The Lahaul and Spiti district, situated in the northern region of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, was created in 1960 by merging the Lahaul and Spiti districts. Keylong, located in Lahaul, serves as the current administrative center, although Kardang and Dhankar were the former capitals of Lahaul and Spiti, respectively. With a meager population, this district is the fourth least populous in India.

For those seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region, Lahaul and Spiti offer a plethora of places to visit. The Kunzum Pass, situated at an altitude of 4,551 m (14,931 ft), serves as the gateway to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul, located 21 km (13 mi) from Chandra Tal. The district is also connected to Manali through the Rohtang Pass, while to the south, the Spiti Valley culminates 24 km (15 mi) from Tabo, at the Sumdo, where the road links up with National Highway No. 5.

Both valleys have their distinct characteristics; Spiti is harsher and more barren, with an average valley floor elevation of 4,270 m (14,010 ft). It is encircled by towering mountain ranges, with the Spiti river emerging from a gorge in the southeast, joining the Sutlej River. The region is typical of a mountain desert area, receiving only an average annual rainfall of 170 mm (6.7 in).