THE SATLUJ, BASPA OR SANGLA VALLEY VIEW
The Satluj valley is the largest river valley of the district and traverses for about 140 km. in
the region. There are many cliffs in this valley, the most prominent being ‘Taranda’,
‘Wangtu’ and ‘Rogi’. The Hangrang or Spiti Valley is drained by the river Spiti or Lee. About
32 km. passage of the Spiti river lies in this district. The valley joins the main valley on the
Spiti near ‘Khab’ (also called Khabo) village. Only the lower portion of the valley is located in
Kinnaur while the upper part lies in the Lahaul Spiti district. The Ropa or Shyaso (also spelt
Shiasu, Shyasu and Chhiasu) or Sunam valley, is drained by Ropa stream. The valley
traverses through the inhabited area only for about 5 km.
The Baspa or Sangla Valley is drained by the Baspa river. It is named Sangla valley after the
name of the Sangla village. It is the most romantic and beautiful valley of Kinnaur. The
historic village Kamru (Mone) is situated in this valley. Baspa valley is connected with
Garhwal by several passes. Situated along the Southern ridge of the valley these passes from
the West to East are: Burua pass or Buran Ghati (4,578 mets.) Kimilay or Khamilogo Pass
(5,151 mets.), Borsu Pass (5,360 mets.) and Lamkhaga Pass (5,284 mets.). The Shimla,
Kimilay and Borsa Passes lead to the famous Har ki Dun valley. The Tidong valley is without
exception the most rugged glen of the district. It is often called ‘a scene of savage grandeur’.
The Wangpo or Bhadha, the Gyanthing or Nesang; the Pejur or Leppa; the Kashang; the
Mulgoon and the Yula are other worth mentioning valleys of Kinnaur. The small wooded
valley of Bhabha has the largest village of the district, i.e. ‘Bhabha’.
Chitkul (3,450 meters) is the last and highest village in the Baspa valley in district Kinnaur. It
is situated on the right bank of Baspa river Chitkul is the last inhabited village near the Indo-
Tibet border. The Indian road ends here. During winters, the place mostly remains covered
with the snow and the inhabitants move to lower regions of Himachal. Potatoes grown at
Chittkul are one of the best in the world and are very costly, Chitkul, on the banks of Baspa
River, is the first village of the Baspa Valley and the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet
trade route. It is also the last point in India one can travel to without a permit. Of particular
interest at Chitkul are its houses with either slate or wooden plank roofs, a Buddhist temple
and a small tower. However, there has been and increased use of tin-roofs, especially the
high school and the army/ITBP barracks.