Amongst the lesser known areas of the Himalayas Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is certainly one of the most fascinating and inspiring. Scattered in this barren and bizarre mountain world south of Ladakh some of the oldest Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries have been withstanding the harsh alpine climate for over 1000 years here. Tucked away in the interiors of the trans-Himalayan belt this high altitude cold desert region has been open to the outside world  only recently and remains cut off for most of the year by   the   high   mountains  that   encircle  it. Depending  on  the  season,  temperatures  here  vary  from + 28 to – 28°C.

Through its relative isolation Spiti has maintained various unique aspects of the Tibetan cultural heritage. Spiti provides habitat for endangered wildlife such as the Snow Leopard, the Tibetan Wolf and the Blue Sheep amongst others. 

Spiti is inhabited by a homogenous Buddhist society of a little over 10’000. Agriculture and barter with the neighbouring areas formed the mainstay of this subsistence economy. Due to the harsh climatic conditions and lack of rain, agriculture is restricted to only one crop a year as the only source of irrigation is the winter snow melt. Herding of livestock including yaks is an integral aspect of village life in Spiti. 

Spiti's homestays are accessible only during summer and are located mostly within the Kibber Nature Sanctuary in traditional, quaint villages between 3800 and 4000 m.a.s.l. From July to August alpine flowers are in bloom and meadows and fields adorn this unique and breathtaking landscape with a green hue. Extensive trails invite to explore the area by foot. 

As house-guest in Spiti open the doors for you to experience Spiti’s rich cultural heritage close-up. You gain exclusive and authentic insights into this remote and mythical land and its people.  The unique opportunity to be guest in local homes and to experience village-life with the people guarantees unforgettable experiences while at the same time providing an important additional income to your host. This in turn provides an incentive to preserve Spiti’s natural resources, wildlife and cultural heritage. This is the objective of Spiti’s homestay-concept whose implementation is supported by a local NGO (Ecoshphere, www.himalayan-homestay.com) that was initially supported by the UNESCO.  Country-folk not only receives incentives for much needed alternative sources of income but at the same time also incentives to protect the environment and Spiti’s unique cultural heritage. With your homestay-visit you support this noble cause while gaining an unforgettable and inspiring experience.

Highlights & additional attractions:

• Spiti’s land, people & domestic animals including yaks, horses and donkeys
• Buddhist monasteries, temples and meditation caves
• Folk dance & songs
• Scenic hikes from village to village
• Trekking in remote valley in the habitat of the rare Himalayan Wolf (Canis himalayensis)
• Mountain biking
• Yak- or horse-trekking