Trekking in Luj
Luj is located nearly 12 km north of Killar at an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level. It is the warmest place in Pangi Valley due to its low elevation.
Luj primarily consists of four villages, Udaini, Bishthow, Balwas, and Mangalwas. Udaini houses the Sheetla Devi temple, and there is also a nallah close to this village, which is glacier prone.
Neoza and Hazle nut trees are found in and around this last village of Pangi Valley towards Jammu and Kashmir.
Also apple, apricot, peaches, pears, almonds, thangi, walnuts, grapes grow here.
The picturesque surrounding coupled with serene and invigorating atmosphere make Luj an ideal destination to pitch your camp and relax.
It is a perfect getaway from the cacophony of smoke-filled city life.
Location
State: Himachal Pradesh
Exact Location: Luj is the last village of the Pangi Valley located towards Jammu and Kashmir. District: Chamba
Nearest Town: Killar
How to Reach
From Killar, trek on the right bank of the Chandrbhaga, and follow the footpath that leads you to Praghwal village. This footpath meets the Sansari-Killar-Thirot (S.K.T) road. Follow this road to reach Lujai nallah.
One can hire a jeep from Killar to this point, and from there an 8 km trek leads you to Dharwas, and then Luj.
The road connectivity in Pangi Valley is the 170 km road link from Chamba to Killar via Saach-pass.
This is known as Alwas-Killar road and is part of Ahju khara Mukh - Chamba - Tissa- Alwas- Killar road.
From Chamba via Tissa Bairagarh and Satrundi, the road is motorable up to Bhatotu and from there to Killar the road is suitable for jeep ride.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is at Pathankot in the state of Punjab
By Air: The nearest airport is the Gaggal airport.
Other Attractions
Dharwas: Dharwas is located on the Dalhousie-Kishtwar trek route, and is the largest and the most populated hamlet in the Pangi Valley.
The village is located at an elevation of 8000 feet above sea level. It is considered to be an ideal trekking base and base camps are available here.
Killar: The headquarters of the Pangi valley, Killar is located in the deep and narrow gorge of Chenab River.
Mahlu Nallah is said to be the gateway to this village. The place is blessed with incredible natural beauty.
Killar is also the base for trekking to Kishtwar, through Umasi la into the Zanskar Valley, and to Keylong and Manali.
Sural: This picturesque sub-valley is located northeast of Killar.
Sural is cluster of six main villages, which are Kanwas, Ganmas, Rusmas, Sural, Tai, and Sural Bhatori.
The last village of the valley is Sural Bhatori that houses a Buddhist temple and a monastery.
Facts
Keep in your Trek Bag:
- Walking stick
- Hiking shoes
- Woolen clothes
- Water, juices, snacks
- Electric torch
- Medical kit
- A good compass
- An extra pair of clothes