Keylong

Keylong is located in the Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh, on the banks of the Bhaga River. It's approximately:

• 71 km from Manali (via the Atal Tunnel)
• 120 km from the Indo-Tibetan border
• 33 km from Jispa

Keylong is situated at an approximate altitude of 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) to 3,156 meters (10,354 feet) above sea level.

• By Road: This is the most common way.
  • From Manali: You can take a taxi, private cab, or HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) bus. The journey is incredibly scenic, passing through the Atal Tunnel, which has significantly reduced travel time and made the route more accessible.
  • From Delhi/Chandigarh: Overnight HRTC buses run from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali. From Manali, you'd take another bus or taxi to Keylong.
• Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu - 71 km away) is the closest. From there, you'd hire a taxi to Keylong.
• Nearest Railway Station: Amb Andaura (approx. 131 km away) is the closest broad-gauge station. Pathankot is another major railhead. From these stations, you'd proceed by taxi.

The best time to visit Keylong is from May to October.

• May to June: Pleasant weather (10°C to 25°C), clear skies, and open roads, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
• July to August (Monsoon): While the region receives less intense rainfall than other parts of Himachal, roads can still be challenging. However, the landscapes are incredibly lush.
• September to October: Post-monsoon offers crisp, clear weather, vibrant autumn foliage, and stunning views.
• Winter (November to April): Heavy snowfall often blocks roads (especially before the Atal Tunnel), and temperatures drop significantly (often below freezing). Many businesses close. It's only for those seeking extreme cold and snow, with prepared vehicles and experienced drivers.

• Rohtang Pass Permit: If you are traveling from Manali and crossing the Rohtang Pass (which is less common now due to the Atal Tunnel, but still an option for some), you will need a Rohtang Pass Permit for non-Himachal Pradesh registered vehicles. This permit is limited and can be obtained online.
• Inner Line Permit (ILP): Generally, an ILP is not required for Indian citizens to visit Keylong or other parts of Lahaul Valley. However, it is required for foreign nationals if they plan to travel to certain areas bordering Tibet within the Lahaul & Spiti district. It's best to check the latest regulations from official sources or your tour operator.

• Kardang Monastery: One of the most important and largest monasteries in Lahaul, known for its architecture, frescoes, and Buddhist scriptures.
• Shashur Monastery: A 17th-century monastery famous for its large Thangka paintings and a masked dance festival held in June/July.
• Tayul Monastery: Located in Tayul village, known for its huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
• Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum: Located in Keylong town, showcasing the history, culture, and artifacts of the region.
• Keylong Market: A local market where you can find woolen items, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
• Tandi: The scenic confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.
• Jispa: A picturesque village further up the Bhaga River, popular for camping.
• Darcha: A small village often serving as a camping ground and starting point for treks to Zanskar.
• Deepak Tal & Suraj Tal: Beautiful high-altitude lakes on the Manali-Leh Highway.
• Baralacha La Pass: A high mountain pass connecting Lahaul to Ladakh, offering stunning views (accessible only during summer).
• Gondhla Fort: An ancient seven-story fort in Gondhla village.

An ideal duration for a trip to Keylong and its surrounding areas is 2 to 3 days. This allows for exploration of the monasteries, nearby villages, and acclimatization to the high altitude.