About Sangla Valley

Sangla means ‘Pass of Light’ in the Tibetian language referring to the sunlight received by the Valley during the day. Sangla is also crowned with the tag ‘Switzerland of India’. This scenic town delighting tourists with its mesmerizing Himalayan ranges, pine forest, and dense Oak forest, gushing glacier streams, and the pristine Baspa River flowing through the Sangla Valley also carries a great Tibetan influence. Sangla Valley is undoubtedly a bliss for nature lovers relishing in the calmness and sterile environment of this all raw destination of Himachal Pradesh. Till the year 1989, a visit to Sangla valley was limited to permits for outsiders as it is located close to the China border. One of the reasons that Sangla is famous for the Apple orchards in Sangla. Sangla Valley is one of the most important apple-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh. Sangla Valley also abodes beautiful Apricot Orchards. One should miss a chance to feast on this region’s red juicy apples and the feel explosion of its rich flavors on the taste buds. The locals here work in Apple plantations and tourism-related businesses from April to November as the major source of income in Sangla Valley remains Apple plantations and tourism. The locals here also produce apple wine which is recommended to wine lovers. Curiosity for the culture and tradition is a prevailing emotion while visiting a place, one can experience those by trying the local costumes, traditions ad lifestyles of the Tibetian and Hindu habitats of this region. One can also visit the local huts located in the meadows of the Sangla Valley with the spectacle of the Kinnaur Kailash Mountain Ranges.  Along with the memories, a tourist also takes back souvenirs from a destination. There are many options for souvenirs in Sangla like apples, handwoven Shawls, Kinnauri Caps, and wooden items exquisitely designed hand-carved from Tibetian Wood Carving Center.  The famous festival of Sangla Valley, ‘Fulainch’ is an annual flower festival celebrated with complete enthusiasm. Sangla is a good-to-go destination for all types of tourists as the tow is base for many adventurous high altitude treks luring the adventure junkies and amazing exhibition of culture, history, and tradition pleasing the holidaymakers.

Geography of Sangla Valley

Sangla Valley is located at an elevation of around 3000 feet in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. Sangla Valley starts from the Karcham and ends at the Chitkul, the last village of India along the Indo- Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh. Sangla Valley is located 30 km from the Tibet border. Sangla is encased by the alpine forest slopes and the snow-blanketed mountains of the greater Himalayan range. The main villages of the Sangla Valley are Karcham,Chitkul, Rakcham, Kamru, Themgarang and Batseri. River Baspa flows through the Sangla Valley hence it is often referred to as Baspa Valley too. Dense forests of Himalayan Cesar, alder, spruce, and unusual birch are aboded in Sangla Valley. The main vegetation of Sangla Valley is done of Apples which are considered as one of the finest apples in the world. Sangla valley remains closed during the winters. Sangla is also base for a few high-altitude treks like the Rupin Pass trek and Sangla Valley trek.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places to Visit in Sangla Valley

Kamru Fort

Kamru Fort is a perfect example giving a glimpse of artistic history. Once a fort is now converted to a temple dedicated to Kamakshya Devi, Hindu Goddess. Kamru Fort is one of the major attractions of Sangla. Kamru Fort is located at an elevation of 2600 meters. The idol of the Goddess which is believed to be brought from Assam is situated on the third floor of the fort. One has to pass several gates before entering the actual fort. The entrance has a huge photo of Lord Buddha. Kamru Fort also abodes the temple of Lord Badrinath. Once a year the idol of Goddess Kamakshya Devi is taken to River Gangotri to honor the goddess. Kamru Fort is open from  9:30 am to 5 pm.

Bering Nag Temple

Bering Nag Temple, one of the important temples for Hindus is another architectural wonder. Bering Nag Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagas. Bering Nag Temple is also referred to as Sangla Temple. The popular flower festival of Sangla which is known as Fulaich which is held annually between August to September attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the state and country. Fulaich is a must witnessing fair that is celebrated with complete zest by the natives and the neighboring locals also participate in the festival. The architecture of the Bering Nag temple justifies the artistic history of Sangla constructed with woods and stones.

Sangla Meadow

Sangla Meadow also locally known as Sangla Kanda,  lush green meadows along with muddy patches and a spectacle of the snow-covered Himalayas in the background is another piece of blessing by mother nature. One can experience the lifestyles of the locals and their huts here. The meadow also offers a blissful clear sight of Kinnar Kailash. The best time to visit Sangla Meadow is in summers and monsoons. It is advisable to avoid the visit during winters also the valley remains inaccessible during the winters due to heavy snowfall. The monsoons here are of very little rainfall perfect to leave the meadow painted green by nature.

