As I near the first anniversary of my debut solo trip, for reasons unknown I still struggle to articulate my experiences from Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Faraway in the mountains, the silent solitude has taught me more than I expected and made me believe in the good even more. If there was only one thing I had to take away from this experience, it would be that moment in Demul when I knew that it is hope we live on.

While I have begun understanding that I may never be able to put words to this experience, I will share some arbitrary selection of photographs from my effervescent time there. These will attempt to share some moments of what I have lived there. Most other, rests within my memory and heart.

Disclaimer: These photographs do not attempt to show how spectacular the landscape of Spiti is; they are only a personal expression.

 

Through the volleyball net, where the monks of Kee Monastery are often seen to play.
Through the volleyball net, where the monks of Kee Monastery are often seen to play.
The road to Kaza from Manali. The first nallah was just a start, two more to go.
The road to Kaza from Manali. This nallah was just a start, two more to go.
When we stopped at Losar for some food.
When we stopped at Losar for some food.
The ritualistic cutting of grass at the highlands of Langza. One of my favourite experiences.
The ritualistic cutting of grass at the highlands of Langza. One of my favourite experiences.
With Sonam, in Langza. While our interaction, I realised that she has one of the brightest eyes I've ever seen.
With Sonam, in Langza. While our interaction, I realised that she has one of the warmest smiles I’ve ever seen.
A first ever full rainbow, up above the Langza sky.
A first ever full rainbow, up above the Langza sky.
Learning to be still in Langza.
Learning to be still in Langza.
Dorji Uncle, who
Dorji Uncle, who not only introduced me to pottery but also put my fitness to shame!
The spooky village of Komic.
The spooky village of Komic.
The panorama of Kaza with the rainbow, landscape and the river flowing through it.
The panorama of Kaza with the rainbow, landscape and the river flowing through it.
The delicious thuppa made up of all vegetables from the farm and greenhouse.
The delicious thuppa made up of all vegetables from the farm and the greenhouse.
The day I hiked to a peak where I had nowhere else to go. Overlooking Demul village.
The day I hiked to a point where I had nowhere else to go. Overlooking Demul village.
Masks, at a restaurant in Dhankar.
Masks, at a restaurant in Dhankar.
The enchanting landscape of Dhanker.
The enchanting landscape of Dhankar.
En route to Kaza from Tabo. Sachin just remember that his shoes were drying!
En route to Kaza from Tabo. Sachin just remembered that his shoes were drying!
Bollywood follows us every where!
Bollywood follows us everywhere!
I can still taste the butter. The best parantha and chai in a small-chai-dukaan at Kaza.
I can still taste the butter. The best parantha and chai in a chai ki dukaan at Kaza Bazaar Road.
With the elusive Angrup, at Taste of Spiti. He made the best dal-chawal in the world.
With the elusive Angrup (and very strong camera flash), at Taste of Spiti. He made the best dal-chawal in the world.
The tough life of a Himalayan dog.
The tough life of a Himalayan dog.
The road I took to leave my very favourite place in the world, Kunzum La.
The road I took to leave my very favourite place in the world, Kunzum La.
That close and that happy.
That close and that happy.
Leaving Chandra Taal was one of the most heart-breaking experiences.
Leaving Chandra Taal was one of the most heart-breaking experiences.

~Have you been to the beautiful Spiti? What have your experiences been?

 

Amrita Das

I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.

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6 thoughts on “Photos from Spiti”

  1. 5-6 years ago I was suggested by a French lady to tour Spiti and I have yet to tour the beautiful Spiti but want to.
    Thanks for sharing photos. It was a tour.

    Reply

  2. Really awesome…. spiti is in my wish list. would you suggest bringing my ford figo there. I have been to sangla and chhitkul on figo and want to know if kaza via manali is doable?

    Reply

  3. Hi Amrita,

    I have been meaning to do a solo trip to lahaul-spiti for a long time now. I wanted to know how safe is it and what all things should I keep in mind?

    Regards,
    Aparna
    p.s: I am not an traveller/explorer but I have to do Spiti before I die once.

    Reply

    1. Hi Aparna, thanks for stopping by. Spiti is spectacular and very safe. The people are amongst the nicest you would meet. You don’t have to be a traveller to visit a place. Spiti is a must for all and I’m glad you want to go there. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to mail me. Happy trails!

      Reply

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