Sangla Valley, or Sangla, is a town in the Baspa valley in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Located close to the Tibetan border, Sangla is a beautiful village gifted with snow-laden mountains, adventurous trails, and scenic landscapes. Sangla valley starts at Karcham and ends at Chitkul, which itself is a marvelous tourist attraction. Sangla is located amid the Banjar valley, 5 km away from Jalori pass. It is among the most beautiful places in the Kinnaur region. Sangla is known for its unique culture. The locals here speak the Kinnauri language. From adventurous trails to clean water bodies and towering mountains, Sangla has everything required to make it a popular tourist attraction.
In Tibetan, Sangla means “pas of light.” Located 500 km from Delhi and 350 km from Chandigarh, Sangla is easily accessible through roads despite its challenging routes. The best way to travel to Sangla is to reach Shimla and take another 6-8 hours to reach the valley. For a very long time, visitors were prohibited from entering the valley, but it has now been opened for tourists. Spread over 25 km, the valley is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and crystal clear water bodies. Sangla is also known as Baspa valley. It is because the Baspa river flows through the valley.
If you want to witness natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sangla is one of the best places to be in. There are numerous activities that you can indulge in while exploring the valley.
Camping at Sangla:
While there are not many fancy activities to do in Sangla, you can certainly get close to nature by indulging in activities like camping. There are several amazing camping sites on the Baspa River banks. Some of the most popular camps in the valley include Banjara, Kinner, Igloo Nature, Baikunth Adventure Camp, and the Sangla Valley camps. You don’t need to carry anything as you will get tent and cottage accommodation there itself. There are several adventure activities organized by the camp owners.
Adventure Activities:
Sangla is a heaven for adventure lovers. There are numerous adventurous activities that you can indulge in to feel that adrenaline rush. You can participate in activities like rappelling, rock climbing, river crossing to beat your fear and feel that excitement. All these activities are organized by the camps themselves.
Trekking: Trekking is certainly among one of the most adventurous activities to indulge in in the town. There are numerous adventurous trekking routes in the town. Trekking is one of the best ways to explore the valley and its surrounding areas. One can get a view of the mighty Kinner Kailash peak during the trek. Kinner Kailash peak is also worth visiting as it is a famous pilgrimage of Lord Shiva. Among the most popular treks in the region is the Rakcham Trek. If you want to take the adventure to the next level, you can also explore the snowy regions of the mountains.
The valley is also the home of a beautiful monastery that attracts hundreds of tourists every year. The monastery is situated near Reckong Peo in Brelengi. It is known as Brelengi Gompa.
Another famous place to visit in the valley is the Kamru fort. The stunning fort is over 800 years old. Standing at nearly 2,600 meters, the fort is located nearly 2 km away from Sangla valley. With a scenic background in its backdrop, the fort offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The fort encloses a 15th-century shrine of Lord Badrinath. It is also the home of the famous Kamakshi Devi Temple.
Also Read, Kinnaur: Things to and Places to Go, deep in Himachal Pradesh
There are several fairs and activities held in the valley every year. Among the most popular activities to be held in the valley is the Fulaich Fair. It is held every year between August and September. It is also known as the festival of flowers. Fulaich fair is a colorful festival that includes traditional dances and songs. Kinnauri people celebrate the fair with great enthusiasm. During the fair, the local people wear traditional costumes and perform certain rituals for their loved ones who have left them.
While at Sangla, you can get your hands on the locally-grown apples. The local markets are flooded with these apples. Sangla is also known for saffron farming. Saffron is grown locally and sold in different parts of the country.
One of the most popular places to visit near Sangla is Chitkul. Chitkul is located at the last point of Sangla valley. Located nearly 24 km from Sangla town, a village in the Kinnaur district remains mostly covered with snow during the winters. It is said to have the cleanest air in the country. During the winters, the inhabitants leave the village and move to lower regions of Himachal. The best time to visit the village is during the summer. Do not miss the chance to enjoy a tasty meal at Akhri Dhaba- the last Dhaba of India, while at Chitkul.
