sopona lake trek

SOPONA LAKE

Sopona Lake is a serene retreat tucked away in the highlands. Located in Himachal Pradesh, it's a tranquil area apart from the bustle of the metropolis. With towering peaks and lush surroundings, it's the ideal place to unwind or go for a peaceful stroll. A peaceful getaway into nature is offered by the lake's crystal-clear water and serene ambiance. Sopona Lake is a tranquil location for anyone wishing to relax amid the splendor of the highlands, whether they are searching for seclusion or a leisurely stroll.

For the adventure lovers, one of the popular places to see in Spiti is the Sopona Lake. It is a lake formed with melting glaciers and a seasonal place to visit if you want to have the best experience. It offers some of the most exquisite views of the Spiti valley and the adjacent Maniang Himalayan range. If you're planning a trip to Spiti Valley, don't miss the chance to include a visit to Sopona Lake in your Spiti Valley holiday packages for an unforgettable adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes.

One of the popular tourist activities here is trekking to Manirang Pass which is situated at an altitude of 6593 metres. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate and takes one to some of the most gorgeous locales in Spiti Valley. 

One can complete the trek in 3 to 3.5 hours and soak in the panoramic views of Dhangkar Valley. A great way to enjoy the trek is to be accompanied by a local village from Mane who charge around 800-1000 and give you an entertaining tour around the lake. 

Location: Sopona Lake, Himachal Pradesh

Timings: N/A

Entry fee: N/A 

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Spiti diary: Sopona lake

13th august 2013.

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5 Responses

For me, lately traveling is a lot about unplanning. Whenever I have traveled with less planning, I have had better and richer experiences. Just like the way you guys detoured to this lake.

The snow mountain shot looks so wonderful.

R Niranjan Das

Beautiful captures. The landscape is spellbinding.

Sahana, Thanks. Spiti itself was an unplanned trip. We planned to go somewhere but landed in Spiti!!

Niranjan, Thanks for your comments.

That's good to know. Isn't it great to travel unplanned 🙂

Alliha Jonson

Aravind GJ! According to me unplanned trip always gave a new and excited experience. I am sure you have also enjoyed your unplanned tour. Once in my life I had a chance to explore the Spiti Valley after my nyc niagara falls tours . During the trip I visited its many places such as Chandra Tal Lake, Koumik, Lossar, Pin Valley National Park and Tabo Monastery. The places were very nice and pretty. I had a great time there. I would love to go there again.

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Mane Villages in Spiti Valley Offbeat Places [Maneyogma – Manegogma]

Mane village is an offbeat place Spiti Valley, which is the already less explored area of Spiti. Most commonly it is a set of twin villages Maneyogma & Manegogma. There are many multitudes of reasons to visit Spiti – from fulfilling your explorer spirit to embarking on a one-of-a-kind adventure –Spiti has so much to offer.

However, for the true travelers wanting to visit places unheard of – Spiti truly is a treasure cove. Hiding one such wonders of Mane Village – truly the prettiest of all Spiti villages – is an unknown gem. Even if you’ve visited Spiti a few times before, chances are – you haven’t yet explored this region.

On paper, Mane is just a collection of about 50-60 houses and a trivial populace of innocent farmers. The only reason why Mane might be on a tourist map is due to its proximity to Sopona Lake and Mane is the de-facto base for treks to the lake and further towards Manirang Pass. But, I am here to tell you why Mane Village is much more than just a base for treks and why you should stay here for at least a couple of days!

Let's quickly dive into the details:

About Mane Villages – (Maneyogma – Manegogma)

Mane is considered to be Spiti’s most flourished village with a wide and extensive range of vegetation and flora and fauna. Located at an altitude of 3280 meters (10761 ft.), the village is home to less than 100 households. Mane village can be quintessentially divided into two parts:

Manegogma and Maneyogma. Earlier, both these sections were part of the same village, however, a flash flood destroyed it a few years ago. After the flood, the village got divided into two – Manegogma which means the lower Mane Village, and Maneyogma which means the upper Mane village. Both of these sections of Mane can be traversed through by a motorable road .

The local way of living is humble, tranquil, and modest and depends hugely on farming (barley, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes) and animal husbandry. In terms of religion, the area is deeply immersed in Tibetan Buddhism.

Traditions & Tales

There is fascinating lore that says that Mane used to be a cursed village. Basically, a villager’s soul did not “move on” and haunted the village & its residents. So much so, that monk from Kaza and Dharamshala was called in to bless the village. After several days of rituals, the village was finally cleansed and both the unsatisfied soul and the villagers were finally able to move on.

After every three years, the village people of Mane get together for a ceremony that involves three days of prayer that ends with a Cham dance by the monks of Dhankar monastery . In every festival, the villagers work together. The work is divided among each household and the prayer happens in one home selected with a lottery system.

Villagers converse in the local language of Bodi (Bodhi) which is a diverse mix of Tibetan, Mongolian and bits of Hindi and Chinese.

Located deep within the Trans-Himalayan region of Spiti Village, Mane Village is situated at a distance of 35 kilometers from Kaza and 26 kilometers from Tabo, on the other side of the Spiti River. This village can be reached by crossing the bridge towards the village of Mud and Pin Valley National Park.

Mane Village Weather

Life, not only in Mane, but, Spiti in general is marked with harsh climatic conditions, especially in winters. The entire region gets covered in snow and everything freezes. Even running water becomes impossible at this time.

However, come summer months and things turn pleasant – with lots of opportunities to explore. The region enjoys warm days and moderately cool nights. Temperature between May to September ranges between 10°C at night to 25°C during the day.

Since Spiti valley lies in a rain shadow area, hence, the region doesn’t receive much rainfall. However, the nearby areas (and routes by which you’ll travel, i.e. via Shimla or Manali) do experience heavy rainfall. And, this might even result in landslides and blocked roads. So, monsoon season, as is my advice for the hills, is best avoided (or at least keep a few buffer days and be an expert driver!)

Dheeraj Sharma

Best time to visit Mane in Spiti Valley

Like with the rest of Spiti , the best time to visit Mane is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is good and the roads are well-conditioned. Especially if you’re after Sopona Lake – summer makes the most sense, otherwise, you won’t technically be visiting a lake but a slush!

Also, summer allows you a maximum bang for your buck – all the roads will be open and you will be able to cover a lot more during the entirety of your trip. Even in the summer months, I want to inform you to wear layers and have woolens handy, since the temperatures are a fickle thing.

How to get there

Goes without saying, but, in order to reach Mane – you’ll have to make your way to Spiti Valley. There are two routes to take for this – via Shimla or Via Manali. We have an extensive detailed article about how to get to Spiti Valley for your reference.

