Keylong: Lahaul's mountain town, between Manali and Ladakh
The headquarters of Lahaul, on a sunny slope above the Bhaga river, ringed by monasteries and snow peaks — once a two-day trip from Manali over Rohtang, now an easy drive through the Atal Tunnel.
- ~3,080 m Keylong
- ~70 km from Manali via Atal Tunnel
- ~22 km to Jispa
- Jun–Oct on to Leh
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Keylong is the main town of Lahaul, at about 3,080 m on the Bhaga river, roughly 70 km (2.5–3 hours) from Manali through the Atal Tunnel. Around it are some of Lahaul’s oldest monasteries: Kardang, across the river, and Shashur, on the slope above the town. Keylong is the usual overnight stop on the Manali–Leh road, with Jispa (about 22 km on) a quieter riverside alternative. In winter Keylong is snowbound and very cold, but since the Atal Tunnel opened it can be reached on most days; the road onward to Leh and over Kunzum to Spiti is open only from about June to October.
- HeightAbout 3,080 m.
- DistancesManali ~70 km (via Atal Tunnel); Sissu ~30 km; Jispa ~22 km; Leh ~360 km.
- MonasteriesKardang (across the Bhaga), Shashur (above the town), Tayul.
- WinterHeavy snow, sub-zero days; tunnel closes after big storms.
- Best monthsMay – October; winter for snow lovers with spare days.
Keylong and Sissu weather today
Current temperature and the next days’ high, low and snow for Keylong and Sissu.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Things to do in and around Keylong
Kardang monastery, on the far side of the Bhaga river, is the largest in Lahaul and belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school; it has a large library and old murals. Shashur monastery, a short drive or steep walk above Keylong, is known for its tall thangka and its view down the valley. Both are reached from town in under an hour.
Beyond Keylong, Jispa sits on a broad, flat bend of the Bhaga with camps and guesthouses — a calm place to sleep on the way to Leh. In the other direction, the Chandra–Bhaga confluence at Tandi and the old temples of Trilokinath and Udaipur in the Pattan valley make a good day out.
Best time to visit Keylong
Lahaul is high and dry in summer and deep in snow in winter.
| Season | Keylong | Roads |
|---|---|---|
| May – June | Cool; snow melting | Atal Tunnel open; Leh road usually opens in June |
| July – September | Mild, dry | Main season for Leh and Spiti road trips |
| October | Clear and cold | Last weeks before the high passes close |
| November – April | Snow, sub-zero | Tunnel open most days; passes beyond closed |
Going further? See Manali to Leh taxi · Spiti via Shimla or Manali · Chandratal lake.
How to reach Keylong
From Manali, drive through the Atal Tunnel and along the Chandra valley via Sissu and Tandi — about 70 km, 2.5–3 hours. The old route over Rohtang (about 115 km) is open only in summer. Government buses also run from Manali when the road is open. From Delhi, add the 540 km to Manali — see our Himachal distance chart.
Keylong is at about 3,080 m: if you plan to continue to Leh, an extra night here or at Jispa helps you acclimatise.
Keylong and Lahaul in pictures
Keylong town, the Bhaga valley, the view from Shashur and the peaks of Lahaul — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Keylong
Plan these with Keylong.
Jispa
Riverside camps and guesthouses.
Trilokinath & Udaipur
Old temples revered by Hindus and Buddhists.
Our Lahaul and Leh trips
Hotels or camps, meals and a private car with a mountain driver — one written quote.
Planning Lahaul or Keylong?
Tell us your dates, group and whether you are heading on to Leh or Spiti. We check the tunnel and passes, plan time to acclimatise and send one written quote with stays, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Keylong: frequently asked questions
How far is Keylong from Manali?
About 70 km through the Atal Tunnel, 2.5–3 hours; about 115 km over Rohtang in summer.
Is Keylong open in winter?
Yes, it can usually be reached through the Atal Tunnel, but heavy snow can close the road for a day or more.
How high is Keylong?
About 3,080 m above sea level.
Keylong or Jispa — where should I stay on the way to Leh?
Keylong has more facilities; Jispa is quieter, by the river and about 22 km closer to Leh.
Which monasteries can I visit from Keylong?
Kardang across the river, Shashur above the town, and Tayul nearby.
When does the road from Keylong to Leh open?
Usually in June, closing again in October or November with the first heavy snow.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Keylong
- Wikipedia: Kardang Monastery
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
Keylong under the peaks — Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Peaks across the Bhaga valley — Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Keylong and its valley — Photo: Peter Krimbacher Moebius1,, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The view from Shashur monastery — Photo: Navneet Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dusk over the Himalaya — Photo: Kiran Kulkarni, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The Bhaga valley — Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 · The Bhaga river — Photo: In Transit, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Green fields at Keylong — Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Keylong from above — Photo: Jen, CC BY-SA 3.0
