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About Keylong

Keylong is situated on the banks of Bhaga river in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It location is about 7 km north-east of intersection of the, the Bhaga Valley, Chandra Valley and the Chenab Valley. Flowing streams, Lush greenery and snow capped mountains add to the beauty of this place. The spiritual aura of this place is heartening. Thanks to the presence of many Buddhist monastries which adds spectacular beauty to the surrounding valley. Keylong is famous for its monasteries that are considered as the symbol of the architectural excellence. Keylong is also called the Land of Monasteries.

About Keylong
Keylong

Geography of Keylong

Keylong is situated on the Manali-Leh road on the banks of Bhaga River. This city in the heart of Lahaul experiences glaciers during peak snow falls. The city coordinates at 32.58°N 77.03°E with an average elevation of 3,080 m (10,100 ft). The total geographical area of this city is 6,097 km2 which makes 10.98% of the total geographical area of the State. About 67.08 % of this area is under the forests, 1.64 % of area is cultivated while 30.85 % is under permanent pastures . Bhaga river is the river flowing in Keylong which originates at Baralacha la. This river runs throughout the road way. Keylong is surrounded by Tibet to its east, Jammu and Kashmir to the North, Kinnaur to its south east, Chamba to its west, Kangra to its south west and Kullu and Mandi to its south. It counts amongst most populated place in Lahaul region. The weather here during summer remains dry and moderatly hot. The temperature fluctuates between 20 °C to 35 °C. The winters here are extremely chilly and cold with the temperatures dropping below zero and it snows heavily here during these 4 months. The Monsoon Season doesn't see much rainfall of rainfall.

History of Keylong

It is believed that the Pandavas have spent some time of their exile in the Lahaul valley. It is also believed that Bheem, the second Pandava brother churned the hills to make a way which is now the pass for Keylong. The history of Keylong dates back to the 10th century with the foundation of the Guge Kingdom. This was a time when Keylong got linked with the Vajrayana Buddhism and thus this place was built. From this time, the Buddhist became dominant in Keylong. Drug-pa which is also known by the name Red hat sect was leading Keylong and they built many monasteries in this area. Around 1840's, Keylong was ruled by the Sikhs and then by Britishers. When Himachal Pradesh bacame an independent state Lahaul was declared as one of its district and Keylong its district headquarters.

Tourism in Keylong

Keylong Tourism
Kunzum Devi temple at Kunzum pass near Keylong

Keylong has many tourist spots along with the scenic beauty that exudes all the time. One of the most ancient and popular monastery Khardang Gompa is located in Keylong along the hills. It is one of the important monasteries of Lahual. Kunzum devi temple at Kunzum pass near Keylong is another attraction. Other monasteries includes Shasur Gompa, Tayul Gompa and Guru Ghantal monasteries, all located within a few kilometres of Keylong. Shri Nawang Dorje's house has a small temple dedicated to the local deity Kelang Wazir. Other than this, view of Keylong with Bhaga river flowing around will leave you spellbound. You can also enjoy many adventures like skiing, camping, rafting etc that take place in Keylong. Read More..............

Administration in Keylong

Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul district. It is administered by the Keylong Municipality. All the government offices of ths district is present in Keylong. The Deputy Commissioner in the district is aided by the usual ministerial and executive staff. The Sub-Divisional Officers posted at Keylong, Udaipur have the power of Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate. The Tehsildar of Keylong have the powers of the Assistant Collectors 1st grade and Executive Magistrate. They have to help the Sub-Divisional Officers both in revenue work and Magisterial work. Name and contact of important people of Keylong are listed below.

Deputy Commissioner
District Lahaul & Spiti,
Keylong-175132, Lahaul Block
Himachal Pradesh, India
Tel: 91-01900-222501
Fax: 91-01900-222502
Email:- dc-lah-hp@nic.in
https://hplahaulspiti.gov.in/

Additional Deputy Commissioner
District Lahaul & Spiti,
Kaza, Spiti Block,
Himachal Pradesh, India
Tel: 91-01906-222202
Fax: 91-01906-222215

Keylong also has a Court headed by Senior Sub Judge- Cum- Chief Judicial Magistrate of Lahaul & Spiti since 02.9.1974. The headquarter of this court is at Kullu and the circuit court is held at Keylong only from June to October every year.

