Langza Village - Popular place in Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh known for huge Buddha Statue at an altitude of 14,500 feet and spotting wild animals like Snow Leopards & Himalayan Ibex

Langza is one of the remotest villages of India in the state of Himachal Pradesh and specifically in the popular Spiti Valley. Close to headquarters of Spiti Valley - Kaza, Langza is a high-altitude village is known for ancient marine fossils, spotting endangered animals and for its grand Buddha statue overlooking the Spiti Valley. Are you wondering why did I add about endangered Animals? May be some time soon I will more on this topic that why this part of Spiti valley is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and there are few more special places in Spiti Valley where chances are more to spot snow leopards, Himalayan ibex etc.

Spiti  in Himalayan State of India with varied landscape and rugged mountains has vibrant blue sky and lush patches of greens. Today Atal Tunnel is inaugurated by current Prime Minister of India. This tunnel is going to make Spiti Valley and Lahaul valley easily reachable in winters as well. Today we will take you to the beautiful Journey to Langza village which is popularly known for it's amazing landscapes and a huge Budhha Statue at the height of ~14500 feet. 

How to reach Langza in Spiti Valley : Kaza is district headquarter of Spiti and it's around 424 kms from Shimla and 202 kms from Manali. The road which passes through the mighty Kunjom Pass remains closed in the winters i.e., from November to May. So one has to come through Shimla route during these months. Once you reach Kaza you will get to see numerous hotels, guest houses and Homestays. Since Kaza is by far the largest town here, you get decent options to stay and eat out. Attractions in Kaza are Kaza Monastery, Market, few Cafe's etc. But the must thing that you must plan when in Kaza is visiting the three high altitudes villages Langza, Komic and Hikkim. We spent a day around Kaza to explore Kye Monastery, Kibber Village, Langza and then Komic. Due to bad weather we couldn't go to Hikkim in the evening and rather headed towards Dhankar.


How to reach Langza in Spiti Valley : 

Kaza is district headquarter of Spiti and it's around 424 kms from Shimla and 202 kms from Manali. The road which passes through the mighty Kunjom Pass remains closed in the winters i.e., from November to May. So one has to come through Shimla route during these months. 

Once you reach Kaza you will get to see numerous hotels, guest houses and Homestays. Since Kaza is by far the largest town here, you get decent options to stay and eat out. Attractions in Kaza are Kaza Monastery, Market, few Cafe's etc. But the must thing that you must plan when in Kaza is visiting the three high altitudes villages Langza, Komic and Hikkim. We spent a day around Kaza to explore Kye Monastery, Kibber Village, Langza and then Komic. Due to bad weather we couldn't go to Hikkim in the evening and rather headed towards Dhankar.

Related Blogpost - Just skip if you are not interested in exploring some of the great places around Kaza town of Spiti Valley in Himalayan State of India

After exiting Kaza town and moving towards Manali, the first right turn which climbs up the hill will take you to these villages. This drive to Langza is very interesting & unique. One needs to drive on that road to understand what I mean by that. As we were climbing up towards Langza, we noticed this road on the left side. It was interesting to see such a long straight road in Spiti Valley. It seems that road we see in above photograph takes you to other side of the valley and gradually it leads toward Manali.

After exiting Kaza town and moving towards Manali, the first right turn which climbs up the hill will take you to these villages. This drive to Langza is very interesting & unique. One needs to drive on that road to understand what I mean by that. 

As we were climbing up towards Langza, we noticed this road on the left side. It was interesting to see such a long straight road in Spiti Valley. It seems that road we see in above photograph takes you to other side of the valley and gradually it leads toward Manali.

 Related Blogpost - Why nobody talks about unique Dry Toilet Technology of Spiti valley in Himalayan state of India, while Japanese toilets are discussed at length?

Here is a little closer look at the straight road that I mentioned above. You can see it from the road connecting Langza with Kaza. Going through the meadows and grand landscapes with small Himalayan flowers bloomed, makes the landscape very special. For quite some time, there are huge mountains around you with no habitat. After the steep climb, we reached in pains on the top of the hill. We could see this huge statue of Budha for long time when we were driving towards Lagza village. What is see above is Lagza village. So Budhha is sitting on top hill near the village and all houses around are spread in surrounding hills of Langza. One can go close to this statute and drive down into the village.

Here is a little closer look at the straight road that I mentioned above. You can see it from the road connecting Langza with Kaza.

Going through the meadows and grand landscapes with small Himalayan flowers bloomed, makes the landscape very special. For quite some time, there are huge mountains around you with no habitat. 

 Spiti in Himalayan State of India with varied landscape and rugged mountains has vibrant blue sky and lush patches of greens. Today Atal Tunnel is inaugurated by current Prime Minister of India. This tunnel is going to make Spiti Valley and Lahaul valley easily reachable in winters as well. Today we will take you to the beautiful Journey to Langza village which is popularly known for it's amazing landscapes and a huge Budhha Statue at the height of ~14500 feet.

