Kaza-The Heart and Soul of Lahaul Spiti Cold Desert of India.

Lahaul Spiti or Spiti valley ( Himachal Pradesh ) is one the perfect destination for the thrill and adventure lovers. A fourth least populated district in india. Lahaul and Spiti were separate districts once but both were merged into one in 1960. Kaza is one of the biggest towns in this district and is also the district centre nowadays for Lahaul Spiti. Mostly people get confused between spiti and kaza. lahaul spiti is a district and kaza is a town in this district.

At an altitude of around 12,000 ft Kaza is situated all along the River Spiti. Surrounded by high mountains the town is a perfect blend of modernisation and ancient Tibetan culture.  a must visit destination in Spiti. Kaza is divided in two parts Kaza Khas (Old) and Kaza Soma ( New ), while old one consists of monasteries, castles and new one is occupied by administration offices.

Perfect destination for mountain lovers, Kaza is preferred as a base camp site for tourists and travellers because Many places of interest can be explored while staying here.

1. Why Stay in Kaza?

One of the reason to stay in Town is that travellers can get decent accommodation, good food and every other basic facility. The town has a hospital, petrol pump, police station and all other amenities. Now the town is also very well connected via the internet and the major telecom service providers are BSNL, Jio and Airtel ( Both Postpaid and Prepaid connections ).

2. How to reach Kaza?

Kaza can be visited by road via Kinnaur and also from Manali. Route through Kinnaur is open throughout the year but via Manali Kunzum pass, it is closed in winters due to heavy snow. Distance from Chandigarh To Kaza Via Shimla is 515 KM and Distance from Delhi to Kaza via Manali is 736 Km.

3. Which are the must visit places near Kaza ?

Kaza is situated in center of many must visit destination, and all are easily accessible from here. following are the list of some most preferred and highly recommended places :

1. Langza

Langza- Famous as Fossil village, located at altitude of 14,500 ft. It was believed that it was once under Tethys Sea. Langza distance from Kaza is only 16 Km.

2. Hikkim

village where one of the highest post offices in the world is at an elevation of 14,400 ft just 15 KM from Kaza.

3. Komic

at an altitude of 15,500 Ft, Komic is Highest motorable village in the world. A 14th century Tangyud Monastery is a must visit. Komic is just 18 km from Kaza.

4. Key Monastery

Kee Monastery- Key Monastery or Kye gompa is one of largest and oldest monasteries in Spiti valley just 14 Km from Kaza it is religious centre for training lamas.

5. Chicham Bridge

on a 1000 Ft deep gorge on river Spiti tributary, chicham bridge is worlds highest suspension bridge. Distance of Chicham from Kaza is just 19 Km, at an altitude of 13,600 ft this bridge is a must visit man made marvel.

6. Kaza Monastery

New Building of Sakya Tangyud Monasteryit was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on July 9, 2009. Beautiful architecture along with colourful paintings represents Tibetan culture.

7. Kibber

Kibber- spiti’s last village on the historical trade route of Spiti to Ladakh and Tibet. Unlike other villages in spiti you will find houses constructed of stone instead of mud construction in this village, and also Kibber wildlife sanctuary is famous as a home to snow leopards. Trek of Parang La pass ( altitude  18,300 Ft ) starts from Kibber, At elevation 14,000 Ft it is just 19 Km from Kaza.

8. Spiti River

Spiti river- almost all the villages, towns and civilization in Spiti valley  are located on Banks of this river. Spiti river originates from Kunzum range and is a tributary of Satluj river. As Spiti is a cold desert river gets its water from melting glaciers of Himalayas. When travelling from Kaza towards Rangrik you witness a beautiful view of the key monastery from the river side.

9. Pin Valley National park

Pin Valley National park- The Park was established in 1987 to protect the wildlife in the cold desert of Spiti valley. Consisting of about 650 Sq Km it is home to many endangered animals including the famous snow leopards and Siberian Ibex. Treks of Pin-Bhaba and Pin-Parvati also start from Pin Valley.

10. Dhankar

old capital of Spiti kingdom dhankar was the centre of power in the 17th century. At an altitude of 12,776 Ft, the construction pattern of the dhankar monastery is really amazing. Distance of Kaza to dhankar is 34 Km.

Now that we have all the information we need, it’s time to plan your trip to Kaza !

Here are some Frequently asked  questions to help you plan your trip:

1. What is the best time to visit Kaza?

Nowadays it is accessible throughout the year thanks to the effort of the government and BRO, most of the roads are paved, but the best travelling season is From June to October. This is the best time  if you want to complete the full circuit from Shimla to Manali via Kaza. From November to May Kunzum pass is closed due to snow, so you won’t be able to visit chandratal also. But if you’re a snow lover then January and February are the best months to plan your trip. Snow covered Spiti really looks mesmerising. 

