A detailed Travel Guide for Spiti Valley in December
Spiti Valley in December is the completely different Spiti that you saw in the summer. The huge mountains, deep valleys, stretches of empty landscape, and pockets of greenery are all completely hidden by an even layer of snow. As far as the eye can see, it is a sea of white. Due to the amazing spectacle, you will run out of battery life and memory card space on your camera but not of motivation to take images.
It is wonderful to have little to do in Spiti Valley in December months so you may interact with the locals, sample lovely local cuisine, and pick up some of their more rough ways of life.
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Spiti in December: A Beautiful White Canvas
Weather conditions of Spiti in December
Let’s begin with the appearance! The frozen world has a charming appearance. The stillness makes the waterfalls, rivers, and rivulets even more stunning. The beautiful surroundings give the soul a soft, warm hug as the bones grow cold and numb.The breathtaking Himachal valley, which is surrounded by Ladakh and China, and the Ki and Dhankar monastery look like they belong in a picture frame.
It is difficult to live comfortably in the valley due to a lot of snowfall and little temperature drop. Driving without a local’s help is very difficult due to the rough conditions on the roadways.
Best time to visit Spiti valley
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is during the summer months from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 0°C to 15°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and sightseeing. The roads are accessible and the landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful during this time. However, it’s important to note that Spiti Valley is a high-altitude region, so altitude sickness can be a concern for some travelers. It’s recommended to consult a doctor and acclimatize properly before embarking on your trip.
What to Expect in the December in Spiti Valley?
December in Himachal Pradesh is typically very cold. The temperature fluctuates depending on the location’s altitude. Some locations even see significant snowfall and low temperatures. As a result, you might see snowfall in the Spiti Valley close to places like Kaza.
You must dress in at least two layers because the weather will be cool. Lower temperatures will be experienced as you ascend in elevation. The temperature may occasionally drop below zero.
If you don’t have your car, it could be challenging to get around the region. You can have trouble using public transport because it runs less often and at various times in December. Finally, the days would quickly give way to the nights. As a result, you would have less time to explore the area.
How to Reach the Spiti Valley in December?
The Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh’s northern region, nestled in the northern part of the Himalayan mountains. Therefore, there aren’t lots of ways to get to Spiti in December because of the mountains and elevation. Road travel is likely the most common method of reaching the Spiti Valley.
We will discuss these methods especially because of how much the scenery and connectivity change during December. We’ll explore the typical routes to Spiti Valley to find out whether they remain accessible during December:
1. By Road
The road is likely the most popular route for visiting hilly regions, such as the Spiti Valley. The main road to Spiti, which is also open throughout the year, is Shimla-Kaza. You must start your journey from one of the stations listed below:
Delhi, Chandigarh, Kalka, Shimla, Rohtang Pass, Narkanda, Kaza, or Spiti Valley.
However, be aware that these routes could occasionally be dangerous, blocked and slippery. Therefore, it is suggested to use a taxi or driving service. They have greater ability to handle driving on such roads because they have more experience.
Also, keep an eye on the route updates to find out as soon as any delays appear. You might be able to escape being caught in the traffic delays if the road is closed or inaccessible for any other reason.
2. By Train
As Shimla is the closest railway station, you cannot make the entire trip by train. You can get to Shimla by train instead of driving since the roads in the Kullu-Manali region might not be the greatest option. However, you would need to travel the rest of your journey on a road.
3. By Air
The cities of Kullu and Shimla both have airports, just like trains. Considering the fact that the Kullu airport is closer, the road may be closed. Therefore, it is best to fly into Shimla Airport before continuing on the road to the Spiti in December.
Things To Do In Spiti Valley In December
Actually, there isn’t much to do. It’s a journey in and of itself to get to Spiti Valley in December. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure if you are up for the below-freezing conditions. Even though there aren’t many options to choose from, you may always plan an expedition and trek. Camping in harsh conditions would only teach you a few things about surviving in less traveled areas. Here are a few ideas to consider while making plans to get to Spiti Valley in December.
- Camping, Trekking
- Climbing a frozen waterfall
- tracking down a snow leopard
What to think before Visiting Spiti Valley in December?
No matter what time of year it is, visiting the Spiti Valley in December is a thrill. But getting to a big city is easier than getting to a hilly area. Because there aren’t many resources here, it’s important to be aware of the area.
Here are some tips to make the best possible use of your time in the Spiti during the December month
If you’re traveling by car or public transportation, bring more clothing than you need. In hilly locations, the weather is often unpredictable, therefore it is sensible to carry more than you might need.
Expect no mobile service or internet access in the valley. The valley experiences connectivity challenges with various networks even in the summer. However, the network has practically little coverage throughout the December. Your best option is a BSNL sim, however even that won’t allow you to access the internet. Similar to this, Wi-Fi connections are not available because December time maintenance is very difficult.
