Spiti Valley – is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The middle land”, the land between Tibet and India.
Religion in Spiti Valley: Spiti Valley often referred to as the ‘land of Lamas’, is a Buddhist land. Spitians follow Vajrayana Buddhism, similar to that found in neighbouring Ladakh and Tibet. Spiti Valley is dotted with several ancient monasteries and is a research and cultural center for Buddhists. 62% of the population of Lahaul and Spiti Valley are Buddhists, 36% are Hindus and the rest is divided amongst Muslims, Christians and other religions. Before the spread of Buddhism, Spitians were followers of ‘Bon’ religion – where animal and human sacrifices were made to please the Gods and spirits. It is said that some Lamas residing in the remote areas of Spiti Valley still practice Bon religion. Buddhism in Spiti became popular between 8th-10th century. In the 8th century, the second Buddha (Guru Rinpoche) stayed and meditated in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh for several years. In the 10th century, the Kings of Tibet sent a few Tibetan scholars across the Himalayas to spread Buddhism in the areas of Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Hence, you will find the monasteries of Spiti Valley to be similar in architecture, design and paintings as found in Leh-Ladakh, Zanskar, Tibet or Bhutan.
Languages spoken in Spiti Valley: People in Spiti Valley speak Bhoti, Hindi, English and Sanskrit language. Bhoti is the local language and is similar to the Ladakhi and Tibetan languages. During our visit, we found everyone speaking and understanding the English or Hindi language quite well. The medium of education in schools of Spiti Valley is in the English language.
History – Buddhism arrived in Lahaul and Spiti during the 8th century AD with the Indian missionary Padmasambhava. By the 10th century, upper Lahaul Spiti and Zanskar had been incorporated into the vast Guge kingdom of western Tibet. The Great Translator, Ringchen Zangpo, founded a series of centres of Buddhist learning along the Spiti Valley, including Tabo, one of the most remarkable Buddhist monasteries in North India. After the kings of Ladakh were defeated by Mongol-Tibetan armies in the 18th century, the region was divided up by the surrounding powers. Lower Lahaul  fell to the rajas of Chamba, Upper Lahaul came under the sway of the rajas of Kullu and geographically isolated Spiti became part of Ladakh. In 1847 Lahaul and Spiti were conquered by the Dogra Rajas of Kashmir, and Kullu and Lahaul came under British administration as a subdivision of the kingdom of Kangra; Spiti was added two years later. Despite the change of regimes, the region maintained strong links with Tibet right up until the Chinese occupation in 1949. Since then, there has been a major resurgence in the cultural and religious life of Spiti aided by the work of the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamshala. The gompas of Lahaul and Spiti are being restored and money from tourism and hydroelectricity is improving living conditions for the farming communities who get snowed in here each winter.
Geographical Area. – Lahaul & Spiti district covers the 13,833 Sq Kms or 9,11,165 Hectares area. To its south is situated the beautiful valley of Kullu across the Rohtang Pass and the Bara Bangahal across the “Asakh” pass (5051Mtrs) . Its eastern and south eastern boundaries coincide with those of Spiti and Western Tibet across the Kunzom Pass. To its north situated the valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh across Shingola and Baralacha la respectively. Its western boundaries touch the Pangi and Churah areas of Distt. Chamba.
Climate – Since the valley is situated in rain shadow area, north of the Pir Panjal ranges the weather remains pleasant and quite comfortable during summers i.e. from May to mid Oct. This is the best season to visit this valley. It seldom rains, and the Mercury level does not exceed 300 c and never falls below 150 c through out the period mentioned above. One can always enjoy bright sunshine wandering within lush green valley. There is little or  no rain in monsoons. The climate remains dry & invigorating. The days are hot and night are extremely cold. Heavy/Light woolens are recommended. During winter, i.e. from Nov. last to April because of western disturbances it snows heavily and the temp. goes down below minus. There is an average annual snow fall of about 7 feet.

Chitkul – is at a height of 3450 Meter. This is the last village of India to the side of Tibet border and this beautiful village is also by the side of Baspa river. This village is located at a distance of 28 KM from Sangla.

Nako lake – is the best known artwork of nature that is located in the Nako village of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. This lake is seated on the slopes of the Reo Purgyil Mountain of the Srikhand range that is located in the Himalayas of northern India. Nako Lake has been a popular hotspot that has been alluring its tourists with the beauty it resides. The view of this lake gets more enhanced by the array of poplar and willow trees along its boundary whose shadow in the waters adds to the charm of the lake. One can also sight a large flock of birds near the lake in the evening. Apart from its beautiful aura, this place is surrounded by a number of places that are also ravishing and worth visiting. A rock is located on the premises of the lake which is believed to have the imprints of an 8th-century Buddhist master, Padmasambhava who helped in the construction of the first Buddhist monastery. The lake is surrounded by four Tibetan temples. It is a nature’s gem located in the picturesque surroundings of the Himalayas. A waterfall is also located near this majestic lake which is said to be the abode of fairies as per the legends and the locals. The waterfall is hard to locate because of the absence of any marked trails. There are many other places like different nako monasteries, chitkul and many others that are worth a visit. During the summer months, Nako lake gets popular for boating in it while in the winter it gets frozen and thus apt for ice skating. One needs to seek special permission to visit Nako Lake because of its vicinity to the Tibetan border.

