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Destination > Lahaul Valley |
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Lahaul
and Spiti are two remote Himalayan Valleys of H.P. lying on
the Indo-Tibet border. Strange, exciting, primitive, these
valleys are unsurpassed in mountain scape, in the rugged
beauty of their rocky escapements and the splendor of their
snow covered peaks.
Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high
mountains and massive glaciers. The two rivers, Chandra and
Bhaga which rise on either side of the Baralacha La, flow
through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Lahaul is a
land of fascinating Buddhist art and culture. The
monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient
murals, thankas, wood carving and golden images of
Padmasambhava. The valley lies at a height of 2745 metres
above sea level. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant
with green grass and alpine flowers. There are little
monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers &
trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual
sunshine to explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner
Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal
destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July,
August and September. Keylong is 115 kms. from Manali and is
the District Headquarters of Lahul-Spiti District.
General Information
Area: 13835 sq. km
Population: 33,224
Altitude: 3340 m (Keylong)
Clothing: Light woollen in Summer
Heavy woollen in Winter.
Temperature: Maximum:26.8 C Min 1.38 C
Summer
Maximum:6.1 C Min (-)19.38 C Winter
Visiting season: June to October
Languages: Lahauli, English, Hindi, Bhoti
are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism
trade.
Religion: Hinduism & Budhism
Approach
Lahaul is connected with road from all parts of the country.
Manali is the point where buses from various stations come.
From here, one can take bus/taxi to any destination in
Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi & Leh during the months between June to
November depending upon opening and closing of Rohtang pass
(3979 m), the gateway to this valley. National highway 21 is
passes through this valley enroute to Leh.
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Places to see |
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Baralacha La |
It is
about 73 km from Keylong on Manali Leh road. The name means
pass with cross roads on summit (roads from Ladakh, Spiti
and Lahaul join at the top). It is situated at 4883 m above
sea level. There is no road yet from Spiti. Only a path
exists. This is also the point of origin of Chandra, Bhaga
and, Yunam rivers. They flow to three different directions
through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.
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Udaipur |
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In olden
times Udaipur (2743 m) was known as Markul and so the name
of local goddess is Markula Devi. The temple here is unique
and famous for its wooden carving on its roof and ceiling.
Its name was changed by Raja Udai Singh of Chamba. This
place is situated near the confluence of Chenab and Mayar
Nallah. This place is therefore a starting point for Mayar
valley and further on to Zanskar and other peaks. This is a
green area rather the whole Chenab valley is greener than
the Lahaul valley. It has a rest house and some hotels and
is a good resting place.
Some
years back the road was only upto this point and from here
the trekking expeditions to different areas used to start.
Now the road is under construction beyond this place and the
bus is goes upto Tindi. This road has now been connected up
to Killar, which is the meeting point of another roads; one
from Kishtwar(J&K) and from Chamba over the Sach pass. |
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Sarchoo |
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It is
the last border point between Himachal and Ladakh, where
HPTDC put up a tented colony for the convenience of the
touristsduring summer season. It is situated at a distance
of 116 kms. from Keylong.
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Darcha |
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It is 24
km from Keylong on Leh road where a camping ground is
available. From Darcha (3360 m) trekkers start their trek to
Padem, via Shingola as well as Baralacha/Phirtsela. There is
a police check-post for assistance. Beyond this point there
are hardly any trees. Yotche and Zanskar Nallahs meet Bhaga
river here from different directions.
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Jispa |
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It is 20
km from Keylong on the bank of Bhaga river having a rest
house and mountaineer hut. There is a big camping ground.
Sufficient trout fish is available in the river.
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Keylong
(3340 m) is the district Headquarters of Lahaul Spiti on the
main road to Leh over Rohtang. It is an oasis of green
fields and willow trees, water streams surrounded with brown
hills and snow capped peaks. There are hotels, tourist
bungalows and rest houses to stay.
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Gondla |
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It is 18
kms. from Keylong on the right bank of Chandra river. The
location of royal houses of the village is interesting. In
the month of July a fair is held when Lamas dance & enjoy.
The Gompa of this village has historical significance and
the fair attracts a large number of visitors. The residence
of the Thakur of Gondla is an eight storey building of its
own kind in the entire Lahaul valley. It is worth a visit.
This is called Gondla castle or fort and was built in 1700
A.D. |
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