After the steep climb, we reached in pains on the top of the hill. We could see this huge statue of Budha for long time when we were driving towards Lagza village. What is see above is Lagza village. So Budhha is sitting on top hill near the village and all houses around are spread in surrounding hills of Langza. One can go close to this statute and drive down into the village.

 Related Blogpost - Key Monastery : Biggest Monastery of Spiti Valley with Stunning Architecture and an Excellent Training Centre for Lamas

Langza is one of the remotest villages of India in the state of Himachal Pradesh and specifically in the popular Spiti Valley. Close to headquarters of Spiti Valley - Kaza, Langza is a high-altitude village is known for ancient marine fossils, spotting endangered animals and for its grand Buddha statue overlooking the Spiti Valley. Are you wondering why did I add about endangered Animals? May be some time soon I will more on this topic that why this part of Spiti valley is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and there are few more special places in Spiti Valley where chances are more to spot snow leopards, Himalayan ibex etc.

Langza is one of the remotest villages of India in the state of Himachal Pradesh and specifically in the popular Spiti Valley. Close to headquarters of Spiti Valley - Kaza, Langza is a high-altitude village is known for ancient marine fossils, spotting endangered animals and for its grand Buddha statue overlooking the Spiti Valley. Are you wondering why did I add about endangered Animals? May be some time soon I will more on this topic that why this part of Spiti valley is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and there are few more special places in Spiti Valley where chances are more to spot snow leopards, Himalayan ibex etc.  

Related Blogpost - Spiti Valley Travel Guide - Stunning Landscapes, mind-blowing travel hacks, Snow leopards/Himalayan-Ibex stories and Unforgettable lifetime experience


The landscapes of Langza village can leave anyone spellbound and I loved the architecture of these houses. Langza is probably one of the most beautiful villages we have visited in Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. As we reached Langza village and near the Statue, we thought of spending some time around these hills which were further surrounded by snow covered mountains all around. I loved these houses and if you notice there is a layer of grass on the roof and that's mainly for maintaining temperature inside the house, especially in winters.

The landscapes of Langza village can leave anyone spellbound and I loved the architecture of these houses. Langza is probably one of the most beautiful villages we have visited in Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. 

As we reached Langza village and near the Statue, we thought of spending some time around these hills which were further surrounded by snow covered mountains all around. I loved these houses and if you notice there is a layer of grass on the roof and that's mainly for maintaining temperature inside the house, especially in winters.

 Related Blogpost - A failed attempt to reach Spiti Valley on new KTM Bike - Opportunity to make random plans to explore even more special places in Shimla region of Himachal Pradesh

Above photograph would give you some sense about the scale of each thing here. This statue is itself huge but against these landscapes it looks so small. Just notice the man standing next to this statue. And the shining sun is making overall setting more appealing.

Above photograph would give you some sense about the scale of each thing here. This statue is itself huge but against these landscapes it looks so small. Just notice the man standing next to this statue. And the shining sun is making overall setting more appealing.

 Related Blogpost - Video-Journey for those who have never explored secrets of Himalayan State of India - See what you are missing !

After some time around Langza village, we headed towards Koumik and now the road condition was getting worse. These mountains had some snow and it was melting, so roads were little slushy and also there were plenty of sharp stones on the road.

After some time around Langza village, we headed towards Koumik and now the road condition was getting worse. These mountains had some snow and it was melting, so roads were little slushy and also there were plenty of sharp stones on the road.

 Related Blogpost - Top 10 Hill Stations in North India - What makes them so special around Himalayan States of India

On our way, our car got stuck in the slush once and when we took it out, we found that one of the tyre was punctured. We had only one spare tyre and we had to drive on such road for 32 kms. All of us were little silent and someone from us would try to crack a joke to distract. But from inside everybody was praying that we reach the tyre fixing station without more hickups. We didn't have an option to get the tyre fixed on that day, as there is no such shop between Koumik and Dhankar.

On our way, our car got stuck in the slush once and when we took it out, we found that one of the tyre was punctured. We had only one spare tyre and we had to drive on such road for 32 kms. All of us were little silent and someone from us would try to crack a joke to distract. But from inside everybody was praying that we reach the tyre fixing station without more hickups. We didn't have an option to get the tyre fixed on that day, as there is no such shop between Koumik and Dhankar.

 Related Blogpost -  Dhankar to Kalpa - Back journey from Spiti to Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh

Some people rightly refer to Langza as the ‘Switzerland of Spiti’ though it is more brown than green. Patches of bright green fields spread on brown hills makes Langza look wonderful. Langza village houses 150 residents who work hard to retain their ancient traditions and customs.

