Sangla Valley in Kinnaur is the gateway to the daunting Spiti Valley. This valley is lush green with narrower roads, taller mountains, and breathtaking night skies. By Karan Kaushik
The picturesque hamlet of Sangla offers incredible views of the Kinner-Kailash Peak. Read in a hammock under the sun, enjoy lively bonfires by the river, go for nature walks, or embark on thrilling treks. Sangla Valley has a lot in store for you. The valley offers a perfect experience of living in a high-altitude region without having to travel as far as Spiti. If you’re short on time, Sangla valley is a great alternative to Spiti.
Here’s a handy guide to Sangla Valley
Things to do
Kamru Fort
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This tower-like fort once served as the bastion of the rulers of Rampur Bushahr. The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya Devi. The Kamru Fort stands as a fine specimen of the Kathkuni architecture of Himachal Pradesh. The intricate wooden carvings on the doors are noteworthy. According to legend, it is believed that the fort houses all 33 crore Hindu deities.
Bering Nag Temple
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Another prime attraction of Sangla Valley, the much-revered Bering Nag Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The temple is designed in the quintessential Himachali style of temple architecture. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Lord Jagas here. A grand fair known as the Fulaich fair is also held here during the months of August and September.
Tibetan Wood Carving Centre
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A trip to Sangla is incomplete if you don’t indulge in your fair share of retail therapy. Visit the Tibetan Wood Carving Centre via Batseri village to shop for exquisite wooden souvenirs. The bestsellers here include idols of Tibetan deities. On your way to the carving centre, you may also visit the two shrines dedicated to Lord Badrinath and Lord Vishnu Narayan.
Angling at Baspa
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You would love Sangla if you are an angling enthusiast. The swirling current of the gorgeous Baspa river offers great catches of Rainbow and Brown trouts. The banks of Baspa are located 3km from Sangla. Surrounded by sylvan mountains, the river makes for a nice picnic spot. You may also enjoy camping by the riverside. For angling, you will need a permit though.
Batseri
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A little outside Sangla town, the rustic village of Batseri will leave you mesmerised with its unmatched scenic beauty. Take a village walk and interact with the warm and welcoming Kinnauri people. Dotted with pink buckwheat plantations, apple orchards, age-old Himalayan temples, and gorgeous wooden houses, Batseri looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Rakcham
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Located just 14km from Sangla, the serene Rakcham village is a must-visit. Sequestered on the right bank of river Baspa, Rakcham provides incredible views of the Great Himalaya. The houses in the village are made entirely of wood. In autumn, the beauty of the village increases by tenfolds, thanks to the bright orangish fields of ogla, a local grain. Rakcham also offers some really nice riverside picnic spots.
Chitkul
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You really can’t return from Sangla without a mandatory visit to Chitkul, the highest village in Sangla Valley. Located 26km from Sangla, Chitkul is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Blessed with alpine meadows, densely-forested hillsides, and gurgling streams, Chitkul is a visual delight. From Chitkul, you must also visit the picturesque hamlet of Nagasthi, the last border outpost before the forbidden tracts of Tibet.
Where to stay
Kinner Camps
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Kinner Camps offer 25 Swiss-style luxury tents furnished with attached bathrooms and all the modern amenities. Their tents have double and twin-bedded accommodation, with an extra bed on request. Every tent comes with a seating area outside where you can sip coffee, enjoy the stunning mountains views and breathe in the fresh air of the Himalayas. They have a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental food. Kinner Camps also offer a multitude of other activities like rock climbing, rappelling, nature trails, bird watching, and river crossing.
Banjara Camp & Retreat
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Encompassed by apple orchards, Banjara Camp & Retreat offers cosy Swiss-style tents with attached, tiled bathrooms and running hot water. They also have options of staying in a rustic, two-storied stone and wood house with large, comfortably furnished, and tastefully decorated rooms, and river-facing huts. Banjara offers a plethora of activities such as rappelling, trekking into the lesser trodden roads of the Himalayas, cultural interactions in local villages, and even rock climbing.
Where to eat
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While it’s best to eat where you are staying, Sangla also offers a few nice Tibetan cafes. There are roadside eateries too, which dish up delicious momos, thukpa, and Maggi. Sonu Tibetian Cafe opposite in the Main Market opposite Cooperative Bank is perhaps the most popular cafe in Sangla. Just above that is Taste of Tibet. If you want your regular north Indian fare, head to Cafe 42, also in the Main Market. Try their Pav Bhaji. Raacho Cafe in Kinnaur is also quite popular among tourists. And then there’s of course the Insta-famous Hindustan Ka Akhri Dhaba in Chitkul.
Best time to go
April to October is the best time to visit Sangla. The valley receives heavy snowfall from November to March. September is typically crowded. Sangla is also famous for its Holi celebrations, so March is also a great time.
How to reach
By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla (237km) is the nearest airport. Taxis for Sangla are easily available at the airport.
By Rail: Kalka (303km) is the nearest railhead from Sangla. Kalka can be reached from Shimla Railway Station. From Kalka, taxis are available for Sangla.
By Road: Regular buses for Sangla are available from Chandigarh. You may also board the bus to Rekong Peo, 37km from Sangla. If you are driving from Delhi, take the route to Shimla and reach Sangla via Karchham along the Baspa river.
Related: Here’s Why Travel Photographer Abhinav Chandel Fell In Love With Sangla Valley
