This home is a good point from which to explore the Spiti Valley. The town of Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti, is a short drive away for supplies and cafés.
The Key Monastery (or Ki Gompa) is the valley's most famous landmark, and it's visible from your room. A short drive gets you to the monastery itself, where you can walk through the ancient prayer halls.
Further afield are the high-altitude villages of Kibber and Chicham, connected by Asia's highest suspension bridge. These offer a glimpse into traditional Spitian life and agriculture at over 4,200 meters. The drive itself is a core part of the experience.
The journey is a significant part of any trip to Spiti. The valley is accessible by road via two main routes.
By Road: The most common route is from Manali via the Atal Tunnel and over the Kunzum Pass (4,551m). This road is only open from June to mid-October. The alternative is the longer, all-weather road from Shimla via the Kinnaur valley, which follows the Sutlej and Spiti rivers. Both are multi-day journeys.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar (KUU) in Kullu, near Manali. From there, it is still a 8-10 hour drive to Kaza, weather and road conditions permitting. Chandigarh (IXC) is a larger, more reliable airport, but the road journey to Spiti from there takes at least two days.
By Rail: The nearest major railhead is in Chandigarh. The UNESCO heritage toy train runs from Kalka to Shimla, from where you would begin the long road journey into Spiti.
The best time to visit Spiti is from June to September. During these months, the road from Manali is open, the weather is pleasant during the day, and the landscape is fully accessible. This is the peak season for travellers.
October sees the autumn colours, but temperatures drop sharply, and the Manali road closes by the middle of the month. From November to May, the valley is covered in snow, and the Kunzum Pass is closed, cutting off road access from Manali. Access is only possible via the Shimla-Kinnaur road, which can also face temporary closures due to snowfall.