Astonishing facts about India's Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is an Indian wonderland! This Himachali beauty attracts visitors from across the globe for its rugged landscape and ancient monasteries. From awe-inspiring nature to unique way of life, Spiti Valley is full of mystery that has left the world intrigued.

Here are some astonishing facts about India’s Spiti Valley:
1) Cold desert: Spiti Valley is also known as the Cold Desert. It is because of its high altitude geological location.

2) Highest inhabited regions in the world: Spiti Valley is set at an altitude of 4270 m (14000 ft) above sea level. This makes the valley one of the highest inhabited places in the world.
3) Monasteries galore: Spiti is noted for its many ancient monasteries, some of which date back over a thousand years. The iconic Key Monastery is set on a hilltop, while the Tabo Monastery, also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas is another gem of the valley.

4) Fossil rich: Spiti Valley is also a paleontologist's heaven as millions of years old fossils of marine life have been discovered in the region. This offers a peek into the region’s prehistoric past.

5) Chandratal Lake: Also known as the Moon Lake, Chandratal, gets it from its crescent shape. This high-altitude lake is absolutely gorgeous and surrounded by heavy mountains.

6) Chicham Bridge: The Chicham Bridge here is counted among the highest suspension bridges in Asia. It links two remote villages and walking on this bridge is an adventure of its own.
7) Harsh weather: People of Spiti are considered very strong. They have well-adapted to the harsh and difficult environment. Their unique customs and food have shaped them to overcome any weather conditions.

8) Haven for adventure seekers: Reaching Spiti Valley is an adventure in itself! The treacherous roads leading to the valley are not everyone’s cup of tea! The high mountain passes here like Kunzum La (14800 ft) are every adventure lover’s dream!

9) Unique cultures: Spiti Valley is known for its fusion cultures. It’s fascinating to see a beautiful blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Indian influences that can be seen in the art and architecture of the place.

10) Limited access: The valley experiences heavy snowfall during the peak winter months. During this time, the valley gets cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time.