Kaza â a beautiful town situated deep into the Spiti Valley- is a gateway into one of the most spectacularly isolated areas in India. Kaza lies at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) and is closely located in many treacherous mountains, old monasteries, and wide unvegetated tracts. Thus, genuine enthusiasts will find Kaza and its rightful vicinity replete with various activities that can be considered educational and fun. So that you do not miss out on anything that this beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh has to offer, here is a brief on what things to do in kaza.
Discover the Wonders of Kaza: High on all activities, here are the things to do in Kaza.
1. Visit Key Monastery
Being historical and religious landmarks, Key Monastery or Kye Gompa is certainly a must-see attraction in Kaza when visiting Spiti Valley. This is a monastic complex, which is a thousand years old and built on a hill that rises at an altitude of 4166 meters Papig Bayan-Olgii in the valley below panoramic views. Thus, not only is it a Church but also a home of training for Lamas and devotees. Though many of them are closed, tourists may see the frescoes taken from the caves, and manuscripts and breathe in the air of quietude. The monastery also has a theatrical performance annually called âCham danceâ, it is a colorful and religious event.
2. Discovering the Village of Kibber
Located at a distance of only 14 km from Kaza, the village of Kibber is probably one of the highest inhabited villages in the world with an altitude of 4270 meters (14,009 feet). The architecture of the village is different, the houses are made from stone and mud, and it is a wonder that most of them are still inhabitable. Kibber also provides starters to many treks such as the Chicham trek where there is one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia.
3. Chandratal Lake
The Moon Lake which is known as Chandratal is one of the most beautiful and calm lakes in the region. This Lake lies at an altitude of 4,300m/14,100ft and it is nestled amidst the peaks of the Himalayan range. The entire journey going to Chandratal from Kaza is quite an exciting one because you are offered a wonderful view of the Spiti Valley. Trekking to camp close to the lake, especially at night is one of the most exciting encounters and is loved by many.
4. Situated in the northeast region of the country, the two areas of interest are Langza Village and the Buddha Statue.
About 8. 7 mi (14 km) from Kaza, there is Langza Village which is home to a giant sculpture of Buddha in the valley. The statue is at an altitude of 4,400 meters (7,500 feet) and gives the image of calmness with the meaning of liberty. Another interesting fact associated with the village is that Langza village is famous for fossils as once the village was covered with a part of the Tethys Sea, millions of years ago. One of the popular and exciting adventure activities practiced in Langza is fossicking where people look for fossils.
5. Hikkim: The highest post office in the world
Located in the village of Hikkim, which is seven kilometers from Kaza, the worldâs highest post office is rising at 4,400 meters (14,435 feet). The extinction of a postcard from this post office is fun and a good experience that can be shared with friends and families. The village design is spectacular with a view of the surrounding hills and there is no pollution to block one's view of the stars at night.
6. Komik Village
Komik is one of the highest motorable villages in this world, that is at an altitude of 4,587 meters (15,049 feet) and its meaning is âeye of a snow cockâ. The village also has the historic Tangyud Monastery settlement that is constructed on the cliff by the edge of a canyon just like a castle. The place where the monastery was built has beautiful and picturesque views and gives off a rather serene vibe. It is possible to walk around the monastery, communicate with the monks, and admire the rather Spartan but resourced life of the villagers.
7. Pin Valley National Park
Wildlife lovers must pay a visit to the Pin Valley National Park. The park covering the cold desert region of Spiti strength holds populations of snow leopard, Siberian ibex, and the blue sheep or bharal. It also has many medicinal plants as well as avian diversity which make up the parkâs other features. The possibility of trekking in Pin Valley gives an excellent chance to meet the special strange flora and fauna and admire the fine view.
8. Dhankar Monastery and Lake
Dhankar Monastery is also another sacred religious place, situated at the cliff top by the joining of both Spiti & Pin Rivers which is closely located to Kaza. The monastery has a great view of the valley and has some relics of the Buddhist era. A small walk down from the monastery will take you to Dhankar Lake, this makes for an excellent site to meditate. The lake water is calm and the shooting of the mountains gives a good view.
9. Trekking and Adventure Activities
Kaza is one of the major hubs of trekking and adventure trails. Trekking is another adventure activity that people love to do in Himachal trip; some of them are Pin Parvati Pass, Parang La, and Bhabha Pass treks. Such treks let you enjoy stunning vistas, roughly topography, and the incredible opportunity to see the great Himalayas. For adventure lovers, there are options for mountain biking, rock climbing, river rafting in the Spiti River, etc.
10. Local Cuisine and Homestays
Sampling the local dishes is among the most important activities one has to undertake while on a vacation. In Kaza, ethnic Spitian cuisines are available such as momo which is dumplings, Thukpa which is noodle soup, and chhang which is similar to beer but brewed from barley. Homestays are quite comfortable and affordable ways to be a part of everyday life, communicate with people, and taste homemade dishes. The graciousness and helpfulness of the people are very much to make many of the stays memorable.
11. Shopping for Handicrafts
Kaza has several local souvenirs made in the form of arts and crafts which are preferred by tourists. For local products such as prayer flags, woolen cloths, carpets, and lovely jewellery the Kaza market, the Tibetan market is recommended. These handicrafts are the testimony of the cultural history of the region and help to remind us of the journey done.
12. Participate in Local Festivals
In the event, it is recommended to coordinate the visit to the country in question during local festivities. Some of the notable events are Losar (Tibetan New Year) along with Ladarcha Fair which gives the guests a distant view of the tradition and festivity. These festivals are accompanied by music and dance colorful markets and other aspects giving insight into the culture of the area.
13. Stargazing and Photography
Kaza offers the literal translation of a clear sky and high altitude to favor stargazing and astrophotography. Lack of light pollution creates hardly the beautiful scene of the Milky Way and thousands of stars. For photographers wanting to take shots of the vast terrains, monasteries, and people going about their normal lives, Kaza could be photographersâ dream destination.
Conclusion
Kaza, therefore, presents a quieter, yet equally magical experience in terms of the geography it presents, the relics of cultural history it presents, and the adventures which can be had. For holidaymakers interested in nature, there are various opportunities for bird watching, as well as rock art, the Historians and archaeologists will also find Kaza interesting as there are many fossils and petroglyphs, as well as old churches around the area. In visiting its religious heritages hiking its steep terrains, or even getting an interaction with the native inhabitants and dishes, one can capture an unforgettable moment along with having a friendly perception towards the magnificent area afloat. Kaza is eager for you to plan the trip using Capture a Trip, as you will receive a wealth of knowledge and priceless memories.
