“Julley ji! Aaj aap bahut achhe time pe aaye. Aaj hamara bahut achcha festival hai.” With his bright smile, Tashi leads us up the narrow lanes of Demul – a tiny village, high above the Spiti Valley. It is summer in the Himalayas, and Demul is celebrating the Namkhan, its annual harvest festival. The whole village is gearing up for festivities, and ready to welcome…
Symbol of Spiti
The gompa (monastery) at Ki is said to have been founded in the 11th century. The largest among all monasteries in Spiti, it rises above the Spiti river valley and is visible from miles around. Home to more than 250 monks, it is among the most iconic symbols of the region and sight for sore travellers coming up from the lonely road from Losar.