Exploring the Chilly and Snowy Terrain of Chandra Tal and the Lahaul- Spiti Valley Region in Himachal Pradesh.

Whenever we travel to someplace we often are looking for something within us that we crave and want to fulfill. It could sometimes be a Long Drive in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by beautiful snow-clad mountains, or it could be a nice day by the Lake just sitting and taking in the beautiful scenic beauty while admiring how a lake could look so stunning. We look for Peace, Calm, and someplace where we can relax while also trying to live an adventure now and then that makes us feel like the main character of our lives.

If you are looking forward to an experience that has the right balance of a Calm Getaway but is also packed with lots of fun and thrilling activities, let us introduce you to a personal favorite- The Lahaul Spiti Valley District of Himachal Pradesh.

Lahaul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh:

Spiti Valley is a stunning desert mountain range that sits beautifully between Tibet and India and is thus named Spiti which means ‘Middle Land’. As these ranges are a part of The Himalayan Ranges, the Valley is always chilly even in Summers, and witnesses heavy snowfall in winters. Himachal Pradesh has always been seen as a Winter Wonderland with some of the most picturesque Hill stations and cities in India. Spiti and Lahaul Valleys are in proximity but are separated because of the Kunzum Pass that passes through Spiti and Lahaul Valley.

Chandra Tal- The Lake of the Moon:

If you plan on visiting Spiti Valley, a must-visit place of tourist Importance is Chandra Tal Lake. The name translates to ‘Chandra’ which means Moon and ‘Tal’ which means Lake. The Lake is also called Tso Chigma as per the Buddhist culture and locals who follow Buddhism. What makes this lake so special is the high altitude of 14,100 ft that it sits beautifully at. The Lake has a crescent shape and thus is called the Lake of the Moon. Chandra Tal is located in Lahaul Valley. But since Spiti Valley is close by, both the sites are famous among bikers, trekkers, and campers.

It is said that once the lake was surrounded by meadows that have vibrant and vivid colored flowers. But because of overgrazing by the livestock of the region the meadows have significantly reduced.
If you visit the lake and make an impromptu plan to camp at Chandra Tal, you don’t have to worry about having your camping kits or tents as Tent Accommodations are available at a distance of 5km from the Lake. You can stay here for a night and take in the mesmerizing view. While indulging in simple meals cooked by the locals of the region.

Best Time to Visit Chandra Tal: Late May to Early October.

History of Spiti Lahaul: Getting to know the Origin and Culture of the Place.

Spiti and Lahaul were formed as Principal regions and the Royal Family of Ladakh was the caretaker. Local Rulers were called Nonos and Spiti was given to the sons of The Ladakh King. For as long as history can remember, Ladakh has ruled over Spiti and Lahaul regions. Only after the war with Tibet did the regions get their freedom to function independently. The rulers changed several times with Spiti being ruled by the Dogras, Wazir of the Nonos, The Britishers, King of Kullu, and again eventually by Ladakh. In later times Spiti was added to Lahaul Tehsil and both regions were merged with Himachal Pradesh in 1966.

The Culture of Spiti: Buddhism, Monks and Monasteries and the Dalai Lama effect.

The region mainly practices and follows Buddhism and the Buddhist way of life and ideologies. Two of the World’s Oldest Monasteries- Tabo and Key Monastery are located in Spiti. They are said to be the research and cultural center for Buddhists. Dalai Lama loves the region of Spiti and loves the two monasteries here. The Last of Buchen Lamas of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism live in the Pin Valley area of Spiti.

Key Tourist Attractions of the Region: Places to visit nearby Chandra Tal and Spiti

Pin Valley National Park.
Dhankar Lake.
Key Monastery.
Tabo Monastery.
Kunzum Pass.

While many popular Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh have a lot to offer, none offer a peacefully fulfilling experience like Spiti and Lahaul Valley region. We are sure you will have a pleasant experience if you are even someone who loves camping.

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