Nature · Jispa, Spiti & Lahaul
Morning walk on the Bhaga riverbank
Walk the gravel flats and willow groves along the Bhaga below Jispa at first light, with snow peaks above and the Leh road waking up behind you.
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe Bhaga river spreads into braided channels at Jispa, with gravel flats, small willow groves and fields along its banks. In the early morning, mist often lifts off the water, and the peaks up towards Darcha catch the first sun.
Walk downstream from the hotels along the bank and return through the village fields. Stay on paths and field edges, and close any gates behind you. Village dogs are usually friendly but let them be.
Keep away from the main current. The Bhaga carries snowmelt and is cold and fast; people have been swept away crossing such rivers. Enjoy it from the bank.
Good for
Also in Jispa
More days here
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Jispa village lanes and gompa
Walk up from the highway into the village, past potato and pea fields, to the small gompa that serves Jispa's families.…
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Drive to Darcha and the start of the high road
A short drive from Jispa to Darcha, the last village before the Manali–Leh road climbs into empty high country, for a t…
Trips through Jispa
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Jispa. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Spiti circuit: Kinnaur in, Kunzum La out
Private SUV with driver
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Lahaul and Chandratal from Manali
Private SUV with driver
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Slow Spiti and Lahaul with a private guide
Private SUV with driver, private guide
Sleep nearby
Stays in Jispa
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Padma Lodge, Jispa
A popular comfort stay on the Bhaga river at Jispa, 22 km beyond Keylong. Wood-finished rooms and riverside tents,…
Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Hotel Ibex, Jispa
The most established hotel in Jispa and one of the best in Lahaul, beside the Bhaga river on the Manali–Leh road. …
Questions
Before you book
Is the Jispa river walk safe for children?
Yes on the banks, with an adult. Keep children away from the water's edge; the current is strong.
Can I swim in the Bhaga?
No. The water is near freezing and fast. Stay on the bank.
When is the best light?
Early morning, when mist lifts off the river and the peaks catch the sun.