Spiti River

The Spiti River nurtures the beautiful valleys of Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It originates from the Kunzum Range of the Himalayas in a way that it divides Lahaul and Spiti. Many Himalayan streams, including the Pin River, feed it. As this part of the Himalayas are desert areas with almost no rains, the river gets no rain water and all its water comes from the melted glaciers of the Himalayan ranges. Almost all human settlements in Spiti Valley are located on the banks of the Spiti River, such as Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza and Rangrik. Most of these places have existed for at least 1000 years. Many monasteries overlook the river as if drawing their spiritual strength from the water element of the nature around. I believe that the river looks the prettiest between Kaza and Rangrik, the part that is visible from Key Monastery. The vast expanse of the river with big and small channels almost looks frozen from a distance, and they do freeze during the winter season. It is when you go close that you see the river flowing quietly. Some hotels organise mud bath in Spiti Valley if the weather permits, and you can, of course, swim in it under guidance.