The Epic Journey To Spiti Valley In Winters

Is Visiting Spiti Valley Safe in Winter ?

The answer is Yes. Winters are the perfect time to visit Spiti Valley, as it has existed for centuries. It is the ideal place for winter lovers. You can feel ‘There is just something beautiful about walking in the snow that nobody else does. It makes you believe that you are special. To experience the thrill, Spiti valley is the perfect destination for you.

Kaza-Town-in-winters — Kaza Spiti Valley

Lahaul Spiti In Winter‘s !

In winter, Spiti Valley is completely white out. Wherever your eyes go You all See the Whiteness. The entire valley is covered in a thick blanket of snow and life often comes to a standstill. You want to capture every inch of this white beauty but you are short of your memory cards.

The days you spend in Spiti during your winter journey are a lifetime memory for you that you will never forget.

Things can get quite frozen in Spiti valley during winter and that includes the weather as well. With temperatures as low as – 20 to -40 degrees at night. You must be physically and mentally fit to tend to bear such harsh winters.

You will have to survive with basic amenities.

In winter all hotels and guest houses are shut and only homestays are available. The water pipelines are freezing, locals have to carry water from a far distance for utilities therefore having a bath during the Spiti trip is next to impossible. The homestays have eco-friendly dry toilets.

Most of the days are foggy with abundant snowfall, one can expect the sun to shine out less frequently.

1. Transportation And Route

In Winter, reaching Spiti Is not easy. Public transport is limited So you can not rely on public transport.

The first stop on your journey to Spiti would be Narkanda, which can be accessed via Shimla. There are flights directly from Delhi to Chandigarh, from where you can take a cab or bus to reach Shimla. If you want to experience the train ride in the Himalayas then Kalka- Shimla Railway Which is also a UNESCO Heritage is best.

You can hire a taxi directly from Chandigarh or Shimla to reach Narkanada. The bus service is also available to reach Narkanda. You can also see the world’s highest hockey Stadium In Shilaroo, which is on your way to Narkanda.

Up next is the town Reckong Peo In Kinnaur District, known as the Starting Point of the Kinner Kailash yatra. The place well known for apple orchards is Kalpa, the roads to Kalpa do get blocked due to snow.

evening view of nako lake in spiti valley and flags of prayer

2.Nako and Tabo Village

You can stop at the villages of Nako and Tabo en route to Kaza, the district headquarters of Spiti valley.

They do have a bus service daily from Peo to Nako Till Kaza. This is winter we are talking about, it is always better to have to go with a Guides Tour Service if you are not a pro at driving through snow.

If you are planning to have your vehicle then it should be winter ready.

Once You Reach Kaza, spend a whole day or two visiting the old monasteries and experiencing Buddhist culture.

If weather permits and roads are clear, you may also visit the villages of Spiti- Kibber, Komic, Hikkim, Key, and Langza. You can also visit Pin Valley, If the weather permits.

3. List Of Things To Do In Spiti Valley In Winter

Reaching Spiti valley In winter is an adventure in Itself. The Valley is a sea of white. There will be little or no tourists around. You’ll get to experience the local life charm first-hand. Apart from soaking in the scenic views of snow-clad mountains and valleys, here are a few other things that you can do during your trip to Spiti in winter:

Learn About The Culture and Tradition Of Local People, and how they survive in such harsh winter.
Go Camping In such extreme weather teaches you the survival tactics
Climbing Frozen waterfall. There are hundreds of small and large waterfalls and streams. One gets first-hand experience but with the proper gear and guidance. Shela and Linti are famous frozen waterfalls.
One can enjoy the wildlife of the Himalayan cold desert by seeing the Snow leopard, blue sheep, Tibetan wolf, red fox, Himalayan Ibex, and many bird species in and around the Kibber.
The local food of Spiti is purely organic. You can enjoy the local food in homestays like siddu, thenktuk, chha gosht, trout carry,thukpa, and mitha with their great hospitality.

The Common Problem Faced In Winter At Spiti

1. Road closures

One of the most common issues you’d face while on your trip to Spiti in winter, would be the closed roads. Heavy snowfalls can close the roads for a few days, or a couple of weeks. The BRO is there to keep roads open leading up to Kaza, but it is best advised to go prepared for worst-case scenarios.

2. No Electricity And No Wi-Fi

Another commonly faced problem in Spiti during winter months is the shortage of electricity and mobile signals. Only BSNL And MTNL connections are working and ATMs will be, mostly, out of order. So, make sure you have enough cash on you, even to survive a whole month if you’re stuck due to the unavailability of transportation.

3. No Medical Assistant

If you are a first-timer to Spiti with a medical history, it’s better not to travel to Spiti in winter. You can easily be hit by the AMS Problem. The entire valley would be mostly closed from December to march. With road closures, you’ll not be able to find emergency medical help. The nearest place is Rampur which also took 7 to 8 hours so it’s better not to take the risk.

4. Driving Issues on Snow covered Roads

If you are planning a self-drive trip to Spiti in winters there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, if you are not an experienced driver in mountain riding then Spiti (especially during winter) is not the place to experiment with your skills.

The roadsides would be crowned in ice and snow making it easier to skid, especially while applying brakes. With the snow on one side and a gorge on the other, you should be an expert to ride the narrow roads of Spiti. You should also be prepared to do all mechanical works of your vehicle as you’ll hardly spot any mechanic shop open. Here are a few tips you can use if you’re planning to drive to Spiti during winter:

Make sure that you have your fuel tank full and will have extra fuel as you might have to keep the engine running overnight due to extreme temperatures. You may also carry an extra battery, in case of emergencies.
Always make it a point to drive slow, hurry might lead you out off the cliffs.
Try to avoid break stops, unless it is very urgent.
Carry Snow chains, which provide attraction to your vehicle so you can drive smoothly.

Things to pack for the Spiti in winters

Carry Warm Clothes like thermals, woolen caps, jackets/ Sweaters, and Gloves, and pack a warm pair of socks.
Have good quality Sunglasses to avoid snow blindness.
Have appropriate pair of shoes that are fit for trekking and also withstand snow.
Prepare a medical kit with the necessary medicines.
Carry some handfuls packets of nuts.

Do Comment your thoughts about Spiti in winters.

If You have any Queries, Let us know in the comments.