Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, and serves as a base for exploring the region.
The Atal Tunnel, a 9km engineering marvel, is the all-weather gateway connecting Manali to the Lahaul valley. Driving through it is an experience in itself, as you emerge from the Pir Panjal range into a completely different, more starkly beautiful landscape. Just before the tunnel on the Manali side is the Solang Valley, a hub for adventure sports.
From Keylong, you can begin the Spiti loop. This high-altitude circuit, typically open from June to October, takes you through some of the world's highest villages and most ancient monasteries, including Kaza, Ki Monastery, and Kibber. The road is challenging but the rewards are immense.
If you are travelling from Manali, you can visit the town’s key sights like the ancient Hadimba Devi temple, built around a cave, the cafes of Old Manali, or the hot springs at Vashisht.
By Air: The nearest airport for Lahaul is Bhuntar Airport (KUU) in Kullu-Manali. From there, it's a road journey of about 4-5 hours to Keylong via the Atal Tunnel. The most reliable, all-weather airport is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) in the plains, from where it is a 10-12 hour drive.
By Rail: The nearest major railhead is in Chandigarh (CDG), connecting to all major Indian cities. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali and then onward to Keylong.
By Road: Keylong is located on the Manali-Leh Highway (NH-3). Manali is the main road hub to reach the Lahaul valley. Government and private buses, as well as taxis, are available from Manali.
The best time to visit Keylong and the Lahaul valley is from March to June, when the snow begins to melt and the summer sun warms the valley. A second window opens from September to November, offering crisp air and clear blue skies after the monsoon. The monsoon months of July and August should be avoided, as heavy rains can cause landslides on the highways leading to the region. From December to February, the area experiences heavy snowfall, and while the Atal Tunnel keeps the valley accessible, many internal roads may be closed.
