If you need a breath of magical fresh air, the landlocked Lahaul valley could be your must-visit place this summer. Also known as the "cold desert" of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul Spiti remains cut off from the world most part of the year. Hence, only a few visit this home to hidden gems. But, from temples, monasteries to towns steeped in folklore, from tribal villages to beautiful hills and lakes, the cold desert has it all.

The climatic conditions of the place are harsh as much of the land forms part of a cold desert where the mercury drops below minus 20 degrees Celsius during winter. The tribal district remains cut off from human contact for about six months owing to heavy snow accumulation from December onwards on the Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet), the only connection with Manali in Kullu district. The road links to the tribal area are restored only by mid-May when the snow melts. Otherwise, helicopters are the only mode of transportation for the locals, mostly tribal, during winter. The ambitious Rohtang tunnel project, which is under construction and will run beneath the Rohtang Pass, would ensure connectivity between Lahaul Valley and Manali throughout the year.

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The tribal locals here are mostly Buddhists, hence the place is also known as ‘Little Tibet’. Here is a list of some of the hill stations, remote villages and lakes which might help in planning your travel to Lahaul Spiti.

Tandi

The confluence (Sangam) point of Chandra and Bhaga rivers, Tandi village is a town situated close to Keylong. The village has only 34 houses and the total population of the place as per 2011 census is 95 persons.

It is believed that the place got its name from the phrase ‘Tan Dehi’ meaning giving up of the body. Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas from the Mahabharata is believed to have given up her body in this place and her mortal remains were immersed in this river.

The confluence point is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists as the Sangam is considered to be the one of eight Mahashamshans (cremation place) in India which includes Varanasi.

Besides, the mythological importance, Tandi village is famous for its green valleys and the natural beauty of the place can’t be expressed in few words, for you can only experience it.

The majestic valleys of both Chandra and Bhaga rivers add beauty to this place and it is the perfect place for spending some hours close to nature.

Dhankar

Set amidst lush green pastures at an elevation of 3,894 meters (12,774 feet), Dhankar village was the capital of erstwhile Spiti Kingdom during the 17th century.

The place derives its name from Dhang or dang means cliff and kar or khar means fort, hence Dhankar means fort on a cliff.

The Dhankar monastery complex is built on a high spur overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers, making the place one of the world’s most spectacular settings for a Gompa. The monastery was built approximately one thousand years ago and now belongs to the Gelugspa School of order since the 1450's.

The major attractions of Dhankar Monastery is statue of Vairochana (Dhayan Buddha), consisting of four figures seated back to back and it is recognised by the World Monuments Fund as one of the Hundred Most Endangered Sites in the world.

The place also has a fresh water lake, located around 1.5 km from the village at a height of 13500 ft and it provides water supply to the village.

The Dhankar Lake offers a perfect idyllic camping site but locals do not allow camping at the lake anymore.

Kibber

Locally called Kyibar, Kibber is one of the most picture perfect hilly hamlets in Spiti valley and it is surely one of the most picturesque yet challenging places to visit.

Located at an altitude of 4205 m, Kibber has its own monastery and Gompa and the place has the distinction of being the highest motorable village in the world.

The village is known for its scenic mountains, barren splendor and monasteries and its landscape and that of the entire Spiti Valley resembles Ladakh and Tibet.

The Key Monastery is the most important Buddhist center in Spiti Valley and it is located close to Kibber.

Besides this, India’s wild life sanctuary in a cold desert, the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is located here and it is home to the ibex, blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan woolly hare, Himalayan wolf, lynx, pika, Tibetan wild ass and the snow leopard.

The high altitude and pollution free atmosphere is a boon for sky gazers, making it photographers’ paradise and Kibber is also home to a large amount of fossils.

Tabo

Tabo, the first village of Spiti Valley from Kinnaur side in Himachal Pradesh is one of the holiest places in the remote and barren landscape of Lahaul and Spiti district.

It is home to the ancient Tabo Monastery that was built in the 10th century and Tabo Caves that used to serve as dwelling place for monks during harsh winters.

The monastery houses a rich collection of thankas, frescoes, manuscripts, well-preserved statues, murals and paintings.

Tabo village is a must visit place during the Kalachakra Festival of Buddhists which is held in the month of July every year.

Chandra Tal Lake

The crescent shaped lake called Chandra Tal lake is located at an altitude of 4300 m on the barren landscape of the Samudra Tapu plateau. It is a sweet water lake that can be accessed via Kunzum Pass.

The lake is a popular hub for trekkers and campers and it flaunts a wide range of wildflowers carpeted over the surrounding meadows during spring time. It is believed that the source of Chandra Tal lake lies underground as there is no visible inlet but has a visible outlet.

Suraj Tal Lake

One of the beautiful high altitude lakes in the Indian Himalayan region, Suraj Tal lies in the lap of the Bara-lacha-la Pass on the Manali-Leh Highway at an altitude of 4,883 m.

The lake is the source of the Bhaga River that joins the Chandrabhaga River and thereafter meets the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 5th highest lake in India, Suraj Tal lake pulls in travellers’ from all over the world and it makes for a refreshing stopover for travellers’.

Pin Valley National Park

Amid the backdrop of semi frozen streams and mighty Himalayas, Pin Valley National Park is a rich bio reserve of rare to endangered flora and fauna, making it the one of the most thrilling places to see in Spiti valley.

The National Park amidst the cold desert is home to snow leopards, snowcocks, chukar partridges and Siberian ibex. It is also home to many medicinal plants, alpine vegetation, cedar and deodar trees.

Though the tribal district of Lahaul Spiti makes for must visit places, tourists should keep in mind that there are no hotels and resorts. Only locals provide rooms or home-stays on rent.