Gue – is a small village in the Spiti Valley which is also known as the Mummy Village as it has a mummy of a monk which is placed inside a tomb. As per carbon dating, the mummy is 500 to 600 years old. It has been dressed in silk robes and is placed in a squatting position. It was discovered in the year 1975.

Key Monastery – also known as ‘Kye Gompa’ is a beautiful Tibetan monastery perched at an altitude of 4,112 meters above sea level in the Kaza region. Overlooking the Spiti river, it is the most famous and largest monastery in Spiti Valley with a resplendent Lord Buddha shrine and a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist literature, manuscripts, thangkas and murals. The fort like structure of the monastery bears resemblance to Chinese theme and comprises of a striking assembly hall and fascinating Tengyur room which is richly adorned with exquisite murals and paintings. The monastery also serves as a religious center where the lamas receive their education and training. Witness an astounding dance of the Lamas, accompanied with musical instruments such as pipes and horns.

Tabo Monastery – is the oldest and ancient monastery in India. Built in the 10th century, it is perched on an elevated altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level in the cold desert of Tabo. Referred to as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’ as the walls are adorned with mesmeric murals depicting the ancient tales of the Mahayana Buddhist Pantheon and ancient paintings just like in the Ajanta caves, it is a beautiful monastery comprising of 9 temples such as ‘The Temple of the Enlightened Gods’, ‘The Buddha Maitreya’ etc. and multiple stupas. The temple houses various beautiful stuccos of Boddhisattvas, artistic murals, exquisite frescoes, and beautiful paintings along with a priceless collection of manuscripts and works of Buddha and Thangkas. Being one of the most historically significant sites in the Buddhist culture, the Archeological Survey of India has taken over the responsibility of its maintenance and preservation.

Kunzum Pass – Located at 4,590 meters above sea level, Kunzum pass is a gateway from kullu and Lahaul to Spiti Valley. The drive on the rugged terrains offers a stunning panoramic view of the Chandra Bhaga range, Spiti Valley and Bara Shigri glacier. Trekkers can trek to the pass from Chandra Tal lake. One can also seek blessings at the Kunzum Devi temple by taking a complete circle of the temple in your car. It is believed to protect travelers from any mishaps that may occur on such rough roads. The colourful Buddhist flags swaying in the wind add to the beauty of the place.

Kaza – The beautiful town of Kaza is located at an altitude of about 12,500 ft., on the left bank of the Spiti River in the majestic Lahaul and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is known as the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti and the largest township in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley, which is one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Kaza is surrounded by high mountains, crystal clear river & streams, and barren landscapes interspersed with green landscapes and meadows. It is a marvelous destination, which houses several beautiful palaces, monasteries, gompas, and other historical buildings.

Langza Village – is a beautiful destination, located in one of the most majestic valleys in India ‘Spiti Valley’ in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This picturesque village is blessed with ancient monasteries and buildings of the prehistoric era. It is surrounded by green pastures, snow-clad mountains and barren landscapes that awe-struck every person who visit this stunning location, which is certainly one of the best places in the whole Spiti Valley. The magic of nature at Langza village leaves everyone speechless.

Komik Village – The picturesque Lahaul and Spiti Valley embraces several treasures in its vicinity and Komik is one such place, which is set beautifully amid the stunning mountains in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. Komik Village is the highest village in Asia and is located at a height of 18,000 feet above sea level. The beauty of this place cannot be described in words; it can only be felt and experienced with naked eyes. Surrounded by snowbound mountains and majestic valleys, Komik Village attracts countless tourists who simply want to get drenched in its breathtaking beauty and charming festivity. All you need to do is come and explore the delightful vistas of this scenic valley.

Post Office, Hikkim – is a beautiful village called Hikkim in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh; it is set at an elevation of 4440 m (14,567 ft above sea level). The location is credited for being the World’s Highest Post Office with the pin code 172114.

Chandra Tal Lake – Located at a height of 4,300 meters, Chandra Tal Lake is the most strikingly beautiful lake in Spiti Valley and the name derives from it’s crescent shape. 6km from Kunzum pass, the lake is a paradise on earth with shimmering crystal blue waters swathed with vast lush green meadows and snow crested alps. The lake is a spectacular vision in the morning when the brilliant rays radiating from the sun bathes the lake in various hues of red, orange to blue and green while at night the pristine waters reflect a still black hue and is a breathtaking unparalleled sight to behold.  Chandra Tal lake is popular with trekkers and campers for its mystic beauty, thrilling trails and the brilliant night sky making it a gorgeous destination for camping.