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Spiti Project

Spiti Valley Buchen Lamas Mahasiddha Charity Spiti Gallery

Spiti

Spiti, the forbidden valley of the Indian Himalayas, has been open for foreigners for only the last 15 years. In it’s north-eastern parts, even now, only natives can stay without government permits.

Apart from the military it is nature that for centuries has guarded access to Spiti. To get there one has to go through the mountain passes above 4500 m.

Spiti literally means a “middle land”. This name was established as Spiti was always between Tibet from the East and Ladakh from the West. For centuries it was under a great political pressure of these two countries.

Buddhism came to Spiti only in 11^th century. It was brought here mainly by the great sidha of his time Rinchena Zang-po Lotsawa (958-1055) and an Indian missioner, Master Atisa.

The oldest Buddhist monastery in Spiti, Tabo, was founded in 996. It now belongs to Gelug tradition.