Thinking about your next travel destination? Head to Pangi Valley!

Planning a trip? Scrolling through the internet, figuring out your holidays, and undecided where to head next? Well, in today’s time, when travelling has been absorbed by many in their daily lifestyle, it’s actually difficult to decide and explore, with so many options available. But there are places which can make your holidays worthwhile.

One of those is Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Located in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, Pangi is a hidden gem for explorers, travellers, and photographers. Once you start planning for Pangi, the adventure starts – very little is known about Pangi due to its isolated location. The valley is perched at an elevation of 11,000 feet, beyond one’s imagination of discovery and adventure.

How to reach Pangi

There are three ways to reach the valley—via Chamba-Saach Pass, Manali-Lahaul, and Jammu-Kishtwar—and each one of the routes offers its unique landscape.

The shortest route is via Chamba-Saach Pass (14,500 ft), which, let me tell you, is an adventure of a lifetime, offering a blend of breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion. The Manali-Lahaul route will take you to the valley via Atal tunnel, and Jammu-Kishtwar is well-connected via flights as well.

Since I started from Dharamshala, reaching Chamba was the first step. The roads were broken, filled with craters, due to the devastating monsoon Himachal witnessed last year. But nothing can kill the anticipation and excitement to reach the valley.

I took a bus in the morning till Chamba and stayed there for a night since sharing cabs for Pangi are only available in the morning. I spent the evening exploring Chamba town, steeped in history and culture with several ancient temples representing the region’s rich heritage, and giving an opportunity to delve into its storied past.

The next morning, the real adventure began. Passing through the winding roads, surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks, the quaint villages and terraced fields, each turn presents a new panorama, painting a vivid picture of the region’s raw beauty.

However, unknown to me, the truest test awaited me at Saach Pass. The ascent is not for the faint-hearted, as the narrow, treacherous roads challenge even the most experienced drivers. With every hairpin bend, the air grows thinner, and the landscape transforms into a rugged terrain of rocky slopes and cascading waterfalls. Yet amidst the adversity, there’s an undeniable thrill in conquering nature’s formidable obstacle.

As the altitude rises, so does the magnificence of the scenery. Snowcapped peaks pierce through the azure sky, while verdant valleys stretch out below, offering a spectacle that words fail to capture. The changing hues of the landscape, from vibrant greens to icy blues, create a mesmerizing tapestry that leaves a lasting impression on the soul.

It is of utmost importance to keep your body warm and tackle the low-level oxygen while approaching Saach Pass and crossing it. Saach Pass remains closed during winters and opens around mid-May or June.

What to expect in Pangi

Eventually, when approach Pangi Valley through its remote villages, the simplicity will definitely clutch your heart. I was welcomed with the dense forest of “thangi” (Walnuts) leading the way to Killar, Pangi’s main town. Here, life revolves around the rhythms of nature; the locals with their warm smiles and welcoming hospitality will offer a glimpse into their simplest way of life, untouched by the trappings of modernity.

I was lucky enough to have local contacts in the valley, which enhanced my experience. I stayed with local families in various villages which was a window to Pangi’s culture and customs. I majorly explored three villages—Karyuni, Kumar, and Dharwas – during my 15 days trip.

Attractions

Pangi has major five Bhatori (Bhotiya Buddhist) villages, which are believed to be one of the oldest natives of the valley. And all the Bhatoris have five major monasteries, of which I only managed to see two of them including Parmar Bhatori, located in the towering heights of Kumar village and Sural Bhatori, 7km away from Dharwas village. The Sural Bhatori remained unexplored due to bad weather and had to rush back due to limited transportation.

The main and most trusted source of transportation is HRTC buses which run on a limited schedule. Private cab options are also available but that may cost you a lot. Another benefit of opting for public buses is that you get a sneak peek into the local life of Pangi.

Killar will be your one-stop-shop for all your essentials, including ATM and medicines.

Why is Pangi unique?

What makes Pangi interesting is its very dry and dusty weather in the day, which soon turn into ice-cold conditions in the evening. The water here tastes heavenly, especially in Dharwas. Do not forget to try Til Mil Ka Pani – a water resource near the village.

Til Mil Ka Pani is believed to be blessed with rare minerals and known for its medicinal qualities. Even the King of Chamba used to drink Til Mil Ka Pani, and thousands of his followers were dedicated to bringing him the water from Pangi to Chamba every day.

The days are dull in the valley as you will have literally nothing to do. The internet is a matter of luck; you might have to walk kilometers to get access to it. And at one point you’ll connection to the outer world will be ceased. The scorching heat of the sun and the chilly winds of the evenings made me aware of my strengths.

Everything you experience in Pangi can change you as a human being. It might make you humble or might drive you crazy.

Despite the hardships you endure—harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and limited resources—Pangi Valley will surely leave you with a remarkable resilience and zest for life.

As the journey draws to a close, you’ll feel the calmness that the valley will have brought upon you. In this remote corner of the world, where time seems to stand still, you will now experience quietude.

So, what are you waiting for, pick up phone or laptops, start your research and head over to Pangi!

PS: Cover Image and in-line pictures courtesy: Nibedita Saha

About Author

Nibedita Saha

I like exploring new things because
Life is a wonder book
Let it be like this,
Look for more
and keep exploring….

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