Keylong is the administrative headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Among the white and brown mountain in the region Keylong stands out as oasis of greenery in the district.
Situated at a height of 3440 m, it is the most populated place in Lahaul region. There are about 250 houses and all government offices exist in the locality. This is a major hub for Lahaul region as buses to other destinations start from here. The other special thing about Keylong is that it is the only place in Lahaul which has a regular market present. Renowned author Rudyard Kipling described the place as “it is surely the God live here; this is not the place for men.” Lahaul and Spiti have hardly changed with the time. People still live the way they used to live and strongly believe in conserving nature. Keylong lies on the bank of Bhaga River where Chandra Valley, Bhaga Valley and Chenab Valley intersect. Manali-Leh highway is seven kilometer from Keylong. Valley, river, mountains and green landscape makes Keylong picturesque destination.
Keylong in Himachal Pradesh is a quaint hill station stretched across the green Bhaga Valley below Manali-Leh road. Though Keylong is a stopover for tourists visiting more popular Manali, the place in itself is worth visiting. Visit Keylong if you want a quiet holiday amidst local monasteries and scenic walks.
BY AIR: Understandably, there are no direct flights to Keylong. Nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport which is about 71 kilometres or Gaggal Airport at Dharamsala (78 kilometres)
BY RAIL: Amb Andura train station (code: AADR) located at 370 kilometres is the nearest rail head if you want to reach Keylong. You can also get down at Una Himachal which is 360 kilometres away from Keylong.
BY ROAD: There are a number of private vehicles available from Manali to reach this hill station. It is advisable to take an experienced driver as the roads here meandering and dangerous.
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. At present, these are the only months in a year that Keylong is accessible, as the roads that connect to it are closed for the rest of the year due to heavy snowfall. Plans are underway to construct a tunnel through the Rohtang pass. Once completed, the tunnel would ensure that Keylong is accessible throughout the year while also reducing the time taken to travel to Keylong and making the journey much safer.
Nestled between the Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, Keylong is a serene place perfect for a getaway away from the tourist towns of the state. Due to the dry cold weather, Keylong does not have a lot of greenery, but the snow-covered mountains covered with mist are picturesque. Situated at an altitude of 3080 meters, the tiny hamlet has a rich culture and a laid back, small-town lifestyle.
Keylong is generally a stop-over for the tourists travelling in the region, but those who stay longer are able to explore the hidden monasteries and undertake scenic walks enveloped by peaceful atmosphere. The mind-stirring small town is cut off from the outside world from November to mid-May due to the heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass in the winters. To travel to Keylong, it is mandate to take a permit pass from the Tourist Development Council Manali.