The Spiti, located in the snow kissed mountains of Himachal Pradesh is a Pandora box full of narrow and wrecked gravel roads yet boasting with untold tales to hidden wonders. This cold desert mountain valley is a heaven for tramper, nature lover and adventure junkies owing to its picturesque landscape backdrop ancient monastery hilltops remote vibes vibrant culture dribbling on the sands. Though the common stops Ravangla, Kaza, Tabo and Key Monastery attract most of tourists at Spiti Valley; still behind lies several hidden gems which have been less visited. One hidden gem which takes over the discussion is Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest bridge proves humankind creativity and adventurer at first.
Chicham Bridge and An Engineering Marvel
The bridge is located at an altitude of 4,145 metres (13,600 feet) and it connects the villages Chicham to Kibber. Locals had to cross the gorge using a ropeway before the bridge was built, which is quite hazardous and time-consuming. This bridge was built in the year 2017 and has not only made life easier for the villagers as well but is a significant tourist attraction.
Crossing the Chicham Bridge on foot is exhilarating, suspended high above a chasm over which flows the Spiti River. This bridge gives an amazing 360 degrees view of the peaks covered with snow and also some crazy Spiti Valley rugged rough terrains. Photography lovers will love this spot as one can marvel at the raw beauty of the valley from here.
Demul Village – Taste of Old Spiti Life
Demul Village – A remote corner to visit Away from the main tourist track, Demul is a fantastic example of authentic Spiti existence. The village is located at 4320 metres above sea level surrounded by vast pastures and high alpine meadows. They practise sustainable or swidden agriculture and animal husbandry necessary to maintain balance in the environment.
At Demul, accommodations are in homestays which also allows an insight into the heartwarming hospitality of these locals. The community-based tourism initiative in the village as well: Only their own villagers can benefit from a share of whatever little income comes out through organised and self-organised trips with tourists. It helps not only in conserving their culture but also with responsible tourism.
Lhalung Monastery: A Nirvanaesta
Lhalung Monastery – One of the earliest monasteries in Spiti and one such hidden gem so common to our remote Himalayas! The monastery was built by Rinchen Zangpo, a great translator from the 10th century and is now an important spiritual place to understand Buddhism in its finest form. This monastery is famous for ancient murals, thangkas and statues which are heritage of historical as well as religious.
The monastery belongs to the village of Lhalung and it is enclosed by apricot orchards; The Spiti River also flows parallel to the splendid views Its calm surroundings reflect the spiritual air of its monastery, so it’s a perfect idea for pilgrims who wish to spend some days in the true sense of tranquillity and silence.
Langza Village: The Land Of Ancient Time
Langza village, the fossil village of Spiti, takes you down to a prehistoric era. Located at an altitude of 4,400 metres (14,432 feet), the village is known for its wealth of marine fossils. Buried beneath lies the fossils of Tethys Sea which stayed submerged under this sea million years ago.
The surrounding fields remain rich in fossil remains and visitors can try their hand at finding those. The biggest attraction of the village is a gigantic statue of Buddha that looks over the valley like its protector. The panoramic views of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak from LangzaSouth makes it one of the most visited places in Spiti.
Dhankar Lake: A Hidden Gem
If you are looking for some peace of mind, then the Dhankar Lake located on top of ancientDhankar Monastery in Spiti Valley is an answer to your prayers. At an altitude of 14,009 feet (4,270 metres), the lake marks one on a highland route that requires about two hours to hike up from Dhankar village. It is a short but scenic trek of about 1-2 hours to the confluence and you get many beautiful views along Spiti Valley, with Pin river flowing in from your left side.Atoi
The solitary Dhankar Lake is enveloped by arid mountains, and against the turquoise waters it looks like a scenic mirage. A perfect place for meditation, taking photos and absorbing the beauty of Spiti.
Gette Village: Paradise for a Trekker
Gette Village – The Paradise for Trekkers The village of Gette at an altitude of 4,270 metres is home to some of the most picturesque and difficult trekking trails Spiti has to offer. It has ancient monasteries, traditional houses of Spiti and landscapes that will mesmerise any traveller.
Gette to Key Monastery is actually a short trek but you get an awesome few of Spiti Valley and other surrounding mountains. This is a moderate level trek and can be covered in 3-4 hours. Ideally, Gette is an untouched sacred land of remote adventure and spectacular beauty for those who love the outdoors.
Chitkul – In The Indo-Tibetan Border of Last Village
Chitkul is an outer Himalayan village in Sangla Valley with dangerously sliced and rugged beauty, quite similar to Spiti villages. The beautiful Chitkul, last inhabited village near old Indo-Tibetan trade route with Tibet and having breath-taking Baspa River Valley & Tribal Villages experience along the Sutlej river up verse camp/walk at Sangla Also visit Kamru fort ruins c++ chopra hari raya temple.
This village is popular for having apple orchards, ancient temples and traditional wood houses. Once there, visitors can make leisurely visits near the Baspa River, with a charming little village and trails to nearby valleys or peaks. It is the perfect location for travel enthusiasts who want to explore Spiti in its raw form, Chitkul boasts of an elegant mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Spiti Valley is a chilled place with many nooks and corners which are still unexplored, untouched by modernisation. Starting right from the engineering marvel of Chicham Bridge to the spiritual haven such as Lhalung Monstery, every destination offers something truly unique, resonating Spiti’s rich cultural heritage and sheer beauty. From toastie desert vibes straight out of Mars to yoga rooftops on the moon these corners really are worth risking life and limb just for a peek into Spiti at her purest. Pull up your socks, tie the laces of those boots tight and gear up for an epic journey to explore unheard tales hidden amidst 7 crore population in Spiti Valley.
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