Discover the Mesmerizing Beauty of Spiti Valley in July - Your Ultimate Guide
Spiti Valley is open for tourism all year round. People stay in the valley all year round but if you are talking about the peak tourism season, then yes, I will tell you that it is restricted to June, July, August and September only. Manali Kaza highway is declared open to tourists around the end of May or the beginning of June. This marks the start of the tourist season in Spiti Valley. Come July all the tourism activities are in full swing. Hotels, guest houses and restaurants are all in full swing. Yes, you can go to Spiti Valley in July. However, there are a few things to keep in mind which I will discuss in the following post.
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Monsoon in Spiti Valley
July is the time of year when Monsoon hits the valleys in Lahaul and Spiti, and this is what you will be most worried about. Monsoon can lead to moderate to severe landslides anywhere in the area; it can cause numerous water flows along the way; and it can keep you wet for hours on end as you ride on your motorcycle. So, the first thing that you’ll need to do if you’re going on a motorcycle in July is waterproof everything. If you’re planning on driving your car in July, then you’ll want to make sure you have the right rain gear, because you won’t be sitting in the car all day long.
Spiti Valley weather in July
Monsoon will again be a big factor in this one. It won’t be very cold except for the nights. The days will be nice and warm, but yes, the wind can suddenly change that. The weather in Spiti can be a bit confusing. I say “tweak” because when I say “weird” I mean that if there’s wind, you’ll feel cold, but you’ll be fine once the wind stops blowing. If you’ve been in the sun for a while, you won’t feel cold as soon as you step out of the sun. The sun keeps you warm, but it also starts burning your skin after a while of being in the sun.
What to wear in Spiti Valley in July?
When you’re packing your clothes for July in Spiti Valley, you’ll start by packing all your normal cotton. Be sure to pack clothes that can dry quickly if needed. After cottons, add some light woolens but don’t go for the heavy ones. After woollens, pack some heavy windproof jackets that have a hood to cover your neck, face, and ears. Gloves are a must-have accessory. The last thing you’ll need to pack is your rain gear. You’ll want to find a good rain jacket and bring it with you. If you’re travelling by car, bring an umbrella too.
Places to visit in Spiti Valley in July
1. Chitkul
Sangla-Chitkul Road is a bit of a mixed bag, but you’ll be able to get there easily. The beauty and serenity of the place are what makes it one of the best places to visit and include in your travel itinerary. One of the best ways to get there is a one-day trek from Chitkul that will take you to some stunning views.
2. Kalpa
Kalpa is open to tourists all year round except for a few days in the winter when snowfall may make the road between Rekong Peo to Kalpa impassable. However, in July, you can reach Kalpa easily thanks to the view of the Kinner Kailash peaks. This makes Kalpa one of the best places to visit.
3. Pin Valley National Park
Not many people go to Pin Valley on their Kaza trips. The good thing is, you can visit Pin Valley without spending a lot of time if you’re on a tight schedule. On your way from Dhankar to Kaza, there’s a road that takes a sharp turn towards Pin Valley near Attargo. Mud Village is barely 30 km from Kaza. So, you can visit Pin Valley in around 2 hours and still make it to Kaza if you’re running late. If you have a day to kill, I highly recommend spending some time here and taking in the stunning vistas of the valley.
4. Kaza
Kaza is the main town in Spiti Valley. This small town is very busy all year round. If you come here in July you will see a lot of tourists and you will be able to find accommodation. But if you come here at any other time of the year, you will still find a lot of tourists. The hotels in Kaza stay open all year round. This is the main place in Spiti Valley where you can find all the basic things like a petrol pump, a mechanic, medical aid and everything else.
5. Chandratal Lake
Chandratal is also open in July. All the campsites are open and you can also book a night stay at the lake. The Chandratal route has traditionally opened in early June when Kunzum Pass is cleared of snow. It takes around 10-14 days for campsite owners to get their tents set up and start receiving guests.
Tips for Travelling to Spiti Valley in July
1. Pack light but pack right: Although Spiti is a cold desert, the temperature in July can still vary from 5°C to 25°C. Therefore, it is advisable to pack light but pack right. Carry warm clothes, waterproof jackets, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses.
2. Stay hydrated: Spiti is a high-altitude region, and staying hydrated is crucial. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
3. Carry cash: Spiti is a remote region, and ATMs are scarce. Carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses, including food, accommodation, and travel.
4. Plan your itinerary: Make a rough itinerary before you start your journey. The roads in Spiti can be treacherous, and landslides are common. Plan your itinerary in such a way that you have enough time to explore the region and also factor in some buffer time for unforeseen circumstances.
5. Respect the local culture: Spiti has a rich cultural heritage, and it is essential to respect the local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately and seek permission before taking photographs of the locals or their houses.
6. Be prepared for power cuts: Power cuts are common in Spiti, and it is advisable to carry a power bank with you to keep your devices charged.
7. Hire a local guide: Hiring a local guide can be beneficial as they know the region well and can guide you through the treacherous mountain roads. They can also help you understand the local culture and history better.
Conclusion
Travelling to Spiti Valley in July offers a unique experience with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The monsoon season brings lush greenery to the arid region, creating a picturesque contrast against the rugged mountains. While some roads may be challenging due to rainfall, the weather is generally pleasant for exploring the valley and its ancient monasteries. Embracing the local festivals and traditions during this time can provide a deeper insight into the rich heritage of Spiti Valley.
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People also ask about Spiti Valley in July
1. Is July a good time to visit Spiti Valley?
Yes, July is the best month for visiting Spiti Valley. However, the best time to visit is in early July as it avoids the monsoon.
2. Is Spiti safe during monsoon?
The monsoon season (July-September) is the best time to avoid going to Spiti, as heavy rains, followed by flash floods and slippery roads, can completely ruin your holiday.
3. Can we stay at night in Chandratal Lake?
Yes, One of the only ways to stay near Chandratal Lake is by camping in the camping area. Chandratal Lake has many camps for overnight camping.
4. Is there snow in Kaza in July?
On an average day in July in Kaza, the probability of precipitation is 70%.
5. Do we need oxygen in Spiti?
Oxygen levels in Spiti Valley are very low, but as long as you remember to drink small amounts of water, it shouldn’t be a problem.
