15 Top Spiti Tour Experiences

 I am often asked to recommend places during visit to popular destinations by travel freaks. Rather than, just visiting the destination I normally suggest they experience it. Carry back everlasting moments to cherish forever.No matter whether the place you are visiting.

Food, People, Stays, Journeys, and many more...

Then let me take on a journey of life-changing experiences in the high-altitude magical land of Spiti Valley!

1. Sip a cup of hot Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) tea 

You definitely don't need a reason to sip a cup of hot tea.! Isnt it ?

If you are in a place like Spiti, definitely not! Don't tell me it's not my cup of tea.

Made out of local berries, Tsetsalulu which grows wild on the banks of the Spiti river. it contains vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants.

It's true that it tastes a bit strange, a bit sour, and tangy-tart flavor. It is truly a refreshing drink, So next time you find yourself in Spiti. Ask for Spiti magic tea and feel the difference. Even if it feels different initially, you may end up liking it eventually.

2. Take a walk around the hills.

The best way to get acquainted is to take a leisure walk around nearby during your stay. It could be Dhankar, Hurling, Rangrik,Kibber,Mudh, Comic, Lhalung or Demul.The green patch of land, the river skirting through the valley., the vast blue sky, and the clouds moving gently will draw your attention and commune with nature.

The hills greet you in riot colors, and you see nothing but the intertwined gems of ruby, emerald, turquoise, and sapphires that were spread across acres and acres of the majestic playground of heaven.

No matter be it spring, autumn, or winter. It never fails to allure you.

That is the color of the land.

3. Visit the world's highest post office

In the time of modernization, what's app, Instagram, and smartphones going to the post office to buy a postcard for communication is a costly affair. In the mountainous region even today postal service is a strong medium for communication.

Hikkim is a sleepy village located at 14,567 feet above sea level. and is the world's highest post office. 

You can even visit the post office, meet the postmaster, buy one, write your experiences, and send a postcard from here to your loved ones or to your own place, and receive it after you return.

4.Vist the Fossil Village Langza

Spiti is world famous for its fossils of sea creatures. At 4400m asl, the ammonite fossils (also known as Shaligram) found in the village of Langza bear testimony to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates that led to the rise of Tethys sea forming the Himalayas nearly 50 million years ago.

You see and admire true nature's work of art. You will definitely like it. Leave them as they are. in the bosom of nature Don't carry them home!

5. Go on a climb to the hill in the evening

Though it is a bit hard, you climb a hill nearby and get a bird's view of the surroundings. The snowclad mountains in the distance. vast valleys and monasteries.

The weathered rock and soil rock formations in the Spiti basin. The dramatic landscapes. give an illusion of fire on the mountains and the setting sun give Spiti another worldly charm and make you feel as if you are still on earth?

You feel every step was worthwhile!

6. Be awake all night. Admire the night sky 

Sleeping cozily with a heater in a homestay is a luxury, Being awake to shoot the night sky, or to just gaze at the night sky is something surreal!

An open theatre with trillions of stars against a crisp sky, then your heart is sure to skip a beat and you would want to capture every inch of it. Astro photography at Spiti is an activity that you must try your hand on. The clarity of the sky and abundant light helps even amateur photographers click amazing pictures of the night.

If it's a full moon day, you would see a humongous one, never before!

7. Visit Dhankar Monastery 

Walk by the lakeside, and you will be moved by the azure color of the water. A steep barren uphill path takes you to the Monastery said to be 1220 years old and located at 14,000 ft

If the skies are clear, normally it is, from the top, you will be blown by breathtaking views of Manirang Peak - The Crown of Spiti, the highest peak of Himachal Pradesh located on the border of the Kinnaur and Spiti districts. 

Experience nirvana in the hills by sitting in one of the corners alone and looking at the horizon. Take a deep breath and experience the silence. You will be amazed to see the layers of the vast mountain ranges.