The easier route to reach Spiti is via Shimla and this route is open throughout the year. You start your journey from Shimla and then reach Kaza via Narkanda, Rampur, Pooh, and Nako. This will be a journey of about 430 kilometers and will take you at least 2 days to complete. There is a lot to explore en route and I genuinely urge you to make the most of your journey and do much more than just reach Spiti!

The second route that you can take is Spiti Valley via Manali . This side of the journey remains functional from Mid-May to Mid-October. For this leg, you start from Manali and then reach Kaza via Rohtang Pass and Kunzum-la. While this journey is much shorter at only 200 KMs, this is far more hectic on the body due to the strenuous change in altitude. You can traverse through this route in a single day.

Traveling to Spiti Valley by public transport is quite doable as well. Both the routes, either via Shimla or Manali, are connected by a daily bus to Kaza that you can board.

Kaza to Mane Village

The village mane situated left side of Spiti river, 6 KM away from National Highway. Once you’ve arrived in Kaza (or Tabo if you were coming from Shimla side), your next destination would be a small place called Atergu Bridge (not to be confused with Attargo Bridge of Pin Valley).

It is situated about 20 kilometers after Kaza on your right and about 4 kilometers after Attargo Bridge. If you were coming from the Tabo side , then this bridge will be to your left and 4 kilometers before Attargo Bridge.

After crossing this bridge, the road will immediately start climbing up. In around 3 KMs of this bridge, you will be in the lower Mane village. Another 3 km of driving will take you to the upper Mane Village.

Things to do in Mane Village

If you’re a tourist, looking for things to do – Mane isn’t the place for you. But, if you’re a traveler, wanting to immerse yourself into a place, to truly understand the ethos of a region, and to give as much as you get – Mane scores in spades!

Much like any other high village of Spiti Valley , the natural beauty & the vivid scenery is Mane’s greatest attraction. If discovering an unconventional destination is the purpose of your trip, then the village of Mane in Himachal is where you will find such peace and tranquility.

Nights of Mane are particularly unforgettable. With countless stars putting on a show every night, you’ll be surprised and fall in love with the wonder of nature. You’ll be rubbing your eyes dry as the entire Milky Way can be seen with naked eyes.

Also, this makes for a stunning place for photographers – try out your long exposure shots and be in a trance for the entirety of the night! With the misty village as your foreground, even the sunrises are spectacular. With the barren mountains – your soul-searching expeditions will be a success each day you’re here!

Sopona Lake Trek

Undoubtedly, if someone is aware of Mane – it is because of the Sopona lake! A tiny little seasonal lake, located about 5-6 kilometers from the village, Sopona is formed by glacier melt and only exists from May to October.

As winter comes, the lake vanishes completely. The only way to reach this lake is by a trek of 2-3 hours from the Upper Mane Village. You can even spend the night there, remember to carry your camping gear (and some warm clothes)

Village Gompa

Resembling with the valley, every village has a beautiful connection to Buddhism . The same holds true for Mane as well. The village Monastery (or Gompa) is located on top of a small hill. It makes for a stunning spot to get a view of the village and the valley around it.

Chudolsa Cave

Chudolsa is a phenomenal and untouched cave, in which you’ll see water for about 7 months of the year. In the 5 months with no water, November to Mid-April, you can enter the cave to explore. What’s interesting is that no one knows the length of the cave.

Confluence of Pin and Spiti Rivers

The confluence of the rivers falls on way to the village before you turn from the highway and cross the bridge. The mesmerizing sight as the rivers of Pin and Spiti merge into each other is a moment you will cherish for times to come.

Manirang Trek

Mount Manirang (6593 mts.) is known as the crown of the Spiti valley and is the ultimate challenge for the mountaineers. It lies on the border of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti. For all the high altitude mountain passes of the state, Manirang Pass is regarded as the most remote and hard, so much so that it is considered to the least explored in the Himalayas . Mane acts as the base for the trek to Manirang Pass. The route takes you through the Manirang Pass towards Ropa Village in Kinnaur.

Where to stay in Mane Village

Virtually, no one visits this village, so you’ll not be surprised when I tell you there are no hotels here. Accommodation is available in the form of homestays and camping, which can be organized on request. Some of the villagers have extended their homes by a few rooms and rent those out to the tourists. Your stay will be basic but comfortable.

The best way to find accommodation here is to ask local villages for a place to stay. During my research, I came across this one homestay available in Mane .

Other than the homestays, you’ll also find campsites within the village. So you can either stay in the cemented rooms or spend the night in a tent (recommended).

Otherwise you can opt for camping in Mane village in Spiti Valley .

Sonam Homestay – Maneyogma Village

We stayed at Sonam homestay at Mane village. It is fairly newly built and has 5-6 rooms, a couple of dry pits local toilets, a big dining hall where food is served. You will feel all the comfort. There is a big camping ground outside it where you can pitch your tents.

It is the last home in the Maneyogma village, and from here only the trek to Sopona lake starts. You can reach Sonam Ji at +91-9418503966 or +91-9459481431. Your phone may be picked up by Lobsang Ji; you can refer to Sonam Ji from Mane village, who will recognize and take care of your bookings.

Other Homestays in Mane Villages

There are other homestays available as well in the Maneyogma village where you can stay or feel free to put up your camps. Unfortunately, I do not have contacts with any other homestays.

You can also get in touch with Tsering Bhai ([email protected] or +91-9418208987) in case you need a few things pre-booked or pre-arranged/organized. Sonam Ji is in the family of in-laws of Tsering Bhai, so he should be able to help you in any possible way.

Where to eat in Mane Village

Mane has no restaurants or dhabas and the only provision of food is the families in the village. The families are very humble and inviting and will be happy to provide you with a taste of local delicacies. the food includes rajma, roti, rice, cabbage, etc.

Also, it should be noted that in all homestays (the limited number that is present) the per-day tariff will be inclusive of the meals. However, it would be wise to check up on this when you are making your bookings.

In terms of local delicacies, take my word and try Arak – a local alcoholic drink that helps remain warm in cold winter days! Also, do try the Tibetan Bread stuffed with egg or omelet.

Other Travel Tips

• The trail to Sopona lake is not a well-laid one but easily navigable. I will advise taking a local as a guide. Not only will they take you to the lake in an efficient manner, but also tell you about the place, show you other things you might miss. Also, as a beautiful coincidence, you will be supporting the livelihood of the villagers.
• Also, you MUST have good trekking shoes with a good grip when you’re anywhere in Spiti.
• Only BSNL / MTNL works here.
• The nearest petrol pump is either in Reckong Peo towards Shimla or in Kaza towards Manali.
• The nearest ATM is in Kaza.
• Medical assistance, if needed, is available only in Kaza.

