In winter we get to see a completely transformed version of Spiti Valley which we saw in summer. Massive mountains, deep terrain, stretches of barren landforms, and patches of green remain completely covered in a seamless sheet of snow. It’s such a mesmerizing spectacle that the camera’s memory card will run out of battery and space but your desire to click pictures will not go away. It’s fun when you really don’t have much to do in Spiti during winters and you can actually mingle with the locals, experience the delectable speakeasy cuisine, and learn to live life the hard way.
SPITI VALLEY IN WINTER
Spiti Valley in winter looks like a beautiful canvas of white color which looks like a perfect attraction. Rivers and waterfalls become calmer and more beautiful. While the bones become cold and numb, the soul receives a gentle warm embrace from the surrounding dreamy scenes. The beautiful valley in Himachal bordering Ladakh and China makes for a mesmerizing prospect. With heavy snowfall and a slight drop in temperature, the conditions are not ideal to lead a comfortable life in the valley, the roads become crooked and it is not at all easy to drive without the help of the locals.
CLIMATE OF SPITI VALLEY IN WINTER
The beginning of October to March is considered the perfect time to experience winter in Spiti. While the temperature averages around 8°C during the day, the mercury soars to -10°C at night when snowfall is at its best. Less sunshine is experienced from October to December, but most conditions are cloudy, foggy, and there is a lot of snowfall all around. Sometimes the night temperature drops below -30°C during December-January.
THINGS TO DO IN SPITI VALLEY IN WINTER
In the winter, there are just a few things to do in the Spiti Valley. Reaching Spiti in winter is adventurous. If you can withstand sub-zero temperatures, it is an experience for a lifetime. While there are not many options to explore, you can always plan an adventurous trip and trek. Camping in extreme conditions will only teach you a thing or two about surviving in less ravaged areas. There are a few things that you can look into while planning a trip to Spiti in winters such as trekking, camping, climbing frozen waterfalls, snow leopard watching
PACKING LIST FOR VISITING SPITI VALLEY IN WINTER
Sunglasses and Sunscreen, warm clothes
Extra shoes and a pair of socks, Woolen cap, and muffler
Essential Medicines and Small First Aid Kits
Candies and Water Bottle.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
Winter means time to roam around and enjoy the snowfall. In this season, people often go to hill stations and talk about hill stations, and Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal should not be mentioned, it is not possible. In winter, only one-sixth of Lahaul-Spiti is unique. This valley especially attracts bikers who plan road trips. If you are also very fond of adventure and are planning to go to Lahaul-Spiti by taking this winter ride or drive, then it is a good thing, but for this, planning is necessary keeping in mind the precautions and the conditions there. Some tips can be useful for you in this…
- Be prepared for the freezing cold of the bones
Needless to say, as you cross the Kinnaur Valley and enter the higher reaches like Nako, you will be faced with bone-shocking temperatures. So carry enough warm clothes, a hot water bottle, and all the necessary winter gear with you.
- Must travel on snowy roads
Due to snow on the roads, there is a danger of slipping the bike. In such a situation, prior experience of riding or driving in snow and mud is necessary to keep balance and keep moving with caution. Otherwise, a hard brake can be overwhelming.
- Do not expect any basic facility on the road
Know that in the journey of Spiti, you will not get basic facilities like food, accommodation, ATM, water, or gas station along the road for many kilometers. Therefore, it is wise to carry extra car batteries and fuel with you.
- Ice means ‘no water’
Water freezes in the pipes during snowfall. Therefore there will be no water in the toilet/bathroom. Therefore, where water is not available, only dry pits (traditional bathrooms) are used. You have to heat the water and use it as soon as possible
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- Be ready for road closure and no public transport
The road may be closed due to snowfall and landslides. This can last for a few days, for a few weeks, and even for a few months. So keep full preparation with enough cash etc. Public transport will also be affected by snowfall. So keep your family informed about the transport option used.
- Little hope of help from the village/town
Local guides and villagers will hardly be found. The reason for this is that most of the local people move to the lower plains during snowfall. Therefore, there is little hope of help from the local towns.
- Electricity may go off for months
In heavy snowfall, electric poles and wires are either bent or broken by the weight of the snow So carry extra batteries and power banks. If ATMs also do not work, then keep a sufficient amount of cash with you.
- The mobile networks will also be rare
Like electricity, mobile networks are also scarce in winters. Travelers have to rely on public Wi-Fi if it is available.
- Only minimum medical help will be available
Carry enough stock of basic and essential medicines with you to last for a long time. For example at least one month. Do not think that you will buy from the local shop there. In the event of a medical emergency, people have to use helicopters to go to a safe place. In such a situation, Shimla is the closest.
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