Keylong
Rudyard Kipling lovingly said about Keylong “surely the Gods live here, this is no place for men”. This stunning place, located in Himachal Pradesh on the Leh-Manali Highway, is the perfect detour to escape into the magic of the mountains.
For those seeking serenity and peace, Keylong is the best place to be. Often referred to as the ‘Land of Monasteries’, it houses some of the holiest places in the country worshipped by Buddhists, some even older than 900 years. In fact, this is one of those places where God and his most beautiful creation i.e. nature exist side by side.
Its natural landscape is at par with the most magnificent mountainside towns in the world. Miles of barren lands, dramatic snowlines, and turquoise green lakes, make Keylong all the more beautiful. While Keylong, due to its location, doesn’t have a very green landscape, its majestic beauty lies in its craggy barren slopes and steeply jutting mountain peaks. The chilly mountain breeze here rejuvenates and refreshes the visitors away from the stuffy environs of the cities.
It is a haven for adventure seekers as well. People come from all over the country for high mountain pass treks, camps, biking, and river rafting. Food lovers like to gorge on authentic Tibetan and local Pahari food here.
What makes the place even more intriguing is that it is accessible only for 5 months each year. Read on to find out more about this perfect destination that’s bound to make your vacation memorable.
Keylong FAQ's
What is the best time to visit Keylong?
Keylong is accessible between the months of June to October, as the place is cut off from the rest of the country for the remaining part of the year due to closure of Rohtang Pass. The average temperatures range between a pleasant 14-20.5°C during this window, with July being the warmest month.
The days are pleasant and sunny with clear blue skies and the nights are cool, perfect for being outdoors and soaking in the beauty of the place.
How to reach Keylong?
Keylong is situated at a distance of around 650 kilometres from Delhi. You can opt for any of these options:
1. By air: Keylong doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (Kullu), which is around 71 kilometres away. Once you reach Bhuntar, you can proceed via taxi.
2. By train: Keylong doesn’t have its own train station. You can take a train from Delhi to Amb Andaura, which is the closest station to Keylong located at a distance of around 131 kilometres and proceed via taxi.
3. By road: You can take a state-run HRTC bus from Delhi to reach Keylong. This journey will take around 16 hours. These buses are available from Majnu ka Tila, Kashmiri Gate ISBT, and Karnal Bypass.
What is the Lady of Keylong?
The glacier has been recognised and recorded by the Geological Survey of India. It was named so by Lady Elashainghday during the time of the British rule in India.
How far is Keylong from Manali?
Which are the best places to stay in Keylong?
Some of the best hotels in Keylong are:
1.Hotel Dekyid: This HPTDC accredited hotel is one of the best places to stay while at Keylong. Located amidst the western Himalayan ranges and lush green meadows, it offers deluxe rooms, suites, and a multi-cuisine restaurant for a great stay.
2. The Nomads Cottage: With snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, this cottage enjoys a beautiful location. It is reasonably priced, offers clean rooms, and great food for a wonderful stay.
3. Hotel Tashi Delek: Located along the Manali-Leh Highway, this hotel is known for its customer services, comfortable rooms, and all the basic facilities. A lot of travellers prefer this hotel due to its proximity to attractions like Chandra Valley and Chenab Valley.
4. Nordling Guest House: This guesthouse, located amidst lush orchards and vegetable farms, ranks amongst the best places to stay at Keylong. It offers around 12 rooms that look onto great views of the beautiful Ghaar Valley. The guesthouse has a restaurant that serves great multi-cuisine food sourced from the produce from its own farms
Keylong Reviews