It is my humble request to anyone reading this to PLEASE not litter in the hills. Even if you’re going to touristy places and especially in far-flung, isolated villages – please ensure you clean up after yourself. Carry a water bottle with you and keep refilling it. If you have to buy filtered water – please ensure you dispose of it properly. There are not cleanup crews coming after you to pick up your trash.

It breaks my heart to go into the hills and see plastic bottles , cigarette butts, paper plates, half-eaten food containers, discarded clothes and so much more filth strewn around. I love the hills, as I am sure you do too! Let’s do our part in ensuring that when we return the next time the place is still the same.

Anyone who travels through the hills is a part of a very sacred community. It is our duty to ensure the hills are clean for our community. We should not be making it difficult for people living in these villages in already tough circumstances! With folded hands, I request you to please clean p after yourself.

Mane village is a true gem and a stunning beauty. While it is not on the radar of even the most eclectic of travelers – it is a place worthy of your time.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

I hope the information and details above on Mane Village were of help. If you have any questions; or need any other details; please feel free to comment below and we will be happy to assist! Happy traveling, clean traveling!

Shefali spends most of her time day dreaming about her next big vacation. A happy-go-lucky personality, she is an amalgamation of all the places she’s lived in and experienced! She is always confused as to where to call home, having lived in Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Mumbai, Hyderabad in India and Vancouver, Abbotsford in Canada. Her love for travel is only challenged by her love for reading and eating delicious food! In order to sustain her dreams, she brought out her inner geek, got an MBA and has a job in the corporate world crunching numbers. Do follow @notravelplans on Instagram for updates on her next great adventure.

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Sopona Lake In Spiti Valley: A Whole Guide

Sopona Lake is really beautiful until you visit it in summer, as it gets dried down when the snow is not melted enough. However, the Sopona Lake trek offers some breathtaking views and surroundings of the Spiti Valley and the high Manirang range. 

The Manirange Himalayan range comes along the highest mountain ranges in Himachal Pradesh, on the border between Kinnaur and Lahaul, the two famous Spiti districts. If you really want to explore the whole valley, you must go for the booking of some great Spiti tour packages ! 

Sopona Lake and Mane villages are the few places that will give you the feeling of solitude, calmness, and a disconnecting feeling from the world. They will take you back in time and let you reconnect with nature! 

How to Reach Sopona Lake?

This is where you will find the beautiful Sopona Lake and relax here for a bit to experience the reconnection with nature and the beauty of the place. 

Suggested read: Things to do in Spiti Valley

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Best Time to Visit Sopona Lake

In early summers and early winters, the lake is barren because the glacial snow melts either does not start or dries up by the start of winter. But, the journey to this high altitude is really beautiful in any season and the Sopona Lake trek is like a heaven for travelers. 

Suggested Plan to Reach Sopona Lake

• Shimla sightseeing – Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhu Temple
• Shimla to Narkanda in about 2 hours
• 8 Hours drive to Shimla 
• Stay overnight at Shimla or Narkanda according to your preference. 

DAY 2: Shimla/Narkanda – Kalpa/ Reckong Peo

• You can leave early from Shimla. 
• Lunch at Rampur. 
• 8-9 hours drive through Kinnaur Valley. 
• Stay overnight at Kalpa/Reckong Peo. 

DAY 3: Kalpa/Reckong Peo – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo 

• You can start your day early.
• Check out Khab, the confluence of the Spiti and Satluj rivers. 
• Witness the Leo Purygal peak from Khab Bridge. 
• Lunching at Nako. 
• Stay overnight at Tabo. 

DAY 4: Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Mane Village 

• Start early and visit the Dhangkar Monastery 
• You can also trek to the Dhangkar Lake. 
• Have your lunch. 
• Stay overnight at Mane Village. 

DAY 5: Mane Village – Sopona Lake – Manegogma – Attargu – Pin Valley 

• Start early in the morning around 5-6 AM and go to the Sopona Lake. 
• You can have your breakfast packed. 
• Then have your lunch at the Maneyogma village and head towards the Pin Valley. 
• Stay overnight at Pin Valley. 

Stay Options Near Sopona Lake

But, you will find some relaxing homestays in Maneyogma village. Stay here for the best-ever hospitality by the locals in the Mane village, you will feel a lot good while staying here in Spiti Valley. 

You can look for other best resorts in Spiti Valley , and have your stay more comfortable. 

Travel Tips while going to Sopona Lake

• The food availability is limited to the local homestays, so you should always have some of the packed food with you. You would not get many options while traveling in Spiti. 
• You should take a local villager or a guide with you to the Sopona Lake trek from Maneyogma. You would get to know a lot of things and have a great time while enjoying your time at Sopona Lake. 
• The nearest place is Kaza where the petrol pump will be available. So, you should definitely get your fuel refilled. 
•  There would be no mobile signals in the Mane villages and on the trek to Sopona Lake. 
• You will find only ATM in Kaza, so make sure you are carrying sufficient cash with you. 

Suggested read: How to reach Spiti Valley 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q: what is sopona lake, and where is it located, q: what is the significance of sopona lake, q: what activities can i enjoy at sopona lake.

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Sopona Lake

Marango Rangarik | Serenity Amidst the Himalayan Splendor in Spiti Valley. | Show on map

Visit Duration: 2-3 hours

Timings: Everyday , 24 Hours.

Entry type: Free

Entry Details: Sopona Lake is free to enter and does not require any special permits or payment.

Sopona Lake is one of Spiti's well-known tourist attractions for thrill seekers. If you want to have the ideal experience, go to this lake that was created by melting glaciers during a particular season. The Spiti valley and the nearby Maniang Himalayan range may be seen in some of its most beautiful forms from there. Trekking up to Manirang Pass, which is located here and is 6593 metres above sea level, is one of the more well-liked tourist activities. The moderately challenging hike leads to some of Spiti Valley's most stunning locations. In 3 to 3.5 hours, one may complete the trek and take in the expansive vistas of the Dhangkar Valley. Being followed by a local village from Mane, who charge about $800 to $1000 and provide you an amusing tour of the lake, is a terrific way to experience the walk.

Highlights of Sopona Lake

• Soothing Beauty: Sopona Lake's crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings create a soothing ambiance, offering the ideal respite from the busy city life.
• Reflections of the Mountains: The serene surface of the lake frequently reflects the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, resulting in a breathtaking visual spectacle.
• The lake is a popular location for birdwatchers because it is home to a variety of bird species. While taking in the tranquil scenery, keep a look out for colourful bird species.
• Stargazing: Sopona Lake's secluded location and absence of light pollution make it a fantastic place to see the night sky. You may see an amazing canopy of stars on clear evenings.
• Peaceful Setting: Sopona Lake's serene ambiance and unspoiled natural beauty make it the ideal location for rest, meditation, and reflection.

Sopona Lake Overview

Points of interest for sopona lake.

