Partly due to its high and a ridgeo graphical conditions, Spiti is relatively isolated.Most tourists as well as anthropological researchers visiting the region choose to visit the neighboring region of Ladakh, which has similar cultural and geographical environments but is connected by an airport facility and better road infrastructure-and thus astronger tourist economy. The road connecting Spiti to the nearest Indian town of Manali, much of which is unpaved, is normally closed from November to April every year due to snow.