In the pristine Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Keylong is a peaceful town surrounded by snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and rugged terrain. Whether you’re a biker en route to Leh, a spiritual seeker heading to monasteries, or a nature lover looking for offbeat Himalayan escapes, reaching Keylong is an unforgettable journey. However, because of its remote location and high altitude, planning the route is essential.
In this complete travel guide, we break down all possible routes to reach Keylong — by road, rail, and air — along with best travel options, road conditions, permit details, and expert tips to make your trip seamless.
Where is Keylong Located?
Keylong is the administrative center of the Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh. It sits at an altitude of about 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) and lies along the Manali-Leh Highway (NH-3), approximately:
- 115 km from Manali
- 70 km from Rohtang Pass
- 355 km from Leh
- 577 km from Shimla
- 700+ km from Delhi
Reaching Keylong by Road:
1. From Manali via Atal Tunnel
Distance: ~115 km
Time: 3 to 5 hours
Route: Manali – Solang – Atal Tunnel – Sissu – Tandi – Keylong
The Atal Tunnel (opened in 2020) has revolutionized access to Keylong, making it an all-season destination. This tunnel bypasses the treacherous Rohtang Pass and drastically cuts travel time.
- Bus/Shared Jeep: Regular HRTC buses and shared taxis ply from Manali to Keylong via the Atal Tunnel.
- Private Taxi/Car: Ideal for families or travelers with luggage. Roads are paved but can be slippery in winter.
- Bike: A top choice for adventurers and bikers heading toward Ladakh or Spiti.
Tip: Fuel up in Tandi — the last petrol pump before Leh.
2. From Leh via Sarchu and Baralacha La
Distance: ~355 km
Time: 10–12 hours
Route: Leh – Tanglang La – Pang – Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa – Keylong
This legendary route is open only from June to October and offers jaw-dropping views. Be prepared for high-altitude passes and sudden weather changes.
- Self-Drive or Hired SUV: Recommended for experienced drivers.
- Bus Service: HRTC and HPTDC run Leh–Keylong buses in the summer months.
- Biking: Popular for adventure travelers.
Tip: Carry a medical kit for altitude sickness and stay hydrated.
3. From Shimla via Kinnaur – Spiti – Gramphu – Keylong
Distance: ~677 km
Time: 3–4 days minimum
Route: Shimla – Narkanda – Kalpa – Kaza – Kunzum La – Gramphu – Keylong
This route is long and challenging but breathtaking. It passes through remote Spiti Valley, making it a top route for road trip lovers.
- Road Type: Mostly unpaved, narrow, and open only from mid-June to early October.
- Vehicle Needed: SUV with good ground clearance.
Tip: Don’t attempt this route during monsoon or solo without off-roading experience.
4. From Delhi to Keylong (Overnight + Break Journey)
Distance: ~700 km
Time: 15–18 hours
Suggested Break Points: Delhi – Manali – Keylong
- Volvo Buses: Daily HRTC/HPDTC buses from Delhi to Manali (12–14 hrs), followed by Manali–Keylong.
- Private Cab: Expensive but convenient. Best for groups.
- Self-Drive: Via NH 3. Great road conditions till Manali, then scenic mountain drive.
Tip: Rest for a day in Manali before heading to high-altitude Keylong.
Reaching Keylong by Air
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu–Manali Airport)
- Distance to Keylong: ~120 km
- Location: Near Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
- Flights: Daily flights from Delhi (subject to weather)
- From Airport: Hire a taxi to Manali or directly to Keylong
Tip: Flights are prone to delays/cancellations during bad weather.
Alternate Airport: Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)
- Distance to Keylong: ~355 km
- Benefit: Great if you’re planning to include Ladakh in your itinerary.
- From Airport: Hire a taxi to Keylong via Sarchu
Reaching Keylong by Train
Keylong doesn’t have a railway station. The nearest major railheads are:
Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Distance to Keylong: ~250 km
- Connectivity: From Pathankot (Punjab)
- Limited Reach: Toy train route, best avoided unless part of a heritage route
Chandigarh Railway Station
- Distance: ~370 km
- Best Option: Well-connected to major Indian cities
- Route to Keylong: Chandigarh – Manali – Atal Tunnel – Keylong
Best Routes to Reach Keylong (Summary Table)
| Starting Point | Distance to Keylong | Mode | Travel Time | Notes |
| Manali | 115 km | Road (via Atal Tunnel) | 3–5 hrs | Fastest & most scenic |
| Leh | 355 km | Road (June–Oct) | 10–12 hrs | High passes, thrilling route |
| Shimla | 677 km | Road (Spiti route) | 3–4 days | For adventurers only |
| Delhi | 700 km | Road (via Manali) | 15–18 hrs | Overnight break suggested |
| Bhuntar Airport | 120 km | Air + Road | 4–6 hrs | Closest airport |
| Chandigarh | 370 km | Train + Road | 10–12 hrs | Best rail-connected city |
Keylong Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
- May to October: Ideal for visiting, roads are open.
