Formerly separate districts Lahaul and Spiti merged in 1960 to become one, offering a splendid view of the highlands and valleys at their best. When looking forward to a surreal experience of mother nature, the Lahaul and Spiti district will never turn you down. Also, the place is heavily influenced by Buddhism, with multiple monasteries depicting the sacred Buddhist art and culture available to rejuvenate your soul away from the busy city schedule.
As described by Rudyard Kipling, the Lahaul & Spiti District in Himachal is “a world within a world,” adorned by picturesque river locations, snow-covered peaks and mesmerising barren lands. All these are enough to transport you into another world where everything looks magical and peaceful. So when you are on a spiritual journey to awaken your inner consciousness, this place will serve at its best. But owing to the altitude it is located in and the freezing temperature, make sure to book yourself among the comfortable family hotels in Lahaul and Spiti days before arrival.
If you are ready to experience the rich Buddhist influence and the serene natural beauty surrounding the district, here are the top sights in Lahaul and Spiti.
Situated in the Kardang village of Lahaul, the monastery is a historical epitome dating back to 900 years. The Kardang Gompa is surrounded by the mountains of Rangcha, offering a serene look and feel to experience. Apart from the deities, you will also find a library containing full volumes of Buddhist texts. Read through them for a soul-satisfying experience.
The temple dates back to the 11th and 12th century dedicated to Goddess Kali. The architecture of this place is one of a kind, with old wooden tiles arranged as a conical roof and simple walls. On entering, you will find deodar wood carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. A sight one of a kind, this place has similarities with the Hidimba Devi Temple of Manali.
As the oldest monastery of Lahaul, the place has this old-world charm that most people find attractive. The Gompa is in a crumbling stage due to several years of construction. However, looking inside will let you explore beautiful statues and ancient murals of bodhisattvas. The unique part is here; unlike the clay idols in other Buddhist monasteries, you will find wooden idols.
When all you want is to rejuvenate and soak in the silence of nature, Lahaul and Spiti have the best places to cover. One such is the Nako hamlet, located close to Spiti. Visit here to witness the vast scenic meadows, quiet mountains and pretty lakes at the edge. The unique part is the overall setup of the village, which appears as a maze comprising multiple lanes and by-lanes.
To experience adventure and peace, trek to Dhankar Lake, above the Dhankar Monastery, over a cliff at 4270 metres. Though the altitude of the place makes the trek a bit challenging, the mesmerising beauty of the lake will serve your soul once you have reached the top. Wear sturdy boots and carry a walking stick to minimise your effort while walking uphill.
With the snow not there and the rains have gone, you can indulge in a cave camping experience at the Tabo Cave of Spiti. Though this is only possible when visiting Spiti during the months of September to October, the activity will serve you with a memory of a lifetime. Try and book a day to visit with your group to experience the intricate details of the cave, along with mesmerising serenity and peace it has to present. For those who are into meditation, the absolute solitude of the cave will help them get into a trance and attend to that much-needed peace of mind they have been looking for all this while.
With its extraordinary range of properties, OYO family hotels have your back even in Lahaul and Spiti. You can select from the flagship, premium and homestays in the place. The best part is, even at such a higher altitude, the OYO family hotels have all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay. You have the properties safe from fire and the common passages surveilled under CCTV cameras.
Your entire stay is insured under ACKO, with the rooms available at attractive discounts. Book Wizard Member OYOs to avail of 5% discounts. Also, check out each property’s dedicated page for extra discounts during special events.
Even though Lahaul and Spiti are located at a higher altitude, the top sights in these places, filled with scenic beauty and mesmerising views, attract travellers – national and international. The locals here are also quite welcoming and offer a great experience for your stay. If you plan to visit anytime soon, book with OYO family hotels for a comfortable stay.
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