A mountaneous hill station, Keylong is the main town in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, North India.

Located on the roads between Manali and Leh, the travel experience In Keylong will take one’s breath away with the panoramic view of the astounding valley of Lahaul. Stationed at 3350m above the sea, with Jammu and Kashmir as northern neighbours and Tibet in the east, tours to Keylong will have a touch of Tibetan influence in a cool climate. 

History Of Keylong

Keylong’s earliest history can be traced back to the rise of Kingdom of Guge in the 10th century AD. During this period, Keylong’s link with Vajrayana Buddhism was formed and established. This could possibly be the earliest influence of Buddhism which has led to the presence of several monasteries and Buddhist sites in Keylong. More recent history shows Keylong’s brief period under the Sikhs during 1840 to 1841 and with the end of the Anglo-Skih wars, and then adminstered by the British East India Company. When the states were re-organized and Himchal Pradesh was fully fledged as a state, Keylong became the administrative headquarters of Lahaul as it remains today. 

Tourism in Keylong

Quaint villages

Around Keylong, quaint and charming villages and hamlets offer intriguing travel experiences for the adventurous travellers.These places, usually found at river junctions and riverbanks offer an insight to the unique cultural lifestyles found in the Lahaul Valley. One such hamlet is Tandi located at the meeting of rivers Chandara and Bhaga which eventually flow on to form the merged Chanda-Bhaga river also known as Chenab River. Udaipur is home to the Mrikula Devi Temple, famed for its wood carvings. This village is found at the junction of the Mayar nulla with Chandrabhaga, another main river flowing through the region. Jispa another beautiful village, is located at the junction of two other nullahs and Bhaga. There is a bountiful Juniper plantation in this village. Jispa is known for its huge and dry riverbed which is not common in Lahaul. It is also a favorite spot for anglers who can enjoy fishing for trouts in the shallow river while basking in the beautiful summer days among the scenic settings. Sissu, at an elevation of 3130m is on a broad flat ground atop on the right bank of Chandra river. Unlike other villages, the dense willow and poplar plantations lining both sides of the road do not allow the sun rays through, at certain spots. While the green terraces are filled with vegetation, the slopes are decked with wild roses of all bright colours and alpine flowers, making a bright mosaic. No travel can be complete without souvenir shopping as there is no lack of shawls and local tweeds and other local handwork available at local stalls. 

Temples and Monasteries

Keylong is home to monasteries and popular Buddhist religious sites, where tours are organized to admire their architectural intricacies. The famous and revered Triloknath shrine is visited by Hindus and Buddhists since centuries ago. It is essentially a Buddhist place of worship visited by thousands of pilgrims. The ancient building was constructed with stones and timber, in typical traditional Lahauli style. Fluttering prayer flags dot the path as devotees approach the shrine. The Khardong Gompa, was established by the Gelukpa order in the 12th century. A huge Buddha statue with some paintings, old prayer drums and library housing ancient manuscripts can be found in this gompa. 

A state owned bungalow used exclusively for tourism purpose, in Keylong is a highly recommended for accommodation. There are other privately owned accomodation options with good tourist facilities.