Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti

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Keylong is located at an altitude of about 3350 meters above the sea level. This picturesque hill station is surrounded by a number of small villages and is considered to be the main town in the Lahaul Spiti district of the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. Keylong town lies on the route between Manali and Leh and it is worth making a halt for a day to two here. There is strong influence of Tibetan culture on the town because of the region's proximity with Tibet. Keylong along with surrounding villages is the major source of agriculture products for the entire district. Potatoes, barley, buckwheat fields are spread beautifully over the hills.

Tourist Attractions of Keylong:

Keylong faces the famous Kardang Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Lahaul, of the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is on a slope across the river from Keylong. Number of tourists comes to Keylong to see the devil dance of Lamas. It was the 17th century monastery and the paintings of this monastery symbolize the history of 84 Buddhas. Tourist attractions near Keylong include the Shasur, Kardan and Tayul monasteries, all within a few kilometers of Keylong. The town also includes a small temple, which is dedicated to the local deity Kelang Wazir in the house of Sh.Nawang Dorje.

Shopping at Keylong:

Keylong is the perfect place for shopping in Lahaul and Spiti. Woolen shawls, carpets, baby shawls, mufflers, ponchos, stoles, caps and handicrafts are the most preferential buys for tourists in Keylong. Keylong markets also include Angoors and pashmina shawls along with warm and classy woolen jackets and silver jewellery. The most frequented markets of Keylong are Himachal Emporium and Bhuttico. Here you can get quality products at affordable price. Himachal Emporium is sited in the mall Keylong; whcihc is popular for its handicraft and handloom materials. Bhuttico market is famous for its woolen garments and is located near D C office of Keylong.

Climate of Keylong:

Keylong remains cut off from outside the world from November to April due to heavy snowfall at Rohtang pass. In monsoon there is little or no rain in the town. The climate of the town remains dry or invigorating. The days are hot and nights are extremely cold in this region.

Accommodation at Keylong:

The town has more to offer in terms of accommodation that any other place in Lahaul. You can try the PWD rest house and the tourist Bungalow run by HPTDC. The other economical hotels in Keylong are Gyespa Hotel, Lamayuru, Dekyid and Hotel Snowland and Hotel gang steng. You can even stay at one of the Swiss cottages.