Sangla

Accessible by road from Shimla, the Sangla Valley or Baspa Valley is one of the most charming valleys in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Sangla village is situated on the banks of the River Baspa quite close to the Tibetan border. The Sangla Valley camp is set up from April to October to serve as an excellent base camp for tourists wishing to discover the rugged beauty of Kinnaur and Spiti valleys.
Treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks, angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture and traditions, rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing are some of the delights that the Sangla Valley offers. There are beautiful walks along the Baspa river and to the Sangla meadows and a few quaint temples in the villages are visit worthy.
Best time to visit: April to October
Languages spoken: Hindi, Pahari
Climate: Cool summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall
Adventure tourism: Trekking, Rock climbing, Rappelling, River Crossing
Natures Bounty: Chitkul village, Sangla Meadows, Rakcham village, Batseri village, Baspa River

Kinnaur-The land of apples (Part 2)

By

After about two and a half hours we reached Reckong Peo,or Peo, as it is popularly known. Peo is situated at an altitude of around 2200 metres above sea level and is at the base of the Kinner Kailash massif. From here, Kalpa was a short 20 minute drive and by lunch time we reached Kalpa. Our plan was to halt at the PWD rest house, which turned out to be a cottage with an excellent view of the mountains. Staying in Kalpa can be compared to living in the lap of nature. Overlooking the Kinner Kailash range, this is one of the most picturesque  hill stations one can ever visit. This quaint town was once the headquarters of Kinnaur district before it was replaced  by Reckong Peo. The collector’s office has now been taken over by the HP Irrigation Department while the old SP office is now a small police outpost. The old building of the District Hospital is visible behind the new building of a recently constructed Primary Health Centre.  From Kalpa, one can spot the famous Shiva Linga, nestled in the middle of the Kinner Kailash massif. It is a 2 day trek from Kalpa for the strong and sturdy.

Read More

A trip to Narkanda – Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa – Jalori Pass

By

After crossing the dam towards Sangla, condition of road was not very good and it was narrow too, however it was fun driving through this chilling route along with green Baspa. My wife and son were also lost in this beautiful valley but my 13 yr daughter was alert enough to remind me to blow the horn at every blind turn which I think is advisable while driving on hills. Before reaching Sangla my kids were excited enough to peep the scenic beauty through the sunroof.

Read More

In the last & the highest village of the Baspa Valley – Chitkul…..

By

Look closely and you can see the trails of the stars that form the Orion Constellation. No, Just look above the snow capped peak, a bit on the right from the center of the pic and you will see the trails of the three stars that are in the middle of the Orion Constellation. And you can also see a pink colored streak just a little bit on the right of the peak. That is Orion’s Nebula. Didn’t i tell you, i also spotted as much as 9 shooting stars and 1 satellite while capturing the star trails.

Read More

To the last & the highest village in the Baspa Valley – Chitkul…..

By

The condition of the road was getting worse by each passing kilometer. The tar road made way to the grainy, rocky road covered by dust. At some of the stretches the water tankers were moving on the road to keep down the dust. Suddenly the roads became never ending and driving getting difficult especially for a lone bike rider all along the way. I kept on driving slowly and crossed Wangtoo, Chooling and reached the Karcham Dam. A right from here would take me off the NH – 22 and put me on the Sangla- Chitkul road. The winds were also picking up and it was getting difficult to stand near the dam. So, i started the bike again to cover the final stretch of the day. The road condition was bad and the way to Sangla was steep and narrow. One slip here and i would have to pay for it with my life. So, with all the concentration on the road and a speed of 10-15 kmph i began the ascent on the hair raising Sangla – Chitkul road.

Read More