Spiti is a beautiful place in itself, situated high in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. It is a place where real adventure meets breathtaking beauty. This high-altitude cold desert place offers a perfect mix of tall mountains, and at every turn, you will get to see the picture-perfect view, whether it is the clear blue water, snowy peaks, or the peaceful chants echoing from ancient monasteries.
Spiti isn’t only an adventure place, it is an emotion, an experience, and a journey into the world's untouched place. Driving through winding roads, crossing high mountain passes, visiting quiet villages, and crystal-clear rivers make the journey unforgettable. But with so many beautiful places to visit in Spiti, it is common to miss some real gems.
Whether you love nature, adventure, or culture, Spiti has it all. That’s why many travellers opt for a Spiti tour package to make sure they don’t miss the key places. In this guide, we will share the list of places to visit in Spiti Valley, from glittering lakes and snowy passes to old monasteries and hidden hamlets, so you can plan a smooth trip.
Top 10 places to visit in Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley, a hidden gem situated within the rough terrains of the Himalayas, attracts travelers from around the world. As we start the journey to discover the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, we find ourselves in a place where nature's beauty meets ancient traditions-
1. Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is often known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas". It is a thousand years old Buddhist monastery in India. Surrounded by mud-brick walls and set against barren mountains, feels like stepping into another world. The walls are covered with beautiful ancient Buddhist paintings that tell stories from Buddha’s life. This is one of the best Spiti Valley tourist places and also accessible for the tourists in the winter Spiti Valley trip, where you can feel a calm, spiritual silence, making it a perfect place for slowing down, meditating, or simply sitting and soaking in the energy of the mountains.
Location: Tabo, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: Nearest town Kaza is 47km away, you can take a taxi or bus from Shimla or Manali towards Kaza.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Things to Do: Visit ancient murals, prayer halls, and meditation caves.
Nearby Attractions: Dhankar Monastery, Pin Valley.
2. Dhankar Monastery
Located on a cliff, Dhankar Monastery is like a castle in the clouds. It overlooks the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, offering one of the most jaw-dropping views of the valley. The monastery is believed to be over 1,000 years old and has served as a fort for the king of Spiti. Inside the monastery, you will find various ancient scriptures, statues, and prayer rooms that smell of a butter lamp. If you want to try some adventure, then there’s also a short trek from here to Dhankar Lake, a hidden high-altitude beauty.
Location: Dhankar Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 32 km away from Kaza; one can reach there by taxi or shared cab.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Things to Do: Enjoy clifftop views, visit old prayer rooms, trek to Dhankar Lake.
Nearby Attractions: Tabo Monastery, Lalung Monastery.
3. Kaza
Kaza is the heartbeat and main town of Spiti. It is the one of the places to visit in Spiti Valley where you will find cozy cafes, guesthouses, shops selling woolen clothes, and travelers sharing stories over chai. It is a good place for exploring the surrounding villages, like the Sakya Tangyud Monastery and a lively marketplace. From here you can get permits, fuel, and some much-needed rest after a rough mountain drive.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: By road from Manali (via Kunzum Pass) or Shimla (via Reckong Peo).
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Things to Do: Explore markets, cafes, and Sakya Tangyud Monastery.
Nearby Attractions: Hikkim, Komik, Langza.
4. Hikkim
Hikkim has the world’s highest post office and is one of the must visit places in Spiti Valley. The village sits at an altitude of over 14,000 feet and is surrounded by crisp air and sweeping mountain views. From here, you can send postcards to your loved ones; it feels like sending your words from the clouds. Life here is slow and peaceful with mud houses, green pea fields, and friendly locals.
Location: Near Kaza, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 16 km from Kaza; hire a local taxi or bike.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Things to Do: Send postcards from the world’s highest post office, walk in the village.
Nearby Attractions: Komik, Langza.
5. Komik
Komik proudly calls itself the world’s highest motorable village, situated at over 15,000 feet above. It is one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley. The air here is thin but fresh, and the scenery looks straight out of a painting- rolling hills, snowy peaks in the distance, and the Tangyud Monastery painted in red and white. In winter, the village gets covered in snow and feels almost otherworldly.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 19 km from Kaza; taxi or bike.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Things to Do: Visit Tangyud Monastery, see snow-capped views.
Nearby Attractions: Hikkim, Langza.
6. Langza
Langza is known as the "Fossil Village," making it a must visit place in Spiti Valley, and is famous for ancient marine fossils found in its soil, which show that this land was once under the Tethys Sea millions of years ago. This is one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, where you can see a giant golden Buddha statue. The sight of green fields framed by snow-capped peaks makes it a dream for photographers.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 16 km from Kaza; taxi or bike.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Things to Do: See the golden Buddha statue, hunt for fossils.