Economy of Keylong

The economy of this city is predominantly dependent on agriculture. About 66 per cent of total work force is preoccupied with agriculture. The crops grown here includes buckwheat, barley and potatoes. The agricultural fields are beautifully spread across the hills. These fields are all irrigated and the main source of water for Keylong is the snow. Most of the government offices and facilities of Lahaul are situated in Keylong. The main market of Lahaul is also located in Keylong. Other than agriculture, the tourism industry is booming in Keylong as most of the travellers going Ladakh, prefer having a stopover at Keylong.

Food in Keylong

Profile of Keylong
Dishes of Keylong

You can find and grab some yummy food in the restaurants located in Keylong market. This region is famous for its Tibetan food and you shall find most of the dhabas and restaurants serving tibetian food. Tashi delek and Neelkanth restaurant are some of the best places in Keylong. They also serve other cusine such as Mughlai and Chinese. You can also enjoy drinking here and the 'English Wine & Beer Shop' on The Mall located close to Tashi Delek hotel is where you can pick up your favourite drinks. You must try eating Momos, which is a Tibetan speciality. The restaurants in Keylong are listed below.

Neelkanth Restaurant
Phone Number: +(91)-1900-222612
Address: Keylong,
Spiti - 175132

Ibex Restaurant
Phone Number: +(91)-1900-233203, +(91)-9816036860 ...more
Address: C/O Hotel Ibex,
Keylong,
Spiti - 175132

Tashi Delek Restaurant
Phone Number: +(91)-1900-222450, +(91)-9418063677
Address: Keylong,
Spiti - 175132

Culture of Keylong

There is lot to explore about the culture of Keylong which seems rich with some of the popular festivals being hosted here. Annual Lahaul Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Keylong.You can see many dancing activities taking place which is an integral part of this festival celebration. The traditional dances emulates the distinct and diverse culture of this region. This festival is celebrated in July and is quite popular among locals and Buddhist. Many cultural activities are arranged during the festival which is a treat to all visiting tourist and travellers. Another major fair known as Tribal Fair is held in the month of August in Keylong. You can shop crazy during these fairs as there are many stalls organised. The State level fair is made more colorful and interesting by inviting cultural troupes and artists from Dharamshala, Chandigarh,Leh, Spiti, Kullu and Chamba, in addition to local artistes.The fair is held on 15th august which is the Independence Day which adds to the enthsiasm of all the locals and artist. Chham dance, one of the traditional dance of thius region and music adds to the grandeur of the event.

Shopping in Keylong

Information about Keylong
Shops in Keylong

Keylong have some really good shops where you can purchase the Carpets & Kullu shawls, Baby Shawls, Lois,Mufflers, Ponchoos, Stoles, Local Tweeds, Caps and many other handicraft readymade garments. These items are made up with Merino wool. You can also buy Angoora & Pashmina , Pullaswhich is nothing but grass made bedroom slippers, Silver Jewellery, natural oil (olive and almond), and bamboo products from Keylong. The Bhuttico market is known for its woolen garments. The items can be purchased from the below outlets:

Himachal Emporium
Address: HP State Handicrafts Handloom Corpn.
The Mall Keylong,
Phone Number: 01900-222322

Bhuttico
Address: Bhutti Weavers Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Near DC Office,
Keylong.

Apart from these there are many Tibetan shops in the market where one can buy Chinese made cloths, ceramic utensils and other local jewellery, ornaments, stones and gems.

Emergency Services in Keylong

Keylong is remains packed with tourist during summers. Thus, it is very essential to have all emergency services in place to handle any situation. Keylong has a police station to take care of anything related to breaching the law by anyone. The city also enjoys presence of air ambulance services. Keylong is located at a higher altitude and many people come here for trekking. Sometimes, while trekking, people tend to have high palpitation and difficulty in breathing. In case of such incidents, air ambulance services helps in providing the patient with medical assistance and dropping them back to safer areas. These air ambulances have advanced cardiac life support systems and advanced trauma life support systems to save some one in deed. You can contact them at the following number:

Air Ambulance
Phone Number: 09540 16 13 44, 09845 44 66 34, 09645 744 117
International Line: 0091 9540 16 13 44,
Email: airambulance@airambulanceaviation.com

Keylong also has a government hospital providing basic medical facilities. They also have a blood bank to save someone in emergency.The address and contact of the police station, hospital and blood bank are given below.