• Another beautiful high-altitude lake with expansive views of the Spiti Valley is close and is called Dhankar Lake.
• Visit the historic Dhankar Monastery, which is a significant spiritual and cultural site in the area, as it sits atop a hill.
• Visit the Tabo Monastery, which is home to Tibetan Buddhist artefacts and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its historic murals.
• Key Monastery: Learn about the renowned Key Monastery, one of the biggest and oldest monasteries in the Spiti Valley, renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
• Chandratal Lake, sometimes referred to as the Moon Lake, is a captivating high-altitude lake recognised for its ethereal beauty. If you have more time and are prepared to travel further, you should visit it.

Best time to visit Sopona Lake

Summertime, from June to September, is the ideal season to visit Sopona Lake in the Spiti Valley. This time of year is perfect for outdoor activities and taking in the natural beauty of the lake and the surroundings because it is moderate in temperature and has clear skies. It's crucial to remember that the area has hard winters with lots of snowfall, and Sopona Lake cannot be reachable at these times.

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People also ask about Sopona Lake

Is sopona lake a secure place to swim.

The high altitude and chilly water temperatures of Sopona Lake make swimming there generally not advised. It is best to view the lake from the shore and take in its scenic charm.

Are there lodging options close to Sopona Lake?

There aren't many places to stay close to Sopona Lake. It is advised to stay at a nearby town with a variety of guesthouses, homestays, and hotels, such as Kaza, Tabo, or Dhankar.

Where can I find Sopona Lake?

The Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, is home to Sopona Lake. The closest significant town is Kaza, which is accessible from Manali or Shimla through road. To go to Sopona Lake from Kaza, you can arrange for a private vehicle or use local transportation.

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Lesser known lakes of Himachal Pradesh hiding in plain sight

Himachal Pradesh is the land of mysteries. The more you try to explore it, the more distant it keeps getting. The crowded touristy areas of Manali, Kasol and Mcleodganj have a lot left to explore. Although, it is a good thing that only a few with adventurous spirit dare to reach these places.

Of many landscapes and natural wonders of Himachal Pradesh, its lakes are the most beautiful. While the Prashar, Brigu and Beas Kund are touristy, commercial and easy to approach, there are other lakes located at altitudes on the level almost similar to Pangong.

If you have a true spirit of adventurer and wish to explore the serene side of Himachal then here are some beautiful lakes waiting for your arrival.

Sopona Lake

Filled with scenic charms and Himalayan wonders, Spiti hides several high altitude lakes and most of which are rarely explored. Among these destinations, Sopona Lake is something worth visiting. Located at the height of 4100 meters approx, Sopona lake is located above the remote twin villages of Mane.

Basic Info – To visit this lake, one needs to drive till Maneyogma from where it takes 4 hours to reach this lake. The best time to visit this lake is in summers.

Neelkanth Mahadev

Neelkanth Mahadev resembles the color of Lord Shiva’s throat. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from Lahaul visit this beautiful lake and then return the same day. With them a couple of outsiders join in and try to match their speed. Lahaulis return from the trek the same day, for them walking 35 km in a day sounds like an easy task (I had to trek 25 km in a day after I realized that I left my wallet in hotel after reaching Kheerganga).

Basic Info – Neelkanth Mahadev trek starts from Naingahar village. The lake is located at 4500 meters and women are not allowed to travel here for some unknown reason.

Located in Kinnaur, Kara Lake is located in Bhaba valley. It takes almost two days to trek till Kara Lake and the route passes through beautiful meadows with Himalayan horses grazing around. The entire trek is filled with gorgeous views of Himalayan Peaks. Kara Lake is one of the few treks that will take you through glaciers even in the summer season.

Basic Info – Kara Lake trek starts from a small village called Kafnu. There are a couple of guest houses that also provide guide for the trek.

Surajtal Lake

Not that hidden but Surajtal is always overlooked because of Chandratal Lake. Good for those who want to explore some place peaceful and serene. Located right next to Baralacha Pass, Surajtal is also the third highest lake of India. Surajtal’s backdrop is way more beautiful than any of the lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by the gorgeous Zanskar Mountains, it is a treat to experience this kaleidoscope of scenic beauty. This lake is also the source of Bhaga River that flows further to merge into Chandra river.

Basic Info – Surajtal is easy to access from Keylong or Sarchu. There is no accommodation available around this lake so it is better to hire a vehicle and reach the lake during sunset or sunrise and then return.

Khajund Lake – In the hinterlands of Chamba, a pristine lake is hidden in the shadows of the Panch Ungal peak (five fingers peak). The Saho village of Chamba is the home to ancient copper mines and the lake is located in its proximity. Khajund Lake is considered the home of Khajli Nag, the ancient serpent god who later moved to Khajiyar Lake. Its trek starts from Bhala Village which is again 3 hours away by a four wheeler. This trek is not advisable for solo travellers as it passes through a thick forest and chances of a Black Bear encounter are very high.

Basic info – Stay options are present in Chamba and you can find simple stay homes in nearby villages.

Chakund Lake and Chaurasi ka Dal – Dalhousie is famous for the Khajjiar Lake but a small drive and trek will take you to a more pristine piece of waterbody in Chamba. Chakund Lake is a small trek that starts from Kiri Village in Chamba. The trek passes through a barren piece of land and then presents you with a gorgeous meadow where this lake is located.

Further trek from here will take you to another gorgeous lake known as Chaurasi ka Dal. This lake is dedicated to Mahakali and it takes two days to reach here.

Basic info – Chakund Lake’s trek starts from Kiri Village. Stay options are limited to Chamba and nearby places. You can stay in Gujjar settlements on your way to the lake.

Rohtang Pass

Dashaur Lake – Dashaur Lake is a small trek from Rohtang. This lake is tucked in between the high mountains ranges of Dhauldhars and Central Himalayas. Its trek starts from Rani Nallah and its takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach here. Dashaur Lake is coloured in the bluest of the blue that you can imagine.

Basic info – One needs to drive upto Rani Nallah and then find the route that will lead to the lake. This lake is located at a height of 4200 meters and is generally covered in snow.

Jalori Pass

Saryolsar Lake – Most of the people who visit Jalori Pass either travel forward or return to Tirthan Valley, but little do they know that there is a small trek that leads to Saryolsar Lake or as locally known, the abode of Budhi Nagin. This trek is open all year round and is best experienced during the winters when the whole route is covered in snow.

Basic Info – The nearest stay option is either Banjar or Jibhi from where buses ply at regular hours and stop at Jalori Pass market. The trek starts from this market and it takes 2 hour to reach the lake.

The summers will arrive in a month and most of the routes will open in no time. The lack of snowfall this year is not a good sign. This year when you travel, make sure that you don’t leave your plastic packets and water bottles in the hills. The secrets of mountains are only to be known by those who respect it.

