Keylong
Hub of Biddhist Culture
Keylang or Keylong is situated on the banks of Bhaga River, at an altitude of 3340 m (10,100 ft), above the sea level, is the district Headquarters of Lahaul Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh.
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Hub of Biddhist Culture
Keylang or Keylong is situated on the banks of Bhaga River, at an altitude of 3340 m (10,100 ft), above the sea level, is the district Headquarters of Lahaul Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh.
It is 125 Km from Manali on the main road to Leh over Rohtang. This is also a fertile land with willow trees, greenery, water streams surrounded with snow-capped mountains.
The largest and most important monastery in Lahaul faces Kardang Monastery, it’s on a slope across the river from Keylong. Within a few kilometres of Kelang, there are many monasteries including Kardang, Shasur, and Tayul monastery.
Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
It is closed between October end to mid may due to heavy snow fall in Rohtang pass. Best time to visit is after mid-May till Sep end. The peak season is during May and June when lots of traveller come to visit Rohtang Pass.
The most important attraction of Keylong is the Kardang Monastery. The oldest in Lahaul and Spiti district, this monastery belongs to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is situated in Kardang village and is a revered place of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is perched on the Rangcha Peak and you need trek up the hill along the Bhaga River. This monastery is connected to Kelong via the Tandi Bridge. Constructed in the 12th century, the monastery has a museum that houses Buddhist scriptures and sacred texts.
Just 37 km from Manali, the Shasur Monastery is another Buddhist gompa in Lahaul and Spiti. It also belongs to the Drukpa order of Buddhism and is surrounded by pine forests. Built in the 17th century, the gompa is famous for housing the Thangka paintings. Chham is an important festival that takes place at the monastery premises during June-July.
A small hamlet around 18 km drive from Keylong town is home to a large Buddhist Lama community. Located on the banks of River Chandra, this is a picturesque village well known for its annual fair. The fair takes place in July and draws Buddhist monks and tourists alike. Traditional songs, music and cultural performances mark the event. Gondala Fort constructed in 1700 is one of the historical landmarks here.
Kaza is an arid town in the remote regions of Spiti Valley. It is of both culturally and religious importance to the Buddhists coming from Tibet as well. Located on the banks of Spiti River, Kaza is accessible via the Kumzum La and partly closed during the months of heavy snowfall. From Manali you have to cross the Rohtang Pass to reach Kaza. The Sakya Tangyud Monastery is one of the top attractions here that is located 4 km away from Kaza.
Keylong is accessible via the Manali-Leh Highway and is around 7 km from the nearby Chandra Valley and Bhaga Valley. Rohtang Valley way from Manali is closed from the end of October. Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station around 280 km from Keylong.
Closest railway station is Chauntra Railway Station at a distance of 68.4 km. Also you there is a railway station at Joginder Nagar at a distance of 68.5 km.
Bhuntar is the nearest airport
