spiti valley winter temperature can drop to below -20° Celsius and in day time it remains 0° Celsius on average. During these months the entire valley gets layered with thick snow. The temperature remains -10 ° Celsius to 5 °Celsius in the daytime. The area receives heavy snowfall, the winter landscape is incredibly beautiful in winter.
FAQs:
Why visit winter Spiti valley in October?
Spiti valley in October marks the beginning of winter season. Although the region does not get snowfall, the cold winds start to blow. The temperature ranges from 5° Celsius to 10°Celsius. The weather remains pleasant and you can explore monasteries, villages. October is the best time to visit Spiti valley in winter.
Why visit winter Spiti valley in December?
Ans. In December Spiti valley experiences the peak winter season with heavy snowfall and extremely frosty weather. You can visit a few places such as Dhankar and Hikkim. Spiti Valley in December temperature ranges from -15° Celcius to -20° Celsius.
Best time to visit Spiti Valley in winter?
Ans. Best time to visit Spiti valley in winter is November because you will get to take part in adventure activities like trekking, camping, and sightseeing; you can visit Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery. The temperature in November -5° Celsius to 10 ° Celsius, which is relatively bearable as compared to December and hence making it the best time to visit Spiti valley. You can indulge yourself in these activities and enjoy the breathtaking winter landscapes of Spiti valley.
If you want to see snow then there is no place better than Spiti Valley in winters. Your winter escapade awaits! Book now with JustWravel.