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A Detailed Spiti Valley Itinerary from Manali

People often wonder the way they should travel to Spiti from, if they should prepare their Spiti valley itinerary from Manali or Shimla. In my opinion, If you are planning to visit Spiti, it is always better to plan the journey from Shimla and exit at Manali after completing the circuit. It is so primarily because of two reasons.

The first and the foremost is that if you are coming from Shimla, you get to avoid the entire hassle of obtaining permits to visit or cross Rohtang Pass. Getting these permits can sometimes mean a pain and waste of entire day in Manali which is best avoided. If you are going towards Spiti valley from Manali, you will have to spend some time or even a day in Manali arranging permits to get to the other side of Rohtang Pass. This rule however only applies if you are travelling from Manali towards Rohtang top however no such restriction is in place for traffic coming from the other side of Rohtang towards Manali. So if you were coming from Shimla and exiting at Manali, there is no need to obtain any permits at all.

Second reason is of acute mountain sickness. Going to Spiti valley from Manali means that one day you are in plains, second day you are in Manali at a height of 2,050 meters above sea level, and the next day you are either at Chandratal at a height of 4,250 meters or at Kaza at an elevation of 3,800 meters. Each day there is a 2,000 meters gain in altitude with very little time for your body to adjust. However, if you travel from Shimla towards Spiti, the gain in altitude is gradual and gives your body ample time to acclimatize.

Spiti Valley Itinerary From Manali

With that being said, a lot of people still prefer to complete the circuit starting from Manali. Even I have done the same but only because I had already travelled from Shimla side and wanted to try something different during my second visit to Spiti. I have also known people who included Spiti with their Ladakh trip and on their way back, rather than coming from Keylong to Manali, they continued straight towards Spiti valley. Whatever the reason maybe, if you too are planning a trip to Spiti valley from Manali, below is a sample Spiti valley itinerary from Manali that you can follow.  Your final travel plan will of course depend on how many days you have in hand, how you are traveling and if there are any budget restrictions but in this itinerary, I tried to include all places that are worth visiting in Spiti valley while limiting every travel to not more than 8-10 hours. Depending on your plan, you can add remove places from the list.

A Sample Spiti Valley Itinerary from Manali

For the sake of this article, I would assume that you are starting your journey from Delhi. The itinerary can be as below.

Day 1. Delhi to Manali – 540 kms, 12 to 14 hours Day 2. Manali to Chandratal, 145 kms, 8 to 10 hrs Day 3. Chandratal to Kaza, 90 kms, 6 hours Day 4. Kaza to Kibber, Kaumik, Tashigang, to Kaza Day 5. Kaza to Tabo / Nako – 140 kms, 6-8 hours Day 6. Tabo / Nako to Kalpa, 120 kms, 6-8 hours Day 7. Kalpa to Chitkul, 80 kms, 4-6 hours Day 8. Chitkul to Sarahan, 110 kms, 6-7 hours Day 9 . Sarahan to Narkanda / Shimla, 170 kms, 8 hours Day 10. Narkanda / Shimla to Delhi,

The most important thing that you need to keep in mind while travelling to Spiti valley is that it is not the distance that you should be worrying about but condition of the roads. Even small distances here can you take forever to cross, thanks to the terrible state that Spiti roads are always in. So it is better to start early in the day so that you have sufficient time to reach your destination before dark.

Day 1 – Delhi to Manali: Nothing more than a long monotonous drive. Start early from Delhi as this drive can take anywhere between 12-15 hours depending on your mode of travel, speed and breaks you take. Road conditions are excellent until Kiratpur Sahib; post which it will be a mix of good and bad all the way to Manali.

Day 2 – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphoo – Batal – Chandratal: As I mentioned above, you need to obtain permits in order to cross Rohtang Pass. If you have time and plan to stay in Manali, then you can spend this day arranging the permits or else, a better way would be that you contact a hotel in Manali and ask them to arrange your permits in advance. If they agree then book a room with them. This way, you will have the permits ready and waiting for you when you reach the hotel at Manali on Day 1. It is important because I would strongly advise against starting late from Manali. Journey from Manali to Chandratal can easily take upto 8-10 hours. Stretch from Gramphoo to Batal is a nightmare with multiple water crossing and non-existent roads. Experience the mighty Rohtang Pass on the way, the natural beauty of the region, the adventurous feeling of driving on challenging roads and stay overnight at Chandratal at any of the multiple camp sites available.

Day 3 – Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza: This is a relaxed drive of 5-6 hours at max. Take a morning walk around Chandratal and be on your way to Kaza. Enjoy the beauty of beautiful Kunzum Pass on the way. Kaza has multiple hotels so finding one will not be a big challenge.

Day 4 – Kaza – Kibber – Tashigong – Langza – Koumik – Kaza: You will spend this day in Kaza, travelling the places around. Visit the famous Ki monastery and take a drive to the nearby villages of Kibber, Tashigong, Langza, Kaumik and return to Kaza by evening. This area is famous for some very old fossils that were found here. Tanggyud monastery in Koumik is worth a visit.  Langza offers a great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak. There is also a large Buddha statue here which is quite magnificent. Please do note that if you are short on time, you can skip this day.

Day 5 – Kaza – Dhankhar – Dhankhar Lake – Tabo – Giu – Sumdo – Chango – Nako: Start early from Kaza. Visit Dhankhar monasteries and Dhankhar Lake in the small town of Dhankhar. Take a small diversion just before Sumdo and see the 500 year old Mummy there. Just before Nako is the much dreaded and famous Malling Nallah. Nako has a few hotels where you can check in. Enjoy a stroll around the Nako Lake in the evening.

Day 6 – Nako – Kalpa: See the confluence of Spiti and Satluj rivers at Khab. The bridge at Khab also offers a great view of Leo Purygal Peak. Drive straight to Kalpa from here and stay there for the night. Experience the majestic view of Kinner Kailash peaks from Kalpa.

Day 7 – Kalpa to Chitkul: Drive till Karchham and take the diversion from there towards Sangla. See the famous Kamru fort at Sangla and continue further for another 25-30 odd kilometers to reach the end of the road at the village of Chitkul. Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this village and stay for the night.

Day 8 – Chitkul to Sarahan: Drive back from Chitkul to Karchham and from there continue towards Jeori. From Jeori, leave the highway and turn on the 16 kms long stretch towards Sarahan. This small town is famous for Bhimkali temple and a bird sanctuary, both of which are worth a visit. Please note that if you are short on time, you can skip this day and continue driving straight towards Shimla.

Day 9 – Sarahan to Narkanda / Shimla: From Sarahan, drive down again to Jeori and from there continue on the highway towards Shimla. Depending on your preference, you can chose to stay at either Shimla or Narkanda. Personally I would prefer a stay at Narkanda any day over Shimla.

