Destinations · Jan 15, 2025 · 5 min read
Soul-Satisfying Things to Do in Spiti Valley
The cold desert of Spiti is a land of ancient monasteries, dramatic gorges and star-filled skies. Here's what to do on your visit.
Soul-Satisfying Things to Do in Spiti Valley
Destinations
Spiti Valley is a world apart — a high-altitude cold desert where ancient Buddhism meets stark, breathtaking beauty. Reaching Spiti is itself an adventure, and once there, the valley rewards patience with unforgettable experiences.
**Drive the high passes:** The journey through the Spiti valley from Manali over Kunzum Pass, or from Shimla over Kinnaur, offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Himalayas.
**Explore Key Monastery:** Perched above the Spiti river, this 1,000-year-old monastery is the valley's spiritual heart, with spectacular views and a fascinating history.
**Stargaze at night:** With minimal light pollution, Spiti offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches across the valley in vivid detail.
**Visit the villages:** Chicham, Langza and Kibber are among the highest inhabited villages in the world, each with friendly locals, ancient temples and fossil fields — Langza is famous for ammonite fossils.
**Stay in homestays:** The people of Spiti welcome travellers into warm homes with delicious local food, thukpa, momos and the famous sea buckthorn juice.
Spiti is best visited from May to October. It is a journey for the adventurous soul, and Aransh Holidays offers complete Spiti packages with experienced drivers, comfortable stays and carefully planned routes.