Keylong is a beautiful, secluded village on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes and is situated near the Indo-Tibetan border. Full of scenic valleys, this is a tranquil haven for visitors and tourists away from city life. The Keylong Market is a must-visit, owing to its lively ambience and the huge variety of local and traditional items that are found there. Visiting the market is undoubtedly the best way to end your Himachal Pradesh trip, as you buy souvenirs and other local handicrafts to return home.
Things To Know Before Visiting Keylong Market
Here is the perfect list of things visitors and tourists should know before visiting the exciting and beautiful Keylong Market in Himachal Pradesh. Follow this guide and have the most fantastic end to your incredible Himachal Pradesh trip as you shop for local and handmade souvenirs and memoirs to return home and gift your loved ones.
1. Things You Can Buy In Keylong Market
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Woollen Garments: Various woollen garments are available, such as socks, mufflers, knit gloves and shawls. Other items, such as shawls, are also available. Tourists and visitors short on warm clothes can choose from a wide range of Keylong market items to protect themselves from the freezing winter.
Local food: Tourists can also munch on traditional Himachali cuisine snacks or other meals in the market. Small stalls and cafes serve delectable dishes such as momos and other conventional foods approved by the locals.
Handicraft items: Many traditional and local handicraft items, such as various decorations, bags, and much more, are available that visitors and tourists can buy as souvenirs to take back home or as gifts to their loved ones.
Other famous items that tourists buy from the market are traditional jewellery or dresses, fridge magnets, and other such decoration items that are very popular among visitors. Groceries, fruits, and other everyday items are also available for locals. In emergencies, tourists can also find various daily-use items in this market.
Must Read: Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
2. Opening Hours And The Best Time To Visit Keylong Market
- The opening hours of the Keylong Market are 8 am—6 pm daily. The peak time when all the tourists visit is during the morning and evening hours to avoid many crowds. The weather is also quite comfortable and pleasant during this time, which makes it an outstanding shopping experience and, overall, an incredible trip as well.
- The best time to visit the Market is the summer months of May to July when the weather is mild and not too cold. The clear skies and sunlight will enhance and elevate the shopping experience. Another peak time when tourists visit the market is during the winter, as tourists visit Keylong or nearby major cities such as Manali to experience the extreme winter and snowfall experience. Therefore, a lot of visitors visit this market around this time. Suppose tourists are planning to visit the market during this season. However, they must be well-prepared with warm clothes and other necessary items to protect themselves against the freezing weather.
3. Ways To Reach Keylong Market
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By Air: The nearest airport to the Keylong Market is Kullu Manali’s Bhuntar Airport, which is about 92 km away. To visit the market directly, tourists can hire a cab or a taxi from the airport to reach the destination in approximately 3 hours.
By Train: Keylong has no trains, and the closest central railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is about 280 km from the market. Visitors can hire a cab from the station to visit the market and overnight in Keylong.
By Bus: Frequent buses head towards Keylong from nearby significant towns and cities such as Manali and vice versa. The first bus leaves as early as 4 a.m., and the last leaves at midnight. However, the buses are not functional from October to April due to heavy snowfall and landslides.
By Road: Visitors can also bring their private vehicles to the market and enjoy the scenic views of the well-maintained and well-connected roads. However, it is advisable not to do so during the extreme winter months.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Manali In December
Places To Visit Near Keylong Market
There are various places and tourist attractions near the Market that will make your trip to Himachal Pradesh even more memorable. Some of the most popular tourist attractions near Keylong Market are given below:
1. Baralacha Pass
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The Baralacha Pass is one of the most visited and renowned tourist attractions near the Keylong Market. Many tourists visit during the winter to witness the snow-laden mountains that create a winter wonderland. However, it is closed off during extreme snowfall. It is located in the Zanskar range and connects the Lahaul district to the Leh district.
Distance from The Market: 74 km
Best time to visit: April- October
2. Suraj Tal
Image Credit: Ankit Solanki for Wikipedia
Located near the Keylong Market, the Suraj Tal is in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. It is the third-highest lake in India and the twenty-first-highest in the world. Owing to its breathtaking vistas and glistening, clear, and brilliantly blue waters, it is one of the most stunning tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh.
Distance from The Market: 72 km
Best time to visit: May- October
Suggested Read: Hampta Pass Trek
3. Lahaul Valley
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikipedia
Another stunning location near the market, the Lahaul Valley, is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers. The panoramic and scenic vistas the place offers are surreal and provide a serene escape from the chaos of city life. It is a must-visit in all seasons, except when there is heavy snowfall due to a high incidence of landslides and other dangers.
Distance from The Market: 34 km
Best time to visit: April- October
Further Read: Places To Visit In Keylong
Now that you have the perfect list of things to know before visiting the vibrant Keylong Market, it is time to pack your suitcases, plan an exciting visit, and set out on an enthralling trip to Himachal Pradesh to visit this lively location. Visit this exciting market, embark on a shopping spree, and buy all your souvenirs, memoirs, and gifts to take back home.
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Cover Image credit: By Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keylong Market
What are some of the popular items found in the Keylong Market?
Some of the popular items found in the Keylong market are local handicrafts, woollen garments such as gloves and socks, shawls, ponchos, traditional silver jewellery and other decoration items and souvenirs.
Are there restaurants and cafés in the Keylong Market?
Although there are no restaurants in the Keylong market, there are food stalls and cafés that serve delectable dishes from the local Himachali cuisine and other lip-smacking snacks.
How far is Ladakh from Keylong?
Ladakh is quite far from Keylong, at a distance of about 550 km. Most tourists and visitors travel from Keylong to Ladakh or vice-versa by air.
Are there hotels or other accommodation options near the Keylong market?
There are many lodging options located relatively close to the Keylong market, from cosy inns to 3-star hotels, catering to every budget.
Can you travel solo to Keylong?
Keylong is an ideal and peaceful with friendly and hospitable local people and guides. The place is also well-marked with signboards, which makes travelling solo easier.
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