Day 10 – Narkanda / Shimla to Delhi: Drive back home. An easy 8-10 hours’ drive on mostly good roads.

This is just a rough layout on how you can complete this journey. Depending on your plan, you can add or remove days from here.  If you have more time in hand, you can chose to either spend a day more at Kaza, or stay at Mud village and enjoy the beauty of PIN valley, or stay at Mane village and trek to beautiful Sopona Lake.

I hope this information regarding a spiti valley itinerary from Manali was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below and I would be glad to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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How to plan a trip to spiti valley..., rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, spiti valley road status 2024 – 2025, 43 comments.

VERY VALUABLE AND USEFUL INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED BY YOU THROUGH THIS MEDIA. CAN WE TRAVEL TO KAZA FROM MANALI, KUNZUM PASS IN APRIL,2022? YOUR GUIDANCE WILL BE OF GREAT HELP FOR US TO PLAN A TRIP. THANKS.

Thank you, Sharad. Kunzum Pass usually opens in May. Traveling in April will not be possible unless the pass opens early which we will only know by early April.

Can i set the tour from manali and kaza then chitkul by own car. In october 10.

I am planning for a no time-bound solo budget trip to Himachal. My desired itinerary is as follows: Delhi-Shimla-Spiti circuit (the route, as mentioned in your articles)-Manali-bhrigu lake trek and hampta pass trek- Kullu-Kasol-Tosh and Kheerganga trek-kullu-mandi (parashar lake)-Shimla. In order to explore the above mentioned places, can you suggest me the best time to start the trip from Shimla? And which route would be better…starting from manali or shimla for the spiti trip??

May end would be the best time to start. If you mean this year then a lot of places would have to be left out coz the roads have started closing.

Vargis, Thank you SO SO SO much for your articles. Planning a trip like this can be difficult and you have already saved me from making mistakes before ever leaving Delhi. You are amazing! Thanks, Riley

Hi Riley – Thank you so much for taking the time to drop a note. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

I m planning a trip to Spiti from Chandigarh for 9 days starting from 1st Oct to 9th Oct. Could you help plan a itinerary

How are you traveling?

Hii vargis..well i am reaching Delhi airport on 26/may at 1.30 am..from there want to reach Manali as early as possible..my return ticket is on 2/june evening from delhi.Iam from Kolkata and we are four of us..can you plan the trip covering spiti lahual chandratal ..likewise manali to manali…where can we hire our vehicle for the entire trip with one reliable driver…thanks to you in advance.

Hi Sarbari – You can talk to Binny Thakur @ 9816300804 for vehicle for the entire trip. He is a reliable driver.

Me and my friend are planning to cover the complete Spiti circuit between September 29 and October 7. Would like to know which one would be a better route, starting from Manual or Shimla? Also we would be 2 women traveling together, so would it be safe enough?

Thanks, Anupama

Hello sir ,

We are planning to visit spiti on bike in 2 weeks from now (group of 6-8) We have 5 days of time (4.5 days from manali to manali) we want to atleast cover major attractions like chandratal Can you please provide a brief itenary and also please suggest if this is a safe time to visit

It will be of great help for us Thank you

Hi Aman – You have 5 days from where to where?

Hi sir , It’s from Delhi to Delhi

We plan on reaching manali by bus on Friday night to Saturday morning

Then we have sat , sun ,Mon , Tue and wed

We need to take an bus from manali on wed night for delhi

Assuming that you reach Manali on Saturday in time to catch the Kaza bus, the journey can be as below.

Sat – Manali to Kaza Sun – Rent a bike in Kaza and explore places like Kibber / Komik etc Mon – Kaza to Tabo, Dhankar, Mud in Pin Valley and back to Kaza Tue – Kaza to Chandratal. Catch the morning bus from Kaza, get down at Batal and then either walk or hitchhike to the lake Wed – Chandratal to Manali. Walk or hitchhike back to Batal in time to catch the Kaza Manali bus and reach Manali by evening. Catch the night Volvo for Delhi.

We are 10 people and planning to visit spiti in June. However, we will be planning for 3 days complete trip starting from Delhi to Kaza via Manali and Kaza to Delhi Via manali. We are planning to rent bikes from Manali, so please confirm if those guys can provide us some help in getting permits. Also please tell me if 3 days of trip is fine for Kaza trip. Suggest, if you have reference where we can rent good conditioned bikes or if anyone can give us short trip package.

Delhi to Spiti and back to Delhi in 3 days is impossible. Can’t do it.

Oh! It is a bit late as I have already booked my accommodation in Hotel Delek House. Next time I shall sure abide by your suggestion. Thanks for your valuable suggestions and guidance.

No worries Sir. Have a great trip. Do let me know how it went upon your return.

Yes. Up to that extant we can stretch the iternery .

For 9 days you can travel like this Sir.

1. Manali to Kaza 2. Kaza to Nako 3. Nako to Mud Village (Pin Valley) 4. Mud to Kaza 5. Kaza to Kibber / Komim / Langza / Hikkim to Kaza 6. Kaza to Chandratal 7. Chandratal to Manali 8 & 9 – Buffer days you can spend at any of the places I mentioned above.

extremely grateful for such a detailed itinerary. i’ve been scouring your site for the past few days to plan my spiti ride. i’m gonna start from kanyakumari and ride till chandigarh where im meeting my friends and then we ride to manali and then spiti (taking the tougher route coz of time constraints from my friends). me and my friends are following your advice to the letter.. Thamks so much.

Hello Dr. Patel,

Thank you so much for taking the time to drop a note. I appreciate it and glad that the information provided was of help.

This is my plan can you please help on this,we are going to do the whole trek our-self, please do advise.

10th August : Plane Mumbai TO Delhi : 2700 : Bus from Delhi to Manali : Manju Ka Tital : 22:00 : 1,137RS : time 14Hr 11th August : Manali : Stay in manali : 500 Rs 12th August : Bus from manali to Kaza: 300RS + stay 300Rs Max 1000 Per day 13th August : Kaza to Ki Monastery – Kibber – Langza Trek and share Taix 14th August : Trek from Langza – Komik: 15th August : Trek from Komik – DemuL 16th August : Trek from Demul – Lalung 17th August : Trek from Lalung – Dhankar Coming still figuring out 20th back to delhi

Zeeshan Bhai your plan looks great. For return journey, catch a shared taxi from Dhankar to Kaza, hardly 2 hours journey. Then the next day, catch the daily morning Kaza to Manali bus.

Hello Mr. Khan, thank you for all the helpful comments.

We are planning to travel on 27th April from chandigarh and return on 4th May.

Is there a way we can cover manali and pin valley? We had visited narkanda kalpa chitkul sangla earlier and hence do not wish to visit those places again. Request you to help with itinerary.

