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Keylong or Kilang is a small town in the Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh known for its captivating landscapes, adventure activities and cultural heritage. It is 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level, offering views of the majestic Himalayas in the background. Keylong, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and picturesque landscapes, is a perfect base for exploring the northern regions of Himachal Pradesh. With so many different places to visit in Keylong, making a comprehensive itinerary is a must. If you want to know where to start your exploration of Keylong, a narrowed-down list of experiences and spots will sort you out.
10 Places To Visit In Keylong
With its pristine rivers, ancient monasteries, and picturesque hamlets, Keylong promises a unique and enriching experience to every traveller.
1. Tandi Village
Tandi Village, at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, is the northernmost village in India, renowned for its serene landscapes and peaceful environment. Featuring narrow lanes, ancient wooden houses, and vibrant local culture, visiting this remote village provides a glimpse into the traditional Himachali life of the locals. The confluence point, known as the Tandi Confluence, provides a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Tandi is at the beginning of the Leh-Manali Highway, making it a crucial point for travellers heading towards Leh.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175133
Timings: N/A
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2. Suraj Tal
Photo: Bhuvan Sharma / Unsplash
Suraj Tal, translating to “Lake of the Sun God,” is a high-altitude lake at 4,890 metres (16,043 feet). It is the third-highest lake in India and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine surroundings. The lake is fed by the glaciers from the nearby Baralacha Pass and like its counterpart, Chandra Tal, the beauty of this lake doesn’t require any introductions. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Keylong and is especially popular among trekking enthusiasts travelling via the famous Manali-Leh highway. The rugged mountains of the Himalayas cast a reflection on the lake, adding to its beauty.
Location:Himachal Pradesh 175132
Timings: Accessible during daylight hours (May to October)
3. Shashur Monastery
Photo: Palkit Negi / Wikimedia Commons
More commonly known as Shashur Gompa, this is a must-visit monastery you need to add to your Keylong tourist places. It is located on a hilltop, overlooking the town of Keylong. Built in the 17th century, this monastery provides a glimpse into the historic Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. The monastery is famous for its vibrant murals, intricate woodwork, and stunning panoramic views of the Lahaul Valley. Also, it serves as an important place for Buddhist studies and multiple festivals are conducted in the monastery year-round.
Location:Shashur Gompa, Himachal Pradesh 175132
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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4. Kardang Monastery
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the places to visit in Keylong is the Kardang Monastery, which is a prominent tourist destination. Like Shashur Gompa, even Kardang Monastery is a centre of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. It was built back in the 12th century and has a variety of artefacts, religious texts and scripts housed in the monastery. The monastery was built by Lama Norbu Rinpoche and Lama Kunga, who primarily reconstructed the monastery in the 20th century after it was destroyed.
Location: Khardang Gompa, Himachal Pradesh 175140
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
5. Jispa
Photo: Rishabh Dharmani / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jispa is a small village situated along the banks of the Bhaga River, approximately 23 Km from Keylong. The remote location of this village makes it a great spot for you to find some peace away from the daily hustle and bustle of city life. One of the most enchanting experiences you can explore in Jispa is camping under the night sky. Besides that, you can also visit the famous Gemur monastery that’s located there. The village also provides opportunities for adventure activities such as river rafting and trekking.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175132
Timings: N/A
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6. Baralacha Pass
Photo:Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
Your trip to Keylong is incomplete if you don’t stop to visit the famous Baralacha Pass. It is located at an altitude of 4,890 metres (16,040 feet) and is one of the most popular places to visit in Keylong Himachal Pradesh. The pass also connects Lahaul and Spiti Valley with Ladakh. The drive to the pass itself is scenic, especially with the surrounding views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and alpine meadows. The pass is also home to several high-altitude lakes, including Suraj Tal.
Location:Himachal Pradesh 175132
Timings: Accessible during daylight hours, May to October
7. Chandra Tal
Chandra Tal, or “Moon Lake,” is a high-altitude lake located at 4,300 metres (14,100 feet). The main highlight of this lake is its crescent moon shape and the crystal-clear blue waters. The secluded location of this lake makes it quite challenging to reach but once you do, the views and the experience of being around the lake make up for all that. The lake is surrounded by barren landscapes and snow-capped peaks, creating an even more beautiful canvas for the travellers to get lost in. For adventure enthusiasts, you can embark on a trekking expedition to reach the lake.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175140
Timings: Accessible from June to October
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8. Pin Valley National Park
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Spiti Valley, Pin Valley National Park is another one of the tourist places in Keylong that’s accessible via a short drive. This protected area is home to a rich variety of wildlife, plants, trees, and native Himalayan animals. The main attraction of this national park is snow leopard, blue sheep, and Himalayan ibex. However, these wildlife are quite elusive, so spotting them isn’t as simple as you’d imagine. The national park itself has a variety of alpine and desert ecosystems.
Location: Sissu, Himachal Pradesh 175140
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
9. Sissu Waterfall
Photo: Mayur Arvind / Unsplash
Sissu Waterfall, located near the village of Sissu, is a popular waterfall that’s located near Keylong. The waterfall is fed by the meltwater from the nearby glaciers and is a popular spot for photography and picnicking. What’s amazing is that the area around the waterfall has cafes and many food stalls making it conducive for you to host a picnic and enjoy some food with the views of the cascading waterfall. You can enjoy a walk to the base of the waterfall and take in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Location:
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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10. Deepak Tal
The last spot to add to your Keylong tourist places list is Deepak Tal. An often underrated and less explored water body, Deepak Tal passes through the highway connecting Manali and Leh. Unlike a lot of the other lakes in Keylong, the USP of this lake lies in its calmness. The lake is fed by the nearby glaciers but it remains calm, offering a still reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees that exist around. The lake is at an elevation of 3750 metres and makes for the perfect retreat for travellers looking for some peace.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175132
Timings: Accessible during daylight hours
From lakes to trekking routes, there are several places to visit in Keylong, the next time you are in Himachal. Given the remote location of this town, not many tourists add it to their itinerary. However, if you want to visit a less crowded spot with breathtaking views in the surrounding area, consider booking your tickets to Keylong with TripXL on your next vacation to Himachal Pradesh.
Cover Photo: Rutpratheep Nilpechr / Unsplash
