Note : This description in 1910, written by Dr. John Hutchinson a remarkable historian, medical doctor, traveller and missionary who made Chamba his home, still holds true.
Of the many secluded places that Himachal still holds, there has been no 'secret better known' than the
Pangi Valley in the upper part of Chamba District is a remote world in itself. Placed between the Middle and the Greater Himalaya, Pangi remained locked within itself. The Valley is remained land locked for about six - eight months due to heavy snow fall. This hidden valley located between Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan Zanskar ranges is cut off from the rest of the world. During winter and spring this valley is completely cut off. During late summer and fall, access is provided through several passes. These passes provide a challenge to serious trekkers. The
Some of this isolation has now eroded, but Pangi retains all of nature’s majesty and grandeur.
Pangi Valley is the remotest and yet the most beautiful valley of Chamba district. Full of grandeur and tribal majesty is the land locked valley of Pangi. Pangi is 173 km from Chamba via Sach Pass (4414 m). It is one of the sub-division of Chamba district surrounded by the Peer Panjal & Zanskar ranges. Killar is the sub-divisional headquarter of Pangi Valley. Killar the headquarters of this area has a helipad. Pangi is also known as Trekkers Paradise. From Killar, trekkers can go west to Badarwah, J & K and east to Lahulspiti and Manali via the Rohtang Pass. Beyond the reach of tropical monsoon rains, the valley is one of the off-beat challenging tourism destinations in the State. Approach to the Pangi valley is across the high mountain passes like Sach, Chehni and Rohtang Pass.
There are beautiful valleys within Pangi region like Sural, Saichu, Kumar-Parmar, Hundan and Sechu. All these valleys are connected with Zanskar. People of Pangi valley are mainly Hindu with a small population of Buddhist. These people with Mongolian features are called Bhots and they live in higher reaches of the valley called Bhatoris such as Sural Bhatori, Hundan Bhatori, Parmar Bhatori, Chasak Bhatori and Hilu-Twan. The major tribe inhabiting this area is Pangwal. These rugged people, who are Hindus, have their unique customs, traditions, and institutions. The native Pangwals and Bhotis are robust, hardworking, handsome people who keep the valley’s unique culture alive in folk songs, music and tribal dances. There are number of exciting treks from Pangi valley to Keylong (Lahaul valley), Manali (Kullu) and Kishtwar in Kashmir.
When the valley is locked from all sides in winter, aerial route is the only way left to and fro movement. Periodical helicopter service is there through it rarely matures on time owing to uncertain weather on the mountains and in the valley. Pangi Valley is now connected by road from Chamba via Sach Pass (4414 m) and from Manali via Rohtang Pass (4116 m) and Lahaul valley. Best season to visit Pangi valley is between May to October.
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