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Location : Himachal Pradesh
Languages : Himachali, Hindi, Punjabi, English
Altitude : 3350 meters from sea level
Area : 13835 square kilometers
Climate : Salubrious
Temperature : In summers, it varies between 20-35 degree Celsius; in winters, it can drop well below 10 degree Celsius
Major Attractions : Gondala, Khardong Gompa
Best Visiting Time : Months between June and October
Described by Rudyard Kipling as a place where God lives, Keylong is a pretty destination abounding in lush greenery and serenity. It sits leisurely amidst brownish hills covered with tones of snow. Located at about 117 kilometers from Manali, this pristine location is present within the patches of barley. This capital city of Spiti & Lahaul is a much sought after destination for those who find it hard to strive in the scorching summers, so typical of Indian cities.
Attractions In and Around :
Gondala : It is a small hamlet that is mainly inhabited by the lama community. Situated 18 kilometers away from Keylong, the destination is flanked by river Chandra. A big fair is organized here in the month of July and features various cultural performances, dance and music. The place is important from historic point of view. A fort of 17th century is present here and is a source of attraction to the tourists You get an opportunity to have a peek into the Culture and traditional life style of these Buddhist devotees.
Khardong Gompa : This monastery of 12th century was erected by the People of Gelukpa sect. A colossal image of Lord Buddha is the major attraction of the place. Besides, a few nice paintings add to the charm of the place. You can also visit the library present in its premises; it is loaded with a number of manuscripts of ancient period.
Shashur Gompa : Another nice excursion that you can pursue while visiting Keylong is Shashur monastery. It is located 3 kilometers away from the destination. A five meter thangka is the highlight of the place. This 16th century attraction is a dedication to a lama belonging to Zanskari sect. If you happen to visit the place in June/July, you will be able to see a colorful festival which is characterized by mask-dancing.
Triloknath Temple : This sacred temple is frequented by both Hindu as well as Buddhist devotees.
Tayul Gompa : Considered as one of the ancient monasteries of its time, Tayul is popular for the presence of an idol of Padamsambhava. A library is also present in its premises.
Adventurous Activities :
The rugged terrain of the place and presence of snowy mountains makes it possible to enjoy numerous sports including skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, and fishing. If you are a novice, you can get training at mountaineering institutes that held several competitions on regular basis.
Shopping :
While visiting the city, there are a number of handicraft items that can be brought these include shawls, footwear, silver jewelry, woolen jackets, bamboo products, and metal crafts.
Accommodation :
There are a whole lot of accommodations that can be booked at Keylong. A few of these are Hotel Snowland, Hotel Gyepa, Dubchen Keylong, Tashi Deleg, and Dekyid. Deykid offers fantastic views of the surroundings while Snowland is overpriced. Decent services can be expected from these accommodations. In addition, Circuit House, Rest House (by PWD), and Saini Rest House are also nice options for tourists. A Tourist Bungalow is also present here.
Keylong is an idyllic destination of Himachal Pradesh that is known for its lovely imageries; its natural beauty of the place leaves a lasting impression on minds and souls. |