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Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul
& Spiti district with its hqrs. at Kaza. It is called "Little
Tibet" because it has almost the same terrain, vegetation &
climate . Spiti also means "Middle Country". It lies between
Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Kulu. From Shimla via Kinnaur
there is a motorable road which remains open upto Kaza for 8 to 9
months. About 10kms. ahead of Pooh, satluj enters India near
Shipki la & Spiti river joins it at Khab. The road then goes to
Sumdo via Hangrang valley. From Sumdo Spiti valley starts. The
Spiti river flows fast through deep gorges at some places. The
valley is not wide but there are villages and some fields where
people grow barley, buck- wheat, peas & vegetables. It has an area
of 4800 sq. kms. Some inhabitants have adopted Budhism as there
faith and Bhoti is the spoken language. The people are simple and
honest. The main Spiti valley is split into eastern and western
valleys. They are connected with Ladakh & Tibet on eastern side &
Kinnaur and Kulu on western side through high passes.
PLACES OF INTEREST
KUNZUM PASS (4590 m): As
Rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahaul so Kunzum pass is the gateway
to Spiti from Kulu & Lahaul. After crossing Rohtang pass and
driving 20kms, one has to turn right from Gramphoo. While going to
this pass, the panoramic view of Bara-Sigri glacier (second
longest glacier in the world) is enthrilling and inspiring.
There is a temple at the top of this
pass dedicated to goddess Durga. The view from the top is
breathtaking. On one side is the Spiti valley and to the other are
numerous C.B.(Chandra-Bhaga ) range peaks. On way back from
Gramphoo one can either return to Manali (71 kms.) or can go to
Leh via Keylong , Darcha, Baralacha la, Sarchu, Tanglang la by
road. From Tandi (8 kms. short of Keylong) one can also drive to
Pangi valley along the Chenab river to Udaipur, Trilokinath and
Tindi and thereafter by trekking to Killar. From Killar to Chamba/Dalhousie/Delhi
or to Kishtwar- Jammu-Delhi.
LOSAR (4080 m): It is
situated near the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams. this
village is worth a visit being the first big village and because
of its Location. Yak and horse riding are other charms to add to
its beauty and unique experience.
KAZA (3800 m): 200 kms. from
Manali & Keylong and 425 kms from Shimla. Kaza is a Sub Divisional
Hqtr. of Spiti Valley. It is situated at the foot of the step
ridges on the left bank of Spiti river. Once it was the headquater
of Nono, the chief of Spiti.
KIBBER (4205 m): It is
locally known as Khyipur, one of the highest villages in the world
at an altitude of 4205 m above sea level in a narrow valley
surrounded by mountains from all sides. Gette village, at a short
distance away from kaza, is the highest in the world with a height
of 4270 m.
MONASTERIES
There are a large number of gompas
in this valley but it has also some important and famous
monasteries, a brief description is given.
KI MONASTERY: It is situated
12 kms. north of Kaza and serves the western population of Spiti.
It is the oldest and biggest monastery of the valley and located
at (4116 m) above Kye village. It houses beautiful scriptures and
paintings of Budha and other goddesses. Lamas practice dance, sing
and play on pipes and horns. Many Lamas get religious training
here. It has murals and books of high aesthetic value.
THANGYUD GOMPA: It is
located 13kms. above Kaza serving western part of central Spiti.
Situated in a secluded place in the narrow gauge of Kaza Nallah,
it generally has a Lama from Tibet. Above this there is a long
plateau which leads to Shilla peak.
KUNGRI GOMPA: It is situated
in the Pin valley about 10 kms. from Attargo where Spiti river has
to be crossed to enter Pin valley. It is serves the population of
Pin valley.
DHANKAR MONASTERY: It is
situated about 25 kms. east of Kaza and serves eastern part of
central Spiti. Dhankar is a big village and erstwhile capital of
Spiti Kingdom. On top of a hill there is a fort which use to be
the prison in olden times. The Monastery has about 100 Lamas and
is in position of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti language. Principal
figure is a Statue of " Vairochana" (Dhayan Budha) consisting of 4
complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the shape
of paintings and sculptures.
TABO MONASTERY: It is another
big gompa for serving the population of eastern side. It belongs
to the tenth century and is located 50 kms. from kaza. It is a
famous gompa next to Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It has about 60 Lamas
and a large collection of Scriptures, wall paintings etc. Murals
of this gompa have a great similarity to that of the Ajanta
paintings.
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