Kaza Yatra of the Heart of The Spiti Valley

Kaza, hidden somewhere amidst the wild wilderness of Himalayas elucidates about an unsung town boasting tranquil and surreal beauty which Himachal Pradesh has for all those offbeat travellers. Nestled in the lap of Spiti Valley, Kaza is not just a place to visit; it’s an entry point into am ancient monastery and awe-inspiring scenery with culture residing deep down.

Discovering Kaza: Location

Where is Kaza Located ? Well, Kaza being the biggest town in Spiti Valley is a tehsil of Spiti sub-division located on northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the highest inhabited regions in India, with an elevation ranging from approximately 12,000 ft. Located in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, it seems arid to look at surrounded by towering snow capped peaks.

Getting to Kaza

Reaching Kaza is itself an adventure. The routes are such that the journey most of the times originates from Shimla or Manali, a couple of summer towns which are known for their beauty and accessibility by road close to mountains. They start from Shimla and travel across roads that snake through forests, apple orchards to eventually into the high altitude desert terrain of Spiti Valley. The Manali route via the tough Rohtang & Kunzum Pass cuts across some of highest peaks in India before plunging into landscape as rough edged and unfriendly as one could possibly get.

Places to Visit in Kaza

Key Monastery (Kye Gompa): Among the oldest and biggest monasteries in Spiti Valley, Key Monastery is balanced wonderfully on a hilltop ignoring the functions of waterway by either side. This one is a monastery founded in the 11th century and surely, as an ancient Buddhist scripture with some old murals and other stuff. The ambiance here is spiritual, you can participate in prayer sessions, and get a panoramic view of the valley which surrounds its top.

Kibber Village: Situated at an altitude and close to Kaza, Kibber is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world which can be reached by motorable road. Your trip ends at Kaza with a taste of ancestral Spitian village life, white-wash residences scattered on fields thickset with barley and the charming Tangyud Monastery. The village is also a base for getting into lake and higher-altitude peaks trek.

Langza Village – With the surrounding Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak, Langza is one heritage crammed village on earth which seems simple in its. Tourists are taken on a tour to known ancient fossils, the unique weather temple of lang(temple),dine with welcoming villagers.

Chandratal Lake – Not exactly in Kaza but about 100 kms away, this high-altitude lake is also called Moon Lake and totally worth the time it takes you to drive up here. Chandratal is a well-known camping and trekking place amid snowy mountains and clear meadows. Also known as Lago Escondido, the lake has a charming look of its own – it appears to change colors with each hour and season due to the different shades of blue in its water basins that create an optical illusion against the red-maroonish soil; consequently making guests feel like they are visiting a magical universe.

Pin Valley National Park: Merely a couple of hours drive from Kaza, Pin Valley National park is an abode for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. This park is another home to the species – Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex and Tibetan Gazelle. Guided treks will take visitors on a tour of the park, offering glimpses into the variety of plant and animal life that exists in this rugged yet beautiful landscape.

Dhankar Monastery: The monastery located on a high cliff overlooking the conflunence of Spiti and Pin rivers is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is from the 7th century and was formerly the capital of Spiti valley, Historic as well as they have important religious_VALUE. One can take a trek up to Dhankekara which gives you the opportunity of photogrpahing some spectacular viewsa s it offered magnificent views of valley below.

Cultural Wisdom And Conventions.

Apart from all these natural marvel, Kaza also offers an exposure into the rich cultural heritage of Spiti Valley. The people of Kinnaur are mostly Buddhists and they celebrate many festivals commonly all over the year like Losar (New Year), Fagli(Spring Festival) and Gochi(Harvesting festival). These festivals feature traditional dances, music and centuries-old rituals that most visitors are invited to join.

Best Time to Visit Kaza

The Ideal Time to Travel and Explore Kaza & The Spiti Valley is the summer months of June till September, when heaven like climate exists there along with open roads. Winter sees heavy snowfall, closing all passes and roads although creating some of the unique opportunities to experience valley under a thick blanket of silence.

Accommodation and Dining

Kaza, on the other hand has a full range of accommodation from basic budget guesthouses to more comfortable homestays and even some eco-friendly resorts. Most of the house stays offer these basic facilities including hot water, heating during winters and yummy local food. Tourists relish the homely preparation of traditional Spitian Thukpa ( noodle soup), Momos( dumplings) and Chang (=local millet beer ) from locals.