Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition

About this tour

About Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition

Spiti Valley, a cold desert nestled in the Himalayas of northern India, is a unique blend of cultural and natural landscapes. Its breathtaking beauty, ancient monasteries, and adventurous trekking trails make it a must-visit for any passionate traveller. One of the unique experiences Spiti Valley offers is the Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition, conducted via 4×4 vehicles. This thrilling journey takes you through the rugged terrain, showcasing the valley’s stunning snow-covered landscapes, majestic mountains, and challenging trails. The expedition covers iconic spots like the Key Monastery, the Chicham Bridge (Asia’s highest), and the remote villages of Komic and Hikkim, all set against a winter wonderland of pristine snow. Participants experience the raw beauty of Spiti while navigating its demanding roads, with opportunities to engage with local culture, witness spectacular views, and experience the thrill of spotting elusive wildlife like the Snow Leopard. This journey offers excitement and serenity, making it a must-do for any passionate traveller.

Spiti (Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition), also known as the cold desert of north India, is a place of spiritual and serene beauty. It has patches of green grass over the sand and stone-covered mountains, with small villages at distinct points. Spiti is also known as ‘The Middle Land’ because this valley is surrounded by mountains, which separated it from former empires like Ladakh from the North, Tiber from the East, Kullu to the West and Bushahr to the South. The region is influenced by Buddhism and houses most of the famous monasteries in the valley, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere sure to calm the soul. Buddhism plays a significant role in the Spiti valley, which is proven by the piles of stones called ‘mani’ around the valley, white-washed stupas housing Buddhist relics, prayer flags fluttering around the valley, and the hymns of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. In his book ‘Kim’, Novelist Rudyard Kipling represents Spiti Valley as a world within a world, a place of the god. And you will find this very accurate if you visit this valley in the present day.

For centuries, Spiti Valley remained hidden from the world and was ruled by the local rulers called Nono. The valley’s history is marked by invasions from neighbouring kingdoms, including the warring princely states of Kullu and Ladakh. In 1841 AD, an army from Jammu and Kashmir led by generals Ghulam Khan and Rahim Khan invaded Spiti. A few years later, in 1846, a Sikh army also raided the valley. Finally, the East India Company took control of Spiti in 1846 after the demise of cis-Sutlej States. Despite these changes, the Nono ruled as the hereditary Wizier of Spiti, preserving the valley’s unique culture and traditions. The valley’s culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism, as seen in the white-washed stupas housing Buddhist relics, prayer flags fluttering around the valley, and the hymns of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum ‘. 

Spiti has witnessed enormous tourism in the last two decades after staying hidden for a long time. The locals started renting their houses as homestays or constructing hotels on their lands to facilitate tourists visiting the area. Thanks to the beautiful moonscapes and scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains and Lakes overlooking the Spiti River, which attracts tourists worldwide. The glacial stream brings the people of Spiti an abundance of goodwill and hope for life. This surge in tourism is a testament to the growing popularity of Spiti Valley as a travel destination, making it a must-visit for any passionate traveller who wants to experience its unique beauty before it becomes too crowded. 

During a full moon, the Spiti Valley looks like the moon itself has landed on the earth. Whoever witnesses this beauty with his eyes leaves soulful, never satisfied by its charm, even if he visits it repeatedly.

Language: The local people of the Spiti Valley are adaptable and can communicate in Stod Bhoti, a subgroup of the Tibetic languages spoken in Lahaul and Spiti. However, Hindi and English are more widely understood and spoken by almost everyone in the region, making communication more accessible for travellers.

Clothing essentials: Spiti remains cold throughout the year because of its high altitudes and sub-zero temperatures. The temperature during May and June barely touches between 15-20 degrees Celsius, but in the deep winter of December- February, it can fall as low as around minus 20 degrees Celsius in some places. The best time to visit Spiti is from April to October, but always wear warm clothes and layer on this journey because the temperatures can suddenly drop. After October, heavy woollen clothes are not just recommended but become essential as the evenings become cold.

Essential places During the Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition

Tabo: A small and secluded village in the heart of Spiti, Tabo is famous for its monastery over a thousand years old. Founded in 996 AD, Tabo is the largest monastic complex in Spiti, comprising nine temples, 23 chortens, a monk chamber and a nun’s chamber. The village, with sprawling apple orchards, is in the middle of a cold desert. Across the monastery, on a mountain, is a cluster of caves that are said to have been used by meditating monks for months of solitary confinement. The monastery has terrific galleries of wall paintings and stucco statues. There is also a recently added new chamber where most daily chanting and prayers are held.

