Sangla

East of Simla, the Kinnaur district lies on the Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh. The most picturesque valley of the Kinnaur district is Sangla. The 2,680 metre high valley situated on the banks of the Baspa River and is flanked by the Kinnaur Kailash in the North and Garhwal Himalayas in the South. Sangla looks like a picture post card adorned by pines, birches and rhododendrons.

How to Reach

One can reach Sangla (230 Kms) directly from Simla through bus in 11-12 hrs. The NH-22, Indo-Tibetan road going by the banks of the Satadru River leads to Rampur passing through Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda. Rampur is a major city before Kinnaur. Karcham is located 80 kms from Rampur on the national highway. From Karcham the road to Sangla (18 Kms) goes right through the Baspa Valley.

Those who do not want to travel directly to Sangla from Simla, can stopover at Rampur (135 Kms) where the bus takes 6 hrs 30 mins to reach. Buses are available from Sangla to Kalpa. One can go back to Simla even from Kalpa.

Where to Stay

There are several private hotels and a circuit house in Sangla.

Budget: Rs. 450-Rs. 500: Mount Kailash Guest House (Ph: 242390, 24227) Madhu Guest House (Ph: 242370), Hotel Himalaya Home (242740, 242256), Thailand Guest House (Ph: 242285), Mohan Prakash Guest House, Harish's Hotel etc.

Budget: Rs. 500-Rs. 650: Baspa Guest House (Ph: 242206, 242377), Sangla Resort (Ph: 242401, 242201)

Budget: Rs. 650-Rs. 750: Hotel Monal Regency (Ph: 242911/22/33).

The peak season at Sangla is during May-June and October. At this time, accommodation may not be available below Rs. 500 per room. However, these very hotels offer rooms at a much lower price, even half price during off season.

Other than these hotels, a PWD bungalow and a forest bungalow is also available. 7 kms away from Sangla, on way to Chhitkul on the banks of the river Baspa is the Banjara Camp Resort. Room rent ranges from Rs.1000 to Rs.1,500/-.

Hotels at Rockcham: Rupin Riverview Guest House, Ganga Guest House, Sambhu Lodge etc. Rent ranges from Rs.100 to Rs.400 according to tourist season. Apart from this, a PWD bungalow is also available.

Hotels at Chhitkul: Amar Guest House, Thakur Guest House. Room rent ranges from Rs.150-Rs 300. Some camp resorts also come up here during the summer months. Apart from this, a forest guesthouse and a PWD guest house are also available.

Going Around

It is best to go around on foot while in Sangla. Temple of the snake god near the bus stand is worth a visit. The Baspa River offers a wonderful sight within Sangla. The Trout Research Centre is situated here as well. 2 kms from Sangla is the Kamru village. One can go only 1 km by car, the rest of the distance has to be covered by walking down. This village has a 400 year old fort. A beautiful sight of the Sangla Valley can be seen from here.

26 Kms away from Sangla is the Chhitkul village, at a height of 3,750 metres. On way to Chhitkul, 14 Kms away is the Rokchaam village. There are many waterfalls on the way. It is better to visit these places and return back to Sangla on the same day. Bus service is very few; hence it is best to take one's own vehicle. Those who do not have their own vehicle can rent a car at Rs.600/700 and come back on the same day after covering Rokchaam and Chhitkul.

When to Go

One can travel to this place through out the year. However, due to heavy snowfall, it might be difficult to reach Chhitkul after November. Hence it is best to go around the place sometime between May and October.

STD Code of Sangla: 01786