“Heaven is a myth but Himachal is real.”
The town of Kaza or Kaze is the subdivisional headquarters of the remote Spiti Valley in the western Himalayas in the Iahaul and Spiti district of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is a high altitude or cold desert having close similarities to the neighbouring Tibet and Ladakh regions in terms of terrain, climate and Buddhist culture. It is situated along the Spiti river at elevation of 3650 meters above mean sea level.
So, this time we explore this beautiful cold desert township along the Spiti River starting our journey from Kulu, Himachal Pradesh.
The distance from Kulu to Kaza is 243 kms; which will take almost 6 hours from the starting point by road. This road is truly an adventurous, somewhere in between the roads there are no particular roads at all! You may have to drive through rivers having, pebbles, puddles and lots of mud. So one must be courageous enough for having such adventures and explorations.
Where to stay: There are several places to stay at Kaza both home stays and hotels. There are about 79 hotels and one may choose from this wide range according to individualised preferences and budget.
When to go: The summer months of March to June are considered to be the best to visit Spiti not only due to the pleasant weather but also fewer crowds. For that perfect winter vacation, the months of October-February are the best time to visit Spiti.
Places to Visit:
- Spiti Vally: It is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The middle land ” i.e. the land between Tibet and India.
- Chandra Taal: (meaning the Lake of the moon) It is on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks Chandra river (a source of river of the Chenab) and the name originated from it’s crescent shape. It is an altitude of about 4,300meters in the Himalayas. It is a tourist destination for trekkers and campers. It is accessible on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzum Pass from late May to early October. There is also a motor road accessible as far as parking lot 2km from the lake. One has to travel on foot for the final 1km approximately.
- Key monastery: (also spelled Ki, Key or Kee – pronounced like English key) is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4,166 meters above sea level close to the Spiti River. It is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley and a religious training centre for Lamas.
- Hikkim village: It is a village in Lahaul & Spiti district in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 4,400 meters. It is one of the highest year round inhabited locations in India, with residences from 4330 to 4400. Here situated the highest post office in the world. Hikkim village to take pride in mailing their letters from the highest post office on Earth. The postal index Number or PIN of the village is 172114. It was recorded as the world’s highest polling station at Limca Book of Records. Later the record was held with Tashigang, a small Himachal Pradesh village in the same district .
- Kibber: Kibber also Kyibar is a village high in the Spiti Valley in the Himalayas at 4270 meters in Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It contains a monastery and the Kibber Wildlife sanctuary.mHere the vegetation is sparse and high medicinal properties. Eight rare and endangered medicinal plant species have been discovered which has the highest medicinal value. Upto 30 snow leopards have been found by wildlife wing of forest department of Himachal Pradesh.
- Tabo: It is a small town in the Lahaul and Spiti district on the banks of the Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh, India. The town lies on the road Rekong Peo and Kaza, the subdivisional headquarters at Spiti.
- Tabo Monastery (or Tabo Chos -Khor Monastery ) is located in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, northern India. A large number of frescoes displayed on its walls depict tales from the Buddhist pantheon. There are many priceless collections of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well -preserved status, frescoes and and extensive murals which cover almost every wall. The monastery is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a national historic treasure of India.
- Kunzum Pass (Tibetan: Kunzum La, 4551 m or 14,931 ft) is high mountain pass in the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas. It connects Lahaul valley and Spiti valley. It is on the route from Gramphoo in Lahaul to Kaza the subdivisional headquarters of Spiti. This pass is normally open from June/ July to October/ November. Many travellers and drivers seek blessings of Kunzum Mata before continuing on the dangerous journey.
- Dhankar lake: It is a high altitude lake in Spiti Valley, in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. An elevation of 4,140 meters, it lies above the Dhankar monastery in the Lahaul Spiti district, can be approached by a trek from the monastery.
Himachali Cuisine:
There are several traditional Himachali cuisines available here. One must have these foods there to experience food in a Himachali way. Apart from the traditional thali one may savour momos, thukpas, hot chocolates, sizzler and so on. The surrounding state of Punjab and Tibet have a deep influence on the cuisine. The cuisine is predominantly homely yet rich and intense.
Exploration means life and life means exploration. After the pandemic is over, keeping courage in heart and exploration in mind, keep travelling!
