Sangla Valley travel guide

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Sangla valley was nominated as one of the five most beautiful valleys in the world by a reputed travel magazine. It is located in Kinnaur district of the Indian state ,Himachal Pradesh,very near to the Tibetan border. Its location in the greater Himalayan range gives it a climate which is boon to heat-weary plains-people. Till 1989 outsiders could not enter the valley without a special permit from the Government of India,due to its strategic position on the Indo-Tibet/China border.

Sangla is approximately 210 km from State capital Shimla via Narkanda, Rampur, Jeori, Tapri, Karcham after crossing the Karcham Bridge on Sutluj River take right Turn to Sangla and travel another 18 km to reach this picturesquevalley. The valley gives a magnificent view of the snow engulfed mountain ranges with rolling steps of green and thick woods of pine and deodar. The valley is also known as the Baspa valley after the name of the river which is a tributary of Satluj.

Sangla has managed to retain its pristine nature and is famous for pine nut orchards, Royal red apples and cherry trees, unspoilt glacial streams and quaint little villages like Chitkul, Karchham and Batseri which are just a few miles from Sangla. The Kinnauri people are famous for their distinct culture,their own dialect and simple but elegant lifestyles.The women are renowned for their beauty as also for their dominant position in the society. Apart from the stunning natural beauty of the place, the Himachal Pradesh government has also woken up to the adventure sport potential of the place and has been promoting trekking ,trout-fishing.

Kinnauri people are famous for their distinct culture,their own dialect and simple but elegant lifestyles.The women are renowned for their beauty as also for their dominant position in the society. Apart from the stunning natural beauty of the place, the Himachal Pradesh government has also woken up to the adventure sport potential of the place and has been promoting trekking ,trout-fishing.

Sangla Valley is also famous for apple orchards, apricots and walnuts and during the month of September and Ocyober one can see the orchards blooming with yellow apricots and red apples. The valley is far removed from city pollution and never over crowded.One can expect pollution free clean air, mineral rich water from mountain streams, farm fresh vegetables and much more in this place. The other attraction of this place is the peace and tranquility it offers.

Sangla Sightseeing in and around
The interesting places of visit around Sangla includes Nag temple, Sapni, Trout farm, Kanda – a valley of flowers, Kilba, Kamru Fort (Fort of the kings of Kinnaur). The fort of Kamru is now a temple that has been dedicated to Kamakshi Devi. The village of Batseri ( 8 Km from Sangla) is a place where one can find hand made shawls. One can also visit the Lord Shiva Temple Just Below Kinnaur Kailash peak, major attractions are: —

Kamru Fort – At a distance of about 2 km from the hill town of Sangla lies the Kamru fort amidst picturesque surroundings.

This is one of the oldest forts of Himachal and the entry to this tower-like fort is through a series of gates. At the main gate of the Fort is a stunning image of Lord Buddha which greets every visitor to the fort. The graceful wooden balcony, at the top of the fort, and the idol of Kamakhya Devi believed to have been brought from Guwahati installed on the third floor of the fort, are worth seeing. There is a Badrinath Temple inside the fort complex, which dates back to the 15th century.

Baspa River – This fast flowing river flowing through the hill town of Sangla is a major tourist attraction.

Fishing in the Baspa River which is home to the rainbow and brown Trout is perhaps one of the greatest attractions of Sangla valley. The swirling current of the Baspa is home to both the rainbow and brown trout and is an angler’s paradise.

Crossing the Baspa River is another attraction of Sangla and provides the perfect dose for adventure lovers. The unforgettable experience of crossing the river in local way sitting in a basket must not be missed during Sangla tour.
Camping along the bank of the Baspa River provides a perfect setting for a day out with nature sitting in its lap. The peaceful place and the friendly people of Sangla provide the necessary boost for camping amidst such picturesque location.

Sangla Meadow –

One of the prime attractions of Sangla is the meadow which is an epitome of greenery. Set amidst towering snow capped mountain ranges all around, the meadow is a perfect place to spend an entire day laying and strolling in its green grasses. Scope of various activities in this green pastures makes it a perfect place to have some adventure experience as well.

Chitkul – At a distance of about 20 Km from Sangla is Chitkul, which is the last inhabited village near Indo-Tibet border.

The journey to Chitkul from Sangla is spectacular and indeed an experience of a life time. This beautiful village is situated on the right bank of River Baspa and is very sparsely populated. The village has a beautiful temple of Local goddess known as “Chitkul Maathi” or “Mata Devi” which is worshiped by people of entire Kinnaur district as well as by tourists visiting Chitkul. Huge snowfall occurs during winter and the place becomes un-inhabited

How to reach Sangla?
By Air – Airport at Shimla at a distance of about 238 Km is the nearest from Sangla. Regular flights are available to Shimla from Delhi.
By Rail – The nearest narrow gauge railway station is at Shimla. Kalka and Shoghi are the other railway stations from where Sangla can be reached by hiring private vehicles.
By Road – Picturesque Sangla valley is well connected by road network with major towns like Shimla, Chail, Narkanda, Kalka, Ambala, Chandigarh and New Delhi.

Himachal Pradesh, India

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