8 Best Places to Visit in Keylong: Discover the Hidden Gem of Himalayas

Keylong is a stunning town nestled in the majestic mountains of Himachal Pradesh. If you are looking for a peaceful destination for spending some time in solace, you must explore the places to visit in Keylong, which are less explored till date. It's also among the perfect destinations for those who love exploring outdoor activities and experiencing the beauty of nature. The town lies amidst high mountains, lush green valleys, and clean rivers, making it a paradise for trekkers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Many people visit Keylong to trek to nearby peaks, hike through scenic trails, and explore the picturesque valleys and villages.

Best Places to Visit in Keylong: Exceptional Attractions on High Elevation

With it’s breathtaking landscape, pure culture, and rich history, Keylong is home to a plethora of amazing attractions for the travelers. You must know that if you are looking for adventure, many exciting places to visit in Keylong will be your excellent base for them. You can take a trek to the Rohtang Pass, explore the breathtaking Spiti Valley, or visit the Pin Valley National Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna including the snow leopard. The town boasts of many ancient monasteries, temples, and villages, carrying unique history and culture. The natural beauty, Tibetan culture and tradition, and warm hospitality of the locals make it a must visit destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Here are the top 8 Keylong tourist places, that you must visit during your tour to this pristine town in the heart of Himalayas:

Kardang Monastery: Learn the Depth of Buddhism
Deepak Tal: Bask in a Peaceful Retreat
Baralacha Pass: Get the Rip-roaring Experiences
Shashur Monastery: Get an Eye Pleasing Experience
Bhaga Valley: Serene Escape Amidst Mountains
Tandi: Smaller in Size but Bigger in Charm
Gondhla Village: Cherish the Gorgeous Land
Sissu: A Tranquile Hamlet in Lap of Himalayas

1. Kardang Monastery: Learn the Depth of Buddhism

Keylong places to visit list cannot be complete without Kardang Monastery, a 900-year-old monastery located in the heart of Keylong, known for its ancient scriptures, murals, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. The Gompa lies below Rangcha Peak at an altitude of around 3500 meters on the bank of River Bhaga. The monastery is home to several monks who welcome visitors with open arms. The monastery also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region that includes sacred Buddhist texts of Tangyur and Kangyur. The walls of the monastery have colorful paintings and a huge Mani Wheel. It has statues of Sakyamuni, Vajradhara, and Padmasambhava. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or spirituality, Kardang Monastery is a must-visit destination.

Location: Khardang Gompa, Himachal Pradesh 175140

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Reconstructed in the Year: 1912 by Lama Norbu Rinpoche & Lama Kunga

Distance from Keylong: 14 km

2. Deepak Tal: Bask in a Peaceful Retreat

Deepak Tal is a serene lake located near the Bara Lacha La Pass, surrounded by lush greenery. The peaceful atmosphere of the lake makes it one of the most hypnotic places to visit in Keylong. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography. The lake becomes more enchanting and beautiful after the monsoon season when it gets plenty of water. Also, if you visit the lake in winter, you can find a frozen lake in front of your eyes. Whether you're looking for a peaceful picnic spot or a place to relax, Deepak Tal is an ideal destination, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Location: Leh- Manali Highway

Altitude: 3750 meters

Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September

Distance from Keylong: 43 km

How to Reach Deepak Tal:

Route 1- Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Deepak Tal = 160 Kilometers
Route 2- Manali – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Deepak Tal = 115 Kilometers

3. Bara Lacha La Pass: Get the Rip-roaring Experiences

Bara Lacha La Pass is a breathtaking 8 kilometers long mountain pass that connects the Spiti Valley to the Lahaul Valley. At an altitude of around 4890 meters, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Deepak Tal is the base point of the pass and Suraj Tal is the highest point. The pass also boasts several trekking trails, including the famous Bara Lacha La Trek, which attracts adventure seekers from around the globe. Whether you're a trekker, photographer, or simply a nature lover, Bara Lacha Pass is a must-visit Keylong sightseeing, offering an unforgettable experience. Yes, only thing to remember is, you require a permit if you are coming here via Rohtang Pass Route.

