Keylong - Hub of Buddhist Culture
Lahaul and Spiti district lies close to the Indo-Tibetan border and is an important center of Buddhist learning, cultural and heritage. Keylong is an administrative center in the district that is 120 km away from the Tibetan border. Situated at an elevation of 3080 meters, Keylong remains inaccessible from November to May as heavy snowfall blocks the way.
Keylong Fast Facts:
Best Time to visit Keylong -June to October
Location of Keylong - Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Major Destinations
Manali to Keylong - 115 km
Kullu to Keylong - 136 km
Kaza to Keylong - 188 km
Shimla to Keylong - 342 km
Leh to Keylong - 373 km
Chandigarh to Keylong - 435 km
Delhi to Keylong - 690 km
Altitude - 3080 meters above sea level
How to reach Keylong
By road - Keylong is accessible via the Manali-Leh Highway and is around 7 km from the nearby Chandra Valley and Bhaga Valley. Rohtang Valley way from Manali is closed from the end of October. Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station around 280 km from Keylong.
By Rail -Closest railway station is Chauntra Railway Station at a distance of 68.4 km. Also you there is a railway station at Joginder Nagar at a distance of 68.5 km.
By Air - Bhuntar is the nearest airport
Festival - Lahaul Festival takes place in July
Places to see around Keylong
Important places of tourist interest are:
Kardang Monastery - The most important attraction of Keylong is the Kardang Monastery. The oldest in Lahaul and Spiti district, this monastery belongs to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is situated in Kardang village and is a revered place of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is perched on the Rangcha Peak and you need trek up the hill along the Bhaga River. This monastery is connected to Kelong via the Tandi Bridge. Constructed in the 12th century, the monastery has a museum that houses Buddhist scriptures and sacred texts.
Shasur Monastery - Just 37 km from Manali, the Shasur Monastery is another Buddhist gompa in Lahaul and Spiti. It also belongs to the Drukpa order of Buddhism and is surrounded by pine forests. Built in the 17th century, the gompa is famous for housing the Thangka paintings. Chham is an important festival that takes place at the monastery premises during June-July.
Gondala village - A small hamlet around 18 km drive from Keylong town is home to a large Buddhist Lama community. Located on the banks of River Chandra, this is a picturesque village well known for its annual fair. The fair takes place in July and draws Buddhist monks and tourists alike. Traditional songs, music and cultural performances mark the event. Gondala Fort constructed in 1700 is one of the historical landmarks here.
Kaza - Kaza is an arid town in the remote regions of Spiti Valley. It is of both culturally and religious importance to the Buddhists coming from Tibet as well. Located on the banks of Spiti River, Kaza is accessible via the Kumzum La and partly closed during the months of heavy snowfall. From Manali you have to cross the Rohtang Pass to reach Kaza. The Sakya Tangyud Monastery is one of the top attractions here that is located 4 km away from Kaza.
