Lahaul Spiti

Lahaul Spiti Information
Location : In the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
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.

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