Keylong Hill Station - It Is Cut Off From The Rest Of The World Until Summer Arrives Once More

KEYLONG HILL STATION

AT

LAHAUL AND SPITI

Source: odisha360

Keylong is the administrative centre of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Now rife with Buddhist influence, the region had quite a few different rulers in the past ' the Guge kingdom from Tibet, the Sikhs and finally the British, before India won her independence. This little village draws tourists for a variety of reasons. Trekkers make up the majority of tourists who stop at Keylong to rest. 

There are plenty of monasteries around the hill station that warrant a visit. The Kardang Monastery, belonging to the Drukpa or red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism is situated on a mountain slope, 5 km from Keylong. The Shaspur Monastery, which is 3 km from Keylong, is famous for paintings that depict the history of 84 Buddhas as well as the devil dance of the Lamas. 

The Tayul Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in the valley, is 6 km from Keylong houses a massive library and statue of Guru Padmasambhava. In addition to the monasteries, other attractions in the region include Gemur, which is famous for Buddhism-inspired arts and crafts, the ancient fort at Gondla, the Triloknath Temple, the Kelang Wazir Temple and the Pin Valley National Park.

The people of Keylong practice Buddhism. Every festival celebrated sees the inclusion of Lamas and monks. The annual Lahaul Festival showcases the best of Buddhist culture that is embraced willingly by the people of this region. The Tibetan influence finds its way into the food they prepare as well. 

Keylong experiences a long winter that begins in October and ends in April. During these months, the Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy rainfall. Keylong is cut off from the rest of the world until summer arrives once more. The average winter temperature is -2 degree Celsius. Summer brings colour to the hill station and is a perfect time to visit Keylong. The average temperature for summer is 25 degree Celsius. While the days are hot and the nights cooler, and carrying woollen clothing is a must. Keylong receives little rain throughout the year.

Keylong has neither private nor government buses operating within the city. Since this beautiful little hill station has only one main road called Mall Road, there is no need for buses or vans to run in Keylong. During the summer, however, buses do commute between Manali and Keylong. During this time, tourist buses are available to visit the many interesting monasteries and natural wonders in and around Keylong.The summer, which begins in May and ends in October is the best time to visit Keylong. The weather is pleasantly cool and light woollen clothing during this time should be sufficient.

Keylong does not have an airport of its own. The closest is the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Manali. The airport is considered to be a challenging one for pilots when it comes to landing as the only runway is set in a valley and surrounded by peaks. There are plans to upgrade the airport to improve connectivity. The airport is connected to Delhi and Chandigarh via Air India Regional and Deccan Charters. Dharamsala's Gaggal Airport is close to Keylong as well. The airport has many flights to Delhi via Air India, Spice Jet, and Jagson Airlines. Jagson Airlines also connect Dharamsala to Chandigarh and Kullu Manali.