Surreal Spiti

Had travelled to Spiti in June 2012. Had not even heard of the place. Came across this site  http://indiauntravelled.com/trips.html and fell in love with a snap posted in it and decided that I wanna visit there. Checked out with few friends if they wanted to join but unfortunately they couldnt due to work / social engagements and the works. Anyways, the enchanting photograph was still in my mind and I decided to travel solo. Joined a trip organised by India untravelled and had one of the most awesome experiences ever!

The beauty of Spiti lay in the diversity of the place — hard rocky terrain, gushing water, snow capped moutains, greenery (though in bits and pieces– otherwise it is rocky terrain) and the beautiful monasteries…all of it just awesome 🙂 Surrounded by the Himalayas, you will find yourself seeing the varied beauty of the mountains while doing ordinary things like sipping tea, having lunch or just plain gazing.

Interacting with the locals was so engaging – they are so hard working and yet so simple. I especially fell in love with our guide – Tsering and this cute couple in a Dhaba

Some of the must visits place in Spiti:

Kaza (a vibrant town which has a petrol pump — at highest altitude levels)

Tabo– the most charming place in Spiti – be it the charming people, the 1000 year old Tabo monastery, the caves, the souvenir shops, everything is just heart tugging

Dhankar — the monastery precariously perched on the mountains, Dhankar lake

Trip from Demul to Komic — if you are fit, its a moderate 4-5 hours trek. If you are unfit (like me :P), then opt for a yak.

Komic- Charming village and homestay, also do send some postcards from the highest post office in Asia at Hikkim (close to Komic village)

We missed out on Pin Valley and Chaandrataal lake due to landslides but pictures show they are extremely beautiful locations so definitely “must dos” if in Lahaul- Spiti Valley.

The best and the worst part about the trip was the journey. Worst because the road from Manali to Kaza is quite rocky and is not for the faint hearted who are used to travelling smooth. But if you do manage it, I can promise its the most awesome journey ever. You will always be worried about dozing off coz u dont want to miss any single moment of natural exquisite beauty. Cannot describe it in words. Especially loved the Kumzum pass 🙂 There are some moments when the entire body is smiling and you feel just happiness and quiet joy within. I experienced that there 🙂

Go experience that you!