Once the famous author Rudyard Kipling said about Keylong that – It is surely the god lives there, this is not a place for men.
Situated on the bank of the Bhaga river, Keylong is a beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarter of the Lahaul and Spiti district.
Dotted with Tibetan monastery and brown mountain ranges, Keylong is located just 70 KM from Manali via atal tunnel. Therefore, it is a perfect gateway for a day trip to Manali.
Set at an altitude of 3080 meters, Keylong is the perfect blend of the green and brown landscape. It is amazing to see the two different sides of nature at the same time. The contrasting blue color of the Bhaga river with brown mountain ranges looks spectacular. It is the paradise of nature lovers.
With adventurous trekking trails, high mountain passes, camping, biking, river rafting, rugged landscape and river crossing, thrill-seekers will surely enjoy this place.
There you can find monasteries older than 900 years and some of the holiest monasteries worshiped by Buddhists. Therefore, it is also known as The Land of Monastery.
The best thing about Keylong is none other than its amazing location. The range of barren lands, turquoise green lakes, and snowy slopes makes your trip memorable.
So enough describing the beauty of Keylong, let’s dive into the complete guide to visit Keylong that includes best time to visit, how to reach, best places to visit, things to do, place to eat, place to eat and tips before planning a trip to Keylong.
Let’s Quicky Dive Into The Details –
| Best Time To Visit Keylong |
| Best Places To Visit In Keylong |
| Top Things To Do In Keylong |
| How To Reach Keylong? |
| Places To Eat In Keylong |
| Where To Stay In Keylong? |
| Things You Should Before Visiting Keylong |
Best Time To Visit Keylong
The best time to visit Keylong is from May to October when the days are warm & sunny while the nights are bit cooler, just perfect to explore this beautiful region. During these months the temperature ranges from 15 to 30 deg Celsius. The fresh cool breeze through the mountain will rejuvenate your soul.
Also Read – Best Time To Visit Manali
Best Places To Visit In Keylong
1. Kardang Monastery
Located just 8 KM from Keylong, Kardang Monastery was established back in 12th century. It is a 900-year-old monastery. This monastery has huge religious significance among Buddhist devotees and monks.
Situated on the left bank of the Bhaga river in the backdrop of Rangcha peak, it belongs to the Drukpa Lineage. The splendid architectural design adds charm to the beauty of this monastery.
It has a library which contains some of the finest books in history. Also, it has the weapons of the 12th to 13th centuries.
If you’re visiting during June and July then don’t forget to experience its annual festival Chaam Dance where you can monks dressed up in gear and masks.
2. Shashur Monastery
The meaning of Shashur is blue pines; it is complemented by its name as it is surrounded by pine trees. Situated around 600 meters above the valley, to reach up there you need to pass through the hilly region.
This monastery is praised for its architecture all over the world. The wall of this monastery is decorated with paintings of 84 Siddhas of Buddhism and a 5-meter Thangka.
June and July is the best time to visit this monastery when the annual festival is celebrated with lots of joy where monks perform the dance.
3. Baralacha La Pass
Baralacha means in English pass with several crossroads on the summit; situated at an elevation of 4850 meters, Baralacha pass truly justifies its name as this is the place where three mountain road intersects- Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul.
It connects the Lahaul district to the Leh district. And it is the originating point of three main rivers of this region- Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam.
If you’re traveling to Keylong by bike then don’t miss this 8 KM long pass as it is located just 74 KM from Keylong. It is a perfect place for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
- How to reach – Located just 74 KM from Keylong, Baralacha La pass is easily accessible by bike or taxi via NH 21 or Leh-Manali highway.
4. Surj Tal Lake
While visiting the Baralacha La pass don’t forget to visit the Surj Tal lake. It is situated just 7 KM before the Baralacha pass. Surj Tal lake means the lake of the sun god.
It has a huge religious significance among locals. It is believed that a holy dip inside the lake will wash away all your sins.
Situated amidst the snow-capped mountain ranges, its water is so fresh and clean that taking a dip inside the lake will rejuvenate your soul. And the scenic backdrops add charm to the beauty of this lake.
Situated at an elevation of 4883 meters, Surj Tal is the third highest lake in India.
