Lahul And Spiti Tour

Spiti the middle country is a part of western Himalayas, a barren and uncompromising land that is world in its own country. This is a mountainous area that is located between Ladakh and Tibet in the north and the Kullu valley in the south. Lahaul begins 51km north of Manali, right after crossing the 3978m (13,127 ft) Rohtang Pass.

TREKKING IN LAHUL AND SPITI
Spiti is bounded by Ladakh in the north in the south by Kullu and east by Tibet and west by Kinnaur. This snow land can be divided into three main valleys, the Spiti, Pin and Lingti valleys drained by Spiti, Pin and Lingti Rivers.

History
According to General Cunningum there were many outlying districts in 10th century AD, which were formed into a great Kingdom of Ladakh, presided by decedent King of Ladakh Lhachen Spalgigon. The Lahoul & Spiti were southern most part of the region. Meanwhile, it was an independent Kingdom ruled by Lha Lama Yeshesod and conquered by Singay Namgyal in the 17th century. During the reign of King Deldan Namgyal Guge and Spiti were taken by Lhasa. Later, the King of Ladakh married a daughter of the commandant of Guge and got Spiti as dowry with her. Kullu was annexed by Gulab Singh with Ladakh. Around in 1846, Britishers exchanged Spiti with Maharaja Gulab Singh with another territory, in order to securing a road to the wool district of Changthang. Since those days Spiti remained under Kullu till it became a separate district of Lahul and Spiti.

How to Reach
Bus- There are two overland routes i.e. Shimla to Kaza via Kinnaur and Manali to Kaza. The Shimla to Kaza route remains open throughout the year and connects with Government Buses. While, the Manali to Kaza route remains open from July to mid October. Manali is also connected with daily ordinary Buses.
Taxis are also available at Manali, Shimla and Kaza.

Getting Acquainted
Spiti is spread over an area of 2,155 square miles, and lies on an average of 18,000 feet above the sea level.
Climate- The winter is severe and snow begins to fall in December. Summer is pleasant but day is followed by sudden cut down in temperature and slight rainfall in July and August.
Language Spoken- Spitians similar to Ladakhi is main language of Spiti. While people related to tourism speak and almost every one speak Hindi.

Tourist Attractions

Dhankar Castle
Dhankar situated on the altitude of 12,774 feet above the sea level, south of Kaza around 24 kms.It was traditional Capital of Spiti valley date back to 17the century. The Dhankar Castle is sets picturesquely on a clay hill above Shichilling village. Now new monastery has already constructed below the Castle. There is a natural Lake at about 13,500 feet. Behind the village around 2kms. The Dhankar monastery belongs to Gelugspa School of order.

Kungri Gonpa
Kungri around 40 kms. In Pin valley was founded in 1330 AD.

Lalung
Lalung is situated in Lingti valley in eastern Spiti. Lingti village is situated near the Lingti River and Highway around 2kms from Kaza. The small rough road from lingti leads to Lalung Monastery. Lhalung Gonpa was certainly founded by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in 10th century, as there are signs of Lotsava's paintings in the Serkhang.

Key Gonpa
Key Gonpa is situated at a height of (4,116 mtrs) around 12 kms west of Kaza. Ki Gonpa is the biggest monastery of Spiti and it sets picturesquely on a mountain overlooking Spiti River. Key Gonpa "the Gonpa at the centre of the Mandala" as Nubra Ghephel "the jewel which diffuses virtue" belongs to Gelukspa School of order. According to Singay Gyalpo "Stod Chang sems Sherab Zangpo was involved in the foundation of the monastery but exact date is not to be found in the history.

The present day head of the monastery is Tenzin Kalsang Rinchen. The 19th incarnation of great translator Rinchen Zangpo. It is said that the hill upon which the Key monastery constructed is the place of the Tantric deity Chakarasamvara.