Dhankar: Between Tabo and Kaza, on a 7 km branching road from the village of Schichling, Dhankar monastery dramatically hangs on a cliff side on the left bank side of the Spiti River. In the local language, Dhankar means a fort, and the monastery was used to guard the valley from outside invasions. Because of its strategic location, the monastery served as a castle for the Nono (The local ruler). The whole complex speaks much about the building and engineering skills of the Spitians. Dhankar Monastery, at an altitude of 3370 m, is a repository of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti script. It also serves as a base for excursions to Dhankar Lake and Pin Valley.

Kaza: The administrative headquarters of Spiti, Kaza, is the largest settlement in the valley. Situated on the left bank of the Spiti River, the small town’s narrow streets lead to the marketplace, which has some restaurants. Kaza has a Bank, ATM, Post Office (the highest in the world), and a filling station (the highest petrol pump). It is a good base for exploring the region, and the famous Key monastery and remote villages, including Langza, Hikkim, and Komik, can be easily reached from here.

Kee Monastery/Ki Monastery/Kye Monastery: Perched on a volcanic-shaped hillock, Kee Monastery is a collection of faintly lit rooms and a maze of dark corridors leading to different complex sections. Age-old wood columns and small flights of stone steps surrender in front of heavily carved wooden doors leading to the prayer chambers, with exhibits of rare thangkas, murals, and several ancient musical instruments. A library contains manuscripts of sacred Tangyur texts. Apart from the cells occupied by the monks, the Gompa has a large assembly hall and chamber lined with religious paintings. The chamber of the incarnate abbot Zim-chung is the highest point of the complex. The monastery is only 12 km from Kaza.

Kibber: Only 6 km from Kee village, Kibber, at an altitude of 4205 meters, is one of the highest inhabited villages of the valley. It’s not just a village but a crucial part of the Kibber Sanctuary. It is a 1400-square-kilometre area dedicated to preserving the region’s unique wildlife, including ibex, blue sheep, and majestic snow leopards. In summer, a state-run bus service connects Kibber to Kaza, offering a journey through lush green fields and houses with unique facades set against the backdrop of lofty hills. Kibber also boasts a civil dispensary and a post office, making it a unique high-altitude village experience.

Pin Valley: From the confluence place of Pin River with Spiti River, at Atargoo, 10 km from Schichling village, a narrow road leads into the valley carved out by Pin. At its origin, the river is fed by the Kungri Glacier. The valley has several monasteries, including the Kungri monastery and others in Mud’s scenic village. Several challenging trekking routes depart from Pin Valley, which passes over the Pin Parvati Pass. One trail goes into Kullu valley, while another goes through Bhawa valley and leads into Kinnaur. The Pin Valley is a National park where over twenty species of rare animals and birds, including the endangered snow leopard, are sheltered. Other wildlife sighted in the sanctuary are the Ibex, Bharal, Red Fox, Marten, Weasel, Snow Leopard, Bearded Vulture, Chakor, Golden Eagle, Griffon and Himalayan Chough Weasel.

Chandra Taal: Chandra Taal, meaning ‘Lake of the Moon’, is a tranquil, deep blue crystal clear water body nestled high up in the valley, forming an alluring crescent shape. North of Kunzum Pass (4,590 m) – the gateway to Lahaul from Spiti – this legendary lake is a sight to behold. It’s a serene pastoral countryside where a carpet of meadow grass covers the slopes, and shepherds lead their flocks to graze in spring and summer. The 14 km-long jeepable road from the Manali-Kaza at Batal to the lake offers a scenic journey. Still, a more peaceful approach is a 2-hour level walk from Kunzum Pass. The lakesides, with their picturesque beauty, are perfect for summer camping, offering a quiet retreat from June to October. The lake is a haven for trekkers and campers seeking tranquillity.

Kungri Monastery: Guru Padmasambhava, credited with spreading Buddhism into Tibet, is said to have founded the Kungri Monastery sometime in the 14th century. It is one of the oldest residential monasteries of Spiti. Pilgrims, Scholars and Tourists who want to live a life of monks without disowning their religion come to stay here for months. The monastery houses a fascinating collection of ancient Buddhist relics and over 380 Thangka paintings. You must attend the traditional ‘Devil and Sword’ Dance the locals perform every year in July. This monastery is around 3 kilometres from the Gulling Village.

