Lahaul and Spiti Valley
A world within a world
The Indian state Himachal Pradesh consists of two formerly separate districts Lahaul and Spiti. Kyelang, the present administrative centre, is in Lahaul. Kardang was the capital of Lahaul, and Dhankar was the capital of Spiti before the two states got merged. In 1960 the district was formed and was the fourth populous district in India.
The entrance pass from Lahaul to Spiti is Kunzum La or Kunzum pass. It is 21km from Chandra Tal lake. The city is very well connected to Manali through Rohtang. Spiti ends 24km to the south from Tabo at the Sumdo where the road enters Kinnaur and joins National Highway 5.
Lahaul and Spiti both are different in character. Spiti is challenging to cross and mostly barren, with an average elevation of the valley floor of 4,270m. Rushing out of the gorge Spiti river meets the Sutlej river in the southeast.