Baspa River

Baspa River is an important tributary of River Sutlej that fast flows through the Sangla Valley adding to the beauty of Sangla Valley. It is a great place for tourists for photography, fishing, and camping. The river has plenty of various and rare species of fish. One has to cross the river by sailing in the basket which is a simple yet fun activity that does attract tourists. Baspa River has a peaceful ambiance to relax sitting by the river and listening to the water currents or spending time camping on the banks of the river with a backdrop of mountain ranges.

Tibetan Wooden Carving Center

A trip is incomplete without any shopping or getting souvenirs from a destination, so is while in Sangla. Sangla offers multiple options for tourists for shopping, one of them is hand-carved wooden items which are exquisitely designed in Tibetian Wooden Carving Center. The place is famous among tourists as the center abodes beautiful artistic relics and artifacts. Tibetan Wooden Carving Center is located near the Saffron farms at the fringes of Sangla. The center attracts a lot of tourists from all over the country as well as the world. The items represent the artistic culture of Tibet.

Sangla Buddhist Monastery

Buddhist Monasteries are a very popular view in Himachal Pradesh. One of such beautiful and amazing Buddhist monasteries in Sangla. Buddhist Monastery was built by the Mahabodhi Society in the year 1992 for Kalchakra Ceremony. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Sangla. It is also referred to as Brelengi Gompa.

Places Near Sangla Valley

Rakcham (approx.13km from Sangla Town)

Rakcham is a quaint village that falls en route to Chitkul from Sangla. River Baspa passes by the Rakcham village. This little hamlet offers a clear and alluring view of the snow-capped Kinnar Kailash Peaks. The village is not less populated compared to the other villages of the region and is known for its remoteness from other villages. The region here receives severe winter that even the locals migrate to the lower regions hence avoiding the visit to Rakcham during winters is suggested. Rakcham has very limited shops with only essentials. As Rakcham is a remote village it is not a tourist hub but has serene beauty to offer. The distance from Sangla to Rakcham is approximately 13 km.

Chitkul (approx. 22km from Sangla Town)

Chitkul, situated at an elevation of 3450 meters is the last village of India on the Indo-Tibetian road in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Kinnaur Valley. Chitkul with Orchids, green meadows, mountains, huge rocks, rivers, and jungles is a portal to a completely exquisite land. One can go for a pleasant drive to Chitkul or a trek in the forests here. The village has a skimpy population of nearly 600 natives with warm and welcoming hospitality towards the tourists. River Baspa passes by the village and many camping options are available on the river banks or the apple orchards. This last village of India in Himachal Pradesh is worth visiting offering a different experience of the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the region.  The distance between Sangla and Chitkul is approximately 22 km taking 1 hour and 10 mins to reach via Sangla-Chitkul Road.

Best time to visit Sangla Valley

Sangla Valley in Summers ( April- June)

As the snow melts with the arrival of summer in Sangla Valley, the land becomes extra vibrant with colorful sets of blooms and greenery. It is one of the best times to explore the valley and for outdoor activities. The temperature of Sangla Valley in summer ranges from 8℃ to 30℃. Summers in Sangla is not too hot and has pleasant weather throughout the season.  

Sangla Valley in Monsoon ( July- September)

Sangla in monsoon has a fresh environment with thick fog covering the distant views of the surrounding mountains. The Himalayan flora of Sangla are in complete bloom and the valley is greener than ever while in monsoons. The valley is beautifully decorated by nature it is still risky for tourists to visit Sangla in the monsoon due to the risk of landslides. The temperature in Sangla Valley during Monsoon ranges from 10℃ to 21℃

Sangla Valley in Winters ( October - March)

Sangla Valley in winters receives heavy snowfall, the weather remains chilling cold. The Valley turns into a beautiful land covered in white snow looking like a canvas. It is recommended to avoid visiting Sangla Valley in winters as the roads are blocked by heavy snowfall also there is the least scope of sightseeing. The temperature in Sangla Valley in the Winter can fall to -10℃. Know More

How to reach Sangla Valley

Sangla Valley By Air

The nearest airport to Sangla Valley is Bhuntar Airport at a distance of 242 km flights from major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, etc. Apart from that, another nearest airport to Sangla Valley is Jubbarhatti Airport of Shimla a 234 km. Later the journey can be recommenced by local transport like cabs and taxis.

