Keylong is a quaint, dreamy hill station located 120 km from Manali, primarily spotted as an oasis of greenery amidst the surrounding mountain ranges. Keylong attracts visitors from distant corners of the world for its mystical natural beauty and calming holiday vibes. However, the route to Keylong from Manali is a treat for the beholders, with scenic vistas and breathtaking panoramic views.
How to Reach Keylong?
Tourists often visit Keylong as a stopover while exploring other parts of Himachal Pradesh. However, this quaint hill station is zen if you seek quiet holidays amidst the lap of nature. You can reach Keylong via air, rail, and by road. The nearest airport is the Bhuntar (Kullu Manali) Airport located 71 km from Keylong. Alternatively, you can arrive at the Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala, 78 km from Keylong.
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Some nearest railway stations from Keylong are the Amb Andura and the Una Himachal railway station. Another nearest railhead to Keylong is the Joginder Nagar railway station which is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. You can book a taxi or hire a cab from here to Keylong.
You can also hire a private vehicle to reach Keylong from Manali. Reputed rental service providers like Japji Travel allocate well-maintained rental rides with experienced chauffeurs for every trip to provide you best travel experience. Their drivers are not only well-versed with the routes but also have experience riding the meandering and dangerous hilly roads of Himachal.
Tourist buses operated by Himachal Road Transport are available and depart at regular intervals to reach Keylong from Manali. The travel fair for public transport starts from Rs 199 per person. It takes around 2-3 hrs by road to reach Keylong from Manali.
Tourist buses and rental rides drive through the spectacular terrains of Rohtang Pass via the Manali-Leh highway. You have to pre-book a ride and pay in advance for confirmation of all verified travel services to Keylong from Manali.
Best Time to Visit Keylong
The best time to visit Keylong is between May to October. The road to Keylong from Manali is blocked between October to April because of heavy snowfall and unpredictable weather. The route is opened at the end of April when the defense people have cleared up the ice from the road to Rohtang pass. If you are traveling to Kaylong from Manali during this time, you can spot big field machinery and bulldozers on the way placed to clear the ice.
A two-lane road has been constructed to reach Leh from Manali. However, the mud, water, and snow make it challenging to drive on the hilly route to Leh. Therefore, you should always hire professional drivers with ample experience in driving on such unfamiliar and formidable terrain.
Also, choose a vehicle with higher ground clearance, like Sumo, Travera, or Qualis, while selecting a rental ride to reach Keylong from Manali. Further, it is highly recommended that you learn about road conditions and weather forecasts before you start your journey to Keylong.
Try to leave early to capture breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and witness tender morning light on the mountain peaks. You can plan an early breakfast en route; in Khoksar. which is a check post where you have to get your vehicle registered before driving farther ahead. It is almost midway between Keylong and Manali. It also has numerous hotels and eateries for a tasty meal.
Things To Do in Keylong And Nearby Attractions
Keylong is famous for its peaceful holiday vibes, rejuvenating Buddhist monasteries, and relaxing nature walks. Some of its famous monasteries include the Shashur Monastery and Kardhang Monastery. The latter has charismatic interiors and a magnificent statue of Avalokitesvara. You can also find ancient Buddhist texts in their library alongside old weapons from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Shashur Monastery is famous for its ornamented walls, picturesque paintings, and astounding architectural details. You can also witness the famous, pleasing Chaam dance during their annual festival in June-July. In this performance, masked monks participate and dance.
The Barachaa La Pass is a great spot to witness snow on the Himalayan Mountains of Lahaul, Spiti, and Ladakh. A mere dip in the refreshing water of the Suraj Tal is considered therapeutic and cleansing. The scenic backdrops of the Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal are highly rejuvenating and worth a visit.
The Pin Valley National Park is a natural retreat of Himachal where you can spot endangered flora and fauna, such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and ibex. The forest department conducts various guided tours and safari rides for tourists. You can also opt for trekking tours or camping inside the sanctuary.
Other nearby attractions to Keylong include the Chandra Tal, Chandra-Bhaga River Confluence, Urgos Lake, Rashbehari Bose Statue, Freezing point, and Sissu Waterfall View Point.
