Many people who travel to Lahaul and Spiti, stay some time at Kaza and mark their return journeys. But very few fortunate travellers venture beyond Kaza, and when they do, a whole new world opens up.
After Kaza, you can trek to Komic village, and beyond that comes Demul. Phone and internet connectivity start fading after Kaza, and as you hike deeper into the mountains, you stray further away from civilisation, and deeper into the lap of nature.
Komik too is an enchanting village with a beautiful monastery. But if you come till here, you just need to trek for a couple of hours more to reach Demul.
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Demul is such a unique village. As very few travellers venture here, the villagers have come up with an innovative system. Almost all of the 30 odd houses have homestays. So, the locals have decided that every year only 15 houses will host guests, and the next year it will be the chance of the other 15 houses. With such a socialist system, the villagers have ensured that the whole village prospers and all homes receive travellers with a warm welcome.
Image Credit: wanderthehimalayas
Demul is unspoilt, as every other hamlet in Spiti. You can stay in the traditional Spitian home, with three tiers. The kitchen and cattle being on the lowest, the dining area, bathrooms and bedrooms being on the second and third floor has the house entrance, the guest bedroom and the temple.
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Demul also has the distinction of offering the best panoramic view of the Himalayas and the Spiti valley. Looking down gives an astounding view of the Spiti river system as it coils its way through a wide valley. One can see Lingti and Pin rivers merging with Spiti River. The two confluence of these rivers appears like a silver ribbon strewn across the barren mountains.
Towering above Demul are the highest snow-clad mountain ranges. Towards the extreme left is the famous Chou Chou Kang Nilda Peak followed by Mt. Kuwa and Shilla Pass. Standing at Balari Top one can absorb Spiti in its entirety. It is the best spot from where one can see, comprehend and appreciate Spiti.
You can either hire a cab from Kaza or trek for two days to reach Demul. The simple Spitian life makes the stay amidst the clouds more enchanting.
So, if you plan a visit to Spiti, don’t miss the hidden treasure that is Demul.