2. Is Spiti safe for female solo travellers?

Yes definitely, Spiti is the perfect place for solo travellers, locals are very friendly and helpful, decent hotels and homestays are safe and add comfort to your travel. Do make reservations in advance before you visit, Only concern is the tourists. You have to be a bit careful in interacting with them, don,t share your plans or personal information with everyone. Always keep numbers of your family members on the speed dial. Otherwise there’s nothing to worry about. Kaza is very well connected by cellular networks by BSNL, Jio and Airtel.

3. How to reach Kaza from Delhi ?

Kaza is well connected with roads, nearest airports are in Chandigarh and Buntar in Manali. Route through Kinnaur/Shimla is open throughout the year but via Manali Kunzum pass, it is closed in winters due to heavy snow. Distance from Chandigarh Via Shimla is 515 KM and Distance from Delhi to Kaza via Manali is 736 Km.

4. Can I visit spiti during winters? Is it safe?

Yes you can visit Spiti in winters, the road via shimla, Rampur, Nako and Tabo is accessible throughout the year. Road are well paved and by construction of new bridges it is now possible to reach Kaza in winters. Sometimes heavy snowfall can result in road closure for one or two days until it is cleared by local administration. It is safe only if you carry necessary accessories Like snow chains Fuel additives for your vehicle. Otherwise locals are friendly and are always ready to help in case of any emergency along with BRO.

5. Will there be any lack of oxygen in Kaza ?

Most of the places in Kaza are at altitudes of more than 12,000 Ft, so it is advised that you must get acclimatised before you reach. For that it is recommended that one should take a route via Shimla. Or you can stay at Manali for a day or two to prepare for further travel if you prefer the route via manali. carrying a small oxygen cylinder also might help. 

6. Which Mobile networks are providing service in Kaza?

Nowadays Kaza is very well connected by mobile networks, BSNL, JIO 4G and Airtel 4G are having good connectivity and internet speed. Both postpaid and prepaid sim work in Kaza.

7. What is acute mountain sickness? What are its symptoms? 

acute mountain sickness or high altitude sickness is caused by low level of oxygen and reduced air pressure on higher altitudes mountains. Trigger point can be from 8,000 ft also if you are not a frequent traveller to mountains. It can be very dangerous if ignored. 

Initial symptoms of AMS can be headache, shortness of breath, fever  and fatigue, if it is not treated in initial stages it can be fatal and result in respiratory failure, Coma and even death in a few cases. Acclimatization, Drinking plenty of water, eating few chocolates and doing less physical activity may help in avoiding AMS. 

8. Is Kaza safe for tourists, especially couples?

Yes definitely, Spiti is perfectly safe for tourists, locals and police department are very humble, friendly and helpful, decent hotels and homestay are safe and add comfort to your travel. Do make reservations in advance before you visit, Otherwise there’s nothing to worry about. Kaza is now well connected by cellular networks, thanks to BSNL, Jio and Airtel.

9. alcohol allowed in Kaza ?

Alcohol consumption is allowed in Kaza and you will find wine shop in the kaza market. But it is advisable to not to consume alcohol on such a high altitude. Or consume less as it leaves you dehydrated which is not good for health while you travel in mountains.

10. What are the important things to pack for a Kaza trip?

It is very important to know what are essential things to pack for a Kaza trip. Weather on mountains can be very unpredictable and while travelling you have to kaza you have to cross different kinds of terrain. You will see lush green mountains, rivers, mud mountains and finally the cold desert with minimal vegetation. So here is a list of things you must carry with you for a safe and comfortable trip.

• A good all weather Jacket along with rain cover and some pairs of trek pants or jeans which is comfortable for you.
• warm Woollen or fleece layer is must in case of temperature drop
• Good trekking shoes.
• Medical Kit
• A warm headgear or cap.
• Preferably waterproof and warm Gloves.
• Few Pairs of Warm socks.
• An easy to carry trek bag.
• A Water bottle or a vacuum insulated flask highly recommended.
• Swiss Knife.
• Rechargeable Torch
• Minimum 20000 MAH power Bank.
• Good quality UV protection Sun Glass.
• Sunscreen minimum 50 SPF. to protect from severe sunburn which is very common on high altitudes.
• carry a cotton or synthetic Mask as the fine dust in kaza can choke your throat.
• A BSNL, JIO or Airtel Sim card.

11. How is Weather in Kaza in Winters and Summer?

Weather in Kaza is mostly the same throughout the Summer as there’s hardly any rain, but still temperature in summer Drops to Minus at night. day are mostly sunny and windy. And average temperature is between -2 to 10 degree celsius.

In winters weather becomes unpredictable and it can snow any time of the day and temperature can gan go as low as -25 C or less. But usually in winters it floats between -5 degree maximum to -15 degree minimum.

That’s all Information you need to plan your trip to Kaza. if you have any queries or question ? feel free to ask, and if you like this article do comment and share.