Pangi Valley

When one speaks of Pangi Valley, it immediately strikes of Saach Pass. The Saach Pass located at a height of about 14,500 feet (4,400 m) is open for tourists between mid June and October, but at the same time, not closed during heavy snow and other times of the year. Filled with splendor and tribal majesty, the Pangi valley is one of the sub-division of the Chamba region bounded by the Peer Panjal in addition to Zanskar ranges. Killar is another sub-divisional headquarter of the Pangi valley. Apart from the tropical monsoon rains, the valley is one amongst the off-beat challenging tourism spot in the state. The Pangi valley can be reached by passing through the high mountain passes like Sach, Chehni and Rohtang Pass.

Tourism

There are many beautiful valleys lying within the Pangi region including the Sechu, Hundan, Kumar-Parmar, Saichu and Sural. All of these gorges are very well linked with Zanskar. Few people in the valley resides in the advanced reaches of the gorge called Bhatoris like Hilu Tawan, Chasak Bhatori, Parmar Bhatori, Hundan Bhatori, Sural Bhatori etc. There are several thrilling and audacious trekking routs from Pangi gorge to Keylong (Lahaul gorge), Kishtwar and Manali which are situated in Kashmir.

With no urban centers, Pangi is entirely rural. From a cluster of villages, Killar, the administrative headquarters is slowly taking the shape of a town. Killar, the headquarters of the Pangi sub division is a charming hamlet located in a deep and narrow gorge of the Chenab River in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Geographically isolated Pangi has turned inward looking for communal interaction and recreation. Most of the festivities of other parts of India have no materialistic meaning here.

One of the most significant and idiosyncratic of Pangi’s festivals and the complete populace joins in. Celebrations begin in the 1st week of February while is carried on for a month. At this time of merry making, music, and dance reflects the preceding spell of winter. The Phool Yatra or Phulaich festival held in the months of October-November is celebrated in the honor of the goddess of Kupha, Dehant Nag.

Phul yatra fair is held in Pangi at Killar in “Asoj” every year. Sheering months of March-April rejoices the arrival of spring. Spinning, a significant winter activity, is postponed till the main festival of Pareed, which is celebrated after two days. Pangi valley is now well connected by road from Chamba via Saach Pass (4414 m) and also from Manali via Rohtang Pass (4116 m) and Lahaul valley. The ideal season to visit Pangi valley is between the months of May to October.

How to Reach

Air Transport

The nearest airport to Pangi is the Gaggal airport at Dharamshala which is about 360 km away. From the airport tourists can hire local taxis/cabs to reach the city. Private and HPSTC operated buses are also available.

Roadways

Pangi is simply linked by road or paths. From Chamba & Churah there is a highway over the Saach. This is the direct route, if you are traveling through Chamba. The approximate distance from Killar is 170 kms. However, these passes endure snowbound while maximum time in the year while is open only for a short spell in late summer. Even at this time, the road is fairly treacherous & sections over the glaciers are possible threats for avalanches.

From Lahaul, there runs a road from Keylongen route Purthi, Shour, Rohli and Udaipur. The small robust vehicles can be boarded during the months of short summer. From Keylong the distance to Killar is 113 kms.

From Kishtwar there is an adjacent route with a blend of vehicular stretches and different foot tracts. The distance will come around 116 km. When the region routes to Pangi close, a helicopter-service is seldom obtainable.

Rail Transport

The closest railway station to Pangi is Pathankot in Punjab which is about 350 km away. From the railway station tourists can hire local taxis /cabs to reach the city. Private and HPSTC operated buses are also available.

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