Awe-Inspiring Places to Visit in Sangla Valley

Shivani

9 years ago

What and Where is Sangla Valley?

In upper Himachal Pradesh, Sangla valley is a perfect getaway for travelers, couples, and families. Snow-covered mountains, apple farms in every home and the music of Baspa river echoing everywhere, Sangla is pure bliss.

It surely is a long road trip from Delhi, but the gorgeous quiet landscape of this secluded village will soothe your travel buds.

Fortunately still unknown to a lot of tourists and travelers, and usually shadowed under the names of Chitkul and Kalpa valley. Chitkul is the last village on the Indian side bordering with Tibet is usually the highlight of Sangla Valley merely at a distance of 23 km. Travelers usually head towards the Kalpa valley and rather spend very little time in Sangla valley.

Despite being one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh Sangla is slightly underrated. Which is why I would like to present how to spend a few days here with the best places to visit in Sangla valley.

Must Read – How to reach Sangla Valley from Delhi.

Awe-Inspiring Places to Visit in Sangla Valley

Baspa River

Sitting on the river bed on huge rocks is as rejuvenating as a spa.

The music of the flowing water, the sound of the waving leaves of the trees, the chirping of the birds will revive your mood and ease out your stress. The Baspa river lies at the foothill of the Sangla valley girdled with centuries-old deodar trees and the snow-capped mountain peaks even in the months of summer. Unlike other hill stations, the river is untouched and not yet commercialized making it peaceful. Surely one of my favorite places to visit in the Sangla valley.

I recommend starting your day with a morning walk on the downhill till the river and get refreshed for the rest of the day. Watching the sunrise between the hills amidst the sound of the flowing river will be an exhilarating start to the day!! I can assure you this will be one of the most memorable places to visit in your Himachal Pradesh trip.

Bering Nag Temple

Another one of the top places to visit in Sangla Valley is the Bering Nag Temple dedicated to Lord Jagas (Snakes). Inspired by Buddhist Pagodas and an architecture marvel from Sangla valley, the temple is visited by numerous tourists over the year for the annual “Fulaich Fair‘. Tourists are not allowed in the main temple area yet are free to offer their prayers from the temple courtyard.

After starting your day at the riverbed and walking back from the Sangla valley uphill walk towards the village, you will easily spot the Bering Nag temple which is open from morning till evening.

Try and ring these Buddhist bells while in the Bering Nag Temple, they produce a tranquil sound in the most pleasing manner possible.

Suggested Read – Why we ditched our trip to Chitkul?

Kamru Fort

Rumored to be some centuries old, Kamru Fort is at almost 2 km from Sangla valley. The fort is of extreme importance to the locals of Sangla valley and nearby villages. Mainly because of the 15th-century Kamakhya Devi (or Kamakshi Devi) temple in the Kamru fort’s premises. There’s a point up to which the vehicles are allowed and post that it’s almost 30 mins walk to Kamru fort. Entry to main Kamru fort is not allowed as the priests say as much as 33000 gods reside in the main Kamru Fort. Despite that, one may offer their prayers at the Kamakshi Devi Temple and click photographs of the stunning fort. The Kamru fort is an architectural spectacle with stone carvings and wooden structure built on a hilltop constructed so many years ago. The Kamru fort unveils a picturesque view of the Sangla valley and the entire village from the altitude of 2600 meters above the sea level.

How to reach Kamru Fort

Head to Kamru Fort by either walking from the village or hire a local vehicle although the cars drop only till the foothill. From this point, the little hike till Kamru fort is slightly rocky one with greenery all around. A lot of locals will walk past you at a fast pace considering they are accustomed to this hike daily. The hike will take almost 20-30 mins depending on your fitness level. Don’t miss this amazing fort as it’s on top of my best places to visit in Sangla valley.

Buddhist Monastery

Influence of Buddhism is visible in Sangla Valley and the monastery is another quiet place to visit in Sangla valley. Not highlighted as the most visited places but a place worth adding to the itinerary. A walk towards the main bus depot of the village will take to the monastery located in a peaceful corner.

Another way to head here is while coming back from the Kamru Fort with just a small detour. The monastery is usually closed and not among the most visited place in the valley. But if you will visit, the humble monks will open the gates with a smile for you to offer prayers.

The monastery is located on the second floor and the doors were locked when we arrived. While the monks were fetching keys, I stood there to admire the beautiful colorful door with such intricate details. The paintings on the surrounding walls of the door was a pleasing sight to witness. Are you also a photography lover like me? Head over to some of the ravishing pictures I captured in the Sangla valley.

Chitkul

Chitkul is one of the most sought places to visit in Sangla Valley. It is India’s last village bordering with Tibet in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The quaint village with Baspa river flowing and the 360° views of snow covered mountains sums’ up Chitkul.

An hour away from Sangla valley, it can be reached via rugged roads with hairpin bends. You may hire a cab, HPTDC buses or from your own vehicle. Don’t miss Chitkul on your next Sangla trip!

Kanda Lake

We spotted Kanda Lake purely by word of mouth as it was recommended to us by our hotel staff. Believe me, I don’t regret it. A 6-8 hour trek or 2-hour drive from the base of Sangla Valley lies Kanda village which has a small picturesque lake too.

Hire a 4X4 cab from the main market in Sangla village and start your bumpy ride. Normal vehicles will have difficulty driving here as the roads aren’t developed as such. The lake is also a pit stop for trekkers going to Reckong Peo with options for overnight camping. Take some time to take in the scenic views, enjoy tea & local meal before heading back.

Where to Stay in Sangla Valley

The valley is still developing and newer hotels coming at a fast pace. Although, not many are high-end hotels and yet most are good for crashing for a few nights. We stayed in Hotel Madhu Sangla which was decent for 3 nights. The room service was good, with amazing tea and food. The room is slightly off the main market but gives amazing views of the Baspa river. The hotel has a garden with flowers in full bloom in the summers which add to the beauty of the valley, see the below picture 😀

This sums my Sangla trip with all the fascinating places to visit in Sangla Valley and around.