Introducing Sangla

One of the most treasured creations of Mother Nature; Sangla Valley (also called Baspa Valley) in India is unspoiled, unpolluted and unimaginably beautiful. Located in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, the valley gets its name from the town called Sangla that boasts of charismatic natural grandeur coupled with abundance of thrilling outdoor adventures. Visiting the place provides the opportunities to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes comprising of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, green forest slopes of pine, oaks and deodar, sprawling valleys, gigantic glaciers, meadows bedecked with flowers, crystal clear rivers and lakes, boundless fruit gardens and enchanting vantage points. Add to the list the historical heritage sites of forts, temples and monasteries and one gets an awe-inspiring holiday experience worth cherishing for the whole life.

Sangla is located in the Greater or Upper Himalayan Range in the Kinnaur District and close to the Indo-Tibetan border. The place remained inaccessible till late 1980s because of the border-related sensitive issues and this is one reason for the virginity that it sustains. Resting on the bank of River Baspa, the town has its name from the Tibetan word that translates to ‘Pass of Light’. Well-known for the cultivation of the top-grade apples and other fruits like cherry, maple and apricot, Sangla is the only place in India where pine nuts (also called chilgoza) are cultivated. The town is an important destination on the trekking route of Kinnaur Kailash (the holy abode of lord Shiva). At the height of about 2,620 m above sea level, the place enjoys pleasant summers while the winters are quite harsh and unfriendly and bring heavy snowfall. Annual flower festival, local handicrafts and adventures like camping, trekking, rock climbing, angling, river crossing and rappelling are the added a

What & where to eat

May restaurants in the region serve popular Kinnauri cuisines, prepared using ingredients like buckwheat, apricot, meat and locally grown vegetables. Thukpa, momos, ghaso-hod, gima and thise-polle are some of the cuisines worth trying. In addition, the popular camp organizing groups offer multi-cuisines facilities consisting of Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes. A must try is the tea prepared from tea leaves and interesting ingredients like local herbs, butter, almond and walnut. Another amazing experience would be to pluck and enjoy fresh apples from the beautiful orchards.

What & where to shop

The extremely popular Kinnauri hand-woven shawls are the best purchase in Sangla. Another equally worthwhile item is the Kinnauri cap known for the warmth it offers. You would not like to return home without purchasing the Himalayan herbs and spices that are of great quality. Apricot oil (called chulli oil) is popular as healthy cooking oil and should be in your shopping list. Don’t forget to buy the juicy Kinnauri apples, one of the top varieties in the world.