On the north eastern extremity of Himachal Pradesh, bordering the highlands of Tibet lies the district of Lahaul - Spiti. The largest district of the state, it consists of the two sub-divisions of Lahaul and Spiti. The landscape of this region is in stark contrast to the other mountain regions of Himachal. Crossing the Rohtang Pass in the north, the terrain suddenly transforms from lush green slopes and pine forests into a barren desert expanse. Rugged brown mountains and snowfields spread out for miles on end with some vegetation struggling to survive along the river beds. The people of Lahaul and Spiti have struggled against great odds to eke out a living in this high arid homeland. During winters there is heavy snowfall and much of this area is blocked off from the rest of the country. In this long spell of winter, locals have to survive on their summer stocks.