Hello Ms. Pal,

Yes you can definitely cover Pin Valley, it is open but not Manali route. You can travel like this.

27. Chandigarh to Sarahan 28. Sarahan to Nako 29. Nako to Mud Village ( Pin) 30. Mud to Kaza 1. Kaza to Kibber / Komik / Langza / Hikkim to Kaza 2. Kaza to Kalpa 3. Kalpa to Chandigarh 4. Buffer Day

Is there a way we can cover manali and pin valley? We had visited narkanda kalpa chitkul sangla earlier and hence do not wish to visit those places again. Request you to help with itinerary. Thank you.

As I live in Lucknow both options are open to me. The road journey would certainly like to be minimum. After going through your blogs I think it will not be feasible before May end /June start. As you suggest.

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya – You are correct. I will recommend sometime in June only, not before that.

Thanks dear.

You are welcome Sir

Hello dear once again. I intend to undertake the trip some time around 13th June onwards taking Chandigarh(say day1) — Manali-Chandigarh( say day 8/9/10) route. Please suggest a NON HECTIC(comfortable) iternery. Thanks. Ps: I have already covered Shimla, Sarhan, Sangla (Rakchham),Chitkul,Kalpa circuit.

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya – You mean Manali – Spiti – Manali and a total of 9 days?

Thanks once again . As I live in Lucknow both options are open to me. The road journey, obviously , would like to be minimum. After going through your blogs I understand it should not be before May end/June start. As you suggest.

Dear Vargis I have been going through your magnificent blogs which have tempted me to seek your suggestion and guidance.

I wish to visit Lahaul- Spiti valley(including Chandra Tal) and place the personal information below to facilitate your response. 1. I (we) am a retired person and as such duration(won’t exhaust due to hectic schedule) and dates shall not be much hindrance. 2. Would love to go via Manali as have already covered ( Lucknow) Chandigarh -Shimla- Narkanda-Sarhan-Raksham-Chitkul-Kalpa -Shimla- Chandigarh -(Lucknow) by hired vehicle 2-3years back. 3. Except that would AVOID “treking” no major inconvenience experienced due to height or other factors in the past. 4. We (group of 2-3 senior couples) prefer to travel in hired Innova (or similar)

Please guide.

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya,

I will be happy to help. Where are you traveling from Sir, Delhi or Chandigarh? I will recommend that you have a word with Jamaica at 09418200183. He is a local from Kaza and owns a hotel there. He also run a camping site at Chandratal and is a good friend of mine. Please give him my reference and have a word. He will be able to help you with an Innova for the trip, your accommodation at Chandratal and Kaza both and any other assistance you need.

Thanks dear Virgis. I am overwhelmed to get such a prompt response (2.30am !)

As I shall commence my journey from Lucknow and from Delhi also we have to pass through Chandigarh, I think it will be better to start from Chandigarh. However please suggest.

The most important thing, I believe is, there is no problem ( given the composition of the group) In undertaking this trip. If feasible, Please suggest the iternery.

Thank you for your kind words Sir. Chandigarh will be a good place to start but then you will have to wait until the Manali Kaza route is declared open. Once that happens, you can in fact cover both Lahaul and Sipti valleys. May I know the approximate dates of your travel Sir?

Hello dear Virgis once again.

Consequent upon long conversation with you, I am FINALLY starting my tour of Spiti valley as per iternery below :

22nd June : Scheduled arrival Chandigarh 10.30am. After refreshing, departure for Manali by 12 noon. Night stay Manali.

23rd June: Rest and stay at Manali.

24th to 26th June: Kaza and around as per your suggested iternery.

27th June : Tabo

28th June: Chandratal

29th June: Manali

30th June : Chandigarh to Lucknow (night train )

Considering the water scarcity in Himanchal this season, I think We shall carry SUFFICIENT quantity of Bottled water from Chandigarh itself. I think this is according to your valuable guidance. Shall be glad if you will please advise any special precaution to be taken considering our AGE group (I am 66+We shall take Diamox tabs at Manali. And also carry oxygen cylinders/ inhalers as a precautionary measure) Anything else please?

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya, The water problem is actually limited to Shimla city. I was just there in Manali for couple of days last week and no such problem there. In Kaza, stay at Hotel Spiti valley. It is located right opposite Kaza monastery on main road. Good place and highly recommended by me. Let Mr. Tanzin there know of me and he will take good care of you. You are spending a day in Manali so AMS should not be that big a problem.

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Spiti Valley – Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar

Spiti Valley of Lahul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh is cold desert area of Himalayas.It possesses a distinctive Buddhist culture similar to that found in the nearby Tibet and Ladakh. Spiti valley is surrounded by high mountains range and River Spiti flowing through the valley which is originated in the high mountains of Kunzum pass.Spiti valley and mountains are barren and largely devoid of a vegetative cover.

It is not just culture and natural beauty that Spiti valley offers. Trekking, camping, biking and jeep safaris are some of the activities that you can do in Spiti valley.Trekkers flock to Spiti valley attracted by its scenic mountains, enchanting landscapes, glaciers and pristine environment.

Welcome to the Land of Lamas.

Kaza (3650m): is the main town of Spiti valley and is known for its colorful festivals and the ancient Sakya Tangyud Monastery in a side valley, 4 km from the town. Kaza is located on the left bank of Spiti river. Kaza is well connected to the rest of the valley which make Kaza an ideal place for tourists as a base camp. Kaza has various facilities which is only available here in the whole valley like, Banks with ATM, Hospital, Petrol pump. A number of hotels, restourants, rest houses and guest houses are available at Kaza.

Tabo (3280m): is a small town on the bank of Spiti river in Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. Tabo monastery is the oldest monastery of the region, was build in 999 AD, this monastery is also known as “The Ajanta of Himalayas” with a complex that holds nine temples, 23 chortens, a monks’ chamber and an extension that houses the nuns chamber. The monastery’s importance can be judged from the fact that its significance is second only to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet in the entire Himalayan region. There are many small hotels and guest houses available here along with monastery’s own guest house.

Dhankar Gompa (3894m) and Dhankar Lake: Dhankar Monastery was once the capital of Spiti in 17th century. It is one of the five main Buddhist centres and tourist destinations in Spiti region. Dhankar is situated at the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. The Dhankar lake which is about 3 KM above the village in the mountain glaciers. Camping is not allowed in the lake side by locals, but it can be visited.

List of available treks

• Pin-Parvati National Park Trek
• Tabo-Mana village-Sopona Lake Trek
• Kaza to Bhaba(Kinnaur district) Trek
• Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Comic-Kaza Trek
• Kaza-tabo-Maniragna pass Trek
• Parangla Pass Trek (Spiti to Ladakh)

Spiti valley also know as middle land can be accessible by 2 different route one is from Manali and other is From Shimla.

