Hangrang valley, Nako, Chango, Hango – Kinnaur

Image Source: Snm Gso Negi Hangmathas

About Hangrang valley

A serene and less-explored valley, Hangrang Valley is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The region serves as a gateway to the Spiti Valley and is known for its rugged terrain, stark landscapes, and pristine beauty. It connected Kinnaur with the cold desert landscapes of Spiti. 

The valley sits at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, rivers, and traditional Himachali villages. In the past, the valley held strategic importance as a trade route between India and Tibet. The valley features a geographic transition from the green pine forests of Kinnaur to the arid, high-altitude desert of Spiti.  Hangrang Valley lies in the upper Kinnaur, devoid of the green vegetation that is available in the lower Kinnaur. The extreme weather conditions make for naked mountains and frigid winter landscapes. Very little rainfall supports the growth of bushes, greenery, and lichens.

Hangrang Valley is one of the remotest valleys of Kinnaur. It’s home to eight villages; Nako sits at the entrance, and Chango is the second. Similarly, other towns in the valley are Leo, Hango, Shalkar, Sumra, Yangthang, and Malling. Hangrang Valley is the second biggest valley after Sangla Valley in Kinnaur. It is divided into 2 divisions, where the upper part is known as Hango and the lower part is Hangmat.

Culture

Mahāyāna Buddhism is a prevalent religion in the region. Festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) are celebrated with great fervour.

Nako Village 

Nako is the most prominent settlement in Hangrang Valley. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to Spiti” due to its proximity to the Spiti region.

Nako is called the Gateway to Spiti Valley. It’s one of the most prominent settlements in the Hangrang Valley.

Nako Lake

At the heart of Nako village, the lake is a high-altitude lake that remains frozen during winter. In summer , the reflections of surrounding mountains in water enhance the serenity and natural beauty of the region.

Nako Monastery 

One of the oldest monasteries , Nako Monastery, dates back to the 11th century. It was established by 

Lochen Rinchen Zangpo, a great Tibetan scholar. Ancient frescoes, sculptures, and thangkas in the monastery show the influence of Buddhism in the region.

Tashigang Monastery

A millennium old, the monastery is located at a short distance from the Nako village. It’s a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists that is situated in the midst of mountains and valleys. 

Attractions in Hangrang Valley

Chango Village:

The village is famous for its apple orchards and Buddhist temples. It’s a beautiful village in the Hangrang Valley that also serves as a base for treks and expeditions in the surrounding area. It’s the second most populous village in Hangrang Valley and is quite famous for its willow trees. Locally, the trees are known as Changma trees.

 Leo Village:

Surrounded by high peaks and deep gorges, Leo is one of the remotest villages in the Hangrang Valley. It’s an ideal spot for offbeat lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Trekking & Adventure

Treks like the Leo to Spiti trail and the Nako-Chango trek are popular among adventure enthusiasts. There are several trekking routes that lead to remote monasteries, high-altitude passes, and scenic viewpoints.

Wildlife

Hangrang Valley is home to unique Himalayan wildlife, including  blue sheep, red foxes, and occasionally snow leopards. Birdwatchers can spot species like the Himalayan griffon, golden eagle, and lammergeier.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the summer season (May to September), when the weather is pleasant and roads become accessible.

Winter 

Travelling in winters (October to April) is challenging when temperatures plummet below freezing point. But the snow-laden landscape and heavy snowfall create a magical experience.

Harvest season in Hangrang Valley

Snow-sustained rivers provide much water for crops like peas and potatoes grown here. Villagers harvest the crops in the months between June and September. The fodder and additional grains are stored for themselves and domesticated animals for the harsh winter.

Shortage of Water  

In one of the remote corners, there is a dearth of basic facilities in the region. In the past, the region faced a shortage of water for drinking and irrigation purposes. At an altitude of 11256 feet above the people of Hango, an innovative solution of artificial glaciers. The basic, necessary resources are not sufficient for the locals. Due to this, the number of visitors in the valley is very low as compared to the other parts of Kinnaur. 

How to Reach

By Road

Hangrang Valley is accessible via the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 5). The narrow and winding roads offer a breathtaking journey from Reckong Peo to Nako.

Close to the Indo-Tibetan outskirts, the region is only accessible by road and located at a distance of 112 km from Reckong Peo. 

HRTC (Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation) runs Reckong Peo–Hango village (via Namgia) HRTC from Peo at 11:00 am.

–  By Air:   

  The nearest airport is Shimla Airport , around 320 km away.  

–  By Rail:   

The nearest railway station to reach Hangrang Valley is Shimla.

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