A high altitude cold desert, Spiti lying in the rain shadow of rugged mountain ranges has very little rain and an abundance of snow. It is out of land of fairy tales and fantasies.

Stark ranges that seem painted in shades of russets purple and pink eroded mountain sides strewn with boulders, deep gorges carved out by swift flowing snow fed streams are a part of its surrealistic landscape.

Sumdo: Located on the N.H. 22, Sumdo is the entry point into Spiti from the district of Kinnaur. 

Tabo (3, 050 m) On the left bank of the River Spiti not far from Sumdo Tabo is surrounded by high mountains. The thousand year old Tabo Gompa. the was established by the legendary Rinchen Tsangpo. is considered next in importance only to the Tholing Gompa in tibet.

Shchichiling: A diversion is possible from this point to the Dhankar Monastery. Built high on a rugged hillside of whic it seems a part, this gompa has interesting murals and stuccos.

Kaza: A little deeper along the valley is Kaza, noted for its historic Kyi Gompa