Each layer is unique and colorful. The play of lights and shadows on each subsequent layer is eye-catching. Not to miss is the beauty of clouds 

8. Taste the local drink of Spiti

In erstwhile Asia's highest village of KIbber in Pin Valley, lose yourself and sing and dance with the locals. Have a mug full of Aarak sitting inside the homestay and go crazy in Kibber. The drink keeps you warm as there might be some white patches of snow left here – even in July.

You can witness vast expanses of blue sky. beautiful shades of green and purple are visible in the fields while cirrus clouds loom above, seeming like they are descending on earth.

9. Go around the village

     If you are smitten with photography and would love to explore and capture the inner beauty around you. You can unleash the creative artist in you, Spiti is truly a photographer’s delight.

You can indulge in landscape photography, and talk to locals by introducing yourself by saying  Juley - Namaste. Later do pictorial photography at ease...

Admire the creativity, colorful patterns, architectural skills of locals, and workmanship in inhospitable terrains.

10. Stay in local homestays and get a taste of local cuisine

If you have visited the trans-Himalayan region. It is sure, you would have tasted the local dishes. You might have eaten momos and Vegetarian Thukpa elsewhere but you will long remember the food at KIbber & Tabo. You can try Thenthuk, the “meatier” version of Thukpa, Quo is a popular dish in Spiti which is a pot whole meal gravy made of Churu cheese, barley flour, and potatoes. which is the most filling budget option for a quick lunch.

Locals pick fresh vegetables from the fields and organic is the only way of cultivation here. If you are in the right season, then apples at Chango and Peo & peas at Nako are huge delights. Dried apple snacks, taste natural, you can even taste healthy’ seabuckthorn’ juice and jam, which is called ‘Tsetsalulu’.locally

11. Visit the moon lake and camp beside it

14,100 ft, the mystic charms of the tranquil lake, at first sight, make you stand still. The high peaks mirrored around, in the shimmering crystal blue water, and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Stand watch the ripples and listen to the sound of music around. That is Silence!

Silence is not empty, its full of answer

At night, the moon casts a silver touch on its pristine waters and soaks the entire surroundings in a silvery spell. The snowy peaks glowing and the hills encompassing the lake standing as sentinels add beauty to the place. The lake seems glorified by the reflections!

You have countless opportunities to showcase your creativity. Without disturbing the silence!

12. Winter in the cold desert - Spiti

A tour to Spiti for a few, during winter, may feel a bit weird. Why winter?

Roads decked with snow, and sub-zero temperatures. Leading a life with basic essentials is what envelops our minds. It may feel bizarre.

Why not think on the positive side. It is an ideal hideout for solitude seekers, who attend winter festivals, and winter hikes, whose ultimate goal is to spot the elusive cat - snow leopards, Red foxes, and blue sheep, brave cold armed with essentials.

13, Pedals of Wheels - Off Road

Witness the incredible mountain scenery while keeping your bumbs on the saddle. Visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages en route. Cycling is the perfect way to appreciate the majesty of the landscape at a gentle pace and to get close to the environment and the people who live here.

The steep climbs may be tiring and the downhill thrilling! Experience!

A perfect eco-friendly tour indeed!

14. Climb a Mountain called WhiteLady

The mountain summits beckon the adventurous. A snow-clad peak called mt. Kanamo 19600 rises above in the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. dominating the landscape. Indeed. No doubt a thrilling adventure but meant for those who consider themselves super fit & have experience of at least one high altitude trek.

15. Climbing the wall of Fame.

When the sun is out, on your favorite winter days it is a day to place your foot on the ice. Go on searching for pretty ice formations in the deepest corners of the crag.

A frozen waterfall is the best choice if have all skills and supporting gear to kick-start your dreams.

Have you been to Spiti....?

It is sure. that you might have an experience of your own. if so, please leave a comment.

If you are planning to visit Spiti, do consider our top 15 experiences! 

If you want us to plan a trip for you. Then write us at summitersadventures@gmail.com