Lahul

The Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul () and Spiti (; or ). The present administrative centre is Kyelang in Lahaul. Before the two districts were merged, Kardang the capital of Spiti. The district was formed in 1960, and is the fourth least populous district in India (out of 640).
It is the least densely populated district of India, according to the Census of India 2011.

Geography

Geologically located on the Tibetan Plateau, Lahaul and Spiti district is connected to Manali through the Rohtang Pass. ''Kunzum la'' or the Kunzum Pass (altitude ) is the entrance pass to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul. It is from Chandra Tal. To the south, Spiti ends from Tabo, at the Sumdo where the road enters Kinnaur and joins National Highway 5.

Spiti is barren and difficult to cross, with an average elevation of the valley floor of . It is surrounded by lofty ranges, with the Spiti river rushing out of a gorge in the southeast to meet the Sutlej River. It is a typical mountain desert area with an average annual rainfall of only .

The district has close cultural links with Ngari Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region.

Flora and fauna

The harsh conditions of Lahaul permit only scattered tufts of hardy grasses and shrubs to grow, even below . Glacier lines are usually found at . Due to changes in climate, people in the Lahaul valley are able to grow some vegetables like cabbage, potato, green peas, radish, tomato, carrot and all types of leafy vegetables. The main cash crops are potatoes, cabbage, and green peas.

Some of the most common species of flora found in the Valley of Spiti include ''Causinia thomsonii'', ''Seseli trilobum'', ''Crepis flexuosa'', ''Caragana brevifolia'' and ''Krascheninikovia ceratoides''. There are over 62 species of medicinal plants found here too.

Several species of Juniper grow in the valley, noted for their adaptation to the cold dessert climate conditions. They are used by local people for religious purposes and for subsistence. The juniper forests are threatened by overuse and habitat degradation.

The valley is inhabited by snow leopards, foxes ibex, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, and Himalayan blue sheep. Snow leopards are protected within the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. The Lingti plains are home to animals such as yaks and dzos.

Over-hunting and a decrease in food supplies has led to a large reduction in the population of the Tibetan antelope, argali, kiangs, musk deer, and snow leopards in these regions, reducing them to the status of endangered species. The locals of Spiti do not hunt these wild animals due to their religious beliefs.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, the Lahaul and Spiti district has a population of 31,564. This gives it a ranking of 638th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was -5%. Lahul and Spiti has a sex ratio of 903 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 76.81%.

The district has % of its population speaking Kinnauri, % Pattani, % Bhotia, % Hindi, % Nepali and % Tibetan as their first language.

The language, culture, and populations of Lahaul and Spiti are closely related. Generally, the Lahaulis are of Tibetan and Indo-Aryan descent, while the Spiti Bhot are closer to the Tibetans, owing to their proximity to Tibet. The district has a Himachal Pradesh state legislative law in place to curb antique looting by travellers given past incidents. In the pre-independence era, the ethnic tribal belt was divided into the British Lahaul and the Chamba Lahaul, which was merged with Punjab post-1947. This is the second-largest district in the Indian union.

The language spoken by both the Lahauli and Spiti Bhots is Bhoti, a Tibetic language of the Western Innovative subgroup. They are very similar to the Ladakhi and Tibetans culturally, as they had been placed under the rule of the Guge and Ladakh kingdoms at occasional intervals.

Among the Lahaulis, the family acts as the basic unit of kinship. The extended family system is common, evolved from the polyandric system of the past. The family is headed by a senior male member, known as the Yunda, while his wife, known as the Yundamo, attains authority by being the oldest member in the generation. The clan system, also known as Rhus, plays another major role in the Lahauli society.

The Spiti Bhot community has an inheritance system that is otherwise unique to the Tibetans. Upon the death of both parents, only the eldest son will inherit the family property, while the eldest daughter inherits the mother's jewellery, and the younger siblings inherit nothing. Men usually fall back on the social security system of the Trans-Himalayan Gompas.

Lifestyle

The lifestyles of the Lahauli and Spiti Bhot are similar, owing to their proximity. Polyandry was widely practised by the Lahaulis in the past, although this practice has been dying out. The Spiti Bhot do not generally practice polyandry anymore, although it is accepted in a few isolated regions.

Divorces are accomplished by a simple ceremony performed in the presence of village elders. Divorce can be sought by either partner. The husband has to pay compensation to his ex-wife if she does not remarry. However, this is uncommon among the Lahaulis.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Potato farming is common. Occupations include animal husbandry, working in government programs and services, and other businesses and crafts that include weaving. Houses are constructed in the Tibetan architectural style, as the land in Lahul and Spiti is mountainous and quite prone to earthquakes.

