Lahaul
Spiti :
Lahaul-Spiti became the district of Himachal Pradesh in 1960 and is one of the frontier districts of India. It is 120 km. away from Manali and has snow fed glaciers and barren mountains. Keylong is the headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti and oasis of green fields. The two valleys at Lahaul and Spiti have a tenous link over the Kunzam Pass ( 4,520 metres ). The two twin valleys, Lahaul and Spiti in the North-Eastern corner of Himachal, protected by distance is a region of nature at its wildest which has lent it much enchantment. The threshold of one of the Lahaul plateau is nourished by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers and is surrounded by high mountains on all sides, the Great Himalayas to the North, the Pir Panjal to the South and the Spiti and Chandra watershed to the East. Lahaul has curious mixture of Buddhist and Hinduism. There are a number of Monasteries and Temples.
Famous Places Around Lahaul and Spiti :
Tabo ( village and monastery ) : At the right of Spiti
river, is an ancient village named Tabo, flanked on either side by lofty
brown hills and sun burnt, is the seat of one of the most famous Buddhist
monasteries - Sherlang, Duang, Chamba, Chibbo, Domlang Gompas, regarded
by many as only next to the Thelong Gompa in Tibet. The 10th Century
Tabo monastery houses more than 60 lamas. Large number of scriptures
and pieces of art, wall paintings - 'Tankhas' and 'Stucco'.
Keylong : ( 3,340 meters) located above Bhaga river,
the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti has been described as oasis
of green fields, willow planted water courses, brown hills and snowy
peaks. In the past, Keylong was home of the Moravian missionaries. There
well known monasteries, Tayul, Khardong, and Shashur are within a few
kilometers radius.
Khoksar : ( 3,140 meters) a break and windswept place
is the first village and gateway toLahaul and on the right bank of the
river Chandra 5 kms. from 'Gramphoo'. During winter Khoskar is the coldest
inhabited place in Lahaul. The river freezes during winter and is covered
with snow to afford regular passage for human beings and also for mule
traffic. Khoksar is located on the old trade route from Indian plains
to the west Asia.
Tandi : ( 2,573 meters) is situated at the confluence
of Chamba and Bhaga rivers. A legend says that there were two lovers,
'Chandra', the daughter of the Moon and 'Bhaga', the son of the Sun
god. To perform their eternal marriage, they dedicated to climb to the
'Baralacha La' and from there they ran in opposite directions. Chandra
being active and smart, easily found her way down the pass and reached
'Tandi'. Soon Bhaga was found coming with great struggle through the
narrow gorges to Tandi, where ultimately both met and the celestial
marriage was performed. Tandi's importance for the people of Lahaul
is same as it is 'Haridwar' for the Hindus.
Gondhla : ( 3,160 meters) is located on the river bank
of the river Chandra. House of the thakur of Gondhla, called Gondhla
castle or fort, is the maiin attraction. According to district gazetteer,
this was built in 1700 A.D. by Raja od Kullu Man Singh whose influence
stretched upto the Lingti Plains beyond the Baralacha-La. But present
Thakur Fateh Chand says that it was 20 generations old. This is eight
story building. Raja Man Singh of Kullu had stayed there in 1720 A.D.
while on his way to Trilokinath Temple. Remains of the past are lying
there. Age old custumes, furniture and idols are also strewn around
in a state of neglect. The 'Sharab Raldi' i.e. 'Sword of Wisdom' given
to the Thakur by Dalai Lama in the past is also there in the possession
of present Thakur. This sword seems to have been built in the 'Toledo'
technique of Spain. In the month of July a fair is held when Lamas dance
and enjoy. This fair attracts a large number of visitors.
Jispa : It is in Lahaul valley, located on the bank
of Bhaga river. There is a big camping ground. Sufficient trout fish
is available in the river.
Darcha : (3,360 meters) It is in Lahaul valley from
where trekkers start their trek to Padam via Singola as well as Barlacha/Phirtsela.
Beyond this point there are hardly any trees. Yotche and Zanskar nallahs
meet Bhaga river here from different directions.