Location: Leh Manali Highway

Best Time to Visit: April to October

Manali and Baralacha La Distances

Manali: 190.4 km, 6 hours due to high altitude
Leh: 281.8 km, 7 hours and 30 mins due to high altitude

Bara Lacha La Pass Visit Requirements:

Indian citizens: identity cards and attested photocopies of nationality documents
Other documents include passports, voter ID cards, or Aadhar cards

Travel Tips for Bara Lacha La Pass:

Check weather before visiting
Plan trip accordingly for possible closures on Tuesdays
Plan early morning journey for ample time
Carry snacks and water as no eateries at the pass
Remember to bring necessary permits for pass entry

4. Shashur Monastery: Get an Eye Pleasing Experience

Shashur Monastery is a 17th-century monastery located at a tiny distance of around 5.5 km from Keylong. It is known for its unique architecture, ancient artifacts, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Shashur Gompa means ‘Blue Pines’ as it it nestled amidst the the blue pine trees that gives it a calm and serene appearance. The present monastery was constructed under the guidance of a representative sent from Bhutan then. The walls of the gompa are decorated with large wall paintings and paintings larger than 15 ft in height. These paintings display all 84 deities of Buddhism. The monastery is home to several monks who practice Buddhism themselves and teach learnings to the visitors as well.

Location: Leh Manali Road

Best Time to Visit: July

Distance from Keylong: 2 km

5. Bhaga Valley: Serene Escape Amidst Mountains

You will not witness better sightseeing in Keylong than Bhaga Valley, a scenic valley, known for its lush green landscapes, sparkling rivers, and trekking trails. If you are planning a trip to some offbeat places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, you should keep Bhaga Valley on your list. You can explore the clean hamlets, trek through the thrilling trails, and spend time learning about the heritage of this Himalayan gem. Carved by the Bhaga River, the valley offers stunning views of the peaks, meadows, and charming hamlets and the opportunity to participate in traditional festivities. You can also witness several species of birds and animals that make it a great spot for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.

Location: Satingri Village, Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: Late May to September

6. Tandi: Smaller in Size but Bigger in Charm

Tandi is a small village located near Keylong, known for its scenic beauty, trekking trails, and ancient temples. The town is best known for being the confluence point (meeting point) of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers. The village is also home to several apple orchards, making it a great place to try some fresh apples. If you want to come to this small hamlet in the heart of Himachal, you can come either from Manali via Rohtang Pass or from Leh Ladakh via Bara Lacha La Pass. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, Tandi is an ideal destination.

Location: Keylong, Lahaul & Spiti District

Best Time to Visit: June to October

7. Gondhla Village: Cherish the Gorgeous Land

Gondhla is a scenic village located near Keylong, known for its ancient fort, temples, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. The village is home to the Gandhola Monastery also known as Gondla, Gondhla, Kundlah, or Guru Ghantal Gompa. The locals who live here practice Buddhism and welcome visitors to learn about their culture and way of life. Gondhla is a getaway to several trekking trails, making it a great place for adventure seekers. So, if you're interested in history, culture, or spirituality, Gondhla is among the great places to visit in Spiti.

Location: Lahul Tehsil, Lahul & Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: March to June

8. Sissu: A Tranquil Hamlet in Lap of Himalayas

Sissu is a picturesque village and among one of the best places to visit near Keylong, known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, trekking trails, and ancient temples. The village is home to people who welcome visitors with open arms and offer a glimpse into mountain lives. The village also boasts of several Keylong sightseeing like cascading waterfalls and lakes, making it a great place for nature lovers. This could be your peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip when you plan to come towards Lahaul.

Location: Manali-Leh highway

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Keylong, a charming town in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The places to visit in Keylong include breathtaking Bara Lacha Pass, serene Deepak Tal, the ancient Kardang Monastery, and the picturesque Sissu village. You should make a visit to this captivating place if you are a trekker, photographer, or simply a nature lover, Keylong has something for everyone. So come and experience the beauty and charm of Keylong for yourself with one of our best Himachal Pradesh tour packages.

Places to Visit in Keylong FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to visit Keylong, Himachal Pradesh?

The best time to visit Keylong is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

Q2. How to reach Keylong?

Keylong can be reached by road from Manali or Shimla, or by air via the nearest airport in Kullu.

Q3. What are the best places to visit in Keylong?

Bara Lacha Pass, Deepak Tal, Kardang Monastery, Shashur Monastery, Bhaga Valley, Tandi, Gondhla, and Sissu are some of the must-visit places in Keylong.

Q4. What is the altitude of Keylong?

Keylong is situated at an altitude of 3,080 meters above sea level.

Q5. What are the adventure activities available in Keylong?

Trekking, hiking, camping, rafting, and mountaineering are some of the adventure activities available in Keylong.

Q6. Are there any medical facilities available in Keylong?

Yes, there are medical facilities available in Keylong, including a hospital and several medical shops.

Q7. What is the duration of the trek to Bara Lacha Pass?

The trek to Bara Lacha Pass is approximately 4-5 hours long and is moderately difficult.

Q8. What is the nearest airport to Keylong?

The nearest airport to Keylong is the Kullu Airport, which is located at a distance of approximately 120 km.