Hiking to Ki Monastery, Spiti
jonistravelling.comJon Algie · Article
Ki Monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti, a remote high-altitude region in northern India, housing over 300 monks and featuring distinctive white buildings against dramatic mountain scenery. The author describes a hiking route from the village of Kibber to Ki Monastery, taking the longer road option which is mostly downhill and takes about two hours, offering views of the Spiti Valley, a canyon, and villages with green crops. At the monastery, visitors can share meals with monks and observe children training as monks, though the author notes the interior is less interesting than the exterior architecture. From Ki village, it's about 12 kilometers downhill to Kaza, the largest town in Spiti, with alternative routes available including a more challenging high-altitude hike via Gete that rewards hikers with iconic views of the monastery surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Buses and taxis are available options, but hiking is recommended for the experience and flexibility, with various itineraries possible depending on available time.
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