Spiti, which literally means the 'middle country', so called because it is surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides, lies on the Indian border with Tibet. It lies across the main range of the Himalaya, which is known as the 'trans‑Himalaya'. It also lies between the major former empires of Bushahr, Kullu, Ladakh and Tibet. One route from the south, along the valleys from Kinnaur traditionally allowed easy access to Spiti. It travelled along the Satluj and later along the Spiti river. This route is now motorable and is kept open almost throughout the year. The original six-week journey is now reduced to about 24 hours, but it is equally tiring. The road from Shimla passes through Kinnaur to reach Khab, where the Spiti river joins the Satluj. From here it climbs up a series of bends called 'Koh Loops' for 10 km to enter the barren land of the Hangrang valley. This is the trans-Himalayan terrain. About 30 kilometres ahead, one enters Spiti at Sumdo. This is where the Pare Chu river, re-entering India after a journey in Tibet, merges with the Spiti river. Kaja, the headquarters of the Spiti district is on the left bank of the Spiti river. Another road coming in from the northwest links Spiti with Manali and the Kullu district. This route goes over the two high passes of Kunzum la and Rohtang. This spectacular road is generally open from early August till late October depending on the snow conditions on the passes. This route takes about 12 hours of travel and at present is rather popular when open. The recently constructed 'Atal Tunnel' is open all through the year and is a major shortcut that makes travel easy. This book (4th edition) is based on the author's several visits to Spiti from the earliest days exploring valleys, climbing peaks and visiting monasteries. Through the experiences of the author, the book also highlights the transformation of Spiti from an ancient civilization to a well-known tourist destination. Complete with several maps, sketches, photographs, road distances and trek routes, this book is a major reference work on the area.