Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters, Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti. Higher than Leh, it boasts of the highest diesel/petrol outlet in the world!

Inspite of the height, Kaza is the only place in the entire Himalayas connected by road throughout the year. This is because unlike other high altitude places in the Himalayas, Spiti is NOT connected by any pass from Kinnaur and as such does not get snowbound during winter.

Kaza is best connected by all weather road from Shimla (412 kms.). The road from Manali (201 kms) crosses over 3978 meters high Rohtang Pass and 4551 meters high Rohtang Pass and is open only from June to October.

Kaza is the capital of Spiti Valley. Rudyard Kipling describes Spiti in "Kim" in these words: "At last they entered a world within a world - a valley of leagues where the high hills were fashioned of the mere rubble and refuse from off the knees of the mountains... Surely the Gods live here. 

Spiti, locally pronounced "Piti", is bounded on its south and west by the valleys of Kulu and Lahaul; the region of Ladakh lies to the north and the Kalpa valley lies to the south-east. Geologically and archaeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation and erosion by wind, sun and snow over thousands of years has laid bare the rocks. The rugged and rocky mountain slopes sweep down to the riverbeds giving the landscape a moon-like appearance.

April to October are the best times to visit Kaza.

Accommodation
Eleven rooms with attached bathrooms with modern amenities.

Places to visit around the Retreat
Ki Monastery
Ki Gompa, the largest in the valley, is 11 kms. away. Located above Kaza at the height of 4116m, fine murals and valuable collection of Kangyur - ancient Buddhist texts are its attractions.

Gete and Kibber
Gete at 4270m and Kibber at 4205m are known for being the highest inhabited and motorable villages in the world. Perched on a vast rocky strech of land and surrounded by mountains of limestone rocks, the view from here is truly breathtaking.

Chandertal
Situated at 4270m, Chandertal is a crystal clear natural lake that lies in a broad grassy plain. Perched between a low ridge and main Kunzum range, the lake is a wonderful camping site and spectacular trekking destination.

Langza-Hikkim-Comic Day trek
A good trek from Kaza is the Langza-Hikkim-Comic circuit which passes thru' a virtual treasure trove of fossils, the highest village at 4460m and highest monastery at 4560m respectively. The panorama as viewed from these villages is enthralling and inspiring. The high and mighty peaks can be seen from here in their full glory. The Chocling La Peak (6510 Mts) is visible very clearly like a Shivalingam from these villages.

By road from Shimla
Kaza is 412 kilometers from Shimla. From Tabo, Kaza is only 47 kilometers.

By road from Manali
Kaza is 201 kilometers from Manali via Rohtang Pass (51 kms.) and Kunzum Pass (115 kms.).