lahaul and spiti

Famous for its splendid views and untouched natural beauty, Buddhist monasteries, and Tibetan culture, Spiti is a destination for trekkers, hikers only the string hearted. One of the most unexplored and virginal destinations in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti or Spiti valley, is located at a very high altitude in the eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. This region is a desert mountain valley known for its beautiful monasteries and untouched natural beauty. The Chandratal Lake and Surajtal lakes are some of the most beautiful lakes in the world and are among the highest lakes in the world. 

Kaza, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is a famous town in the Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district. Situated on a ridge 11980 ft above sea level, Kaza is a beautiful place to visit. Kaza overlooked by high mountain ridges on all sides, can be easily reached from two sides, Kinnaur Valley and Manali, via Rohtang Pass. The town, surrounded by greenery, is rich in flora and fauna. Kaza Travel guide is incomplete without a mention of its natural beauty and serene vegetation. Built-in the 14th Century, Thang Yud is a famous monastery close to Kaza hill station. 

Dhankar is a small village in the cold desert of Spiti Valley. Dhang or dang means cliff, and kar or khar means fort. Thus, Dhankar means fort on a cliff. Dhankar looks like a bowl shaped structure in the hills. It looks like almost all the old Dhankar houses have emerged straight from the mountains with their main wall on the back being merged on the hills. This is a forte of Dhankar houses which from the wide angle or from distance provides spectacular views. Dhankar is mainly known for Dhankar Monastery. It was built as a fort Monastery on the Central Tibetan pattern. The complex is built on a 300 mts high spur and is one of the world’s most amazing settings for a Monastery. It contains a series of 15th century wall paintings. World Monuments Fund has declared this Monastery among the 100 most endangered sites in the world. Due to the deteriorating state of the old monastery, a new Monastery was built in the village. This road was primarily made for the use of Dalai Lama during his visit to Dhankar.
 

Tayul monastery, namely Tayul Gompa, is assumed as the oldest monastery in the Northern region, located at an elevation of 3900 meters above sea level in the Bhaga Valley of Lahaul and Spiti. The monastery, built in the 17th century, is home to the Drugpa or Red Hat Sect of Buddhist monks. The most vulnerable possession of the monastery is the 12 ft statue of Guru Padmasambhava, besides the famous manifestation of Singhmukha and Vajravahi. 

Sissu is a popular village and a famous tourist destination located at Keylong in Himachal Pradesh. Positioned at an altitude of 3100 meters above sea level, Sissu is on the banks of the Chandra River and has a thick plantation of willows and poplars on either side of the road. It is so dense that even sunlight cannot enter. Another popular attraction of the place is the two ancient fountain slabs, which date back to the 11th or 12th AD. Moreover, a PWD rest house is also there for the convenience of the tourists.

Tandi is a significant village located at Keylong in Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 2573 meters, located at a short distance of 8 km from Keylong above the meeting points of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga. Situated on the Manali Leh Raod, Tandi has the last fuel station for travelers who like to travel to the north of Keylong.