Keylong India

Area : 13835 sq. kms.
Population : 30,820
Altitude : 3340 m (Keylong)
Clothing : Light woollen in Summer, Heavy woollen in Winter.
Best time to visit : June to October

Keylong - The Abode of God
Rudyard Kipling said of the region "surely the god live here ......"

Situated at an altitude of 3340 mtrs Keylong is the head quarters of Lahaul and Spiti district in the state of Himachal Pradesh lying on Indo-Tebetan Border. Keylong in Himachal Pradesh is on the main road to Leh over Rohtang Pass. Keylong is an oasis of lush green fields and willow trees, water streams surrounded with beautiful brown hills and snow dressed peaks. There are hotels, tourist bungalows and rest houses for the convenience of the tourists. The landscape of Keylong is exciting, primitive, abound with mountains and delightful ambience.

Arriving At Keylong
By Flight : Nearest airport is Bhunter, 165 km from Keylong.
By Trackways : The nearest railhead is at Jogindernagar, 280 km away. This connects Keylong to all the parts of the India.
By Roadways : Keylong is at a distance of 115 km from Manali. Due to heavy snowfall the Rohtang Pass remains closed from November to June. Buses, Taxis are available from Manali. HPTDC also provides regular buses to Leh via Keylong during season.

The Major Fascinating Sights At Keylong
Gondala : It is almost 18 kms. from Keylong on the right bank of Chandra river. The location of royal houses of the village is very impressive. In the month of July a fair takes place when Lamas sing, dance & enjoy. The Gompa of this village has historical importance and the fair attracts a large number of visitors. The residence of the Thakur of Gondla is an eight storey building, worth a visit. This is called Gondla Fort and was built in 1700 A.D.

Tandi : Tandi is 8 kms. short of Keylong and is situated at the union of Chandra & Bhaga rivers. It is legendary place with beautiful surrounding.

Kardang Monastery : Once the capital of Lahaul, it is about 5kms. from Keylong across the Bhaga river. It is believed to be founded in the 12th century. The Monastery has a huge library of Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti.

Shashpur Monastery : Set on a hill about 3 kms. from Keylong towards north. During June/July this monastery draws numerous visitors when Lamas perform devil dance. It was established in the 17th century AD. The paintings in the monastery represent the history of 84 Buddha's.

Tayul Gompa : Tayul Gompa is 6 kms. from Keylong and is one of the oldest monasteries of the valley. It has a big statue of Guru Padmasamhava rising about 5 m high and houses library of Kangyur having 101 volumes.