Langza: A village guarded by a colossal statue of Lord Buddha, Langza is a sight to behold. The statue gazes at the trans-Himalayan ranges, dominated by the snow-capped Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak. Langza is renowned for its ammonite fossils, clay pottery, and handcrafted carpets and shawls. The beauty of this village, with its awe-inspiring mud houses and snow-capped peaks, is truly inspiring. Trails breaking out from the town lead to scenic, high-altitude lakes around the village. A tarred road past the city gets to Komic – one of the highest villages at 4400 m to be connected by a motorable road. Hikkim, the highest habitation of the valley, can be reached from Komic.

How to Reach Spiti Valley for the Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition

Air: Flights from New Delhi and Chandigarh operate to Bhuntar and Shimla airports, the nearest airports to the distant cold desert. Road transport has to cover the onward journey.

Rail: Chandigarh and Kalka are Spiti’s closest broad gauge train stations. Jogindernagar and Shimla are the nearest narrow-gauge train stops to reach this remote region. The journey must be carried out by road from any of these stations.

Road: From Manali to Kaza, there are regular buses from July to October and from Shimla via Kinnaur, there are regular buses from May to October. Sturdy vehicles used as off-roading taxis are recommended for a travel tour to Spiti from Manali or Shimla.

Things to do During the Winter Spiti 4×4 Expedition

Spiti, located at an altitude of 3000 metres, welcomes tourists to its picture-perfect suburbs, breathtaking landscapes, adventurous trekking trails, ancient monasteries and scenic lakes. The most exciting aspect of Spiti is its monasteries, which offer the utmost tranquillity and a glimpse of a living tradition that goes back several centuries. What makes them more fascinating are the colourful murals, vibrant thangkas (religious paintings) and the red-robed lamas silently murmuring the sacred chants of Buddha. Low-lit corners of the mud and wood fortresses perched on cliffs exude an air of spirituality. Apart from monasteries, remote villages and wildlife are other attractions of Spiti. Herds of Himalayan blue sheep grazing and hopping in the rocky terrain can be regularly spotted. The vast area around Kibber, the highest inhabited village in the valley, is also the Snow Leopard’s habitat, making Kibber the top spot for spotting the big cat in the wild.

Fests & Fairs

Dechhang: Dechhang is a community celebration and a moment of getting together. It is celebrated in deep winter, in December-January. Feasting and merry-making mark the occasion.

Lossar: A three-day fair, the dates of which are decided by the lamas according to the lunar calendar, is usually celebrated in February to mark the advent of the New Year. The prime attraction of the festival at the monasteries is a ritual chham dance performed by lamas in elaborate costumes and masks. Lossar commemorates the assassination of the cruel Tibetan king, Lang Darma, in the 9th century AD.

Ladarcha Fair: A traditional trade fair held every July/August in Kaza, where various goods are bartered and sold. Ladarcha is the most celebrated festival of Spiti. It was held at Kibber village, where traders from other parts of Tibet would gather to barter agricultural produce and merchandise. After the closure of the India-Tibet border, the venue was moved to Kaza, where it has become a colourful celebration alongside the trading conducted.

Dining in Spiti Valley

The platter is dominated by Tibetan cuisine, with the Spitian food being an exciting mix of nourishment and fresh flavour. Small eateries and restaurants offer both North Indian and Tibetan food. Green patches in the valley sway with barley, the most significant food source. The grain and roasted flour make local dishes like thuktal and shunali. Travellers should know that regional food items, including momos and thukpa, are prepared in Tibetan style. Spiti offers flavoured and aromatic teas such as butter tea, lemon, ginger, and honey tea for tea lovers.

Hospitals in Spiti Valley

Spiti has limited medical facilities, though the Community Health Centre at Kaza, the Primary Health Centre at Tabo, and the Civil Dispensary at Kibber serve the locals well.

Transport in Spiti Valley

Spiti is connected to the outside world only by road transport. Travellers can enter Spiti from two sides, one through Shimla and the other from Manali. State-run buses and private taxis can be booked from Shimla and Manali, and they take about 12 hours to reach Kaza, the valley’s sub-divisional headquarters. Indian citizens don’t require a permit to enter the valley. However, foreign tourists entering Spiti through the Shimla-Kinnaur route require inner-line permits as this route takes you very close to the Tibetan border. Permits can be obtained at the Inner Line Permit Office at Reckong Peo, Kinnaur.