Sangla Valley By Rail

The nearest Railway station to Sangla Valley is Kalka Railway Station as there is no reach of railways in Sangla Valley. Later bus or taxi can be taken to for further journey. The railway station is well connected by many cities of India. Frequent trains are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, etc. Trains from Delhi to Kalka are:

• New-Delhi Kalka Shatabdi Special
• Netaji SF Special (PT)
• Sainagar Shirdi -Kalka SF Special

Sangla Valley By Road

The nearest route accessing Sangla Valley is NH05. Many buses of HRTC(Himachal Road Transport Corporation) run regularly from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. The roads have a terrain due to the elevation of the valley, but the beautiful scenery of lush green forests and blue skies make it enjoyable even with the tough roads. Also, private buses are available from Chandigarh which takes 10 hours to cover the journey of 310 km.

Places to stay in Sangla Valley

Hotel Batseri

Hotel Batseri is a 3-star hotel with a terrace and a garden located in Sangla town itself offers ultimate comfort to the guests. Each room is fitted with a seating area. The property also has a restaurant that serves Continental, Asian and Vegetarian cuisines. It provides 24 hour WiFi and a parking facility.  The hotel has 25 rooms of which 9 are Deluxe rooms, 11 Executive rooms, and 5 Suite rooms. Each room offers an alluring view of the valley, the Himalayan mountains, and the Baspa river.
Check-in Time for Hotel Batseri Sangla: 2 pm
Check-out Time for Hotel Batseri Sangla: 11 pm
Location of  Hotel Batseri Sangla: Sangla-Chitkul road, Batseri

Hotel Apple Orchard Farm & Camping

Hotel Apple Orchard Farm and Camping is located in Batseri of Sangla Valley is just 7.7 km away from Sangla town. The property is located amidst the apple orchards with the view of the Baspa river along with a 360° view of the Himalayan mountains surrounded. They welcome with excellent hospitality, with clean tents, evening bonfire, kids activity area, free parking, and much more. The property also has a restaurant serving amazing food. The property offers an amazing experience of camping amidst the apple orchards where the tents open to ripe juicy apples.
Check-in Time for Hotel Apple Orchard Farm and Camping: 11 am
Check-out Time for Hotel Apple Orchard Farm and Camping: 12 am
Location of Hotel Apple Orchard Farm and Camping: Sangla-Chitkul road, Batseri

Hotel Rock View

Hotel Rock View hosts a warm ambiance. The property has 11 well-appointed rooms, which are furnished and interiors. The hotel is close to many attractions in and around Sangla Valley. The rooms are well ventilated and offer amazing views of the lush green surroundings and the valley. They offer free parking and wifi facilities, the property also has an on-site restaurant and kids activity area. The property is suitable for families, solo travelers or groups, and couples.
Check-in Time for Hotel Rock View: 12 am
Check-out Time for Hotel Rock View: 11 am
Location of  Hotel Rock View: Kuppa, Sangla-Chitkul road

Places to Eat in Sangla Valley

Sangla is situated in a northern state of India, North-Indian cuisines can be found around local eateries but as it is also situated close to the Tibet border, more Tibetan influence is habituated in their cuisines. 

Sonu Tibetian Cafe

Sonu Tibetian Cafe is one of the popular Tibetan cafes in Sangla. It is well known for its Tibetan authentic flavored dumplings, thupka, and much more. It is highly recommended to try chai when here. The prices are also reasonable and pocket-friendly. All veg and nonveg options are available. It is a perfect place to spend some time elegantly with some coffee or tea along with some Tibetian cuisine.
Location of Sonu Tibetian Cafe: Main Market, Sangla
Timings of Sonu Tibetian Cafe: 7 am to 9 pm

Taste of Tibet

Taste of Tibet is a Tibetian restaurant is again a popular one while Tibet food in mind. The restaurant serves all authentic Tibetian cuisines at reasonable prices. The seatings are perfect for family gatherings as well as chilling with friends. 
Location of Sonu Taste of Tibet: Main Market, Sangla
Timings of Sonu Taste of Tibet: 11 am to 9 pm

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Do carry warm clothes even in summer as the weather here is not that hot.
• Do wear appropriate shoes for trekking or any hike.
• Do follow any religious rules of the region while entering any temple or monasteries.

Don’ts

• Do not argue or disrespect any local or local beliefs
• Do not wear short or revealing dresses while entering the temples or religious places.
• Do not spoil or litter the environment.