Manali To Spiti Valley: Kaza is 201 Km from Manali via road but this road is winter close due to heavy snowfall and high mountains passes on the way, Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass, there are other dangers on this road, crossing the Nallahs (rivulets) can make your journey awful, some of the Nallas are very danger and uncertain, it is always advisable to cross these Nallahs early morning when water flow is must less. The highly infamous “Pagal Nallah” with mad stream and unpredictability water rise making it impossible to cross s the day progressed. Road goes along Chandra river till Batal from where upstream upto Kumzum top. At Batal you can meet the famous savior couple who ran a Dhaba there who save life of traveler in past. The first village of Spiti is Losar after that road condition is must better.

Shimla to Spiti Valley: Kaza is 403 Km from Shimla this road is also not good but can be consider good as compare to the Manali- Kaza road. Some stretches on this road are also very dangerous but as there is no passes this road is open most of the time except few months of winter. Spiti valley starts at Sumdoh which is about 327 Km from Shimla, there are many worth visiting places on this route some notable places are Shimla-Rampur-Wangtu-Karcham-Kalpa-Sapillo-Khab-Nako-Chango-Sumdoh-Tabo-Dhankar-Kaza.

Best time to Visit : Summer is the best time to visit and realize the nature beauty. Bring warm clothes along with you. Where to stay : Hotels, Rest houses, guest houses and home stays are available at Tabo, Kaza and Dhankar with Indian and Tibetan foods.).

Thanks for reading, keep visiting for my blog for new journey with me.

Here are some of the pics of Spiti Valley.

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Shangarh, a unique meadows in great himalayan national park, mandi – diana park – jhatingri – barot, most famous places of himachal pradesh.

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Nice artical Mr Balwant, what is the best time to visit this place ??

Thank you, best time to visit Spiti valley is June to Sept..

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Lake Worth Beach's new Electric System Operations hub looks like something out of 'Star Trek'

LAKE WORTH BEACH — The first glances of the city's new Electric Systems Operations Center conjure up a few visual comparisons: an air-traffic control center, an NFL production studio, a sports bar or even the command center of the Enterprise ship in "Star Trek."

But aside from the wow factor, there is a purpose to the upgraded modernization of the sleek-looking system that was recently put into place.

“Our new ESOC incorporates all of the technologies we’ve updated and installed over the past few years on a readily viewable and configurable interactive wall of monitors and smart boards that give us a broad overview of the electric system,” said Jason Bailey, assistant director of electric system operations.

Entering the utility center, a quiet hum fills the building. Technicians monitor a wall of video screens. A click of their mouse zooms onto one of the 28,000 electric meters. Another screen shows a map of electric poles in the entire city.

Acrobatic i gu anas , drones, trouble trucks and pinpointing problems on computer screens are all in a day’s work for the Electric Utility staff as they rejuvenate the city’s power system.

The coastal city is the only municipality in Palm Beach County — and one of 33 in Florida — that supplies its own electricity to residents. Over the next decade, about $150 million from the federal government, bond issues and local utility rates is planned to revamp the system that many residents see as outdated and prone to outages.

RELATED: What's up with the mysterious purple streetlights at the intersection of Jog and Hypoluxo?

The new system is part of a massive overhaul that Utilities Director Ed Liberty and Lake Worth Beach are devoted to making run smoother.

“There were no backups. Every day was a crisis when I first started,” said Liberty, who has been executive director of the utility since August 2017.

Lake Worth Beach's new operating systems hub is part of a makeover of its utility

The new system includes a wall of interactive monitors tied to servers and multiple system sensors and meters that gives the 24-7 crew the ability to isolate problems block by block within the city.

The project was funded using proceeds from a revenue bond and is an element of the city’s System Hardening and Reliability Improvement Program.

Good news: Lake Worth Beach residents will soon see a big cut in their utility bills

The new stuff isn’t all high-tech. Looking like bracelets, foot-wide black plastic strips are wrapped around wooden utility poles to bamboozle climbing critters.

“Iguanas, squirrels — they get discouraged when they can’t get a grip on the plastic. They slip off,” said Mike Jenkins, the utility’s energy delivery manager.

Concrete and steel poles are replacing the old wood ones. Drones are taking infrared photos to detect malfunctioning connectors. Newly installed fault indicators — blue, goblet-sized gadgets attached to utility wires — light up amber to signal broken connections.

“Before all these innovations, we would be out there with binoculars and climbing poles looking for the problem,” said Liberty.

Maintaining a smooth operation and speeding up repairs is the ultimate goal.

Outages are tricky, utility staff members say. Storms slash lines. Residents pruning trees hit electric wires. So do landscapers on cherry pickers. Drivers whack utility poles. Fuses blow. Breakers break.

What are Mylar balloons and why are they so troublesome?

And Mylar balloons. The shiny inflatable birthday bubbles are the bane to repair staff.

“You’ll never see those balloons at my house,” said Adrian Wilkins, a systems operator who has often removed the pesky balloons from utility poles.

Mylar is a thin, plastic, polyester film that is different and stronger than traditional latex balloons. It was a Mylar balloon that caused a 15-minute power outage on a sunny afternoon on Sept. 5, 2017, on a utility pole at College Road and Sixth Avenue South. The entire city lost power.

Such shutdowns should be eliminated when a new backup system goes online this year, said Liberty. Called a “tie-line” in the utility biz, the redundant system clicks in when an outage occurs.

“We’ll see less outages,” said David Martyniuq, assistant director of engineering.

Shock to the system: Why pesky critters are causing so many power outages in Lake Worth Beach

Another time-saver in utility’s toolbox is the three mobile repair units.

Nicknamed “trouble trucks,” they patrol the city 24 hours a day. A technician in the white vehicles with the Lake Worth Beach Utility logo responds to a problem when a property owner calls or a glitch shows up on the utility’s system.

Eight times out of 10, the trouble truck staff solves the problem when it’s a minor issue like a blown fuse, foliage interference or a loose connection.

Lake Worth Beach residential utility customers now pay an average of about $115 monthly. That’s the eighth-lowest among Florida’s investor and municipal-owned utilities, according to the Florida Municipal Electric Association.

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The amazing beauty of Lake Akkem

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Nature , Regions , Travel

Akkem is a lake situated in Altai mountains, at the foot of the northern slope of Mount Belukha, in the territory of Ust-Koksinsky district of the Altai Republic . Ak-kem means “white water” in the Altai language.

The lake, elongated from north to south, is fed by melt water of Akkem glacier. The length of the lake is 1,350 meters, the width – 610 m., the average depth – 7.8 m. Lake Akkem is a natural monument and part of the National Park “Belukha” created in 1997. Lake Akkem on Google Maps . Photos by: Anton Petrus .

Tags:  Altay Republic

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