10 offbeat attractions in Lahaul Valley

Lying between the green alpine slopes of Kullu and Chamba valleys and the dry, arid plateau of Ladakh is the mountainous land of Lahaul. A Himalayan wonderland Lahaul has an array of interest places to visit. It manages to get enough rain during the monsoon months to allow extensive terrace cultivation; of potatoes, green peas, hops, cabbage and other fancy vegetables and herbs to be consumed by the vast plains of North India. Lahauli potatoes are some of the best in the country and are used as seed for propagation. These crops and herbs have brought prosperity to Lahaul.
Lahaul is a part of Lahaul & Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh. Lahaul has a fascinating history as in the 10th century—Lahaul, Spiti and Zanskar were part of the kingdom of Ladakh. In the 17th century, Ladakh was defeated by a combined Mongol-Tibetan force. Later on, Lahaul was separated into Upper Lahaul which fell under the control of Kullu Kings, and Lower Lahaul which came under the Chamba Rajas. This has resulted in a fascinating amalgamation of culture, customs and architecture. Most people follow a curious blend of both Hindu and Buddhist customs in Lahaul.

Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul & Spiti. It is a perfect base to visit the Buddhist monasteries conveniently located from Keylong—Guru Ghantal, Kardang Monastery and other important monasteries in Lahaul. Keylong is also known as Kyelang or Keylang.
After crossing Rohtang and Khoksar, the road approaches Tandi at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, forming the Chandrabhaga river. The road branches off at Tandi to go to Udaipur in the Pattan Valley. The road passes through lush green and prosperous Lahauli villages like Jahalman, Thirot, Tindi before reaching Udaipur.

Some other important places to visit in Lahaul other than the ones listed below are the Surajtal Lake, cave Dzong Gompa (Tino) and Yardong Monastery, the 108 room palace fort of Khangsar that is located in a small village above the Manali-Leh highway. Lahauli delicacies can be tried at a local’s home; camping on the banks of Bhaga river in Sissu or Jispa is a lovely experience too; the pass of Baralacha La also known as crossroads of high Asia lies on Manali - Leh highway is geographically in Lahaul.