The valley of Lahaul is situated to the south of Ladakh. For this very reason this place derived its name LhoYul meaning “Southern Country”. To its south is situated the beautiful valley of Kullu across the Rohtang Pass (3195Mtrs) and the Bara Bangahal (Kangra) across the Asakh pass (5051Mtrs) . Its western boundaries touch the Pangi and Churah areas of Distt. Chamba. To its north situated the valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh across Shingola (5090 Mtrs) and Baralacha la (5450 Mtrs) respectively. Its eastern and south eastern boundaries coincide with those of Spiti and Western Tibet across the Kunzom Pass (4500 Mtrs).
Climate :
Since the valley is situated in rain shadow area, north of the Pir Panjal ranges the weather remains pleasant and quite comfortable during summers i.e. from May to mid Oct. This is the best season to visit this valley. It seldom rains, and the Mercury level does not exceed 25 C to -25 C through out the period mentioned above. One can always enjoy bright sunshine wandering within lush green valley. There is little or no rain in monsoons. The climate remains dry & invigorating. The days are hot and night are extremely cold. Heavy/Light woolens are recommended. During winter, i.e. from Nov. last to April because of western disturbances it snows heavily and the temp. goes down below minus. There is an average annual snow fall of about 7 feet.
Best Time to Visit :
The best time to visit Lahaul & Spiti is during summer i.e. from mid May to mid October, since the district is snowbound area and Lahaul valley remain isolated from rest of the world from October-May due to closure of the Rohtang Pass. Although Spiti is an almost all-weather place.
Seabuckthorn “Wonder Plant” or Himalayan Gold as ODOP:
The district administration has identified sea buckthorn under ODOP scheme after consultation with different stakeholders involving NGO’S etc. Seabuckthorn is shrub variety found in the high altitude Himalayan region of India. It is also called the “Wonder plant” or “Himalayan gold“.