- How to reach – It is located just 65 KM from Keylong on the road that leads the Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar. You can easily reach there by bike or taxi via NH 21 or Leh Manali Highway. Trekking is another way to reach the Surj Tal Lake.
5. Tayul Monastery
Situated at an altitude of 3900 meters, Tayul Monastery is located in Bhaga valley of Lahaul district. It is believed to be the oldest monastery in the Northern region.
The English meaning of Tayul is the chosen place.
It has a grand library that contains thousands of ancient texts and “Thangkas” is the major attraction of this library which is based on the life of Lord Buddha. It also has the 12 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava and 108 main wheels.
- How to reach – Located just 4 KM from Keylong can easily be reached by the foot from upper Keylong.
6. Darcha
Looking for a camping spot near Keylong? Well, Darcha is a famous camping site located just 24 KM from Keylong on the bank of the Bhaga river. It is referred to as the base point for the treks in the Lahaul region. Bikers going to Leh-Ladakh stay in Darcha for a night.
There are various food shops where you can fill your yummy tummy. Also, there is a checkpoint where police check the passport and all necessary documents of vehicles. Overall, it is a great place to set a camp and spend an amazing night with nature.
7. Deepak Tal
Deepak Tal is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Keylong. Located 43 KM from Keylong, Deepak Tal is a serene freshwater lake. The water of the lake remains calm and reflects the picturesque surroundings of glacial mountains.
While traveling from Keylong to Leh-Ladakh don’t forget to stop at this lake as it is located on the Leh-Manali highway.
8. Pin Valley National Park
Pin Valley National Park is located in the cold desert area of Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. It is home to the endangered flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh including snow leopard, blue sheep, blue rock pigeon, Red Fox, marten and Siberian ibex.
Situated in the splendid landscape of pin valley, it was established in 1987. There you can take safari and tour guides to explore the park. Also, there you can involve in camping tour that will help to get to know more about the wildlife of this park.
- Best time to visit – The best time to visit Pin valley national park is from June to October when the weather becomes comfortable to explore the unique flora and fauna.
How to reach – Located 102 KM from Keylong, Pin Valley National Park can be reached by 2 ways :-
- Summer route (July to October) – Manali -> Rohtang Pass -> Kunzum La – Kaza – Mikkim
- Winter route (Nov to June) – Shimla -> Tapri -> Kaza -> Pin Valley National park (last 10 KM need to cover by food)
9. Gondhla Fort
Located 18 KM from Keylong, Gondhla fort is situated on the banks of Chandra river. This 7 storied fort was built in the 18th century. It was built in the Kath-Kuni style of architecture.
Gondhla fort is a great example of our ancient architecture that how a 7 stories building was made of only wooden beams and stone.
10. Triloknath Temple
Located 45 KM from Keylong, Triloknath temple is a sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple while Buddhists believed that Arya Avalokiteshwar is the main deity of the temple. Therefore, it is the only temple in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists pray to the same deity.
Set amidst the beautiful Chandra Bhaga valley, this temple is believed to be older than 5000 years old.
11. Guru Ghantal Monastery
Located 8 KM from Keylong, Guru Ghantal Monastery is another important place to visit in Keylong. Surrounded by the mountains and sand dunes, it is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Lahaul region. According to the legends, it was built in the 8th Century CE. Therefore, it is considered the oldest monastery in the Lahaul region.
It has the wooden statue of Lord Buddha that have been created by the monk Rinchen Zangpo. In the proximity of the monastery, you can see the confluence (sangam) of the Bhaga and Chandra rivers.
Things To Do In Keylong
Trekking
The abundance of snow-capped mountains and barren lands makes Keylong a paradise for trekkers. The village itself is situated at a high altitude and built in the valleys. Therefore, trekking is one of the best things to do in Keylong.
- Best treks in Keylong – Baralacha Pass, Deepak Tal, Shashur monastery, and Kardang Monastery.
Camping
The picture-perfect surrounding, beautiful lakes and Bhaga river makes Keylong a perfect place for camping lover. There are various private campsites in Keylong where you can enjoy the glamping.
For camping lovers, Darcha is the most famous spot located near Keylong. Tourists from all around come here to stay in camp and enjoy the pure beauty of this little village.
