Rohtang or the pile of dead bodies as its affectionately called is not a very high pass. At a puny 3900 meters it pales in comparison to the mighty passes of Khardung and Chang. Even the climb to Rohtang from Marhi is a measly 16 kms. On paper it’s a small tiny easy pass.
Rohtang to lahaul
Rohtang – Marking the Beginning of Lahaul Spiti
But to know what is Rohtang, you have to be there. Its a kind of pass which makes you cry. It makes you say “Never again”. It makes you curse the powers that be for not making a tunnel. For it’s not a pass, it’s a ride through hell to heaven. Rohtang only marks the beginning of mesmerizing Lahaul & Spiti.
Lahaul Spiti
Lahaul and Spiti is a district located on very high altitude in the extreme north-east of Himachal Pradesh. Lahaul is derived from Tibetan word that means ‘Southern Country’ while Spiti means ‘Middle Country’ and is called so because it’s nestled between the Himalayas of Tibet and Himachal. The region is popular for its distinctive Buddhist culture and its unexplored natural beauty which it owes to its proximity to Tibet. Rohtang Pass segregated the regions of Lahaul and Spiti from Kullu valley and they are further separated from each other by the higher Kunzum Pass.
Budha’s statue at Spiti Valley
Extraordinary, primeval and untouched by mass tourism, it seems time has come to a standstill in Lahaul. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border in the north Indian state of Himachal, Lahaul is as remote as it gets. Straddling the Leh-Manali bus route, Lahaul boasts of scenic mountain villages, pristine mountain rivers and medieval monasteries. Lahaul Valley region is rightly called as the Barren Splendour of Himachal Pradesh.
Spiti River
Accessible only during summer, Spiti is as remote as it gets. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, villages perched on mountain crests, quaint old monasteries, crystal clear rivers and streams evoke strong comparisons with Tibet and leaves tourists to this remote region spellbound. Cut off from the tourist map because of its remoteness, Spiti, along with its twin valley of Lahaul, has retained its pristine charm. Quaint old monasteries, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and monks in their ochre robes, add to the mystic charm of Spiti.
Places to visit:
Kye Monastery
Kye Monastery
Kye monastery is the largest in the valley and holds a powerful sway over the most populous part of the valley around Kaza. It’s the favourite monastery of Dalai Lama.
Lossar
Lossar Village
Lossar is the first inhabited village on the Spiti side if you advance to the valley from Manali over Kunzam pass. Situated at a height of 4,085 m., the village is singularly secluded.
Kunzam Pass
Kunzum Pass
It provides chief access to the Spiti-valley from Lahaul which is separated from the Spiti valley by the great Kunzam range, and from where the Spiti, pronounced Piti, the chief river of the area takes its source.
Kaza
kaza
Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti, is situated on the left bank of the Spiti river at an altitude of about 12,500 ft.. The village is overlooked by steep ridges. Kaza is famous for the trekking adventures it offers.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Paas
Rohtang pass separates Kullu, from the exotic charm of the Lahaul valley. The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summer studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers.
Khoksar
Khoskar Village
Khoksar is the first village and gateway to Lahaul. This village is situated on the right bank of the river Chandra. Khoksar remains covered under snow during winters. This village is surrounded by high mountains and is avalanche-prone.
Lahaul Spiti
The snow-covered mountains, lush green fields, milky white rivers and streams, placid lakes and mountain passes, make for a picture perfect location. Enclosed by the mountains in all possible directions along with it are countless small and big streams accompanied by huge rivers with abundance of green, snow capped mountains and a barren cold desert.
This place is unmatchable for the solace it offers you. So, book your plane tickets to the one of the most unexplored, romantic destination and surrender yourself to a pristine world. Further, you can be served with the best accommodation in Himachal Pradesh with The Other Home for making your journey memorable.
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(Author Bio: Ashwin Sharma is a travel blogger. He is currently associated with CheapOair.com)
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