While various social media platforms have become dominant sources of knowledge and information for enthusiastic travelers in today’s world, there are some places in India that remain relatively unknown to most people. Spiti Valley (learn more about Spiti here) is one such destination, with its name hardly known or heard by many before. This is the primary reason why this mesmerizing land attracts only a handful of passionate and adventurous travelers.
Insights on Planning to Spiti Valley
Gathering information about Spiti Valley proved to be a mammoth task, considering the limited range of resources available and the ever-changing patterns of weather conditions, road conditions, and the availability of buses and taxis. Drawing from our past experiences and insights gained from various travel blogs, we embarked on the best trip of our lives, creating countless memories that will last a lifetime.
As mentioned the resources available were very limited and everything mentioned in various travel blogs, videos, reels weren’t actually true at least in our case. So let me share some of the myths which I heard/read before visiting the entire Spiti and Kinnaur Valley on a complete budget trip.
Here are few Myths & Realities of Spiti Valley
Myth: The cost of a Spiti Tour is likely to increase due to its remote location.
Reality: This was the major myth haunting us as we were traveling on budget, but this isn’t actually true though its a remote place. Various range of transport is available as per your budget, even hostels dorms are available in various places like Kaza, Chitkul. The food options are also plenty but what matters is how you’d plan your trip.
Myth: There is a terrible issue with network during your trip in the valley
Reality: I read this point in various blogs and even I texted my parents that, I’m not sure if I’d contact you for next few days, but I was surprised to see every village had Jio tower with very good connection(not sure about other operators) both for call and internet. Forget about network in the village, I remember travelling between Peo to Tabo in the HRTC bus watching the live match between India and England during the CWC ’23. So network is something not be worried atleast in all the major villages like Kaza, Nako, Tabo.
Myth: Private taxis must be hired for the entire trip, either from Shimla or Manali.
Reality: Though we were also thinking of package tours/private after a bit of research we found that the entire Spiti could be covered by HRTC buses and we actually did it at ease, with a lot of comfort saving lots of money. There wasn’t any single instance where we hired a taxi or asked for a lift to anyone. Even traveling through HRTC gives a sense of safety during landslides or road breaks.
Myth: One has to manage with dry toilets around the valley everytime
Reality: I am not sure about the peak winters as pipes get completely freezed, leaving them with no option. But during our visit before the peak winters every hotel or homestay we visited had a good water facility making our trip comfortable without any trouble.
Myth: Dry toilets are the only facilities available around the valley, and visitors will need to manage accordingly.
Reality: This again depends on the place you’d be visiting in the valley as Manali-Kaza road remains closed from November till April/May due to intense snowfall. Though the road from Kinnaur remains open, there might be some heavy snowfall in Kinnaur or even that road is prone to huge landslides keeping the roads closed even till weeks. Winters get upto -30 too in some places, it’s not recommended to visit here at such insane temperatures. But you can still visit here with proper precautions and planning as these landscapes, experiences can’t be compared to any other places
Myth: If you’re on a budget trip you’ve to take lifts to most of the places
Reality: This is again not true in most of the cases. There are 2 buses everyday between Reckong Peo to Kaza covering Nako, Tabo, Sumdo and many beautiful villages on the way, there are some villages like Pin, Mud, Kibber, Langhza, Hikkim, Komic but there are buses from Kaza every evening which stays there whole night and returns in morning. Also you can take rental bikes to explore nearby places as they’re almost 20-30 kms away from Kaza.
Myth: People from other places of India might face trouble with the food
Reality: Except in few remote villages good quality food is available at affordable cost easily around the valley. Also there are various options of food along with the local food. It’s hard to find South Indian food, but North Indian food is available easily which shouldn’t be a problem.
Myth: One can easily stay at any Monastery with the monks anytime
Reality: This is again not true in all cases. We weren’t allowed to stay at Tabo and Kee Monastery as water wasn’t available due to the freezed pipes. Also they have certain rules and regulations regarding their guest houses, better have an alternate plan if it doesn’t work out. But staying in Monastery would be a lifetime experience, so don’t forget to give it a try when you’re there.
Myth: Let me take my own vehicle and enjoy the trip
Reality: This again wouldn’t be a wise decision. These roads are extremely dangerous with very harsh roads and deep ravines, also most parts aren’t fenced, so don’t risk yourself here. If you’re comfortable riding on such roads (like Ladakh, Sikkim for example) at very high altitudes then go ahead. Also only adventure bikes and SUVs please, don’t spoil your vehicle as the road between Manali to Kaza is too harsh as of now. There are many such roads along the entire valley. If you’re willing to take risks please be very careful at narrow roads, deep ravines, vehicle crossings, water crossings, etc. Read it again, “One small mistake and forget the vehicle, lifting you up also is literally impossible”.
Myth: Oxygen Levels in Spiti Valley are Extremely Low
Reality: While Spiti Valley is at a high altitude (ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 meters), it doesn’t mean that oxygen levels are dangerously low. Altitude sickness can occur, but it’s not a severe concern for most travelers. It’s advisable to acclimatize gradually by spending a day or two in places like Manali or Shimla before reaching Spiti. Take frequent breaks, travel at a slow pace and you’re good to go.
Myth: Spiti Valley is Only for Adventure Enthusiasts
Reality: While Spiti Valley does attract adventure enthusiasts due to its challenging terrain, it is not exclusively for them. The stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture make it a great destination for a wide range of travelers, including those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Myth: Spiti Valley is Inhospitable and Uninhabited
Reality: Spiti Valley has several small villages with welcoming and warm-hearted inhabitants. While the population density is low, the locals are friendly and have adapted to the harsh conditions. Kaza, the largest town in Spiti, has basic amenities like hotels, restaurants, and medical facilities.
Myth: One has to obtain permissions from concerned authorities before visiting Spiti
Reality: Though a permit is required for Foreign Nationals, Indians don’t need any permit to visit Spiti. Mostly none of the popular tourist destinations need permits and you can travel at peace here.
Myth: Spiti can be covered on extended weekends easily
Reality: Once again to reach Kaza you need an entire day like almost 8 to 9 hours of journey, so 2 days to reach the headquarters itself and back, also it’s not at all recommended to drive at night on these roads. Take time to acclimatize as Kaza is at 12,700 ft and other tourist spots are above 15,000 ft as well. Its better to take the Shimla road as you don’t gain height too quicky. At Manali Kaza road you shoot up directly to 15,200 ft(Kunzum Pass) directly from 6,000ft (Manali) in a very less time.
Myth: Spiti is unsafe to travel
Reality: This is absolute nonsense. People here are so hospitable and polite. Also police here hardly have any work, as crime rate is almost none. Though the roads can be closed or blocked for some time, it’s not under anyone’s control. Apart from that everything is peaceful around the valley.
Myth: Let me climb any mountain here which looks so easy to reach
Reality: The funniest part of visiting here is that you feel every mountain is so easy to climb and let me also try it lmao. More than 90% of the land in Spiti is yet to be touched by humans and they’re actually so far as they look. Don’t even dream of trying it anytime, not just in Spiti.
Conclusion
These are some of the things I observed during my recent expedition to this stunning valley. I did mention a lot of things here about the food, hostels/homestays, buses and travel modes which I’ll come up with very detailed blogs with entire information as time passes. Do comment below if you read anything about Spiti and let me clarify if it’s actually real or a myth. Also correct me if any of the myth if mentioned here was not what I observed.
