Below are a few places to visit around Sangla to experience Kinnaur – there are more.
PLACES AROUND SANGLA
KAMRU FORT
The fort is at a distance of about 2 km from Sangla village and lies amidst picturesque surroundings. This is one of the oldest forts of Himachal and the entry to this tower-like fort is through a series of gates. At the main gate of the Fort is a stunning image of Lord Buddha which greets every visitor to the fort. The graceful wooden balcony, at the top of the fort, and the idol of Kamakhya Devi believed to have been brought from Guwahati installed on the third floor of the fort, are worth seeing. There is a Badrinath Temple inside the fort complex. One can trek the whole distance or drive a car halfway to the Fort. This is an half-day activity and best time to go is after breakfast so that one can return for Lunch. No guide is required for this.
BASPA RIVER – TROUT FARM
Sangla Valley is also known as the Baspa valley which enters India at Chitkul near the China border and then flows through the valley. This fast flowing river flowing through the hill town of Sangla is a major tourist attraction. Fishing in the Baspa River which is home to the rainbow and brown Trout is perhaps one of the greatest attractions of Sangla valley. The swirling current of the Baspa is home to both the rainbow and brown trout and is an angler’s paradise. There is a trout farm near to the Camp ( approx 20 mins walk) which also sells Trout sometimes. Crossing the Baspa River is another attraction of Sangla and provides the perfect dose for adventure lovers. Camping along the bank of the Baspa River provides a perfect setting for a day out with nature sitting in its lap but one needs to be careful as mountain rivers are unpredictable and and can cause accidents. The peaceful place and the friendly people of Sangla provide the necessary boost for camping amidst such picturesque location.
KANDA – VALLEY OF FLOWERS
If you are planning a holiday in Sangla and wish to throw in a bit of exercise and adventure, this short trek is ideal for you. This way, you can savour the beauty of the pastures of Sangla Kanda without the exertion of the Rupin Pass trek. Enjoy the Kanda over the afternoon after climbing up from Sangla. Spend the night (or near) the Trekker’s Hut here and climb north -west the next day to cross the Shivaling Pass back toward the Baspa Valley Once across, stroll down to the trekking hut at Damabar, the pasture of Chansu Village. If time is not at a premium, spend another night watching the moon over Raldang Peak, due north across the Baspa Valley . From Dambar take to Chansu Village and Ruttrang Bridge, to reach the motor road 3 km below Sangla.
A short trek to Sangla Kanda Valley is approx 6 – 7 hrs. Four hours to go up and 2-3 to come down. The view is amazing at the top with a lake and glaciers. We provide guide and packed meal from our camp. Please enquire with our manager for more details.
DAY TRIPS FROM SANGLA
RAKCHAM – HIDDEN PARADISE OF KINNAUR
While traveling from Sangla to Chitkul you will sure come across this breathtaking valley on the banks of River Baspa comfortably hidden away from the modern world . Nestled between mighty snow covered peaks and a lush green landscape, Rakcham or Rakchham is heaven on earth
Rakcham is at an altitude of 2900 meters approx 10,000 ft above sea level. It is a relatively unknown place, located midway between Sangla and Chitkul – the last Indian village before the Tibet Border. The beauty of this small village with a population of 800 is heavenly.
CHITKUL – COOL AND CAPTIVATING
Nestling almost at the end of Sangla valley is the pastoral village of Chitkul, at an altitude of 3450 meters on the right bank of River Baspa. It exudes a fairy -tale romantic aura. Chitkul, you’ll be surprised to known, has a population of a little over 600 only.
KALPA – A PICTURESQUE PANORAMA
The journey to Kalpa is a colourful fe ast for one’s senses & sensibilities from Sangla which is only 51 kms away. The road to Kalpa passes through beautiful villages. Kalpa is surrounded by vineyards, which are protect from bears by large sheep-dogs. Visitors can buy Kinnuari Shawls & Caps, no t forgetting excellent quality apples & chilgozas which grow aplenty here.
OTHER PLACES YOU CAN VISIT FROM SANGLA
LAHUL AND SPITI – GORGEOUS AND MARVELOUS
These valleys are cut off from the rest of the world for half of the year. When they again emerge during the other half of the year through the melting snow, the sight is breathtaking and awe inspiring with barren Himalayan deserts and sparkling rivers in view. More on Lahaul Spiti : Click here
PIN VALLEY
Pin Valley in Spiti was declared a National park in 1987. While going to Kaza you need to cross a bridge across the Spiti river approx 10km before Sichling and a narrow winding road will take you across barren meadows to reach a cluster of white-washed houses at Gulling. The next village you will come across is Sagnam. From Sagnam one can proceed further to the Mud Village which is the starting point for the Pin-Parvati trek. Read more …
Commented: June 26, 2011 at 9:11 pm
I love this beauty valley in Himachal known as “Dev Bhumi” – Heaven on the earth.