- July–August: Green landscapes, but some landslides possible.
- November to April: Heavy snowfall; inaccessible by road (except via air-lift or BRO convoy).
Weather & Altitude Tips
- Altitude: 3,080 meters – acclimatize properly.
- Weather: Cold throughout the year. Summer is pleasant (5°C–20°C), while winter dips to -15°C.
Tip: Carry warm layers and high-altitude medicines like Diamox.
Permits & ID Requirements
- No Inner Line Permit required for Indians.
- For Foreign Nationals: Register at check posts.
- Always carry original ID proof and photocopies.
Packing Essentials
- Warm clothes (even in summer)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizers
- Power bank and torch
- First-aid kit & altitude meds
- Dry snacks and water
- Valid ID and permits (if any)
Petrol Pumps & ATMs
- Last Fuel Station: Tandi (before heading to Leh)
- ATMs: Limited in Keylong, carry enough cash
- Connectivity: BSNL works; limited Jio/Airtel coverage
Local Transport Options in Keylong
- Local taxis available for sightseeing to places like Sissu, Jispa, Baralacha La.
- Shared cabs to Leh operate from the Keylong Bus Stand.
- HRTC buses to Kaza, Udaipur, and Manali are seasonal.
Suggested Itinerary to Reach Keylong:
Option 1: Delhi – Manali – Keylong (2 Days)
- Day 1: Volvo from Delhi to Manali (overnight)
- Day 2: Private car/shared cab to Keylong via Atal Tunnel
Option 2: Shimla – Spiti – Keylong (5+ Days)
- Day 1-3: Explore Kinnaur and Spiti Valley (Kalpa, Kaza)
- Day 4-5: Drive through Kunzum Pass to Keylong
Option 3: Leh – Sarchu – Keylong (2 Days)
- Day 1: Leh to Sarchu (break journey)
- Day 2: Sarchu to Keylong (visit Baralacha La en route)
Places to Visit Near Keylong:
- Jispa (23 km) – Scenic village by Bhaga River
- Baralacha La (75 km) – High mountain pass
- Shashur Monastery (3 km) – 17th-century Buddhist site
- Sissu (30 km) – Gorgeous waterfall, viewpoints
- Udaipur (55 km) – Trilokinath & Mrikula Devi Temple
You can combine your Keylong visit with a road trip to Spiti or Leh.
Final Thoughts
Keylong is more than just a stopover on the Leh-Manali route — it’s a destination of its own. Reaching this serene town is now easier thanks to improved road infrastructure like the Atal Tunnel. Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transport, every route to Keylong offers a unique Himalayan experience.
So, plan your route wisely, check weather updates, and pack smart — and get ready for a journey that will leave you speechless with its mountain charm!
Similar Reads:
- Famous Road Trips from Delhi to Keylong
- Keylong Tourist Places to See
- Guide to Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan
- Himachal Travel in June 2025: 20 Best Places
- Places in Himachal to See in July 2025
- Himachal Destinations to Visit in August 2025
- Shimla Weather in March 2026 – Temperature & Climate
- Places in Shimla to Visit in February 2026
- Tourist Places to See Shimla in June 2025
- Manali Destinations to Visit in June 2025
- Places to See in Manali in July 2025
- Honeymoon Places in Himachal Pradesh
- Honeymoon Attractions in Shimla for Couples
- Top Destinations in Manali for Honeymoon
FAQ – How to Reach Keylong
1. What is the fastest way to reach Keylong from Delhi?
By taking a flight to Bhuntar (Kullu), then a taxi to Keylong via Atal Tunnel. Or, overnight Volvo to Manali + car to Keylong.
2. Is Keylong accessible in winter?
Only by BRO convoys or emergencies. Most routes remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
3. Is Atal Tunnel open year-round?
Yes, Atal Tunnel is open all year, but closures may occur during extreme snow or maintenance.
4. Is public transport available from Manali to Keylong?
Yes, HRTC buses and shared cabs operate daily in the summer season.
5. How are the road conditions from Manali to Keylong?
Mostly good via Atal Tunnel, though weather can impact conditions. The road is now motorable even in early winter.
6. Can I take my sedan to Keylong?
Yes, up to Keylong via Atal Tunnel. For further travel (e.g., Leh), SUV is recommended.
7. Do I need permits to travel to Keylong?
Indians do not require permits. Foreigners should carry valid ID and may need to register at checkpoints.
