Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where you can witness the majestic Himalayas, the serene Spiti River, and the enchanting Chandratal Lake in one panoramic view? If yes, then Kunzum Pass is the perfect destination for you. Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh, India, that connects the Lahaul Valley and the Spiti Valley.
It is one of the most scenic and adventurous routes in the country, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, the barren landscape, and the colorful Buddhist flags. Kunzum Pass is not just a natural wonder, but also a spiritual one. It is home to a temple dedicated to Goddess Kunzum or Durga, who is believed to protect the travelers from any harm.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kunzum Pass, such as when to visit, what to see, what to do, and more. So, read on and get ready to explore this gateway to the mystical Spiti Valley.
Best Time to Visit Kunzum Pass
Kunzum Pass is located at an altitude of 4,551 meters above sea level, which means it experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year. The pass is only open for visitors from June to October, when the snow melts and the road becomes accessible.
The best time to visit Kunzum Pass is from July to September, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. However, you should always be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as landslides and roadblocks.
Therefore, it is advisable to check the Kunzum Pass weather and road status before planning your trip. You should also carry warm clothes, raincoats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other essential items for your safety and comfort.
Mythological Significance of Kunzum Pass and Its Temple
Kunzum Pass is not only a scenic spot but also a sacred one. According to legend, Goddess Kunzum or Durga resides at the pass and guards it from any evil forces. There is a small temple at the pass that houses an idol of the goddess, surrounded by colorful flags and bells. The temple is known as Kunzum Mata temple or Kunzum Devi temple or Kunzum La temple.
It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. The tradition is to circle the temple in one’s vehicle and seek blessings from the goddess for a safe journey. Many travelers also stop at the temple to pay their respects and make offerings. The temple has a serene and divine atmosphere that fills you with peace and gratitude.
Also check out: Kunzum La: Beautiful mountain pass connecting Lahaul and Spiti Valley
Places to Visit in and Around Kunzum Pass
Kunzum Pass is not only a destination in itself but also a gateway to many other amazing places in and around Spiti Valley. Some of the popular attractions that you can explore near Kunzum Pass are:
Chandratal Lake:
Chandratal Lake is a stunning alpine lake that lies about 9 km from Kunzum Pass. It is also known as the Moon Lake because of its crescent shape and shimmering surface. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and meadows that create a picture-perfect scenery. Chandratal Lake is a great place for camping, trekking, photography, and stargazing. You can also enjoy the sunrise and sunset views from the lake that are simply mesmerizing.
Key Monastery:
Key Monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Spiti Valley. It is located about 15 km from Kunzum Pass on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses about 250 monks. The monastery has a unique architecture that resembles a fort with multiple levels and rooms. The monastery has a rich collection of ancient scriptures, murals, statues, and thangkas that showcase the Buddhist culture and art. The monastery also offers stunning views of the valley and the mountains.
Dhankar Monastery:
Dhankar Monastery is another ancient and beautiful monastery in Spiti Valley. It is located about 32 km from Kunzum Pass on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti River and the Pin River. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses about 150 monks. The monastery has a remarkable structure that blends with the natural surroundings. The monastery has several relics, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts that depict the Buddhist history and heritage. The monastery also offers spectacular views of the rivers and the valley.
You may also like to read: The snowy gateway to Spiti Valley: Kunzum La
Best Places To Stay Near Kunzum Pass
Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass that connects the Lahaul Valley and the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a beautiful and adventurous destination that offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, the barren landscape, and the colorful Buddhist flags. If you are planning to visit Kunzum Pass, you might be wondering where to stay near this amazing place.
Well, there are not many options for accommodation near Kunzum Pass, as it is a remote and isolated area. However, you can find some campsites, guest houses, and hotels in the nearby villages and towns that can provide you with a comfortable and cozy stay. Some of the best places to stay near Kunzum Pass are:
Eden Spiti Homestay:
Eden Spiti Homestay is a boutique homestay that offers beautiful mud cottages with private sitting areas and modern amenities. It is located in the heart of Tabo village, which is about 45 km from Kunzum Pass. You can reach Tabo from Kunzum Pass by driving along the NH505, which is a scenic and adventurous route that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, the barren landscape, and the colorful Buddhist flags.
Eden Spiti Homestay is situated close to the famous Tabo Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Spiti Valley. It's an ideal place to experience the local culture and hospitality of the Spiti people, as well as enjoy the authentic cuisine and organic food.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Echor Mud Huts Tabo:
Echor Mud Huts Tabo is another boutique homestay that offers beautiful mud cottages with private sitting areas and modern amenities. It is also located in the heart of Tabo village, about 45 km from Kunzum Pass. You can reach Tabo from Kunzum Pass by driving along the NH505, which is a scenic and adventurous route that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, the barren landscape, and the colorful Buddhist flags. Here, you can also indulge in activities like trekking, cycling, stargazing, and yoga at this homestay. It has a serene and divine atmosphere that fills you with peace and gratitude.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Hotel Grand Dewachen Kaza:
This is a 3-star hotel that is located about 15 km from Kunzum Pass in the town of Kaza. It offers cozy and elegant rooms with modern amenities like TV, Wi-Fi, heater, and electric kettle. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and a terrace. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Spiti River and the mountains from your room, as well as explore the nearby attractions like Key Monastery and Dhankar Monastery.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Norbukhang HomeStay Kaza:
This is a homestay that is located about 32 km from Kunzum Pass in the village of Kaza. It offers simple and clean rooms with basic facilities like bed, blanket, and bathroom. The homestay also has a kitchen, a dining area, and a common room. You can experience the local culture and hospitality of the Spiti people, as well as enjoy the authentic cuisine and organic food.
To book a stay at this property click here.
How To Reach Kunzum Pass
To reach Kunzum Pass, you have two options: by road from Manali or by road from Kaza.
If you choose to travel by road from Manali, you will have to cross Rohtang Pass and then take a right turn at Gramphu towards Batal. The road from Gramphu to Batal is very rough and narrow, so you will need a sturdy vehicle and an experienced driver. From Batal, the road climbs steeply through fifteen sharp hairpin bends to reach Kunzum Pass. The total distance from Manali to Kunzum Pass is about 108 kilometers and it can take about 5 to 6 hours depending on the road and weather conditions. You can also take a bus from Manali to Kaza and get down at Kunzum Pass, but the bus service is not very frequent or reliable.
If you choose to travel by road from Kaza, you will have to drive along the Spiti River and then ascend to Kunzum Pass. The road from Kaza to Kunzum Pass is better than the one from Manali, but it still has some rough patches and curves. The total distance from Kaza to Kunzum Pass is about 76 kilometers and it can take about 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic and weather conditions. You can also take a shared taxi or jeep from Kaza to Kunzum Pass, which are easily available and affordable.
Whichever route you choose, you will be rewarded with an amazing experience of driving through some of the most scenic and challenging terrains in India.
Kunzum Pass is a must-visit place for anyone who loves nature, adventure, culture, and spirituality. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Himachal Pradesh in its full glory. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic views, explore the nearby attractions, or seek the blessings of the goddess, Kunzum Pass has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour package to Kunzum Pass and Spiti Valley today and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
