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Once A Place Where Prisoners Were Sent For Exile, Himachal’s Pangi Valley Is A Blessed Natural Paradise

Far from the bustling tourist hubs, this remote valley offers a serene escape.

by Curly Tales Desk
Once A Place Where Prisoners Were Sent For Exile, Himachal’s Pangi Valley Is A Blessed Natural Paradise

Think again if you believe that all of Himachal Pradesh’s mysteries have been learned and experienced! Pangi is a gorgeous place, far from the bustling tourist hubs. This remote valley offers a serene escape into the lap of pristine wilderness. Like most things in Pangi, its past is mostly unknown.

Exploring Pangi Valley

For adventure enthusiasts, Pangi Valley presents a plethora of opportunities to indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities. The rugged terrain is a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers, with numerous trails leading to remote villages, high-altitude lakes, and panoramic viewpoints. Pangi Valley is a rapidly developing tourist destination that is primarily accessible today. It offers breathtaking views of high peaks and glaciers, wildflower-filled high Himalayan meadows, and much more. Tucked up in the shadow of the majestic Pir Panjal range, Pangi is a world in itself.

Tucked away amidst the Pir Panjal range, the valley is accessible through treacherous mountain roads that wind their way through deep gorges and towering peaks. When the regular route (via Saach Pass) is closed due to snowfall, the Pangi via Kishtwar road connects the mythical valley of Pangi, hidden between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges of the Western Himalayas, to the outside world. It is considered India’s most breathtaking and most dangerous road. The Pangi-Kishtwar route cuts through mountain ledges and is generally just wide enough for one car at a time. However, daring bus and truck drivers also travel the road. If two automobiles collide driving in opposite directions, one driver must carefully drive in reverse for hundreds of metres until a suitable passing area is found.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh Prays & Interacts With Monks During His Vacation In Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Tucked In History

According to local legend, the people of Chamba fled from the Mughal invasion and resided in the secret Pangi valley. Noble households would bring their ladies and children to Pangi to live in peace and privacy. When the valley fell under the control of the Kingdom of Chamba in the 16th century, officials stationed there were paid funeral allowances because they were expected to never return home. Another tale states that the King of Chamba banished convicts to the valley to serve life sentences.

During the winter months, Pangi Valley transforms into a snow-laden wonderland. The pristine slopes make it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts seeking thrills amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas. Dense forests of deodar, pine, and rhododendrons cloak the mountainsides, providing habitat for an abundance of wildlife.

So, when are you heading to Pangi Valley?

Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons

First Published: March 14, 2024 5:46 PM