Fishing
Fishing and Angling are the most-sought things to do in Keylong. You can enjoy trout fishing in the Bhaga river at Jispa and Sissu.
Bird Watching
Keylong is home to various colorful birds including migratory birds. You can easily spot some beautiful species of birds flying over these barren islands. Pin Valley National Park is the best place for birdwatchers in Keylong.
Mountain Biking
Keylong is best to explore on a bike. Riding a bike on these high mountain passes would be a dream for many of us. And Keylong is the perfect place to stop for bikers who are going to Leh-Ladakh via Leh-Manali highway.
Rent a bike and experience unique yet beautiful journey through these mountain passes such as Baralacha La Pass. Also, bike is the best way to explore the nearby attraction to Keylong like Pin Valley National Park, Deepak Tal and Surj Tal Lake.
How To Reach Keylong
After Atal Tunnel is made, reaching Keylong is very easy as it saves around 2 to 3 hours of time. Now Keylong is located just 70 KM from Manali and you can travel to Keylong at any time of year. So, let’s discuss about how to reach Keylong –
By road – Road is the best way to reach Keylong. There are regular buses of HRTC plying from Manali to Keylong and vice-versa. The bus will take around 2 and half hours to reach Keylong from Manali.
A rental bike is the best option to reach Keylong. First, reach Manali from Delhi or Chandigarh then rent a bike that would cost around 700 to 1000 per day and leave for Keylong via Atal Tunnel.
After the construction Atal tunnel, you don’t need any permit to enter Keylong. Just follow the traffic rules and enjoy your journey.
By flight – The nearest airport to Keylong is Bhuntar Airport or Kullu Manali Airport which is located just 120 KM from Keylong. From the airport, you can easily get a taxi or bus to Keylong.
By Train – Keylong doesn’t have any railway station. Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest train station located just 213 km from Keylong. From there you can easily get a bus or taxi to Manali or Keylong.
Food in Keylong
There are various restaurants and cafes in Keylong where you can enjoy good food –
- Yarkid Restaurant – Situated near the old bus stand, Yarkid is a popular restaurant in Keylong. From veg to non-veg they have a wide range of food options including Chinese as well. It is a perfect place to eat with family and friends.
- Tashi Delek Restaurant – This restaurant is famous for its Chinese, Thupka and Tashi special rice. So, don’t miss this place when you’re in Keylong. The food is good and the price is moderate.
- The Magic Oven, Bakery – If you’re craving dessert in Keylong then visit the Magic Oven Bakery. Located in lower Keylong Village, it is a wonderful place to eat in Keylong. They serve various kinds of bakery items like cakes, pastry, chocolate brownies, coffee, pizza etc.
Apart from them there you can find various restaurants, dhabas and cafes around bus stand like Apna Dhaba, Deep Sweets, and Saraswati Dhaba.
Stay In Keylong
Being a major stopover among tourists who are going to Leh-Ladakh, Keylong has a wide range of stay options like guesthouses, homestays, hotels, campsites and HPTDC hotels. There you can find the good hotels with double-bedded rooms from INR 700 to 1000.
HPTDC Hotel Chandra Bhaga, Nalwa gues house, Pashang guest house, Hotel Keylinga, and Atithi Guest house are some of the most popular places to stay in Keylong.
If you want to do camping then you should head towards the Darcha where you can find various private campsites or you can set your own camp as well.
Things You Should Know Before Traveling To Keylong
- Keylong is situated on the bank of Bhaga river where Bhaga valley, Chenab valley and Chandra valley intersects.
- It is the most populated region in Lahaul region.
- It has only the regular market in Lahaul region.
- There you can find all important buildings of Lahaul region.
- BSNL, Airtel and Jio has good network connection in Keylong.
The Land of Monastery – Keylong surprises everyone with its raw natural beauty, barren island and clear crystal fresh water lakes. Keylong has a lot to explore. So if haven’t planned a trip to Keylong then plan now with our complete guide to visiting Keylong.
Here we covered everything that would help to make a hassle-free trip. If we missed then please let us know in below comment section and share your journey to Keylong with us. Until the next post peace out!