Spiti Valley - Photo series of the Middle Kingdom

Spiti Valley is disconnected from the rest of the world for almost 8  months in an year. The altitude and terrible weather conditions leads for the roads to be closed for most time of the year.  It's only in summer , when the snow covering the roads melt down doors to this heaven open. Best time to visit is between May and September. By the end of october , snow starts to cover the region. Any one who wants to do an off-beat peaceful trip on himalayas can visit Spiti valley. Our visit to spiti happened in the month of august when it usually rains and cloud bursts happen in and around Himalayas. The days were  hot in Spiti and nights , terribly cold - especially for a Madarasi. A cold desert it was. The landscape was mesmerizing with mighty mountains on either side along any which ever way we passed through. The village of  Losar is a significant entry point to spiti valley and it stretches through  Kibber, Tabo , Langza until Kaza. 

A view of the valley on the way to Losar 

A view of the village from Key monastery.

One of the prayer rooms in key monastery

The post master of the Asia's highest post office situated in Hikkim. He lives in a small room with his family in the village of Hikkim. Visitors can post a card to the loved ones through the indian post from Hikkim post office to anywhere in the world.

Roads twirling around the mountains leading to Langza. A view from the village of  Hikkim.

People pooling in to exchange their empty gas cylinders for a full one. Though people use bio-gas for their fire purposes , they also have to rely on the LPG subsidy to cater their needs. 

Early morning sights in Langza village. The months of august and september , bring some rains to this part of the world.

Kunzum Pass. Travellers stop here and pray for their safe travel at the temple here.

On the way to Chandrataal lake. The river spiti flows scarcely on the valley

Last light of the day . A view during the hike back from chandrataal lake.