Valleys Less Travelled – Hangrang Valley

Valleys Less Travelled – Hangrang Valley

Let’s take you to a valley less travelled, Hangrang valley in Kinnaur which is located at the outskirts of Indo-Tibetan border in Kinnaur distt. of Himachal Pradesh.

With 77 towns in it’s boundary, Hangrang valley is the second biggest after Baspa Valley (more commonly known for places like Sangla & Chhiktul).

The Hangrang Valley comprises of eight towns and the population is scanty because of the tough geography. Nako is the biggest town followed by Changoin this valley. The other six towns in the valley are Leo, Hango, Shalkar, Sumra, Yangthang and Malling.

Nako, the most renown in this valley is known for its lake and an old religious community. Situated at an altitude of 3,625 metres (11,893 ft) with a backdrop of Reo Purgyal which has an elevation of 6,816 metres (22,362 ft) and is the highest mountain in Himachal Pradesh, offers a gorgeous panoramic view of snow covered peaks all year round.

The landscape of Hangrang Valley is barren in nature and the sparse precipitation makes cultivation of crops difficult.

How to Reach

Hangrang Valley is majorly accessible only through roads while there is a helipad at Nako as well. This valley is located around 115 kms from Sangla and 75kms from Reckong Peo (the HQ of Kinnaur). The attractions enroute are Karcham hydro electric plant, Khab Confluence (where Setluj and Spiti rivers meet), Nako Lake (3662mts/12014 fts), Nako Monastery, Chango Gompa.

There is a high mountain pass in this valley too, known as Shipki La connecting India and Tibet however reaching there can be tough as obtaining permits for such military areas is not so easy for civilians.

Another lesser known fact is that after we enter Spiti Valley, from Sumdo checkpost, there is a village called Sumra on the left hand side. It falls under Kinnaur/Hangrang and is the last village of Kinnaur but one has to enter Spiti to reach this village of Kinnaur.