District
Lahaul and Spiti
| Headquarters | Keylong |
|---|---|
| Division | Mandi |
| Formed | 1 November 1966 (transferred from Punjab) |
| Area | 13,835 km² |
| Population (2011) | 31,564 |
| Density (2011) | 2 per km² |
| Literacy (2011) | 76.81 % |
| Sex ratio (2011) | 903 |
The largest district by area (13,835 km², about a quarter of the state) and the smallest by population (31,564), with a density of 2 persons per km² — the lowest in Himachal and among the lowest in India. It was also the only district to record a negative decadal growth rate in 2011.
Two distinct valleys under one administration: Lahaul (Chandra and Bhaga, meeting at Tandi to form the Chenab) and Spiti (the Spiti river, a Sutlej tributary), separated by the Kunzum pass. Both are cold deserts in the rain shadow of the Great Himalayan range and are Scheduled Tribe areas.
- Tabo monastery (996 CE) — the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas', founded by Rinchen Zangpo; a Monument of National Importance.
- Key, Dhankar, Kardang, Shashur, Guru Ghantal, Tayul monasteries.
- Baralacha La, Kunzum La, Rohtang, Shinku La, Parang La passes; the Atal Tunnel (opened 3 October 2020, 9.02 km) under Rohtang.
- Chandra Tal and Suraj Tal (among the highest lakes in India).
- Pin Valley National Park — snow leopard and Siberian ibex habitat.