Spiti Valley located in the high-density area of Himachal Pradesh, India, Spiti Valley is an Adventure Paradise. This valley with its rugged landscapes, culturally rich, and stark landscapes offer an experience of unmatched stature with an adrenaline-pumping adventure. One of the best ways to explore this remote valley is on a motorbike. It is, therefore, freedom and the rushing thrill of riding amidst majestic mountains, crossing over high-altitude passes, and seeing some of life's most breathtaking views that quite rightfully make this a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Planning and preparation are the key things before one embarks on a motorbike adventure in Spiti Valley. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the road becomes accessible, and the weather remains relatively modest. It is important to ensure that the motorbike is in outstanding condition, since the roads are rough, steep climbs are prone, and the weather can be at its whims. The crucial things to bring are a few warm clothes, a first-aid kit, spare parts for your bike, and camping gear if needed.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS: MANALI TO KAZA
Your journey generally starts from Manali, one of the famous hill stations in Himachal. From Manali, while proceeding towards the Spiti Valley, the route consists of some of the most scenic and rough roads in the area. The first major milestone on the way is the Rohtang Pass, standing at an altitude of 13,050 feet. The pass gives a charming view amidst snow-capped peaks and glistening green valleys. It is, however, also known for its unpredictable weather and landslides, so proceed with caution.
While crossing over from Rohtang Pass, one comes down to the Lahaul Valley and carries on further down to Gramphu, where the road bifurcates: one road overlooking the difficulty through an arduous road to Leh, and the other through Kunzum Pass, leading to the Spiti Valley. The track on the way to Kunzum is full of narrow paths and sharp turns. Testing one's skill and stamina in equal proportion at 15,000 ft, Kunzum Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in this country. At the top, one has panoramic views of the mountains surrounding one from all sides.
EXPLORING KAZA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley, serves as a base for exploring the region. A little township with traditional Spitian houses and monasteries gives one an inkling into the local culture and lifestyle here. Give it a few days to acclimatize and explore the the surrounding areas.
If there is one place to visit around Kaza, it is the Key Monastery, situated at the top of a hill, overlooking the Spiti River. This thousand-year-old Buddhist monastery exists not just as a center of learning but also houses many monks then. Such a peaceful environment with beautiful views is great for meditation and reflection.
The other point of interest is Kibber village, one of the most permanently inhabited villages on the globe. The place is characterized by unique architecture and is great for trekking exercise, as well as spotting wild animals, including the very volatile snow leopard.
THE ROAD TO TABO AND DHANKAR
From Kaza, the journey continues to the ancient village of Tabo. The road leading to Tabo is meandering, with a rough landscape and the Spiti River for your companion. It is the monastery that seems to make Tabo famous, often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," owing to its magnificent murals and ancient scriptures. Founded in 996 AD, the Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist enclaves in India.
Higher up, one reaches the village of Dhankar, which seems precariously perched on a cliff face. The legendary Dhankar Monastery commands a view of the breathtaking confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. This village also forms the base of a variety of treks that wind their way up into hidden lakes and remote settlements.
THE FINAL DESTINATION; PIN VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
On the way back from Kaza, one can take a detour to Pin Valley National Park. The park is abundant in diversified flora and fauna and has emerged as a nature lover's and wildlife enthusiast's dreamland. As compared to Spiti, there is very different scenery with full rough land, interspersed with totally different flower types and colorful wildflowers; even much rarer kinds of animals like ibex and blue sheep are found.
CONCLUSION
Motorbiking through Spiti Valley is a different kind of adventure. One gets generous land holdings and warm hospitality from the locales and visits ancient monasteries and artistic landscapes that lie along the roadside while riding through this wilderness valley. A motorcycle trip through Spiti Valley is a lifetime experience for those who love cycling or wandering.
