Interesting Facts You Should Know Before Visiting Spiti Valley

Travelling to a place and exploring it does not only include paying a visit to it. If you want to immerse yourself in a place, you should also be aware of its history and culture. Similar is the thing with the beautiful destination- Spiti Valley. You might know Spiti Valley in winter for its spectacular view or its solitude, however, Spiti Valley, not many people are aware about many of general facts about it.

Here are a few interesting facts you should know before going on your Spiti Valley trip.

1) MEANING OF THE WORD ‘SPITI’

The first and foremost fact, one should know about Spiti Valley is the meaning of the name Spiti itself. Spiti means ‘The middle land’ that is the land between Tibet and India.

2) MAGICAL WORD-JULE

The language spoken in Spiti is Bhoti and in Bhoti language. In Bhoti language, there is a single word that can mean hello, thank you, please as well as sorry. This magical word that you need to know is ‘Jule’, pronounced as Joo-lay. Wherever you go, it’s always good to know a few basic words in the regional language. So, there you go!

3) THE SPLIT

Did you know that Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh were formerly two separate districts? Well, now you know it!

Read Blog: 8 Reasons to Visit Spiti Valley in Winters

4) THE TIBETAN CULTURE

Himachal is a great place to explore more about the Buddhist religion, as the place is full of Buddhist monasteries. One of the monasteries the must-visit monasteries is Tabo monastery.  It is the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas.

The Great Dalai Lama expressed his desire to retire to the Tabo monastery, as he says that the Tabo Monastery is one of the holiest monasteries in the world. Tabo monastery is referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” and is also declared as a World heritage site by UNESCO. It is situated at 3500 meters above sea level. This monastery was built in 996 AD that makes it years old.

5) PHONE CONNECTIVITY

Only BSNL and MTNL works in Spiti Valley. Airtel and Jio work only in Kinnaur valley up to Spillow. In winters, especially connectivity is erratic. Satellite mobile phones could be used in case of emergency. Informing your friends and family in advance will be helpful about the poor connectivity. So, before you book your Spiti Valley trip packages you should be aware of this fact.

6) WHICH PLACES DOES IT BORDER?

Spiti is bordered on the east by Tibet, the north by Ladakh, the south by Kullu and Lahaul, and the southeast by Kinnaur.

7) WORLD’S HIGHEST POST OFFICE AND VILLAGE

In Spiti you get a chance to visit the world’s highest village Komic. Hikkim village is credited to have World's Highest Polling Station. Hikkim also has World's Highest Post Office.

8) POTATOES!!

The Lahaul Valley is one of India’s most important disease-free seed potato-producingregions, with more than 90% of the crop going to West Bengal, Bihar, and Karnataka. Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh has the highest irrigation intensity under plough.

9) FOSSIL RICH REGION

The Geological Survey of India and the Geological Society of America consider Spiti to be one of the world’s most fossil-rich regions.