Keylong Market Spiti Valley

Keylong Market is present in the small town of Keylong which is situated at an altitude of  3440  m, in the state of Himachal Pradesh in Lahaul Valley. Keylong town is the administrative headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti Valley and is popularly known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’ because there are many medieval monasteries present here namely, Shashur Monastery which is 5 Kms from Keylong which was built in 17th century by Lama Deva Gyatso. Kardang Monastery was built in the 12th century and you can drive here via Tandi or you can hike via crossing a small footbridge over the river Bhaga. Some other popular monasteries in the area are Tardong Monastery, Bokar Monastery, Tayul Monastery and Ghemur Monastery.

If you are planning to visit Spiti Valley then you must definitely visit Keylong Market and experience this unique and picturesque local market. You can plan your Spiti Trip Package here and book your adventure trip to this Himalayan escape.

Amongst the rugged brown and snow-capped mountains surrounding this region, Keylong stands out as an oasis of lush forests and meadows in the district. It is the most populated place in the Lahaul region with about 250 houses and all government offices exist in the locality. This is a major hub for the Lahaul region as this is the main Bus Depot connecting all other major tourist destinations. The other special thing about Keylong is that this is the only place in the Lahaul region that has a regular market present here known as Keylong Market.

Some of the places that attract tourists include Gondla for its ancient fort, Sissu for its  Siberian wild geese and duck during spring and autumn, and also as it is a basecamp for most treks in the region, Triloknath temple sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhist. 

People in Keylong follow Buddhism and every festive celebration includes participation of Lamas and monks. The annual Lahaul festival is celebrated in July which is quite famous among Buddhists and locals. Several cultural activities are organised and a busy local market is held during the festival which attracts tourists as well.

 Keylong Shopping Market

No visit to Keylong is complete without exploring its local market which is bustling with activities and where the vibrant colors of local handicrafts and artifacts come alive. Wander through the narrow alleys lined with traditional Himachali houses and stalls selling a myriad of goods, including woolen textiles, rugs, footwear, local tweeds, shawls, natural olive and almond oil, metal craft, silver jewelry, bamboo products, woolen jackets and pullovers and local delicacies. What sets this market apart from the rest of the shopping areas are woolen handicrafts made out of pure angora and pashmina wool.

Shopping is a popular activity amongst tourists visiting Keylong. 

Keylong Market in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh is an important weekly market frequented by traders, tourists, and locals from all over the region. The market offers traditional food, handicrafts, woolen garments, clothes, and items of daily use. Keylong Market is held every Monday at the Polo Ground in Keylong and draws thousands of visitors. People come here from other parts of Lahaul Valley and also from the adjacent valleys of Spiti, Kaza, and Kinnaur. The market is very popular among tourists who flock to Keylong every Monday to experience the vibrant culture of the valley. The market is held throughout the year unless there is a snowfall or heavy rainfall. You can also find local delicacies, local street food in keylong market and eateries here where you can explore traditional Himachali food like Siddu (steamed bread), Chana Madra (chickpea curry), and Dham (a festive platter comprising rice, lentils, and curries). Don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth with a taste of the famous Himachali Meetha (sweet dish) made from locally sourced ingredients like jaggery and rice.

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What to Buy in Keylong Market:

• Woollen clothes : Traditional knitwear, warm coats, sweaters, shawls, socks, hats, gloves, etc.
• Local handicrafts: Carved wooden items, jewellery, carpets, pottery and sculptures. 
• Dry fruits: Almonds, kashmiri almonds, dates, apricots, walnuts, raisins, etc. 
• Spices: Saffron, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, cumin, coriander, pepper, etc. 
• Fresh vegetables and fruits: Peas, cauliflower, apples, apricots, etc. 
• Ayurvedic medicines: Ashwagandha, amla, guggal, brahmi, wheatgrass, etc. 
• Dairy products: Ghee (clarified butter), paneer (cottage cheese), churma (sweet pudding), etc. 
• Ethnic costumes: Traditional Himachali kurtas and dresses. 
• Pickles: Aamchur (mango pickle), Lachoal (fried bura) and other traditional fish, vegetable and fruit pickles. 
• Sakti tassels (nag chadi): Traditional Hakiyari ornaments made of metal and beads used for religious purposes. 

Local Store present in Keylong Market:

• Thamskey The Store: A traditional grocery store that provides a wide range of general merchandise, including fresh produce, packaged foods, beverages, health and beauty supplies, household items, toys and more. 
• Barkha Store: A wide range of products including groceries, stationary, soft drinks, health and beauty products, and other household items. 
• Snowy’s Store: A store offering a range of everyday essentials including household products, stationery, apparel, food, beverages, and personal care products. 
• Shangri-La Store: A unique store featuring a variety of traditional local souvenirs, locally produced crafts, and indigenous products. It is one of the most famous Local Markets in Himachal Pradesh

Opening Timing:

The Keylong Market in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
Suggested Read: How to reach Spiti valley

How to reach:

By Road:

– From Manali: The distance between Manali and Keylong is approximately 120 km and it takes around 6 to 7 hours by road. The route passes through Rohtang Pass, one of the most mesmerizing and picturesque views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.

-From Leh: If you are traveling from the Ladakh region, you can reach Keylong via the Leh-Manali Highway. It is 350 km in distance and takes approximately 2 days, with an overnight stopover in Sarchu or Pang.

By Bus: State-owned buses and private deluxe coaches ply daily between Manali and Keylong during the summer months when the Rohtang Pass is open. 

By Private Vehicle: This is usually the best option to reach Keylong Market. You will find several rental agencies in Manali that offer vehicles for hire.

By Shared Taxi: One can also opt for shared taxis which are a popular mode of transportation for those looking for a more cost-effective and convenient option. You can find shared taxis departing from the Manali bus stand or taxi stand, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Keylong Market is during the summer months of May to July when the weather is pleasant and the roads leading to the market are clear and accessible. The whole town comes alive with cultural festivities during these months as it is the perfect time when tourists are pouring in to explore these picturesque landscapes. The famous Lahaul Festival is also held in July, which is a celebration of local traditions and showcases the vibrant heritage of the region. 

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Tips for Visiting Keylong Market:

• Bargaining is a common practice in Keylong Market. But the same needs to be done in a respectable way so as to let the local craftsmen and handicrafts flourish and prosper as well.
• Cash is King especially when you are travelling to these far flung places. While many shops nowadays accept card payments, it is always best to carry sufficient cash, especially when shopping at smaller establishments or street stalls.
• Explore Beyond the Main Street. While the main market area of Keylong Market is bustling with activity, it will also be great to venture into the narrow alleyways and side streets, where you will find many hidden gems.
• Check Road Conditions. It is always a great idea to check the road conditions, especially during the winter months before planning a trip. This is mainly because during winter months, certain mountain passes may be closed due to heavy snowfall.
• Acclimatise Properly. Keylong is situated at a high altitude, so it is important to acclimatise properly to prevent altitude sickness. Take breaks during your journey, stay hydrated and avoid exerting yourself too much.
• Pack Essentials.It is advised to carry essentials such as warm clothing, snacks, water and any basic necessary medication, as facilities may be limited along the route.