Kaza (3660 m), This is the administrative headquarters of Spiti. It has a markplace, medical facilities, a filling station, rest houses and hotels. Kaza serves as the basis for excursions in the area and among others. The KI(Key), Hikkim, Komik and Langia monasteries are at hand. A rest house and a few private guesthouses besides the HPTDC hotel fulfil the needs of the tourists visiting Spiti. The town of Kaza, Kaze or Kaja is the subdivisional headquarters of the remote Spiti Valley in the District Lahaul-Spiti of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Western Himalayas of India. Kaza (412 km from Shimla), situated along the Spiti River at an elevation of 3,800 metres (12,500 ft) above mean sea level, is the largest township and commercial center of the valley.
The village is overlooked by steep ridges. The otherwise soporific place hums with activity of tourists during summer, who converge here for permits, current exchange, information, accommodation, petrol and to witness the annual trade fair which a number of visitors compare with the fairs in some of the gompa towns of Ladakh. Besides, Kaza makes a ideal base camp for all treks and tours within the valley. Guides, porters, pack animals and most importantly permits for treks can be obtained in Kaza. There are two rest houses in Kaza proper. The Electricity Board rest house is at Rangrik just 4 km away. It is the best in the valley. Kaza has one of the two Sa-kya-pa sect monasteries. The other monastery is at Hikkim. Rani Damyanti, a descendent of this ruling, family, now resides in Kaza preserving all the stately charm of the yester years.
Kaza is known for its colorful festivals and the ancient Sakya Tangyud Monastery in a side valley, 4 km from the town. There is a PWD rest house and a private hotel. The town is divided into the old and new sections. The new town contains the administrative buildings. The Tangyud (Tang-rGyud) Gompa dates to the early 14th century and is built like a fortified castle with massive slanted mud walls and battlements with vertical red ochre and white vertical stripes. It is on the edge of a deep canyon and overlooking the town of Kaza, 4 km from the town.Approaching it from the south one sees Kyu-ling (Skyid-gling), the stately palace of the Nono on the other side of the river.
HOW TO REACH / ACCESS : Nearest airports are at Kullu (Bhuntar) 250 km. and Shimla 445 km. Kaza can be approached by road from Shimla (May to October) and from Manali 200 km. via Kuzam Pass (June to October).
CLIMATE : This region is known as Cold Desert and does not receive rainfall. In winter the temperature can drop below freezing point, when heavy woolens are required. In summers the weather remains pleasant when light woolens are advised.
Other Interesting Places in Lahaul Spiti