Nearby Attractions: Hikkim, Komik.
7. Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake is also known as the "Lake of the Moon" because of its crescent shape, it is a sparkling blue alpine lake situated at 14,100 feet above. The lake changes colors throughout the day from deep blue to turquoise to green and is often ranked among the must visit places in Spiti Valley in August. The surrounding meadows bloom with wildflowers in summer, making it look like a Himalayan fairy tale. You can camp near the lake under a sky full of stars, it offers an experience you will never forget.
Location: Near Kunzum Pass, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 14 km trek from Batal or jeep track in summer.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September.
Things to Do: Camping, stargazing, photography.
Nearby Attractions: Kunzum Pass, Batal.
8. Chitkul
Chitkul, one of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, is located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. This place is often visited along with the Spiti routes. It’s the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is famous for its clean air, wooden houses, and the Baspa River flowing by. In summer, it turns into a green carpet, while in winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland.
Location: Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 28 km from Sangla; road via Shimla-Reckong Peo.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.
Things to Do: River walks, wooden houses, mountain views.
Nearby Attractions: Sangla, Rakcham.
9. Key Monastery
Key monastery is situated about 4,166 m above the Spiti River and is one of the largest and oldest monastery in the valley. This valley is founded in the 11th century by Dromtön of the Gelugpa sect. Key monastery gets open from May to October and features mesmerizing murals, thangkas, rare manuscripts, and fortress-style architecture. Key Monastery makes it one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley.
Location: Spiti Valley, Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: 15 km drive or short hike from Kaza, one can take a taxi, private car, or shared jeep from Manali or Shimla.
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Things to Do: Explore ancient murals, thangkas, rare manuscripts, attend morning prayers
Nearby Attractions: Kibber Village, Chicham Bridge, Langza, Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery and Pin Valley National park
10. Pin Valley
Pin Valley is one of the greenest places to visit in Lahaul and Spiti, known for its contrasting landscapes and lush green valleys. It is home to the Pin Valley National Park, which is famous for its snow leopards and rare Himalayan wildlife. Villages like Mudh here are full of charm, and the calm and cool vibe of the valley makes it a refreshing stop for travelers.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach: Via road from Kaza to Mudh village.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Things to Do: Trekking, visit Mudh village, spot wildlife.
Nearby Attractions: Kungri Monastery, Dhankar.
Spiti Valley isn’t just a place to see, it is a place you can feel. Every turn of the road shows you something new, whether it's a sparkling lake, tiny villages, a giant mountain, or a monastery; everything feels so good here. The air is fresh, the skies are huge, and life moves slowly here. Whether you are sending a postcard from the world’s highest post office in Hikkim, camping under the stars at Chandratal, or just sipping tea with a local family, Spiti makes you feel connected with nature, to people, and to yourself. There are various places to visit in Spiti that stays in your heart long after you have left. And no matter how many photos you take, the real beauty is in the moments you live here. So, pack your bags, keep your eyes wide open, and let Spiti’s magic do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 2 days enough for the Spiti Valley?
Yes, if you are already in the Spiti Valley or in nearby cities like Manali and Shimla, then you can cover a few major attractions in 2 days. However, if you are coming from far away places like Chandigarh, Delhi, or some other faraway places, then a 2-day trip to Spiti Valley will not be possible.
2. Which month is best for Spiti?
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from May to October, when the roads are open, and the weather is quite pleasant. One can explore various Spiti Valley tourist places during this time, making it an ideal time for trekking, sightseeing, and seeing communities like Kaza and Tabo. The temperature during this month range from 15°C to 25°C.
3. Which is the coldest place in Spiti Valley?
January is the coldest month in Spiti Valley, with temperatures dropping to −30 °C. During this time of the month, you can experience extreme cold and snow.
4. In which month is Spiti Valley closed?
Avoid visiting during the winter months between November to April because of intense cold and road restrictions, which make travel difficult. For a fun and unforgettable experience, plan your vacation to the Lahaul Spiti Valley between May to October.
5. Which is the nearest railway station to Spiti Valley?
The nearest railway station to Spiti Valley is Joginder Nagar Railway Station in Shimla. From there you can hire a taxi to Spiti.
6. What are the top 10 places to visit in Spiti Valley?
Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Kibber, Mane village, Pin Valley, Suraj Tal, Chandratal lake, Chitkul and Langza are the top 10 places to visit in Spiti Valley which will make your trip even more memorable.
