The thrill of riding your bike on the spectacular terrains of Leh-Ladakh is unmatchable. Every traveller and adventure enthusiast keeps Leh-Ladakh on top of their dream list, and the place delivers beautifully on every expectation. However, Leh-Ladakh is not the only adventure destination with breathtaking views and gorgeous terrains.
Spiti is an amazing alternative for all those who can not ride up or have already been to Leh-Ladakh. Rightly called the lost cousin of Leh, Spiti has amazing sites to offer that must not be missed. Let’s get you thinking, about why Lahaul-Spiti serves as the perfect alternative to Leh-Ladakh.
Reasons that make Lahaul-Spiti a perfect alternative destination:
1. Spectacular Terrains
The biggest drawing factor for Leh-Ladakh travellers has always been the dream of riding their bikes on its terrain. It is only once you visit Spiti that you get to experience even more rugged roads that take you to a whole new world. A ride through the Himalayan-Tibet Highway will promise you an experience of a lifetime.
2. Less-Crowded
While Leh-Ladakh has gained popularity not only in India but across the globe, it has also led to the destination being almost always crowded. Spiti on the other hand is meant to promise you a rather quaint, calm, and peaceful experience-exactly what a vacation should feel like.
Spiti is yet to emerge as a tourist spot in all senses, which is also its biggest selling point that you must grab before Lahaul-Spiti becomes commercial.
3. Stargazing
Stargazing is arguably an activity that everyone must do once in their lifetime. What better place than Spiti which is located at a height of 12,500 feet above sea level?
Clear sky and starry nights will leave you in awe, craving for the experience again once the sun rises. Gaze into the sky to see the Milky Way and its mesmerizing blue color making for a perfect- midnight experience.
4. Villages and Culture
Lahaul-Spiti is not all about rugged roads and adventure. They exhibit a unique culture that has been preserved for decades by the locals.
Designed similarly to each other, several villages in the area will offer you a vivid insight into Himachali culture and promise you cheap stays as well. Make sure to make a pit stop at Keylong village and meet locals to have a wholesome conversation.
5. Scenic Beauty
Lahaul-Spiti is a land of scenic beauty that you have never experienced. All the pictures that you probably would have seen are never enough to do justice to the experience.
Packed with spectacular terrains, clear skies, lakes, and vibrant culture makes for a perfect package. Unlike Leh-Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti is a treat for both motorheads and travellers on local transport and buses.
6. Limited Amenities
If you want to experience life with minimalism at its best then Lahaul-Spiti is your place. Situated amidst Himalayan beauty, the destination lacks fancy stays and amenities, making your experience wholesome and worth remembering. Around 13,800 km of barren land with only necessities available is your ticket to observe nature at its finest.
7. Ancient Monasteries
A trip to Himachal can be a treat for all you history and culture geeks. Lahaul-Spiti is packed with monasteries resembling those in Leh-Ladakh. Head to Key Gompa which has an entry ticket of ₹150 and a rich cultural experience packed for you.
Around 1000 years old, the monastery is built on a hilltop close to Spiti Valley offering you a mesmerizing view. A place for religious teaching and healing, you can not miss Key Gomba.
8. Thrilling Treks
Is a trip to Himachal even complete without a thrilling trek? Lahaul-Spiti is waiting for you with its breathtaking treks that challenge your stamina and pique your love for heights. While the Markha and Chadar treks in Leh are a dream, you can get a finer experience while trekking through the Hampta Pass and Chandra Tall treks in Lahaul-Spiti.
Snow-capped mountains and tough terrains with beauty that leaves an image in your heart forever, there are several other treks that you can go for depending on the challenges they offer.
9. Food
Once you are done riding the whole day through magnificent roads, it is time to devour the local taste of Lahaul-Spiti. Meals prepared for both vegetarians and meat lovers, the destination offers you flavourful bites.
Made with local spices and traditional recipes, their curries, goat sausages, and momos are soul-satisfying, to say the least. Khambir and Thupka are native to Himachal and you can find several street shops offering you the finest bites of all time.
10. Lakes of Lahaul-Spiti
The famous Pangong-Tso lake is undoubtedly enormous and gorgeous. To match the beauty, if not beat it, Spiti has its moon lake called the Chandra Taal that will leave you mesmerized. Situated at a height of 14,000 above sea level, it is the clear water with reflection of surrounding mountains and sky that enhances the beauty. Plan a mini-picnic and camp around the lake to create memories that will be engraved in your heart for eternity.
Your Himalayan adventure dream comes true once you step foot in Lahaul-Spiti. Its culture and stunning landscapes not only make your trip wonderful but surely turn you into an advocate for the destination.
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