Located in Himachal Pradesh, Keylong is a calm town. Lahaul Valley is the destination, which is a marvelous paradise for tourists, nature enthusiasts, and adventure lovers. The place lies approximately at an altitude of around 10,000 feet above sea level. Here, ruggedness unfolds a unique beauty, serenity, and cultural richness in the form of one unforgettable destination.
Geography and Accessibility
Keylong is 126 km from Manali and district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti Valley district. The place can be approached by road but the route is too grueling. Between Manali and Keylong is Rohtang Pass, which is open only from June to October. It remains closed during winter due to heavy fall of snow. For the adventurous, this scenic journey through high mountain passes is part of the charm of reaching Keylong. Hence, a challenge enough for those adventurous souls to reach Keylong.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Cooler summers and very cold winters make the climate of Keylong during June to September most pleasing, ideal for visit and any kind of outdoor activity. During winters, the climate in Keylong is quite severe with temperatures falling into minus, and often weather turns the place into a sort of winter wonderland. In such conditions, winters make traveling very difficult as roads are blocked due to snowfall, and the temperature is too cold. The landscape does look ethereal with covering of snow but makes travel challenging due to road closures and extreme cold.
Attractions in and Around Keylong
The beauty of Keylong is largely unspoiled, with a number of attractions which give testimony to the beautiful and cultural value of Himalayas.
Kardang Monastery: Kardang Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in the region. It is located on a hill from the opposite side of Bhaga River from Keylong Himachal Pradesh. It consists of ancient relics, thangkas (Buddhist paintings), and a library of Buddhist scriptures dating back more than 900 years back. This monastery is a place with a very peaceful ambiance and matchless views.
Shashur Monastery: One of the other significant monasteries is Shashur, which is famous for its attractive wall and Thangka paintings. The monastery is around 3 kms from Keylong. The views of the valley provide great insight into the Buddhist culture of the region.
Triloknath Temple : Approximately 45 km from Keylong, this temple operates under religious grounds to perform for both Hindus and Buddhists. It boasts Hindu and Buddhist architectures with customs integrated under Lord Shiva.
Baralacha La Pass: For adventure enthusiasts who want to experience high altitudes, this mountain pass is located about 73 kilometers from Keylong on the Leh-Manali Highway and passes at an altitude of 16,040 feet, providing a scenic view of the rugged landscape along with the beautiful lakes of Suraj Tal at an extremely high altitude.
Suraj Tal Lake Suraj Tal Lake is a high-altitude lake located near the Baralacha La Pass-India’s highest lakes. Meaning “Lake of the Sun God,” Suraj Tal is a crystal-clear beautiful lake, reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. It is a photographer’s paradise.
Local Culture and Lifestyle
Tibetans by origin, the culture of the people in Keylong is a blend of traditions of Tibet and Himalayas. Most of the residents are followers of the religion of Buddhism due to the various monasteries that you see in the area as well as rituals and the festivals they undergo. Losar or the Tibetan New Year is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm, together with traditional dances, rituals, and festivals.
The Keylong lifestyle is simple and community-oriented. The locals take up agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood and, very often now, tourism. Harsh winter months will make for a close-knit community. Visitors may often find the locals warm and welcoming in order to share stories about the history of the valley and its legends.
Adventure Activities
The place offers many out-door activities for the adventure freaks. Trekking, mountain biking, and camping are the popular ones in summer. Places that house one of the most beautiful destinations could be reached from Keylong through trails that go by villages, glacial lakes, and mountain passes. The locality is also very popular for off-roading and bike expeditions as a number of tourists make a stop in Keylong in the course of their journey through Leh-Manali Highway.
Gateway to Lahaul and Spiti
Keylong is more a gateway to the greater Lahaul and Spiti Valley region. It is known for its stark and arid landscapes, high-altitude deserts, and ancient monasteries, so the key destinations in this area are usually visited by travelers using Keylong as a base: the remote and enchanting villages of Spiti, such as Kaza, Tabo, and Dhankar.
