Sangla Valley, Kinnaur: Best Places, Stays & Travel Guide

A valley of breathtaking views and scenic beauty, and very rich in cultural heritage, Sangla Valley. Kinnaur’s most adventurous, inspiring, peaceful, majestic, high-altitude villages, big old giant trees(Cedar and Pine), snow-capped peaks, lots of small water streams and waterfalls, and the dangerous valleys of Himachal Pradesh, where you will feel the Paradise views, high towering mountains, and dangerous cliffs, and a little scary road to reach the Village. The small road and high cliffs give you chills and goosebumps. The meadows and the Baspa River flowing near the road make the journey mesmerizing.

The Journey starts on the scenic highway and takes you to small, unexplored roads and valleys, as well as a scary route where you will see a cliff and a trench, so make sure you have good driving skills if you drive yourself.

Where is Sangla Valley?

Country: INDIA

Continent: Asia

State: Himachal Pradesh

District: Kinnaur

City: Sangla Town

Bus Station: Sangla

Railway Station: Shimla Station(225km)

Airport: Jubbarhati Shimla(245km)/ Bhuntar Kullu (250km)

Currency: INR Rupees (UPI and Online money transfer also available)

Languages: Kinnauri, Hindi, Pahari, Punjabi, English

Ambulance: 108

Police: 100

Note: Do not dispose of Plastic wrappers and water bottles underway. Keep them with you and dispose of them in a proper dustbin.

How to reach Sangla Valley, Kinnaur?

By AIR:

We have three Airport options, as follows:

1) Shimla (JUBBARHATI AIRPORT)

We can take flights from the nearest airport to Shimla Town, Jubbarhati Airport, which is approximately 245km from Sangla(Kinnaur), 22km from Shimla Town.

2) Kullu (BHUNTAR AIRPORT)

The Second option is Bhuntar Airport, Kullu, which is 245km approx from Sangla Village.

3) Chandigarh (SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)

The best option is to get flights up to Chandigarh Airport because you will get limited flights towards Jubbarhati Airport, as well as Bhuntar Airport. So, try to avoid a hectic journey, and choose Chandigarh Airport. Then afterwards, hire a Cab/Taxi to Sangla(Kinnaur).

Chandigarh Airport to Shimla – 120km approx. A journey of a minimum of 03 hrs by road.

If you want to skip the hustle and bustle of Shimla City, then try to reach Narkanda, which is 65 km from the main ISBT Shimla.

Narkanda to Sangla – 165 km approx. A journey of a minimum of 05hrs by road.

Narkanda to Karcham is a good two-lane highway, and thereafter, you need a professional driver for the hill drive of 25km approx. to reach Sangla, and then 25km more to reach Chitkul, an offbeat and well-maintained road by BRO(Border Road Organisation)

By Train:

You can book your train up to Shimla Railway Station, which is 2km from the town. The broad-gauge trains will take you to Kalka Station, and thereafter, you have to board the toy train, narrow-gauge railway to Shimla.

Now, from Shimla, you can hire a cab/taxi or Local buses. Sharing cabs and Rental Bikes are also available.

By Road:

 Book a Volvo ticket for an overnight journey from Delhi ( Majnu ka Tilla) Volvo Station to Rampur, which is 470km approx. and a 12-hour journey.

Now, the same from Chandigarh: an overnight Volvo journey to Rampur, which is 240km approx. and a 07-hour journey.

From Rampur Bus Station to Sangla, you have to take ordinary buses; both government and private buses are limited and crowded, so make sure to book seats from the ticket counter, or you can confirm with the conductor. Online bookings are also available through multiple apps, as well as govrnment registered App.

Best Booking Apps are: Red Bus, HRTC

Main Bus/Cab/Taxi Stations: SHIMLA → NARKANDA → RAMPUR → BHAVANAGAR → KARCHAM

Nigulsari Station, which comes after Bhavanagar, is on an under-construction road due to landslides and shooting stones, so make sure to cross that station very carefully.

Karcham is famous for India’s largest Hydroelectric plant(Karcham Wangtoo), where the Baspa River merges with Satluj. Now from here you will be on a single-lane road of the Valley.

Either you can book a Cab/Taxi or rent a Cab or Bike for the whole journey. Local, Long-route buses are also available with limited stops.

What is the best time to visit Sangla Valley?

The Valley is well-connected and regularly maintained by BRO (Border Road Organisation) 12 months a year for tourists as well as locals, so that you can choose wisely.

The summer season

This season is one of the most appropriate times to visit this valley. Starting from March to June, to enjoy the mesmerising scenic beauty and the pleasant weather. You can also watch their local festivals and cultural programs during the summer season, and you can even take part in their festivals, but you have to follow their guidelines and avoid disturbing them when they are engaged with their deities.

The Monsoon Season 

Travelers familiar to rainy conditions can enjoy the monsoon or the valley views, starting from July to August. The weather is unpredictable, and you have to face the worst road conditions, even roadblocks and landslides on the route.

The Autumn Season

The busiest time in the valley due to the fruit harvesting season of the valley. Starting from September to October, the valley is filled with huge crowds of buyers, labourers, and other skilled workers with big trucks and loaders. You have to face traffic as well as limited cultural activities.

The Winter Season

This season belongs to pro travellers. Starting from November to March, newbies are advised to avoid this season because you have to face harsh winter conditions with snow-covered mountains and roads as well, and a cool snow breeze makes the conditions worse to travel in the Valley, and you have to use the limited resources available.

What are the best places near Sangla?

1. Village Tour of Sangla: The main attraction of the valley is the Kinnari community and their culture and way of life. You have to see their festivals and the narrow walkways to the villages, temples, and Monasteries.

   

2. Kamru Fort: The oldest heritage tower in Sangla, which holds many stories within. The fort mainly belongs to the deities Nar Narayan, Devi Kamaksha Maa, and many others, but you will see only two main temples.

   

3. Rakcham Village: The less visited village, only 5- 6 km from Sangla. The wooden houses and riverside view with a quiet and peaceful environment make you feel heavenly. The best place to acclimatize and interact with locals and know their culture and food.

   

4. Chitkul: The best offbeat location to enjoy your holidays with your family and friends, the last Village of the India-Tibet trade route. You will get the best views, meadows, water streams, waterfalls, riverside camping, nature homestays, fruit fields, and many local crop fields.

   

Some necessary details to visit Chitkul are as follows

1) Acclimatise at least one day in Sangla or Rakcham Village.

2) Inner Line Permits (ILP) can be easily obtained in Karcham. It’s a border route and close to China, so it’s necessary for all.

3) Protected Area Permit (PAP) is only for foreign nationals and can be obtained in Reckong-Peo and can be arranged by authorised Travel Agencies.

4) Must carry a photo ID approved by the government.

5) Must carry Cash. You will find the last ATM in Sangla.

6) Medicines for High Altitude Sickness, fever, and headache, etc.

7) Fuel Station at Karcham.

8) Warm layers and Jackets in all Seasons.

9) Always respect local culture and Customs. Don’t try to interrupt them in any sacred gatherings and fests.

10) Must take permission for photography and Video recordings.

11) Downland Offline Map or Carry a Map.

Where to Stay in Sangla Valley?

From Homestays to Camps and Luxury stays, you will find very cozy and perfect stays, but try to stay in camps and homestays; you will get more than you imagine, and the hospitality is top-notch. You will receive local cuisine and local wine, fruits, and special dishes.

Government guesthouses are also available, but book in advance because there is less availability.

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