At
once stark and forbidding, yet, Lahaul & Spiti has an ethernal beauty.
The two twin valleys of Lahaul & Spiti in the north eastern corner of
Himachal Pradesh, protected by distance, is a region of nature at its
wildest which has lent it much enchantment.
The word 'Lahaul' is regarded as
a derivative of the Tibetan Lho-yul, 'southern country' or of Lhahi-yul
'country of Gods'. Si means 'mani', piti 'place' and Spiti means 'the
place of mani'.
Khardong
Monastery, Keylong |
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From
Lahaul, the Himalayas can be
seen in their entire mighty splendor. Geologically and archaeologically,
Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation and
erosion by wind, sun and snow over thousands of years has laid bare the
rocks. The rugged and rocky mountain slopes sweep down to the riverbeds
giving the landscape a moon-like appearance.
Lahaul & Spiti's attractions
include the Buddhist monasteries, passes, glaciers, lakes and turbulent
rivers. Lahaul & Spiti are predominantly Buddhist areas, and their
comparative inaccessibility has helped preserve their culture.
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Languages spoken :
In Lahaul & Spiti, Lahauli is
spoken. Few can understand Hindi and English too.
A Jeep Safari is a mix of culture
and adventure. These trips involve visiting remote villages, monasteries
etc. to feel the culture and passing through the rugged train of the
Himalayas. It involves experiencing the remote cultures and the people.
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Trekking in Lahaul & Spiti
Valleys :
For most people Lahaul is a halfway point for trekking into the Zanskar
valley, while Spiti marks the conclusion of a trek over the Pin Parbati
Pass from the Kullu valley. However, there are some excellent treks,
starting from Lahaul in particular.
Some of the famous treks
: (all the tours can be tailor made to start and end in Delhi)
Through valleys and over passes
to the Moon Lake
. Take a break in Keylong to visit some villages and view the rural life
and some old monasteries.
Through green Kullu valley over
the pass and into the Pin Parbati National Park
. This trek includes crossing Pin Parvati pass which lies in the Great
Himalayan ranges. Take a break in Kaza to visit some old villages,
including one of the highest villages in the World, Kibber. Also visit
some very old & interesting monasteries in Spiti valley.
Involves
grossing high passes and descending steeply back down to river valleys
before climbing yet another pass. Take a break in Leh and either
engage in visiting some villages and famous monasteries or take another
trek in the Ladakh area.
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