You can ask any adventurous person about his dream road trip, the answer will be Leh Ladakh. People get really crazy with the thought of exploring Ladakh on two wheels. The cold desert, barren lands, rugged roadways, mammoth lakes, picturesque monasteries, and less number of residents. No doubt all these things make Ladakh an iconic destination that needs to be check-off from the bucket list. However, if you have already visited this place or Ladakh seems too far, then you must visit Spiti Valley, the split image of Ladakh. Nestled in the northeast of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti means Middle Land – the land lying between India and Tibet. Here are few reasons for taking a trip to Spiti Valley this year instead of Leh Ladakh:

The journey is just as spectacular as Ladakh

You and your bike - Spiti Valley!
You and your bike – Spiti Valley!

You will find the roads of Spiti and Ladakh quite similar, however, Spiti is much rugged in terms of experience. Ladakh roads are much wider and better connected while Spiti route is adventurous and challenging for the riders. The surroundings and the picturesque villages of Spiti are in still intact and in pristine conditions. The journey is filled with mind-blowing vistas of ever-changing landscapes. Especially for those who love adventure and rough, Spiti is a wonderland still unexplored.

Monasteries Treasure on both the grounds

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Whether it’s Ladakh or Spiti, both these destinations share similar cultures and religious ethos. The land is mostly dominated by people of Buddhists religion, hence monasteries are important to the locals. If Ladakh has Diksit monastery and Hemis Monastery, Spiti has Key monastery, which is also the biggest monastery of Spiti region. Dhankar Gompa also garners a lot of attention from the tourists. It is 1000 years old and is still running fine. Another intriguing fact that there resides a 500-year-old Mummy preserved in the Giu Village of Spiti Valley. It is called Lama Mummy and is believed to be the mummy of a Tibetan Monk, Sangha Tezin. The locals believe that the mummy protects them from all the evil.

Fascinating Lakes

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If Ladakh has Pangong Lake, Spiti has its own Pangong called Chandra Taal Lake. With a circumference of 4km and altitude of 14,000 ft, Lake Chandra Taal has crystal-clear blue water with no visible water source. It has a distinct water outlet. Called as the Moon Lake, Chandra Taal is one of the must-visit destinations for Spiti Enthusiasts. Other lakes of Spiti Valley are Suraj Tal (Lake of the Sun) and Dhankar Lake. You can do camping here, and enjoy the scenic views. You can’t take your car to the lake, however, two-wheelers are allowed.

The night and the stars

Spiti Jeep Safari (edit)

You might have seen a lot of pictures of Ladakh night photography. The sparkling stars shining so bright as if the entire region is wrapped in a blanket of stars. Well, let us tell you, Spiti also has a million star-studded sky. The city is free from any pollution, hence, the clear sky is a great opportunity for night photographers and stargazers to fly to this place asap! Dhankar Lake makes for a perfect destination for Astro-Photography at night time.

The Highland Passes

Gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley
Gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley

Certainly, Ladakh has Khardung La Pass, the world highest motorable road, but Spiti is also no less. Spiti has Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass which among the favourite of the riders. Since Ladakh has better roads and overall great connectivity, it is populated and one does not feel remote while riding. However, in Spiti Valley, the roads are rugged, the population is less and the feeling of driving with just your friends is divine. One needs to be cautious while riding in Spiti as it takes a lot from the riders. Although it is strenuous, the feeling of riding your bike without any rules will be enticing.

The Flavorsome Food

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Speaking of enticing, food dishes look really tantalizing both in Spiti and Ladakh. In the Land of Passes, one gets a lot of food options as the city has well-connectivity with the world. However, since Spiti Valley is a remote location, you will be served with rural and simple wonders on your plate. The food is really distinct and is cooked with a lot of love from the people of Spiti Village. Variety of momos, thukpa, goat sausages, yak meat, Pava, Sku are some of the local assortment you might get to taste. In drinks, try the famous Butter Tea, local alcohol and flavoured teas.

When you need a break from the noisy bustling world, all you need is the scenery of the sky-piercing mountains, with a radiant sun shining in the backdrop. That will definitely soothe your soul! Take an adventure in the quaint Spiti Valley and experience peace like never before! Only when you take a trip to Spiti Valley you will realize, the magic is for real! The enchanting baked mountains, high altitude villages and the intriguing culture will leave you awestruck!

Plan a trip to the enticing valley and feel the magic.

A self-drive tour is an amazing way to explore a destination with freedom and flexibility. Travellers try to find adventure in the trips and they like experimenting with new destinations. In India people are looking for more flexible and adventurous tourism products like Self-drive tours. It is very popular among the travelers in Europe and US, but now it is gaining popularity among Indian travellers who travel abroad as well as in India.

Self-drive road trip is an old concept abroad but it has started recently in India. According to Mumbai’s RTO, applications for International driving license have gone up by 25% in past one year. There are at least 9 countries where you can drive with your Indian driving license. But you can drive only the type of vehicle you drive in India, so it’s better to opt for an international driving license while travelling abroad. The number is increasing as many Indian travellers look for more freedom and flexibility during their trips and do not want a set schedule.

A drive through heaven on earth - Kashmir
A drive through heaven on earth – Kashmir

The journey to Lahaul and Spiti Valley will take you to the roads less traveled, literally! It is “The Middle Land” between India and Tibet. From wide fields of snow to wide fields of barley, from lush green valley to cold desert with different shades of brown, it has the most breath taking scenery that you would ever see. The legend says that long ago in 8th century, Padmasambhava, the Indian Monk, established and blessed some of the monasteries in Spiti and ever since they have remained unchanged. Kunzum La – which rises to 15000 feet divides Lahaul and Spiti regions. Lose yourself in the most astonishing valley of the Himalayas, exploring the beautiful moon landscapes, deep blue lakes, golden snow peaks and the most remote villages of India.

Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan explorer, recognized as one of the greatest travelers of all times. He said that traveling leaves you speechless; then turns you into a storyteller. The journey to the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti will be the most adventurous story you will have. Lahaul and Spiti lie exactly between the Mighty Himalayas and Pir Panjal ranges. A trip to this place will give you the most peaceful time of your life when you look at those ranges standing by the banks of the Spiti River. More days you spend in this enchanting place, more interesting things you will discover about the people and the place.

The grandeur of the mountains!
The grandeur of the mountains!

One story from this place fascinates me more than any other I have heard so far. Legend says that many centuries ago Spiti – then a part of Tibet – faced a terrible drought. Rivers had almost dried and people were starving to death. To make the situation better, monks from various monasteries took to solitary meditation in caves in the rocky mountains. One of them was the famed Giu Lama.