Himalaya

Spiti lies high in the western Himalayas, its river valley enclosed by dry mountains and snow-covered passes. The valley forms part of a landscape linking the Tibetan plateau with Kinnaur and the country farther south. Buddhist monasteries such as Tabo grew along routes through the mountains; their temples joined local communities to the religious and artistic world of western Tibet. The stark slopes and deep river gorge give Spiti much of its distinctive character.