Good Time
Keylong in May
Himachal Pradesh, India
May opens Keylong to serious tourism. Temperatures at 5-18°C are comfortable. The Manali-Keylong route via Atal Tunnel takes 3-4 hours. Rohtang Pass (the old route) may or may not be open — the tunnel makes it irrelevant for Keylong access. Kardang Monastery in spring is atmospheric. The Bhaga and Chandra valleys show their first green. The Keylong-Udaipur road (55km) opens, connecting to the ancient temples of Markula and Trilokinath.
The May story
May Keylong starts functioning as a tourist destination. Kardang Monastery, the largest in Lahaul, holds significant Buddhist art and manuscripts — allow 2 hours. The climb to the monastery (3500m from the valley at 3080m) is a good acclimatisation walk for those heading to Leh. Tayul Monastery (8km from Keylong) has a famous 12-foot Padmasambhava statue. Shasur Monastery (3km) has its own charm. The Keylong-to-Udaipur road opens the Chandra valley: Trilokinath temple (Hindu-Buddhist shared worship, unique in India), Markula Devi temple, and the road toward Pangi valley. Chandra Taal (Moon Lake, 65km from Keylong via Kunzum Pass) might be accessible by late May in warm years. May accommodation: Rs 1500-3000. The Manali-Keylong-Leh highway travellers start arriving. The town buzz builds. For those who want Keylong itself rather than as a transit stop, May offers the full cultural menu with spring energy.
Why May scores 4/5
Weather
Opening up, 5-18°C. Manali-Leh highway clearing (via Atal Tunnel). Lahaul Valley greening. Gondhla Fort accessible. Keylong market coming alive. Good early season.
Roads & Access
self drive: 4x4 recommended. Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel route.. road condition: Atal Tunnel has improved access. Beyond Keylong roads rough. Closed in heavy snow.. public transport: HRTC buses from Manali (limited). No rail. Bhuntar airport 170km.. from nearest city: Manali→Keylong: 115km 4-5hrs via Atal Tunnel.. last km difficulty: moderate
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: SDRF Himachal, Army if needed. helpline: HP Tourism: 0177-2652561. ambulance: 108 (unreliable, long response). police station: Keylong police station. nearest hospital: District Hospital Keylong — basic. Serious cases evacuated to Manali.
Network
VI: No, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: No. Poor to fair. BSNL and Jio only. Drops frequently. No signal beyond town.
Kids
Kid-friendly (2/5) — Transit point with basic facilities, Kardang Monastery interesting
Elevation
3,080m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Buddhist heritage seekers doing the triple-monastery circuit
- ✓Chandra valley explorers heading to Trilokinath and Markula temples
- ✓Leh-bound travellers giving Keylong a proper stop
- ✓Acclimatisation-focused travellers using 3080m as prep for higher
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Visitors wanting Chandra Taal — lake may not be accessible until June
- ✗Comfort seekers expecting Manali-level infrastructure
- ✗Anyone who thinks 3080m altitude doesn't matter — acclimatise first
- ✗Late May visitors wanting Leh road — it may not be fully open
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 | Cold -10 to 2°C. Atal Tunnel keeps road from Manali open but Keylong itself frozen. Lahaul Valley under heavy snow. Kardang monastery accessible but harsh. |
| February | 2/5 | Coldest, -15 to 0°C. Deep winter. Atal Tunnel open but town infrastructure minimal. Chandrabhaga River frozen. Only for extreme cold enthusiasts. |
| March | 2/5 | Still cold -8 to 5°C. Snow melting slowly. Atal Tunnel provides year-round access but Lahaul Valley barely waking. Very limited facilities open. |
| April | 3/5 | Thawing 0-12°C. Valley emerging from snow. Streams swelling with melt. Kardang monastery accessible. Baralacha La still closed. Spring colours starting. |
| Mayviewing | 4/5 | Opening up, 5-18°C. Manali-Leh highway clearing (via Atal Tunnel). Lahaul Valley greening. Gondhla Fort accessible. Keylong market coming alive. Good early season. |
| June | 5/5 | Peak season, 10-25°C. All Lahaul attractions open. Manali-Leh highway fully operational. Kardang, Shashur monasteries accessible. Valley in bloom. Book ahead. |
| July | 5/5 | Rain shadow advantage, 12-28°C. While rest of Himachal drowns in monsoon, Lahaul stays dry and sunny. Unique green valley between brown mountains. Best-kept secret. |
| August | 5/5 | Dry and pleasant, 10-26°C. Lahaul's rain shadow means clear skies while Manali gets 400mm rain. Chandratal accessible. Perfect for escaping monsoon. Underrated. |
| September | 5/5 | Post-monsoon perfection, 5-20°C. Crystal clear skies. Snow peaks sharp against blue. Valley golden. Chandratal Lake at its most photogenic. Few tourists. Go now. |
| October | 4/5 | Cooling rapidly, 0-14°C. Baralacha La may close. Chandratal closing. Autumn colours in valley. Last good month. Check pass conditions before heading to Leh side. |
| November | 2/5 | Cold -5 to 5°C. Baralacha La closed. Only Atal Tunnel route from Manali open. Valley emptying. Limited facilities. Beautiful but harsh winter approaching. |
| December | 2/5 | Deep winter -12 to 0°C. Atal Tunnel keeps access open but town in hibernation mode. Chandrabhaga frozen. Only for those specifically wanting winter Lahaul. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Manali→Keylong: 115km 4-5hrs via Atal Tunnel.. Roads: Atal Tunnel has improved access. Beyond Keylong roads rough. Closed in heavy snow.. Self-drive: 4x4 recommended. Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel route.. Public transport: HRTC buses from Manali (limited). No rail. Bhuntar airport 170km.. Last stretch: moderate
Elevation
3,080m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Himachal Pradesh scoring high in May
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