At an altitude of 3,800 meters, Kaza is located on the left bank ofthe Spiti River. The town of Kaza is divided into two areas, the old town and the new town. The new town has some government buildings. Roads from Manali and Shimla connect Kaza except during winter. The biggest monastery of Spiti, Ki Gompa is 11 km from Kaza. Kibber, located 11 km from Ki Gompa, is the highest village in the world at an altitude of 4,250 meters. Kunzum Pass: Kunzum Pass, at an altitude of 4,590 meters, extends from Spiti to Lahaul. It offers a magnificent view of the surrounding areas, and also a temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga atop the pass. On the way to this pass, travellers can enjoy views of the
second longest glacier in the world, the Bara- Sigri glacier. Pin Valley National Park: Extending 1,875 sq. km, on the south ofthe Spiti Valley, the Pin Valley National Park is famous as the ‘land of ibex and snow leopards.’ From July to October, a popular 8- day trek is organised from here over the 5,319 meter Pin-Parvati Pass to the Parvati Valley near Kullu.
| Kullu & Parvati Valleys
The Kullu valley, also known as the Valley of Gods, is the headquarters of the Kullu District. Located on the banks ofthe Beas River, about 10 km north ofthe airport at Bhuntar, Kullu is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. Like a supple delicate- hued fern gleaming in the morning dew, the valley spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the Beas River. From north to south, the main river valley is 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest. However, there is a fairly wide area that offers picturesque mountain scenery.
With the arrival of spring Kullu becomes luxuriant with pink blossoms and white flowers, while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. With autumn, clear blue skies return and fields and forests alike show wonderful tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the majestic pines and cedars in the forests. Apart from natural beauty, Kullu is an ideal destination for adventure sports and outdoor activities. There is ample scope for skiing, trekking, mountaineering, sightseeing etc. On weekend getaways from Kullu-Manali you can travel to Shimla, Kalpa, Kaza,
Kannaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and so on.
Situated northeast from Bhuntar towards Lahaul and Spiti, the Parvati Valley is a well established traveller hangout. Many small towns adjacent to the Valley have been converted into sub-standard hippie resorts.
Getting There
Kullu is well-connected by road with Ambala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala, Dehradun, Pathankot, and Dalhousie. Regular bus services are available between these destinations. The nearest rail heads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot. The Kullu and Parvati Valleys, from Mandi to Manali are serviced by the airport at Bhuntar, 10 km south of Kullu town.