Kaza
From Wikitravel
Kaza is the regional headquarters of Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh.
[edit] Get in
Kaza is the district headquarters of Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh. It is accessible from Manali and Shimla. The road from Shimla (via Rekong Peo) is in theory an all-season one, while the Manali road via Rohtang and Kunzum passes is passable only in summer. There are Government Tourism bus services from Manali to Kaza but the road is pretty inaccessible with frequent landslides along the way. Due to lack of proper roads in this section of the Himalayas, it is advisable to hire a private MUV (Tata Sumos) from Manali to reach Kaza.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses link Kaza with Manali and Rekong Peo. The Rekong Peo connection passes through landslide area at Malling Nullah, with transhipment (crossing on foot and being picked up by a bus on another side) being frequently the only way of passing the landslide.
The route from Manali via Losar crossing Kunzum La and Rohtang La along the Chandra river is perhaps the most beautiful valley. Untouched, uninhabited and no signs on human civilization throughout the valley. The roads surfaces are very poor - the entire stretch has never been metalled/tarred. But on asking a local person about the road quality, he'd say that the road is a "good road". You will have to cross about a score of streams flowing across this State Highway No. 30 which could be about a couple of feet deep.
[edit] Get around
The HRTC bus station has daily buses to Manali, Kullu (via Manali) and Rekong Peo, as well as to several villages in the Spiti valley.
The taxi stand has jeeps for hire for fixed rates (listed at the booth).
[edit][add listing] See
- Kye Monastery: This is situated about 20 kms from Kaza. Every visitor is greeted by a complimentary tea. The monks might give a guided tour also. Photography is not allowed inside the prayer rooms but is allowed in the outdoor areas.
- Comic village: This is a situated at a height of 4275m. It has a small monastery (women are not allowed inside during prayers). Fossils are also found in this region. The villagers might try to sell the fossils but its probably not legally allowed to buy and transport the fossils.
- Kibber village: Claimed by the locals as the highest village in the region.
- Sakya Kaza Monastery: A recently built monastery which was inaugurated on July 9th, 2009 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
[edit][add listing] Do
There are a host of activities that can be done in the areas surrounding Kaza. Mountain biking from Manali to Kaza is a popular activity - also popular are numerous trek routes through virgin regions.
[edit][add listing] Buy
There is a village called Mud that can be accessed from Kaza. This village lies in the Pin Valley region. In the months of June - September, villagers cultivate green peas on the mountain slopes. It is really worth your money to get down from your vehicle and get a few kilograms of fresh peas fresh from the fields. Additionally, there is a special brand of tea called Spiti Tea that can be bought from the local markets - it is made from seeds from a local fruit and locals claim it slows down ageing.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Food is not at a premium in this region - neither there are varieties to choose from. Chicken is brought from Manali, no beef is available. Some restaurants offer mutton dishes. Eggs, rice, dal and a mixed vegetable are the usual options that one can look at in this cold desert. Needless to mention, the tastiest of the lot would be a curry made from fresh peas and potatoes. Thukpa is another popular dish available in Kaza.
[edit][add listing] Drink
There is an 'English Wine & Beer Shop' on the main street in Kaza, selling a typical stock of beer, Indian whisky and 'Old Monk' rum.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
There is a Himachal Tourism Guest House at Kaza. One can stay in government rest houses (PWD / Forest / Irrigation departments) at various pother places, but advance booking is a must. Booking information is available on Himachal tourism (government) web-site.
There are several private hotels in Kaza. One of the more comfortable places is Mandala Hotel behind the taxi stand, charging 500 Rs for a large double with ensuite bathroom (summer 2008 price).
[edit] Get out
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