Spiti Valley

Spiti — 'the middle land' between India and Tibet — is a cold, high-altitude desert where the low Spiti valley temperature dictates life. The valley floor runs at 3,600 to 4,500 metres, too arid for trees and too cold for agriculture beyond a brief summer barley crop. Along its length sit a chain of Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries—Tabo, Dhankar, and Kye. Kaza is the only proper town. Lakes, high settlements, and fossils make Spiti one of India's most spectacular regions. A full Spiti valley trip requires 7-10 days and is best done between June and September when Kunzum Pass is open.