Religion

Most of the Lahaulis follow a combination of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism of the Drukpa Kagyu order, while the Spiti Bhotia follow Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelugpa order. Within Lahaul, the Todh-Gahr (upper region of Lahaul towards Ladakh) region had the strongest Buddhist influence, owing to its close proximity to Spiti.

Before the spread of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, the people were adherents of the religion 'Lung Pe Chhoi', an animistic religion that had some affinities with the Bön the religion of Tibet. While the religion flourished, animal and human sacrifices were regularly offered up to the 'Iha', a term that refers to evil spirits residing in the natural world, notably in the old pencil-cedar trees, rocks, and caves. Vestiges of the Lung Pe Chhoi religion can be seen in the behaviour of the Lamas, who are believed to possess certain supernatural powers.

The Losar festival (also known as Halda in Lahauli) is celebrated between the months of January and February. The date of celebration is decided by the Lamas. It has the same significance as the Diwali festival of Hinduism, but is celebrated in a Tibetan fashion.

At the start of the festival, two or three persons from every household will walk in procession holding burning incense. The burning sticks are then piled into a bonfire. The people will then pray to Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth (another name Vasudhara) in the Buddhist religion.

Buddhist monasteries

Spiti is one of the important centers of Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh. It is popularly known as the 'land of lamas'. The valley is dotted by numerous Buddhist Monasteries or Gompas. These are some of the important monasteries in Lahul and Spiti valleys.

Kye Monastery:
Kye Monastery is one of the main learning centres of Buddhist studies in Spiti. The monastery is home to some 100 odd monks who receive their education here. It is the oldest and biggest monastery in Spiti. It houses rare paintings and scriptures of Buddha and other gods and goddess. There are also rare 'Thangka' paintings and ancient musical instruments 'trumpets, cymbals, and drums in the monastery.

Tabo Monastery:
Perched at an altitude of 3050 meters, Tabo Monastery is often referred to as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'. It is located 45 km from Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, the capital of the Spiti region. This monastery garnered interest when it celebrated its thousandth year of existence in 1996. The Tabo Monastery was founded by scholar Richen Zangpo. The monastery houses more than 60 lamas and contains a collection of rare scriptures, pieces of art, wall paintings - Thankas and Stucco. There is a modern guest house with a dining hall and amenities.

Kardang Monastery:
Kardang Monastery, is located at an elevation of 3,500 metres across the river, about 8 km from Keylong. Kardang is well connected by the road via the Tandi bridge which is about 14 km from Keylong. Built in the 12th century, this monastery houses a large library of Buddhist literature including the main Kangyur and Tangyur scriptures.

Tourism

The natural scenery and numerous Buddhist monasteries are the main tourist attractions of the region.

The dangerous weather in Lahaul and Spiti permits visitors only between the months of June to October, when the roads and villages are free of snow and the high passes (Rothang La and Kunzum La) are open. It is possible to access Spiti from Kinnaur (along the Sutlej) all through the year, although the road is sometimes temporarily closed by landslides or avalanches.

Adventure tourism

To-do-Trails:
The Spiti Valley is popular with trekkers due to the challenging nature of its treks. These treks take people to remote areas including rural villages and old Gompas, as well as wildlife trails. High altitude treks allow travellers to cross passes such as Parangla Pass (connecting Ladakh with Spiti Valley), Pin Parvati Pass, Baba Pass, Hamta Pass trek, Spiti Left Bank Trek. Popular trekking routes in the area include Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Komic-Kaza, Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza, Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La and Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-Nako.

Skiing:
Skiing is a popular activity with tourists in Spiti.

Yak Safari:
Yak rides are used to see the flora and fauna of trans-Himalayan desert.

Politics

Gallery

Bhaga valley

From Baralacha La to the confluence at Tandi, Lahaul.

File:Baralacha Pass.jpg, alt=, Bara-lacha la pass between Lahaul and Ladakh
File:Deepak Taal.jpg, Deepak Taal, en route to Bara-lacha la
File:Jankar Nala Rarik Oct20 D72 18292.jpg, alt=, Road from Lahaul to Zanskar, Ladakh
File:Prayer Hall Gemur Gompa Lahaul Oct20 R16 04265.jpg, alt=, Prayer hall, Gemur Monastery, Lahaul
File:Jhulla Farmer Bhaga Gemur Lahaul Himachal Oct20 D72 18341.jpg, alt=, Farmer crosses Bhaga on jhulla, Gemur
File:Thenu Lahaul Himachal Jul16 D32 13040.jpg, alt=, Thenu village on the Bhaga River, Lahaul
File:Kyelong.jpg, alt=, Kyelong, district headquarters

