KEYLONG, LADAKH

                          Keylong, Ladakh

Keylong is situated at an altitude of 3340 mts above the sea level. Sarchu is the district Headquarters of Lahaul Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh. 

Keylong is situated on the main road to Leh over Rohtang. Sarchu an oasis of green field with willow trees, murmuring water streams surrounded with brown hills and beautiful snow capped peaks.

The region is strange, exciting, primitive mountainous and delightful. Rudyard Kipling said of the region "Surely the God live here this no place for men." The route to Lahaul takes a traveler over Rohtang Pass (3980 ml), Koksar (1st village of Lahaul) Sissu, Gondla and crossing the river Chandra Bhaga at Tandi.

Keylong is around 115 km from Manali, 188 km from Kaza, 373 km from Leh. Due to the heavy winter snows cut off road connectivity to the region at Rohtang Pass for six months from November to June. 

Keylong has little or no rain in monsoons. The climate remains dry and invigorating. The days are hot and nights are extremely cold. Heavy / Light woolens are recommended.

Some of the places which attract tourist include Gondla for ancient fort, Sissu for Siberian wild geese and duck during spring and autumn, Triloknath temple sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhist. There are monasteries like Shasur, Guru Ghantal, Tayul and Gemur famous for its arts and Buddhist faith. 

Keylong follows Buddhism culture and every festive celebration includes participation of Lamas and monks. The annual festival Lahaul festival celebrated in July is quite famous among Buddhist and locals. Several cultural activities are organised during the festival and it attracts tourists as well.