Lahaul & Spiti became a district of Himachal Pradesh in the year 1960; before that it was a part of the Kullu sub-division of Kangra district. The area of Lahaul & Spiti district is 13,835 sq km. and its population is 33,224. As is clear from the name ‘Lahaul & Spiti’, the district comprises two different mountains tracts, known as Lahaul and Spiti. The district is bordered by Leh district of Jammu & Kashmir in the north, Tibet in the east, Kinnaur district in south-east, Kullu and Kangra districts in the south and Chamba district in south-west.

Climate: Since the valley is situated in rain shadow area, north of the Pir Panjal ranges the weather remains pleasant during summers i.e. from May to mid October. This is the best season to visit this valley as it seldom rains, and the temperature remains between 15 C and 30 C. The days are hot and night are extremely cold. Heavy/Light woolens are recommended. During winter, i.e. from November end to April it snows heavily and the temperature falls below freezing point. There is an average annual snow fall of about 7 feet.

Lahaul Valley

The valley of Lahoul is situated to the south of Ladakh. For this very reason this place derived its name “Lho-Yul” meaning "Southern Country". To its south is situated the beautiful valley of Kullu across the Rohtang Pass (3195 m) and the Bara Bangahal (Kangra) across the “Asakh” pass (5051 m). Its western boundaries touch the Pangi and Churah areas of Chamba district. To its north situated the valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh across Shingo La (5090 m) and Baralacha La (5450 m) respectively.

Keylong is the district headquarter of Lahaul and Spiti. At an altitude of 3156 m. Keylong is situated on the main trade route between the Rohtang and Baralacha passes above the Bhaga river. Most of the government offices are located at Keylong. This is also the hub-centre of all commercial activity with a regular bazaar. During summers Keylong is very green looking refreshingly striking against a backdrop of brown hills and snow clad peaks. There is a Circuit House, a PWD. rest house, a Sainik Rest House, a Tourist Bungalow and many hotels which provide accommodation to the tourists. Several eating joints and restaurants are also there for every taste.

Rohtang pass (altitude 13050 feet) separates Kullu, from the Lahaul valley. In local language, Rohtang means "a heap of dead bodies" and the pass stands true to its notorious name. This is so because after 11 am. sudden blizzards and snow storms called Biannas are only to be expected. The pass becomes all the more hazardous to negotiate due to frequent avalanches. The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summer studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. The highest point of the pass is one of the two principal sources of the river Beas; the other being Beas kund at the head of the Solang nullah.

Suraj Taal or the lake of the Sun god is situated on the summit of the Baralacha La (16000 feet). The Bhaga river rises in this lake which is situated just below the highway. The lake which is frozen in winter, shows its glorious charm in summer, the deep blue of its icy waters reflecting craggy mountains and snowy heights.

Spiti Valley

Spiti (locally pronounced 'Piti') or the 'middle country', has its sub divisional headquarters at Kaza. The river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzam range and flows eastward to join the Sutluj at Khab in Kinnaur district. The majority of the people are Buddhists and Spiti's culture is centered around its several monasteries. The wildlife in the region includes the elusive snow leopard and ibex, found in the Pin valley. Spiti has come to be known as the "fossil park of the world". The three villages Kibber, Kaza & Kye fall on the route favorite among those looking for fossils. These villages are situated at heights between 13,500 ft. and 14,400 feet. Langza is famous for fossils of maritime life. These fossils are found on either side of Kang-yur and Paapen-yu nullahs near the village.

Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarter of Spiti, is situated on the left bank of the Spiti river at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The village hums with of tourist activities during summer, who converge here for permits, information, accommodation, petrol and to witness the annual trade fair. 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. Kaza has one of the two Sa- kya- pa sect monasteries. The other monastery is at Hikkim. Opposite Kaza on the right bank of the Spiti river is Kyuling from where the nono of Spiti ruled over his subjects. Rani Damyanti, a descendent of this ruling, family, now resides in Kaza.

Kunzom Pass is situated at 60 km from Gamphu on the Gramphu-Kaza- Sumdo road. It provides chief access to the Spiti-valley from Lahaul which is separated from the Spiti valley by the great Kunzom range, and from where the Spiti, pronounced Piti, the chief river of the area takes its source. The altitude of this pass is about 4590 m. The panorama as viewed from the top is breathtaking. The lofty Shigri Parbat can be seen right in front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chhorten of stones erected ages ago. Recently a temple has been built on the top. A hut has also been built for the people to take shelter.