Kaza is a big city of Spiti Valley; before you imagine a busy hill city, let me tell you its population is around 3000 only, which is probably less than the height it is situated at. It is situated on the banks of the Spiti River and has a market that is the centre for all kinds of trade in the region. I took a small walk around the market and stopped at the restaurant-cum-shop established by Spiti Ecosphere—an NGO that works in Spiti and helps villagers establish homestays as well as sells many products of the region. Kaza is home to the world’s highest retail petrol station and almost all the travellers exploring the region stop here for fuel. The next petrol station is either in Manali or in Reckong Peo as you head towards Shimla—both quite far from here. Landscape wise, Kaza is kind of situated in a valley surrounded by tall mountains on all sides and the Spiti River meandering around it. It is the base for trekking and mountaineering activities in Lahaul-Spiti. The popularity of Kaza among tourists is visible in the number of homestays here. Of course, this is also because there are no big hotels around. It can be reached from Shimla side throughout the year and from Manali side only when Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass are open during summer months.