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The majestic Spiti Valley, nestled in the Himalayas, is a perfect getaway to escape your monotonous life in the city. The sublime beauty of this hill station is a crowd puller, attracting travelers from around the globe. The snow-capped mountains, the lush forests, and the beautiful waterfalls are a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and shutterbugs. The numerous trekking trails lure trekkers and campers who seek solitude amidst nature. Spiti Valley offers breathtaking views throughout the year, with pros and cons to each season. Here's a guide to help you plan your trip to Spiti in summer, monsoon, or winter.
Summer season
The summer season is undoubtedly the best time to visit Spiti Valley. The months between April to June are highly suitable for a vacation in the hills, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can enjoy adventure activities like paragliding without being worried about the weather. Rock climbing and mountain cycling are considerably safer to do at this time without any fear of avalanches. The days are warm and sunny as the glaciers start to melt, making way for activities like river rafting. The valley is greener than ever, attracting trekkers and campers from all over the country. In addition to the scenic view, the locals celebrate numerous festivals and carnivals in this season. So, plan your trip in the summers to enjoy the best of both worlds.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - In summers, the temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius during the day to 5 degrees Celsius at night.
Monsoon season
From July to September, Spiti Valley experiences occasional rainfall that often causes damage to life and property. In the last few years, there have been some instances of cloudbursts and downpours that went on for days. These result in massive landslides and dangerous avalanches that you should avoid at all costs. Road conditions are also terrible after heavy showers, making it nearly impossible to travel.
However, it is not impossible to travel during monsoons if you take all necessary precautions. If you are starting from Shimla, chances of rain start dying after you reach Reckong Peo. If you are travelling on a motorcycle during monsoons, you must waterproof everything properly. Seek advice from the locals and drive slow. The valley reveals its pristine beauty after a few showers, making the troublesome journey worth it.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - In monsoons, the temperature varies from 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day to 3-4 degrees Celsius at night.
Winter season
The winter months of November to February are so harsh that many passes are closed to restrict tourists from the freezing conditions of Spiti Valley. The valley experiences infinite snowfall, causing most guest houses and hotels to close. Only a few places like Dhankar and Hikkim are accessible during this time.
Although most people do not prefer to visit Spiti in winter, some find the heavy snowfall and cold weather appealing. This gives them a chance to stay at homestays with the locals and experience their lifestyle. Covered in white, Spiti Valley has a certain charm in winters that offers tranquility to the visiting tourists. There are fewer tourists, and the rates at the homestays are pretty low too.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - In winters, the temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius during the day and ranges from -20 to -30 degrees Celsius at night.