Baralacha La Pass : (4,883 meters) It is in Lahaul
valley, 73 kms. from Keylong. The name Baralacha means 'Pass with cross
roads on summit' (Roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join on the top
of it). There is no road yet from Spiti, only a path exists. This pass
is also an origin of Chandra, Bhaga and Yamuna rivers. They flow to
three different directions, through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.
Sarchu : is the last border point in Lahaul valley
between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shansha : It is situated on the right bank of river
Chandra and Bhaga (chenab) in Lahaul valley. The 'Ghepan' a powerfull
deity of Lahaul is believed to be born there. A shrine dedicated to
the deity has also been built in the village.
Udaipur : (2,743 meters) In olden times this village
was known as 'Markul' and so the name of the local goddess is 'Markula
Devi. Her temple is unique and is very famous for its wooden carvings
on its roof and ceiling. This place is therefore a starting point for
Mayur valley and further to Zanskar and other peaks.
Kunzum Pass : ( 4,590 metres ) As Rohtang pass is a
gateway to Lahaul so Kunzum pass is the gateway to Spiti from Kulu &
Lahaul. After crossing Rohtang pass and driving 20kms, one has to turn
right from Gramphoo. While going to this pass, the panoramic view of
Bara-Sigri glacier (second longest glacier in the world) is enthrilling
and inspiring. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of
stones erected ages ago.
Kaza : (3,800 meters) It is sub-divisional headquarters
of Spiti valley. It is situated at the foot of the steep ridges on the
left bank of Spiti river. Once it was the headquarters of the 'Nano'
the chief of Spiti. It is 425 kms. from Shimla.
Tabo ( village and monastery ) : At the right of Spiti
river, is an ancient village named Tabo, flanked on either side by lofty
brown hills and sun burnt, is the seat of one of the most famous Buddhist
monasteries - Sherlang, Duang, Chamba, Chibbo, Domlang Gompas, regarded
by many as only next to the Thelong Gompa in Tibet. The 10th Century
Tabo monastery houses more than 60 lamas. Large number of scriptures
and pieces of art, wall paintings - 'Tankhas' and 'Stucco'.
KI-Monastery : It is the oldest and the biggest monastery
of Spity dominating Ki-Village. About 300 lamas are receiving their
religious training in its monastery, which houses rare paintings and
beautiful scriptures of Buddha and other gods and goddesses. It is serving
western population of Spity.
Yang-Yud Gompa : It is located near a narrow gorge
of Kaza Nullah (1,300 feet high cliff) The head of the monastery - Lama
is from Tibet. It is serving western part of Central Spity.
Tourism
in Lahaul Spiti :
Tourism in Lahaul Spiti offers breath taking valleys, trekking areas, world famous monasteries. Although spoken as Lahaul Spiti, Lahaul and Spity are actually two valleys which are completely different from each other in almost everything. Where lahaul is blessed by nature and nurtured by chandra and bhaga rivers, Spiti on the other hand is like a cold desert. Geologically and archaeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The best time to visit Lahaul and Spiti is between April to October.
District Lahaul and Spiti : General Information
Altitude : 3,165 meters.
Headquarter : Keylong ( 3,165 meters )
Location : Situated between 31°44'57'' and 32°59'57''
North Latitude and between 76°46'29'' and 78°41'34'' East Longitudes.
To its North lies Jammu and Kashmir, to the East is Tibet, to South-East
is Kullu and Kinnaur and to South-West and West is Chamba.
Access by Air : The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies
over the 3,978 metres high Rohtang Pass. The high Rohtang Pass is at
the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Access by Rail : The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies
over the 3,978 metres high Rohtang Pass. The high Rohtang Pass is at
the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Access by Road : The sole access to Lahaul-Spiti lies
over the 3,978 metres high Rohtang Pass. The high Rohtang Pass is at
the top of the Kullu valley near Manali.
Distances : Distance between Keylong and Manali is
115 km. And distance between Keylong and Shimla ( via Kunzum Pass )
is 610 km.
