Kanyakumari to Kashmir – The paradise of Narkanda and Sangla Valley

The Kinnaur & Sangla valley are very different from its neighbouring Spiti valley. They are lush green, and narrow. As compared to naked mountains of the much broader Spiti Valley. The views are not that grand (except Chitkul & Reckong Peo). 

Here are the important points from this part of the trip

• Roads after Wangtu are very bad. 
• Sangla valley has 5 or 6 villages / campsites. Avoid the first 3 villages. Chitkul is by far the best place to stay but being the last stop, is expensive. 
• Sangla valley is culturally very rich & different from the neighboring Spiti or Rampur Valley. Most of the people here are seen in traditional Himachali attire. The houses are wooden & made on silts (explore the streets of Sangla for this. you will love it).
• Sangla valley also homes the popular trek to Kinner Kailash
• Don't miss Reckong Peo. Go upto Kalpa. Views of Kinner Kailash are amazing from Kalpa. And the village itself is very beautiful too. 
• Other good options for night stay in the this valley are the villages of Pooh, Shiling Khas (near Spello). Consider these only when you are done with Sangla & Peo, and are looking for halt option before Spiti Valley. 

Before Sangla Valley, we halted at Narkanda. It is a very small town around 70km from Shimla but a friend suggested me I stop there. 

• The only thing in Narkanda is Hattu mata Ka temple or Hattu Peak. And the view you get from here is beyond words. 
• There is a small guest house at the Hattu peak. Most people (including us) stay down in Narkanda, as they have no clue about the guest house. But since it is a small one, do go early and check the room availability. 
• The road to top is one of the narrowest I have rode on. Be careful with cars. 

Check out more photos at @mybulletpoints (instagram) or blog here

Photos of Narkanda (taken from Hattu Mata peak)