Location : In the
north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Tourist Attractions : Gondla, Tandi, Guru Ghantal
Monastery, Keylong, Kardang Monastery, Shashpur Monastery, Tayul Gompa,
Sissu, Koksar, Jispa, Gemur, Darcha, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Shansha,
Triloknath Temple, Udaipur.
Best Activities : Trekking, Mountaineering, Camping
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chandigarh, Delhi, Nangal,
Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mandi, Jwalamukhi, Kullu, Manali, Chamba and Shimla.
When To Visit : Any time of the year.
About Lahaul Spiti
The district of Lahaul Spiti lies on the north eastern extremity of
Himachal Pradesh, bordering the highlands of Tibet. The largest district of
Himachal Pradesh, it includes the two sub-divisions of Lahaul and Spiti. The
landscape of this region is in sheer contrast to the other mountain regions
of Himachal. Crossing the Rohtang Pass in the north, the terrain suddenly
changes from lush green slopes and pine forests into a barren desert
expanse. Rugged brown mountains and snowfields spread out for miles on end
with some vegetation struggling to survive along
the river beds. The people of Lahaul and Spiti have struggled against great
odds to eke out a living in this high arid homeland. During winters there is
heavy snowfall and much of this area is cut-off from the rest of the
country. In this long spell of winter, locals have to survive on their
summer stocks.
Major Tourist Attractions in Lahaul Spiti
Gondla
Located at an altitude of 3160 m above sea level, Gondla is at a distance
of 18 kms from Keylong on the right bank of Chandra river. The location of
royal houses of the village is interesting. In the month of July a fair is
held here when Lamas dance & enjoy. The Gompa of this village has
historical importance and the fair attracts a large number of visitors. The
residence of the Thakur of Gondla is an eight storey building of its own
kind in the entire Lahaul valley and worth a visit. Built in 1700 AD, this
is called Gondla castle or fort.
Tandi
Situated at the confluence of Chandra & Bhaga rivers, Tandi is 8 kms.
short of Keylong. According to the legend, there were two lovers, Chandra
being the daughter of the Moon and Bhaga the son of the Sun god. To perform
there eternal marriage, they decided to climb to the Baralacha La & from
there they ran in opposite directions. Chandra being active and smart easily
found her way and reached Tandi after covering the distance of 115 kms. Soon
Bhaga was found coming with great struggle through the narrow gorges to
Tandi where consequently both met and the celestial marriage was performed.
Bhaga covered about 60 kms. distance which was very difficult.
Guru Ghantal Monastery
At an altitude of 3020 m, this is on the right bank of Chandra river about
4 kms. above Tandi and is believed to be the oldest Gompa of Lahaul. The
Gompa feature wooden structure with pyramidal roofs, wood carving and
preserve the idols of Padmasambhava & Brajeshwari Devi. On the full moon
night in mid-June a festival called "Ghantal" is celebrated by
Lamas & Thakurs together.
Keylong
Keylong at a height of 3340 m from sea level, is the district headquarters
of Lahaul Spiti on the main road to Leh over Rohtang. It is an oasis of
green fields and willow trees, water streams bounded with brown hills and
snow covered peaks. There are hotels, tourist bungalows and rest houses for
a comfortable stay.
Kardang Monastery
It
is about 5kms. from Keylong across Bhaga river at a hieght of 3500 m.
Believed to be built in 12th century, the Monastery has a large library of
Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti. Kardang village
was once the capital of Lahaul.
Shashpur Monastery
Situated on a hill about 3 kms. far from Keylong towards north on the same
slope. During June/July this monastery attracts lot of visitors when Lamas
perform devil dance. It was founded in the 17th century a.d. It belongs to
red hat sect and is located among the blue pines. The paintings are
represent the history of 84 Buddha's.
Tayul Gompa
Tayul Gompa is at an altitude of 3900 m and 6 kms. away from Keylong and is
one of the oldest monasteries of the valley having a big statue of Guru
Padmasamhava, which about 5 m high and houses library of Kangyur having 101
volumes. In Tibetan language Ta-Yul means the chosen place. There is an
interesting story behind this.
Darcha
Darcha is situated at an altitude of 3360 m. It is 24 kms. from Keylong on
Leh road where a camping ground is available. From Darcha trekkers start
their trek to Padem, via Shingola as well as Baralacha/Phirtsela. There is a
police check-post for assistance. Beyond this point there are hardly any
trees. Yotche and Zanskar Nallahs meet Bhaga river here from different
directions.
Baralacha La
Baralacha La is situated at an altitude of 4833 m from sea level, and at a
distance of 73 kms. from Keylong on Manali Leh road. The name means pass
with cross roads on summit (roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join at the
top). Only a path exists here. This is the point from where the rivers
Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam originates. They flow to three different directions
through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.
Triloknath Temple
Trilokinath
means the Shiva. A Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in the village
which is about 4 kms. short of Udaipur on the left bank of Chenab river.
Devotees from far off places come to pay their respects at this distinct
temple. This Shiva temple was given a look of Budhist shrine by Guru
Padmasambhava by installing the 6 armed image of Avalokiteshvar. The temple
is now sacred both to Hindus and Buddhists equally and pulls a large number
of pilgrims from both these communities.
Udaipur
In ancient times this village was known as Markul and so the name of local
goddess is Markula Devi. The temple here is unique and famous for its wooden
carving on its roof and ceiling. This place is situated near the union of
Chenab and Mayar Nallah. This place is therefore a starting point for Mayar
valley and further on to Zanskar and other peaks.
Getting There
The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies over the 3,978 m high Rohtang Pass.
The high Rohtang Pass is at the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Accommodation
Keylong has a tourist bungalow built by the State Tourism Department. There
are other guest houses here, which are well established with respectable
facilities and amenities. The hotels and guest houses are ideally designed
to offer the maximum satisfaction to the tourists coming from all around.
