This region remains cut off from the rest of the world for much of the year. Apart from geographical barriers, this area was closed, till 1994, to visitors because of military and political reasons. These valleys encompass glaciers, high ridges, broad valleys, pastures and has a minimum elevation exceeding 3000m. This area is more of a high altitude cold desert dotted with famous monasteries, villages like little green oasis in a stark, brown and dry landscape, miles of rolling pastures, 6000m peaks and swollen rivers which turn into mere trickles in winter. Between the Shivaliks and the Greater Himalayas is found another of India’s last unexplored posts, Kinnaur. Situated on the old world trade route, its only link with the outside world is by way of the Hindustan -Tibet road through Simla. This district spans the entire width of the Himalayas to the edge of the Tibetan plateau. This region being utterly unspoilt and practically untouched by tourist traffic and outside influence, remain a paradise for trekkers, river runners and motorists alike. The valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are connected by the 4500m Kunzum pass. It is a fascinating land for Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries here are rich repositories of ancient murals, wood carvings and goltales and legends.