Sangla Travel Guide
Sangla is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It has an average elevation of 2,621 meters. It is located in the Baspa Valley. Sangla is built on the massive buttress of a terminal moraine and surrounded by high peaked mountains and forested slopes. The climate here is milder than the plains for it is located in the higher Himalayan Range. The locality is famous for its rich and fertile soil.
Previously, till 1989, tourists were not allowed to enter this region without special permission because of the Indo – Tibetan international border. Sangla is world famous for its Royal Red Apples , cherry trees , nut orchards and the glacial streams. The valley is a part of the bigger Kinnaur valley. The nearest river flowing through is the Baspa river. Apple is cultivated on a huge scale. It is the chief crop of the valley. The most amiable place in all of the district, Sangla, has the Baspa river flowing right through it. It is also called the Baspa valley. Karcham, is just 57 kms from here.
Sangla can be visited anytime from the period of March to November. For the trek lovers march and April can be wondrous at Sangla. While April to Sept is the best time to get the delicious mouthwatering apples from the orchards around here.
Morning and evening strolls with nature as company, trout-fishing, trekking and loads of other activities awaits tourists at Sangla. Infact the total area of the Sangle Valley can be explored on foot. Also amazing is the fact that the tourists get to camp riverside here. Tibetian pearl studded Silver jewelry, woolen socks, tweeds, Kinnauri shawls are the souvenirs one collects from Sangla.
How to Reach Sangla
- Air — The nearest airport is Chandigarh. Once you reach there, get a bus or hire a car for Sangla
- Rail — Nearest big station is Kalka. From Kalka, hire a car to reach Shimla or Sangla.
- Road — From Shimla, hire a car for your entire Kinnaur tour. Alternately take a bus from Shimla to reach here
Distance of Sangla from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Sarahan |
84 |
|
Kalpa |
40 |
|
Shimla |
230 |
Weather
Sangla Temperature:
- Summer (Apr to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (7°C) to (28°C)
- Monsoon – (Jul to Aug) – Regular rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Sep to Mar) – Temperatures are low and range between (-5°C) to (13°C)
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Sep to Oct are the best season for tourism
What to See In Sangla
The old Kamru fort is I km away from the main town. It was the place where the Rajas were crowned. It was occupied by the local rulers for centuries. It now has a temple and the idol inside the temple is Kamakshi. The idol has been brought from Guwahati in the state of Assam.
The temple is located almost at the bank of Baspa river. One needs to walk down a long way to reach the temple. There is one monastery at the same complex – it was opened by His Excellency Dalai Lama.
It is a small remote village, situated 14 km from Sangla. It lies upon the river banks of Baspa. Here, one can find green forests with plantations of many varieties like apricots, peaches and apples. Tourists may also get an amazing view of Himalayas from here.
Kamakhya Devi Temple
Situated 2 kms from here in the village of Kamru is another tourist spot. The kingdom of Bushashr is said to have called this place their capital.
Other Details
What to Do
You can go see the Baspa river while you are at Sangla. Visit the places around. Also noteworthy is the local temple. Go see the Batseri Village, or fish for trout at the Baspa.
Where to Eat
Café 42, run by a local friendly old lady can be an eatery option.
What to Buy
Woolens top the shopping list in Sangla. Caps and shawls are the favourites. Apples and apricot oil can also feature on the list.
Get Around
Taxis are available, that are more than willing to take you around the town. Though, it is advisable to travel via foot to feel the charm of the place.
Popular Tour Plans - Himachal Pradesh
1-3 Days
1. Shimla (2N/3D)
2. Manali (3N/4D)
4-6 Days
1. Shimla-Kulu-Manali (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Shimla-Kulu-Manali-Dharamsala-Dalhousie (10N/11D)
2. Kinnar (Shimla-Sarahan-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Shimla) (8N/9D)