Jispa MonasteryPilgrims at Jispa for Dalai Lama's teachings. August 2010Jispa - hotel. 2010
Jispa (elevation 3,200 m or 10,500 ft; population 202)[1]: 81–82 is a village in Lahaul, in the Indianstate of Himachal Pradesh. It's located along the Manali–Leh Highway (NH‑3) on the banks of the Bhaga River, approximately 20 km north of Keylong and 7 km south of Darcha. It serves as a popular overnight stop for travelers en route to Lahaul‑Spiti or Ladakh.[2]
Jispa experiences a cold, high-altitude climate with summer temperatures rising to around 15 °C and nighttime lows often near 3–5 °C. Heavy snowfall isolates the village from November to April.[3]
The completion of the Atal Tunnel in 2020 has drastically reduced travel time between Manali and Jispa, making it a preferred overnight halt for travelers heading to Leh.[4]
Regular buses operated by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) ply between Manali, Keylong, and Jispa during the summer months (June–October). Shared taxis are also available from Manali. In winter, road access is restricted due to snow beyond Keylong.[9]
Jispa offers a mix of accommodations including government-run rest houses, private hotels like the Ibex Hotel, and tented camps during the tourist season.[10]
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, of the town's 202 residents, 113 were male and 89 were female. One belonged to scheduled castes, and 177 belonged to scheduled tribes. The village had 51 households.[1] Though the official population remains small, local tourism and homestays have grown significantly post Atal Tunnel opening.
Houses in Jispa
Amenities
The village has a helipad, a post office,[11] and a monastery.[12] Travellers often stop for the night here; the village has a hotel, a mountaineers' hut, and a campground.[5][6][7] Jispa also has a small folk museum.[5]
Attractions
Jispa Monastery – A small Buddhist gompa that offers panoramic views of the Bhaga Valley and holds spiritual significance for locals.
Bhaga River Riverside – Located on the banks of the Bhaga River, Jispa offers serene walks and picnic spots with dramatic mountain views. It's also a popular overnight stop for travelers heading toward Leh.
Jispa Museum of Culture and Folk Art – A compact museum showcasing local Lahauli culture, including traditional garments, utensils, and agricultural tools. It is located near the Ibex Hotel.[13]
Trekking and Camping – The village serves as a base for high-altitude treks toward Shingo La and Baralacha La. Nearby campsites along the river attract seasonal visitors.[14]
^ abDistrict Census Handbook: Lahul & Spiti, Himachal -- Village and Town Wise Primary Census Abstract (PCA). 3 Part XII B. Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. 2011.
