Keylong is a small town located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 3,350 meters above sea level, and it is the administrative center of the district. Keylong is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh.Keylong is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is located at the confluence of the Bhaga and Chandra rivers. The town has several temples and monasteries that are considered sacred by the locals. The Kardang Monastery is a popular tourist destination in Keylong, and it is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Lahaul and Spiti district.Keylong is also a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. The town has several trekking trails that lead to nearby peaks, and there are also opportunities for rock climbing and mountaineering in the surrounding areas.
Keylong is a small town located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 3,350 meters above sea level and is one of the main towns in the district. Keylong is a culturally rich town and is known for its natural beauty and adventure sports.
History
The history of Keylong dates back to the 7th century when the region was ruled by the Guge Kingdom. The town was later ruled by the Kulu Kingdom in the 17th century. The British also had a significant impact on the region as they established their presence in India. Keylong was a part of the British Raj until India gained independence in 1947. In 1960, the Lahaul and Spiti district was formed, and Keylong became one of its main towns.
Geography
Keylong is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 3,350 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The town is located at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, which form the Chenab River. The climate in Keylong is cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -15°C to 20°C. The town receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, and the roads are often closed due to heavy snow.
Demographics
Keylong has a population of around 2,500 people, and the majority of the population belongs to the Bhutia and Kinnauri communities. The town is also home to people from different parts of India who have settled here for work. The main languages spoken in Keylong are Hindi, Bhoti, and Kinnauri. The literacy rate in the town is around 80%.
Economy
The economy of Keylong is primarily based on agriculture and tourism. The town is known for its apple orchards and potato farms. The tourism industry in Keylong has grown significantly over the years, and the town attracts a large number of tourists every year. The town is also a popular stopover for people traveling to Leh and Ladakh. The government is also trying to promote the region as a center for adventure sports such as trekking, mountaineering, and skiing.
Culture
Keylong is a culturally rich town and is known for its traditional festivals and customs. The town celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Losar, Baisakhi, and Dussehra. The traditional dance of Keylong is called the Chham dance, which is performed during the Losar festival. The town is also known for its traditional attire, which includes the Gaddi cap and the Cholu, a long robe worn by men.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the main sources of income for Keylong, and the town attracts a large number of tourists every year. The town is known for its natural beauty and adventure sports. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Keylong are:
Kardang Monastery: The Kardang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located near Keylong. The monastery is more than 900 years old and is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.
Shashur Monastery: The Shashur Monastery is another important Buddhist monastery located near Keylong. The monastery is known for its beautiful frescoes and statues.
Suraj Tal Lake: The Suraj Tal Lake is a high altitude lake located near Keylong. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and is a popular spot for camping and trekking.
State :
Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach Keylong
Complete List of Tehsils in Keylong District, Himachal Pradesh