'''Sangla''' is a village in Himachal Pradesh, India.

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The awesome Sangla Valley is located in Kinnaur Distict of Upper Himchal Pradesh,India. The road leading to the Sangla Valley is challenging. Situated on the banks of river Baspa, the Sangla Valley boasts of Kinner Kailash Peak, which can be seen from the Sangla Village. The Kinner Kailash peak is the said to be winter home of Lord Shiva

Sangla village is on a slope with houses rising one above the other with gigantic Kinner-Kailash peak (6,050 m) towering over it. Sangla is also famous for Kamru Fort. This fort was the place where rajas of Kinnaur were crowned. Now this fort is dedicated to Kamakshi Temple. The Goddess idol was brought from Guwahati (Assam).

Reaching '''Banjara camp''' (www.banjaracamps.com) in Sangla from Shimla- You would have to take the road route from Shimla to reach Sangla. From Shimla, Sangla is an 8 hr drive (for first time drivers this time may be around 10 hrs).

From Chail/Shimla to Karcham (the turnoff point on NH 22) is 221/209 km. Please take a right turn at Karcham. And at around 18 km down the road, you will hit Sangla. 6 km ahead of Sangla you would spot the "Banjara Camp" sign on the right. Take a right turn from here to reach the Banjara Camp parking lot at the base of the hill.

Understand

District Kinnaur, of which Sangla Valley is one of the main attractions, consists of the Rajputs or Khosias and the Berus. The Khosias include Hindus and Buddhists. The former are dominant in Sangla while later dominate the tracts adjoining Tibet and Spiti.

The people are frank, honest, hospitable and peace loving. The life of the people is simple and hard. However, they have a rich cultural legacy and a wealth of legends and myths. They follow Buddhism and Hinduism. It is believed that the Pandavas came and resided in the land while in the exile. In the ancient mythology the people of region are known as Kinners, the halfway between men and gods.

The results of old contacts with Tibet are still visible in the fairs and festivals and other customs of the people in the remote areas. The extended family system is still prevalent in the region. Polyandry prevails in the villages. The people of the region practice fraternal polyandry and the patriarchal system of inheritance. All the brothers of the bridegroom are considered automatically the husbands of the bride. Polyandry helps to perpetuate the name of their family and safeguard the family property from fragmentation. The polyandrous tribes of the Himalayas can be compared with the Pandavas of the ancient Indian epic of Mahabharata, who are believed to have had a polygamous system. However, such marriages are on the decline.

The women of the area are famous for their beauty and there are many references to it in books of olden times. According to the old scriptures, the Kinner Kanyas (girls) were famous for their beauty and were used as Vish Kanyas (poison girls) by the kings and royal families to overcome their enemies through their seductive "talents".

A temple known as Bering Nag dedicated to Jagas God and a Buddhist monastery is worth a visit. Famous Fair Fulaich is celebrated every year in the month of August-September over here.

A Trout farm has been established at Sangla by Fisheries Department and the river has plenty of trouts. The tourists can obtain license for fishing from the Fisheries Officer.

The village houses are unique examples of wooden architecture. About a kilometer short of Sangla, there is a Saffron Farm. Tibetan wood carving Centre also exists here. The quaint little houses, temples, gompas, and the people of Sangla Valley conjure up a perfect image of Shangri-La. Thousands years old monasteries still exists in the adjoining area. Both the Buddhists and Hindus live in perfect harmony symbolizing the traditional brotherhood and friendship.

But what fills up the senses in Sangla Valley are the exploratory treks or nature walks into the adjoining forests and villages. It, of course, goes without saying that Single is home to some rare herbs and spices including the exotic black cumin seed, flora (chilgoza orchards besides apples) and fauna and the best cider this side of Suez. Batseri and Rakcham, the two nearby villages, so untouched yet by the outer world, are showcases for uncomplicated lives and lifestyles.

The valley is also connected with Garhwal by several passes situated along the southern ridge of the valley. The Shinka, Kimlay and Borsu Passes lead to the famous Har Ki Doon Valley. The trail over Lamkhaga pass descends to Harsil (2,620 m) near Gangotri on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Another trail branches off at the base of Lamkhaga Pass, climbs up to a 5,151 m high pass, and joins the main trail on the western side of the pass, which meets the Harsil road-head near Gangotri.

Get around

See

  • Walks and places to visit in and around Sangla-
  • Chitkul: Last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. Walk up to Nagasthi; the last Indian outpost on the border.
  • Sangla Meadows: Full day walk to the green pastures.
  • Rakcham: Beautiful 4 hr walk along the Baspa River to Rakcham village.
  • Baspa River: This River flowing along the valley is great for trout fishing.
  • Batseri village: Just across the camp, this village is an excellent example of the great
  • Hill architecture. The local devta temple here is a must see.

    Buy

  • '''Kinnauri Shawls''': This beautiful hand woven shawl with colourful border can be expensive but a lifetime souvenir besides cozying you up even in harsh winter.
  • '''Kinnauri Cap''': This, mostly green and grey cap, is the most typical thing from this area. You see this cap on someone and you will instantly recognise the Kinnaur connection. This too is besides being very lovely to see is also very warm. The green portion which is tilted up can be brought down to cover the ears if it gets cold.
  • '''Apples''': These are probably one of the best apples anywhere in the world. The harvest usually happens in October.
  • '''Chulli (Wild Apricot) Oil''': this oil is really good. Whether for massage or used as cooking medium, its properties have kept the Kinnauris hale and hearty, so says the older generation.
  • Eat

    Drink

    Sleep

    For six months every year, the Himalayan valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti emerge from a thick cloak of snow to reveal a different, secret world to man. Your discovery of the lesser-known Himalayas can begin at the '''Banjara Camp''' (www.banjaracamps.com) in the Sangla Valley. At a height of 2,700 Mts the Banjara Camp is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa River that surges through the valley.

    Long walks to discover the amazing fauna and flora of the valley, treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks, angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture and traditions, River crossing, rock climbing and rappelling are only some of the delights that are on offer.

    The Camp is an ideal setting for total relaxation with cozy Swiss-style tents that have attached bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and evening bonfires that keep the chill away

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