To stay healthy, bring instant meals and look for nearby restaurants. You can have trouble finding a restaurant if you’re outside of the valley. As a result, you need to bring a lot of food and start searching for restaurants as soon as you get there.
Always have medical supplies on hand, such as paracetamol tablets, bandages, creams and lotions and more. You may not be able to access medical care immediately because the roads and routes could become closed at any time. Therefore, you must be ready in advance for little difficulties.
A suggestion is to read news articles about the entire route to be informed of any problems. Landslides and other problems might lead certain places to become closed in the December. So before you leave, be sure to read it over carefully.
In the December, you have to give up the conveniences of electricity and hot water in the Spiti Valley. Although the wires might sustain damage, it is impossible to repair them because of the terrible weather and thick snowfall. You must therefore get ready to get by on the absolute minimum requirements during your stay.
Things you need while Visiting Spiti In December
- Warm clothing
- Sunglasses and a sunscreen
- Woolen cap and mufflers
- A torch
- Candies and digestives for road journey
- Essential medicines and small first-aid kit
- A pair of extra shoes and socks
- Water bottle
Important Safety Measures you should take before planning your trip to Spiti Valley in December
- If you’re taking a public or private vehicle to Spiti in the December, be careful to stop at specific locations for a few hours or even an overnight stay to acclimatize.
- Drink lots of water and eat often to keep your body warm.
- Make sure you have sufficiently covered your body with several layers.
- Since Kaza’s ATMs might not be functional, bring enough cash with you.
- Before you start your trip to Spiti, schedule a simple checkup with your doctor.
- Plan your day outings based on the weather, therefore pay great attention to it.
Conclusion
December is not the best time to visit Spiti Valley as the region experiences heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures during this time. The roads leading to Spiti Valley also remain closed due to heavy snowfall, making it difficult to access the region. The local population also migrates to lower altitudes during this time, leaving the region mostly deserted. However, if you are an adventure seeker and love to experience extreme cold, then you can plan your visit to Spiti Valley in December. Just make sure to carry enough warm clothes and necessary equipment to tackle the harsh weather conditions.
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People Also Ask about Spiti Valley In December
Winter Spiti refers to the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, during the winter months. It’s a region known for its extreme cold and stunning landscapes.
The best time to visit December Spiti is from late December to early March when the valley is covered in snow and offers a unique, pristine beauty.
While it can be challenging due to extreme cold and snowfall, it is generally safe for experienced travelers. Ensure you have the right equipment and prepare for harsh conditions.
You can reach December Spiti by road from Manali via the Manali-Kaza route. However, this route might be closed during heavy snowfall, so check road conditions before planning your trip.
You should pack warm clothing, insulated boots, thermal wear, gloves, and essential winter gear. It’s also advisable to carry snow chains for your vehicle.
Yes, some guesthouses and hotels remain open during the December months, but the options may be limited. Booking in advance is recommended.
Popular attractions include Key Monastery, Kibber, Langza, and Hikkim villages, Chandratal Lake (if accessible), and the breathtaking snow-covered landscapes.
Kaza, the main town in Spiti, has basic medical facilities. However, it’s crucial to carry a basic medical kit with you, as reaching medical help can be difficult in winter.
Yes, you may have the chance to witness some unique winter festivals, including Losar, if your trip coincides with these events. It’s a great opportunity to experience local culture.
Some challenges include harsh weather, road closures, and limited facilities. It’s essential to be well-prepared and aware of these challenges before planning your trip.
Photography is generally allowed, but it’s respectful to ask for permission from locals, especially in the monasteries and around sensitive cultural sites
December is a great time for wildlife enthusiasts to spot the elusive Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, and other unique Himalayan species. Make sure to bring appropriate gear for wildlife photography.
Remember to stay updated on weather conditions and road closures, and always prioritize safety when visiting December Spiti during the December months.
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Gagan Garg2023-10-21It was fun planning my first planned holiday with Pluto. They have very reliable links in local areas. Nitin was my POC for the trip and he managed it so well that every small request and query had the fastest solution and response. I will highly recommend him and will plan my next trip through his dedicated work. Altaf(driver) in Srinagar was very well mannered and entertaining. He was dedicated to best customer service and no doubt he achieved it all the way. I requested for hotel upgrade and it was handled quickly on last minute. I highly recommend Pluto and their services for planned holidays. Ask for Nitin and Altaf(if in Srinagar).
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ashutosh mishra2023-10-04Tour was good, initial experience was not good with the tour operator, I had asked for aura grand hotel with early check in, at the time of finalising the plan and making the payment, they were saying that we will get the aura grand hotel in Amritsar. But at last moment same hotel was not provided and they forced us to check-in in their own property which is Diamond Villa in Amritsar which was not so good. Mr. Vikram Rana tried fooling till last moment, Mr. Anurag also not provided correct information about the hotel booking. However our driver Mr. VINAY (BUNTY) was very good. Mr. Nitin of Pluto helped very well in executing the trip in good manner.