Key Monastery, the largest in Spiti, is directly across from the home. It’s a thousand-year-old complex of rooms and courtyards clinging to a cliff, and a centre of Tibetan Buddhist learning.
Kibber village sits at an altitude of 4,270 metres, making it one of the highest motorable villages in the world. It’s a short, scenic drive from Kaza and offers a glimpse into traditional Spitian life.
Chicham Bridge, Asia's highest suspension bridge, spans a deep gorge and connects Kibber to the village of Chicham. The view from the middle of the bridge, looking down into the canyon, is a highlight for many.
Pin Valley National Park is a high-altitude park that forms a natural habitat for the elusive snow leopard and the Siberian ibex. It's a different, greener side of Spiti, requiring a dedicated drive into the Pin river valley.
Langza, known as the fossil village, is situated about 1,000 feet above Kaza. Here, you can find ancient marine fossils embedded in the rocks, reminders of a time when these mountains were under the Tethys Sea.
By Air: The nearest airports are Bhuntar (KUU) in Kullu, 220 km away, and Shimla (SLV), 410 km away. The road from Bhuntar crosses Kunzum La pass and is only open from June to October.
By Rail: The nearest major railhead is in Shimla (410 km), which is connected to Kalka by the UNESCO World Heritage toy train.
By Road: Kaza is the district headquarters of Spiti. It can be reached from two directions. The route from Manali (200 km) via Rohtang and Kunzum passes is shorter but only open from June to October; a 4x4 is strongly recommended. The route from Shimla (410 km) via Kinnaur is longer but remains open for more of the year, typically from April to November.
The best time to visit Spiti by road is from May to October, when the passes from the Manali side are open and the weather is pleasant. This is the peak season for travellers. From November to April, the road from Manali is closed due to heavy snowfall. Access is only possible from the Shimla side, and the valley is covered in a thick blanket of snow, offering a starkly different, quiet beauty.