Keylong, Himachal Pradesh

Green fields all around and a small township is Keylong, One English traveller is supposed to have said that Keylong is 'A ROUGH CUT EMERALD IN A BRONZE AND SILVER SETTING'. Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Keylong or Kyelong or Kyelang is the administrative centre of the Lahaul in Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh of India, some 120 kilometres from the Indo-Tibetan border. Keylong is at an altitude of 3,080 m (10,104 feet).It is cut off from the outside world from November to April-May, due to heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass. It faces the famous Kardang Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Lahaul, of the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is on a slope across the river from Keylong. Keylong has facilities in Lahaul, and also hosts a regular bazaar. The annual Lahaul Festival is held here each July with a big, busy
market and a number of cultural activities.

The region is strange, exciting, primitive mountainous and delightful. Rudyard Kipling said of the region "Surely the God live here this no place for men". The route to Lahaul takes a traveler over Rohtang Pass (3980 ml), Koksar (1st village of Lahaul) Sissu, Gondla and crossing the river Chandra Bhaga at Tandi.

Keylong is located along the Manali–Leh road, about 7 km north east of intersection of the Chandra Valley, the Bhaga Valley, and the Chenab Valley on the banks of Bhaga River. Sights near Keylong include the Kardang, Shasur, and Tayul monasteries, as well as the Hindu Guru Ghantal temple. There is also a small temple dedicated to the local deity Kelang Wazir in the house of Mr. Nawang Dorje which may be visited upon arrangement.

People still live the way they used to live and strongly believe in conserving nature.Keylong lies on the bank of Bhaga River where Chandra Valley, Bhaga Valleyand Chenab Valley intersect.Valley, river, mountains and green landscape makes Keylong picturesque destination. Kardang monastery which is the largest and important monastery of Drukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism lies just opposite to Keylong. Some of the places which attract tourist include Gondla for ancient fort, Sissu for Siberian wild geese and duck during spring and autumn, Triloknath temple sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhist. There are monasteries like Shasur, Guru Ghantal, Tayul and Gemur famous for its arts and Buddhist faith.Keylong follows Buddhism culture and every festive celebration includes participation of Lamas and monks. The annual festival Lahaul festival celebrated in July is quite famous among Buddhist and locals. Several cultural activities are organised during the festival and it attracts tourists as well.Keylong is accessible during summer from May to mid October as Rohtang Pass is closed due to snowfall.

Carpets, shawls, caps, footwear, natural oil (olive and almond), woolen jackets, metal crafts and bamboo products are worth buying from Keylong.There is no dearth of options to stay in Keylong. From tourist bungalows to hotels to government rest house there are options for all budgets.
Tibetan food which is speciality of the region is available everywhere. Big restaurants also sell food from other regions of India.

HOW TO REACH

Air -  Nearest airport is Bhunter, 175 km from Keylong.

Rail - The nearest railhead is at Jogindernagar, 250 km away.

Road - By road the distance is 115 km from Manali, 188 km from Kaza, 373 km from Leh, 435 km from Chandigarh and 690 km from Delhi.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Best time to visit Keylong  is between June to October. Keylong is cut off from the outside world from November to May, due to heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass.

Major Buddhist Monasteries with distances from Keylong :

Guru Ghantal (8 km)

Kardang (5 km)

Shasur (3km)

Tayul (6km)

Gemur (18km)