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Spiti Valley: Tips So You Don’t Get Tricked
Whenever going to a new destination for a holiday or a weekend getaway, a lot of people tell you what to see there or what to taste or where to buy or where to stay. But nobody really tells you about how to save yourself from spending money when it isn’t needed, or from people who might trick you, or things that you might have found for cheap from a different shop.
All they ever do is make you regret it then, by saying,” Oh ho! You could have bought it from that shop instead of this one. That shop offers the best quality products at a better price.” And the regret that haunts you for life at times is the worst.
When planning a trip to a place that you haven’t visited before, it becomes a nightmare thinking about every possible way that it might go wrong. And when someone gives you some tips which help you ease the tension, it is just a blessing.
And like any other place, Spiti Valley too has its fair share of tricksters that may thug you for extra money. So here are some tips for you to follow to make your trip a tension-free one and not something that you’ll regret later.
1. Check for availability/ permissions
Do carry your driver’s license, Aadhar Card or any other identification cards to have a
smooth trip. . As the place is near the Tibetan outskirts, some places do require certain per missions.
2. Health certificates required
Some places, where trekking is involved, require health certificates.
3. Documents required
Do carry your driver’s license, Aadhar Card or any other identification cards to have a smooth trip.
4. The acclimatization issues
Spiti Valley is situated at a height of 3300 metres and hence requires each explorer to
have significant acclimatization as going on such a height, especially for a person who
lives in the plains or coastal areas, might become risky. It is usually advised to influence
your adventure gradually, either by starting from Shimla or Manali. Those with lung or
heart conditions should consult their specialist before planning the trip.
5. A no- network zone
Due to the location of Spiti Valley at such a high altitude, there is almost no to zero phone
network. Sims like BSNL and MTNL do work and hence it is always advised to take them
for your trip to Spiti. Even then, during the winters, as the network poles might get covered
with snow, the connectivity drops to zero.
6. Emergency calls only
You can also use satellite phones at 2rs per minute at STD booths at Batal and Mudh
villages for emergency calls.
7. The best month to visit
Visit during the summer months from April to September as the cold is quite bearable and
all the roads are open. The valley is picturesque, lush green and beautiful to look at.
8. The colder, the better.
The winters are very harsh and the valley looks like a cold dessert which is covered with
snow from all sides. You can definitely visit if you are a fan of cold climates. Though you
must keep in mind about the extreme winters, (at times) closed roads and a lot of closed
tourist places.
9. Time for some showers from heaven
If travelling during the monsoon season, be prepared for landslides, roadblocks, and
overflowing rivers. The water from the rivers sometimes flows towards the roads, making it
difficult to drive. Carry rain appropriate clothes and luggage like rain jackets, water
repellent clothes, open footwear like crocs or rain boots.
10. A longer stay
As the weather is pretty surprising, especially during the monsoons and winters, do keep some buffer days as the roadblocks, landslides, snow, etc may extend your trip than you
had originally planned.
11. Stock up money
The availability of ATMs is pretty rare as you may only find them at Kaza. So, stock up
on enough cash which lasts you throughout the trip.
12. Fossils everywhere but no fuel?
Another rare sighting in Spiti Valley is the petrol pump. The only available petrol pump is
in Kaza, so, fill your tanks enough to make your trip an easier one.
13. The adrenaline rushes
Don’t plan a trek trip out of peer pressure or the adrenaline rush, as some of the treks are
extremely difficult for even experienced people. Keep in mind about your stamina and
health before going for a trek.
14. What to take and what not to take. That is the question.
As some villages like Langza Village have an abundant number of marine fossils, as the
village came into existence when the Tethys Sea dried up. Even though the fossils look
very attractive, you must remember not to take them with you as this disturbs the natural
balance of the place. At the same time, beware of the local people selling you fossils.
Though it is always advised not to take the real fossils home in any form (bought or
found), there may be people selling you replicas made of clay, in the name of real
fossils, and that too, at a much higher price. While it is okay to buy replicas, do make
sure that you are buying them from an ethical store at a fair price.
15. Some new friends
Interact with the locals. Sometimes, befriending a local, especially when you are
travelling alone, comes in handy. The local might tell you the local tip to find something
at a cheaper price, as sometimes the shopkeepers try to extract an extra amount from
you when they know you are a tourist.
16. Local guide to be an expert
Befriending a local also helps you find some hidden gems, be it a café which serves the
most delicious food, or a place which is pretty much untapped by most people.
We hope that the above tips help you prepare for your next Spiti Valley adventure better and have a better and tension- free experience, which you will cherish forever.