Police Station
Address: Keylong,
Spiti 175132
HP, Phone Number: 01900-222223/100
Email: police.keylong-hp@nic.in

Blood Bank Regional Hospital
Address: Regional Hospital,
Keylong (Lahaul & Spiti)

Regional Hospital
Phone Number: +(91)-1900-222806, +(91)-9418183473
Address: Government Hospital,
Keylong,
Spiti - 175132

Utilities Sevices in Keylong

Keylong offers basic services in the city like post office, gas connection agency and few banks. Although the service available here is not at par with other cities,but you can survive with the help of these facilities. With the development of the region, more and more facilities will be then availale here. The address and contact of all these facilities are listed below.

Post Offices in Keylong

Keylong Post Office
Category: Post office
Keylong, Spiti - 175132

LPG Agency in Keylong

HPSCSC Indane Distributor
Category: Gas connection agency
Phone Number: +(91)-1906-222381, +(91)-9418152006
Address: Keylong,
Spiti - 175132

Banks in Keylong

Punjab National Bank
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Punb0451900
Micr code: 175024153
Branch Code: 451900
Address: Vpo Keylong
Distt Lahul & Spiti Hp 175132
Phone Number: 01900-222942

State Bank Of India
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Sbin0003059
Micr code: 175002051
Branch Code: 003059
Address: Dist Lahul And Spiti,
Himachal Pradesh 175132
Phone Number: 01900-222560

State Bank Of Patiala
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Stbp0001109
Micr code: Non-Micr
Branch Code: 001109
Address: Village Keylong,
.Lahoul Spiti,
Himachal Pradesh, Pin 175132
Phone Number: 01900 222301

Kangra Central Coop Bank 175132
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Kace0000007
Micr code: 175850053
Branch Code: 000007
Address: Tehsil Keylong
Distt Lahul & Spiti 175132

Central Bank Of India
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Cbin0284273
Micr code: Non-Micr
Branch Code: 284273
Address: Near Kangra Central Co-Op Bank Ltd.,
Pin-175132
Phone Number: 022-22612008

Uco Bank
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Ucba0002936
Micr code: Non-Micr
Branch Code: 002936
Address:Keylong
Spiti
Phone Number: 1902245129

Canara Bank
Category: Bank
Ifsc code: Cnrb0005883
Micr code: Non-Micr
Branch Code: 005883
Address: Canara Bank Main Bazar
Near Kangra Co Op Bank
Keylang Dist
Lahaul Spitti
Himachal Pradesh 175132
Phone Number: 2604260

Transport in Keylong

Transport in Keylong
Buses

Keylong is a important tourist place in Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh. You have Keylong linked with all the cities through airways, roadways and railways.This city does not have airport of its own. However, Bhuntar Airport which is also known as Kullu Manali Airport is just about 175 km away. You can then hire a taxi or catch a bus toreach Keylong. This city does not have its own railway station but Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest station which is about 250 km away. Many buses runfrequently from this statin to Keylong. You can also opt to hire a taxi to reach Keylong. There are buses run by HPTDC as well as private bus operators from Keylong to other important cities and vice versa. However, the route to Keylong i.e. Rohtang pass is closed during heavy snowfall. Thus, you need to avoid going to Keylong during winters. Keylong is connected to Manali through Manali-Leh Highway, which is a part of NH21. It is advisable to cross Rohtang pass before 8 am to reach Keylog as there is a lot of traffic jam that occurs at Beas nallah near Marhi and Rohtang pass .

Keylong is mostly preferred by the tourist as a overnight stop for travel to Leh Ladakh. However if you stay in this place for a longer time, you can enjoy the grand and picturesque mountain views, some scenic walks and a laid-back small-town lifestyle. You must experience the freshness n the air of Keylong.


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