Do’s & Don’ts
While going to such high altitudes is a lifetime adventure, it involves some challenges too. Comprehensive list of the Do’s and Don’ts one should focus on to make Spiti a safe and memorable trip:-
- Respect cultures and traditions – “Be kind, Ask nicely, Be humble”. Consideration be a considerate guest at all times. Himalayan cultures are rich and diverse and can sometimes confuse a visitor but if you are friendly, approachable and consider those around you before yourself, you will always earn the respect of locals. Photos ask before taking a photo, as many people prefer not to be photographed for personal, cultural or superstitious reasons.
- Acclimatize properly – Kaza is at an altitude of 3750 m and it takes time for your lungs to get used to the thin air. Your body loses 4 times the water here compared to sea level. To minimize the risks of altitude sickness, keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and rest on the day of arrival. Please give yourself enough time to acclimatize in Kaza (At least min. 36-48 hrs.).
- Take right ingredients – Drink garlic water & Soup. “Garlic is known to make the blood thinner, that enhances the blood circulation and removes the high-altitude symptoms. It is helpful to regulate the intake of oxygen in the body and hence decreases the breathlessness. Thus, garlic can help solve breathing issues while you are at a height. Eat healthy and rich diet full of carbohydrates. Avoid fried & too spicy food. Don’t miss to enjoy local cuisines and visit monasteries to know more about the place and culture.
- Carry all the essentials – Since Spiti is a mountain desert remains cold in summers too, the weather can get a tad confusing. During the day the sun shines bright and harsh enough to give you sun burns and during the later part of the day it can get cold. Carry enough layers of cloths along with a Heavy Jacket, Cap, gloves and extra pairs of socks to keep you warm. And, most important is carrying a good waterproof pair of trekking/hiking shoes or floaters and a UV Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the reflections from snow. Apart from these the most important thing is to carry sufficient cash since there is only 1 ATM in Kaza & most of the time does not work. We know it is very exciting and keep you on your toes!! But sleep is necessary to maintain energy levels of the body. So, have sound sleep for at least 8 hours.
- Say no to Alcohol – Please hold on to those “Chote pegs” or “Patiala pegs” in Kaza or high altitude places because any kind of tobacco, smoking, Alcohol or other depressant drugs including barbiturates, tranquillizers and sleeping pills etc. decrease the respiratory drives during sleep resulting in a worsening of AMS system. So, please avoid alcohol. Let the nature intoxicate you in its own way!
- Must Carry – Keep basic medicines for cold, cough, headache, fever and altitude sickness with you, Personal ID card, Medical card and emergency contact details, toilet tissues and most important a big water bottle.
- Full Proof Planning – Plan your stays arrangements in advance as Kaza have very limited no. of fancy or luxurious hotel. However local traditional homestays is very welcoming that are not luxurious – but comfortable (And, we would certainly not recommend it for a fancy family vacation with kids or a visit with your oldies).
- Plan well with a good SUV vehicle as–Spiti has no proper roads as they are made of materials such as sand, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, and other natural terrain but please remember to do so only if you are an experienced adventure seeker. If off-roading has never been your thing, please go with a group, Public transport or a shared tempo traveler or a shared taxi.
- Be prepared to stay disconnected – Only BSNL networks works in Spiti, other private cellular companies do not provide services in Spiti. Also, don’t expect the internet, Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G services in Spiti. Keep your family or friends informed your whereabouts and next couple of days plan. However, few internet cafes serving the Wi-Fi connectivity but they do not guarantee that you will be able to actually surf the net.
- Important Information for Foreign Nationals – Indian nationals do not need permits to come to Spiti valley but if you are driving from Delhi and plan to come via Kinnaur then keep at least 2 stops in between. Non-Indian travelers need ILP (Inner Line Permits) if they are coming from Kinnaur which can be arranged from Shimla and Rekong Peo. Only single petrol pump in Kaza, which is most of the time shutdown because of unavailability of fuel. So, fill your vehicle tanks up at either Manali or Rekong Peo.
Last but not the least keep Calm & clean the Himalayan. DO NOT LITTER, carry your own garbage and dispose of them in bins wherever available. Say ‘NO’ to plastic. And, don’t drive & travel after 6 until and unless it’s necessary as the proper sleep is necessary to maintain energy levels of the body. So, have sound sleep for at least 8 hours.