SPITI VALLEY The Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya mountains in the north-eastern part of Himachal...
SPITI VALLEY
The Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya mountains in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The Middle Land", i.e. the land between Tibet and India.Local population follow Vajrayana Buddhism similar to that found in the nearby Tibet Region and the Ladakh region of India.The sub-divisional headquarters (capital) of spiti is Kaza.which is situated along the Spiti River at an elevation of about 12,500 feet (3,800 m) above mean sea level.Lahaul and Spiti is surrounded by high mountain ranges. The Rohtang Pass, at 13,054 feet (3,979 m), separates Lahul and Spiti from the Kullu Valley. Lahul and Spiti are cut off from each other by the higher Kunzum Pass, at 15,059 feet (4,590 m).A road connects the two divisions, but is cut off frequently in winter and spring due to heavy snow. The valley is likewise cut off from the north up to eight months of the year by heavy snowfalls and thick icing conditions.A southern route to India proper is periodically closed for brief periods in the winter storms of November through June, but road access is usually restored a few days after storms end via Shimla and the Sutlej in the Kinnaur district.
Culture
Spiti valley is a research and cultural centre for Buddhists. Famous places like Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world and a favourite of the Dalai Lama.It was the location of the spectacular scenery and also show in the Indian films Paap and Milarepa,a biographical adventure tale about one of Buddhism's most famous Tibetan saints.The Buddhist monastery in the valley served as the locus of the set and some of the monks appeared in the film.
Transport
Spiti valley is accessible throughout year via Kinnaur from Shimla route on a difficult 412 km long road.Tourists from outside India need inner line permits to enter Spiti through Kinnaur.
Spiti's border start at Samdo [74 km from Kaza] which is quite near to India-China border.
In summer it can be reached via Manali through Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass. Manali is 201 km away from Kaza headquarter of Spiti subdivision.
Spiti's border start at Samdo [74 km from Kaza] which is quite near to India-China border.
In summer it can be reached via Manali through Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass. Manali is 201 km away from Kaza headquarter of Spiti subdivision.
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