Sangla Hills Tour Guide

Sangla is one of those long driving holidays to a hill destination high up in the Great Himalaya where the drive is a constant, breathtaking scenic treat. If you are driving up from Delhi to Sangla in the Kinnaur region, then you continue the next moring on NH22 towards Narkanda, perched precipitously high above Sutlej Valley.

The Hindustan Tibet highway quickly ascends through the Sutlej Valley, which now is narrower and hair raisingly steep. The bease of the Sangla ascent is a small outpost called Karchham. The drive from Karchham where the Baspa River drains into the Sutlej has got to be one of the most hearts stopping yet. At Karchham you leave the highway and take the road that climbs steeply above the Baspa, one of the most beautiful mountain rivers. Crystal clear blue green water gushes over craggy rocks.

Sangla is also famous for the impressive Kamru Fort, once the bastion of the rajas of the Rampur Bushehr State. High above the village on a hillock is the Kamakshi Temple, the venue of the coronation ceremony of the rajas of Rampur Bushehr.

Fishing

If you are an enthusiastic angler, then Sangla is where you want to be. The swirling current of the Baspa is home to both the rainbow and brown trout. A fishing permit Rs100 can be obtained from the fisheries Department here.

Trekking Adventure

Give the kids an adrenaline kick this summer. Take them river crossing with professional and experienced operators. The daring can go paragliding over the Himalaya. If this seems a bit too extreme, come down to earth spend your time walking uphill and down forest trails. Almost every direction makes for an invigorating walk with scenic views. Make sure you carry water and snacks for the kids. You are not going to encounter anything by way of dhabas or teashops on your rambles.

Treks and birdwarching along the forest trails of Sangla, Kalpa and Sarahan, river crossing and lessons in trout fishing in the Baspa River at Sangla

Around Sangla

Chitkul

North of Sangla lies the tiny outpost of Chitkul, which gives you the feeling of having traveled to the very ends of civilization. Beyond Chitkul lies a vast expanse of inhospitable mountains terrain and beyond that the forbidden tracts of Tibet. In fact, just beyond Chitkul is the village of Nagasthi, the last border outpost, and civilians are not permitted beyond this point. The hardy, intrepid indo Tibetan border police keep a lonely vigil here.

Chitkul falls on what used to be ancient trade routes imagine the weather beaten caravans and yaks laden with turquoise, coral and even pearls moving on this route.

The drive from Sangla to chitkul is spectacular. Severa streams criss cross the road as you bump along through some seriously beautiful countryside. Thickly forested hillsides give way to alpine meadows and eventually to mountains that are craggier less green and more baren thean the ones you are left behind.

Kalpa 44Km

When you have come this far to Sangla, you cannot miss the drive to Kalpa 9,711 ft for the breathtaking views of the sacred kinner kailash, the Raldang Kailash Massif and its sister peaks. Kalpa used to be a favourite haunt of lord Dalhousie who often who often made the soul stiring journey by carriage alone the Sutlej River under the long shadows of towering mountains to enjoy these views.

Kalpa has some lovely walks and views from the Chini forest Bangalow. If you are feeling up to it, plan the 2km 45 minute khud hike to nearby Rekong Peo 13km. Keep in mind that you will need a ride back. It is a stiff haul up on foot.