North of Kaza: Key, Kibber and Chicham
- Key monastery: Spiti's most photographed gompa, a fortress-like cluster of white buildings on a conical hill about 14 km from Kaza.
- Kibber: one of the highest villages in the valley, at the edge of the Kibber wildlife sanctuary and a base for winter snow-leopard tours.
- Chicham bridge: a bridge over a deep gorge between Kibber and Chicham, at about 4,145 m, often described as among the highest in Asia.
Above Kaza: Langza, Hikkim and Komic
These three lie on a loop road above Kaza and make an easy half day.
- Langza: a village with a large Buddha statue looking over the valley, and slopes known for marine fossils from when the region lay under the ancient Tethys sea.
- Hikkim: home to a post office at about 4,400 m, recorded as one of the highest in the world; send a postcard home.
- Komic: one of the highest villages reachable by road, with the Tangyud monastery.
Down the valley: Dhankar, Tabo and Pin
- Dhankar: a monastery and old fort perched on crumbling cliffs above the meeting of the Spiti and Pin rivers, with a walk up to a small lake.
- Tabo: a monastery founded in 996 CE, with ancient murals and mud-walled halls, plus caves on the hillside above.
- Pin valley: a side valley of green fields and the Pin Valley National Park, home to ibex and snow leopards, with villages like Mudh at the end of the road.
Towards Kunzum and Lahaul
- Kunzum pass: the 4,590 m pass between Spiti and Lahaul, with a small temple and prayer flags.
- Chandratal: a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake at about 4,300 m, reached by a rough track from Batal in summer.
- Losar: the last village in Spiti before the climb to Kunzum.
On the Kinnaur side
Our Kinnaur guide covers these in detail.
- Nako: a village and small lake at around 3,600 m on the road from Kinnaur.
- Gue: a village known for a centuries-old naturally mummified monk.
- Kalpa, Sangla and Chitkul: Kinnaur's apple-orchard villages beneath the Kinner Kailash range, often visited on the way in.
Experiences worth adding
- Stay a night in a village homestay.
- Join the morning prayers at Key or Tabo.
- Stargaze: Spiti's dry, high air gives some of India's clearest night skies.
- Look for fossils at Langza, but leave them where they are.
- In winter, join a snow-leopard tracking trip from Kibber.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-visit places in Spiti?+
Key monastery, Kibber, Chicham bridge, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Dhankar, Tabo, Pin valley and, in summer, Chandratal.
Is Spiti valley worth visiting?+
Yes, for its landscapes, monasteries and high villages. It needs time and preparation for altitude and long drives.
Was Spiti under the sea?+
Yes, millions of years ago the area lay under the Tethys sea, which is why marine fossils are found at places like Langza.
How far is Key monastery from Kaza?+
About 14 km, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car.
Does mobile network work in Spiti?+
In Kaza and some larger villages, mainly on BSNL and Jio, but coverage is patchy elsewhere and often absent on the passes.
How many days do you need for Spiti?+
At least 7 to 9 days for a full circuit from Shimla or Manali, including acclimatisation.