Some people rightly refer to Langza as the ‘Switzerland of Spiti’ though it is more brown than green. Patches of bright green fields spread on brown hills makes Langza look wonderful. Langza village houses 150 residents who work hard to retain their ancient traditions and customs.
Let's quickly list down things you can do around Langza in Spiti Valley :

1. Langza Buddha statue at high altitude – There is this huge statue of Buddha and it's also said that this statute guards this beautiful Langza village. It is the tallest structure in the village and is located top of a hill. You can reach the statue after a 10-minute short hike from the parking area.​ And there is very high probability that when you search Spiti Valley on internet you will see photograph of this huge Buddha statue. 

Related Blogpost - Tour de Nako Village in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh (India)


2. Be watchful & if you are lucky, you can see Himalayan Wildife : Various endangered species like snow-leopards, Himalayan wolf, red fox and Ibex can be seen in this part of Spiti Valley. Probability of seeing these animals is more in winters. If this is your focus area, pease ensure you have enough time, try to stay around Langza village and try to engage with a good guide who may know the trails. Try your best, but don't be very optimistic.


3. Hike to some of the popular peaks around Langza Village of Spiti Valley : 

Let me start by saying that don't be over-enthusiastic if you haven't done high-altitude trekking earlier. And if you want to try it out, make sure you take local help in preparing and managing any emergency if needed. In last few years, CCKN has become the most popular and most-often climbed peak in Spiti. Good amount of serious climbers go to Chau Chau Kang Nilda. Hike to Chau Chau Kang Nilda require several days of camping in extreme climatic conditions. 


4. Hike to beautiful lakes around Langza - Tsonyeti and Chumo : Tsonyeti lake is located at an altitude of approximately 14850 feets. Tsonyeti lake is about an hour and a half hike away from the Langza village. It is like a small pond that is visited by migratory birds in July/August. Chumo lake is located at an altitude of 15000+ feet and is larger than the Tsonyeti lake. It takes around 2-3 hours of steep hike to reach Chumo lake. The site of the Chumo lake offers a spectacular view of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak. Be sure that you will be hiking at high altitude so you need to ensure you are fit for it and take it easy. 


5. Some local things to do if you are staying in Langza :

- Local temple in Spiti valley are called as ‘Lang’ and it's believed that these temples/deities protect the village from evil powers. The temple of Langza is called Langza Gompa and worth a visit.

- Try local cuisine of Spiti. If you are staying in a Home Stay, you may get to taste local food. But you are be sure by asking your host. Usual stuff but specific flavour - Spiti bread, home-made butter, tomato chutney, farm potato, peas vegetable, rice etc.

- Try local cuisine of Spiti. If you are staying in a Home Stay, you may get to taste local food. But you are be sure by asking your host. Usual stuff but specific flavour - Spiti bread, home-made butter, tomato chutney, farm potato, peas vegetable, rice etc. 


- Better connect with local families enrich your explorations : Each family in the village has some part of the land around the village. Folks in Spiti are most active in summers and that's when they are think of going out more frequently and spend more time outside in their farms. Common crops of Spiti are barley, potatoes and peas. This is also the time when wood is stocked for the winters. During winters Spitians relax, drink, celebrate, dance and party. Some youngsters work as tour guides, tour operators, porters or cooks for trekkers. You find awesome people in Spiti Valley.
6. Take back some Souvenirs of Langza Village :  Langza is popularly referred to as the ‘fossil village’ of Spiti valley. Ammonites is a spiral-shaped fossil which can be easily discovered in and around the village in high concentrations.  The locals of Langza village make mud replicas of these fossils, which can be bought as souvenirs in place of the actual fossil collection.
7. Photography Opportunities : How can a post be complete if I don't mention about photography opportunities around Langza Village. The landscapes in Langza are unlike anything you will find in other places of Spiti Valley. You can even spot the Milky Way with naked eyes during the night-time and if not milky way, you will surely have glittery night.  The snow on CCKN peak shines gently due to moonlight and glittering stars which again is a great opportunity to click star trails. And don't miss to experiment with huge statue of Buddha against grand landscapes of Langza village in Spiti Valley. 

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Langza is one of the remotest villages of India in the state of Himachal Pradesh and specifically in the popular Spiti Valley. Close to headquarters of Spiti Valley - Kaza, Langza is a high-altitude village is known for ancient marine fossils, spotting endangered animals and for its grand Buddha statue overlooking the Spiti Valley. Are you wondering why did I add about endangered Animals? May be some time soon I will more on this topic that why this part of Spiti valley is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and there are few more special places in Spiti Valley where chances are more to spot snow leopards, Himalayan ibex etc. Langza Village - Popular place in Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh known for huge Buddha Statue at an altitude of 14,500 feet and spotting wild animals like Snow Leopards & Himalayan Ibex










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