Sangla Valley: A Trip Through Eastern Himachal Pradesh (PHOTOS)

An intriguing blend of jutting rock mountainous foothills and scrub brush forest dot Sangla Valley, an lush green area meandering along the edges of the Satluj and Baspa River. Cloud speckled skies greet only a limited amount of tourists who quickly discover a terrain fit for moderate trekking, and excellent camping.

Consider it Spiti Valley’s lesser known cousin. Sangla Valley is, for all intents and purposes, one of India’s most understated destinations void of the familiar trappings by which more well known areas become burdened. No luxury hotels await those that make the turn off National Highway 22. This pristine area can only afford to offer a few guest homes and only a few more restaurants serving the Indo-Tibetan fused cuisine common around the eastern fringe border areas of Himachal Pradesh.

Sangla Valley conjures up images of a simpler time; modest villages surrounded by apple orchards and farm fields accessed via a tattered single lane road. Amidst the natural allure of Sangla Valley is Kamru Fort.  Located a short distance from the valley’s self titled town of Sangla, it’s draw comes predominately from domestic tourists.

The road ends in Chitkul, taunting any curious onlookers wandering through the Himalayan foothills of Sangla Valley. Breathe deep to enjoy Sangla’s pure unadulterated air. There are just two options…keep going by foot or turn back.

Related posts:

1. A Visit to Kamru Fort of Sangla, Himachal Pradesh
2. Norbulingka Institute, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
3. Find Your Momos Somewhere Other Than Taste of Tibet, Sangla