Chandra-Bhaga (

Chenab) valley

From the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi to Chamba district border downstream of Udaipur, Lahaul

File:Villages Chenab Udaipur Lahaul Himachal Jul19 D72 10963.jpg, alt=, Villages on the Chandra-Bhaga near Udaipur, Lahul
File:Cherry Trees Udaipur Himachal Jul19 D72 10993.jpg, alt=, Ripe cherries for harvesting, Udaipur
File:Bee Hives Udaipur Himachal Jul19 D72 10975.jpg, alt=, Bee hives for wildflower honey, Udaipur

Chandra valley

From the confluence at Tandi to Kunzum La separating Lahaul and Spiti

File:Gondla Fort Lahaul D32 13430.jpg, alt=, Gondla Fort
File:Wildflowers Mountains Sissu Lahaul Jul19 D72 10447.jpg, alt=, Wildflowers and mountains, Sissu, Lahaul
File:Ghepan Monastery Stupa Sissu Lahaul Oct20 D72 18646.jpg, alt=, Ghepan Monastery stupa, Sissu
File:Ghepan Monastery Prayer Stones Sissu Lahaul Oct20 D72 18647.jpg, alt=, Prayer stone, Ghepan Monastery, Sissu
File:Chandra Tributary Rohtang Lahaul Jul19 D72 10383.jpg, Tributary of Chandra River from Rohtang Pass
File:Chandra River from Rohtang Himachal Jul19.jpg, alt=, Chandra River upstream of Rohtang Pass
File:Chandratal 1.JPG, alt=, Chandra Taal near the source of the Chandra River
File:Kunzum Pass between Lahaul & Spiti.jpg, Kunzum Pass between Lahul and Spiti

Spiti valley

From Kunzum La to the border with Kinnaur district at Sumdo, Spiti.

File:Losar Jun18 D72 7824.jpg, Losar Khas, first village on the Spiti river
File:NH505 Spiti Kaza Losar Jun18 D72 7800.jpg, alt=, Spiti river above Kaza, Spiti
File:Kibber Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7488.jpg, alt=, Kibber village and wildlife sanctuary, Spiti
File:Spiti River Kaza Himachal Jun18 D72 7232.jpg, alt=, Spiti river near Kaza
File:Kaza, Himachal Pradesh 172114, India - panoramio.jpg, alt=, Helipad at Kaza, Spiti
File:Pea Plants Mudh Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7222.jpg, alt=, Pea plants, Mud village, Spiti
File:Pin Valley Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7092.jpg, alt=, Pin river valley, Spiti
File:Yellow-billed chough Pin Valley Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7201.jpg, Yellow-billed chough, Pin Valley
File:Grave yard of lamas of tabo monastery.JPG, Graveyard of lamas, Tabo Monastery, Spiti

See also

*List of highest towns by country
*Lahuli–Spiti languages
*Lahuli language
*Spiti Bhoti
*Lahul Lohar language

References

Bibliography

* Ciliberto, Jonathan. (2013)
"Six Weeks in the Spiti Valley"
Circle B Press. 2013. Atlanta.
* Handa, O. C. (1987). ''Buddhist Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh''. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi. .
* Hutchinson, J. & J. PH Vogel (1933). ''History of the Panjab Hill States'', Vol. II. (1st ed) Lahore: Govt. Printing, Punjab, 1933. Reprint 2000. Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh. Chapter X Lahaul, pp. 474–483; Spiti, pp. 484–488.
* Kapadia, Harish. (1999).
Spiti: Adventures in the Trans-Himalaya
'. 2nd ed. New Delhi: Indus Publishing Company. .
* Janet Rizvi. (1996). ''Ladakh: Crossroads of High Asia. Second Edition''. Oxford University Press, Delhi. .
* Cunningham, Alexander. (1854). LADĀK: Physical, Statistical, and Historical with Notices of the Surrounding Countries. London. Reprint: Sagar Publications (1977).
* Francke, A. H. (1977). ''A History of Ladakh''. (Originally published as, A History of Western Tibet, (1907). 1977 Edition with critical introduction and annotations by S. S. Gergan & F. M. Hassnain. Sterling Publishers, New Delhi.
* Francke, A. H. (1914). ''Antiquities of Indian Tibet''. Two Volumes. Calcutta. 1972 reprint: S. Chand, New Delhi.
* Banach, Benti (2010). 'A Village Called Self-Awareness, life and times in Spiti Valley'. Vajra Publications, Kathmandu .

External links

*

Official Website of the district

{{Authority control

1960 establishments in Himachal Pradesh
Districts of Himachal Pradesh
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh