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Sangla
Valley, also known as Baspa valley, is by far the most beautiful valley of
Kinnaur. It starts from Karchham-1,999m
(31029'N, 78011'E) where the Baspa River, coming from the east joins the
Satluj (also spelt as Sutlej). The
road for Baspa Valley branches off from Hindustan - Tibet road at the
river junction and after turning south, crosses the
Satluj over a bridge to reach
Karchham. The road then veers southeast to arrive at
Chitkul (31021'N, 78025'E) via
Sangla.
Right up to its confluence with the Satluj at Karchham, the Course of the
Baspa River, its source is through a narrow guage. It is the most romantic
and beautiful valley of Kinnaur district situated most of the important
villages. It has green pasturelands on both side and the meadows nearer
the valley is full of flowers and fruit trees. The upper parts of the
valley are almost half of its total length and as far as the village named
Chitkul, there are barren
ranges covered with snow all the year round.
Sangla situated at an elevation of 2,680m is also the Tehsil Headquarter
with a small population. 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 backward to Sangla, there is a Saffron Farm. Tibetan wood
carving Centre also exits here.
The valley opens up beyond Sangla and is full of wooded slopes as far as
Chitkul is like a fairyland.
The quaint little houses, temples, gompas, and the people of Baspa valley
conjure up a perfect image of Shangri-La.
Sangla
village is built on a slope with houses rising one above the other with
gigantic Kinner-Kailash peak (6,050m) towering from behind is also famous
for Kamru Fort. This fort was the
place where so many rajas of Kinnaur were crowned. Now this fort is
dedicated to Kamakshi Temple. The Goddess idol was brought from Guwahati
(Assam), where the main temple is situated on a hillock. Phaffra, Ougla,
Bathu, Apples, Chuli, Bami, Walnut, Chilgoza, Almond and Saffron are the
main crop of this valley.
Baspa valley is 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 (2,620m) near Gangotri on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Another trail branches off at the base of Lamkhaga Pass, climbs upto a
5,151m high pass, and joins the main trail on the western side of the
pass, which meets the Harsil road-head near Gangotri.
Another popular trail climbs northeast from Chitkul and after crossing
Charang Pass (5,266m), goes down northeast to Rahtak where two paths
cross; the trail left (N.W.) and follows down the Tirung Gad to Thangi and
then turns north to Morang (31036'N, 78027' E), situated on the left bank
of the Satluj river.
The bewitching scenery and the eternal snow view are a memorable sight
for mankind.