The Story of the Baspa The Baspa rises near the Indo-Tibetan border and flows through Kinnaur forming the exquisitely beautiful Sangla Valley (also known as the Baspa Valley). This is considered to be the most beautiful tract of Kinnaur. The Chung Sakhago pass lies at the head of this valley. The valley of the Baspa River is about 95 km long and is inhabited from Chitkul (3,475 m) to the river's junction with the Satluj River at an elevation of 1,830 m.

Upper Baspa Valley, Kinnaur. Credit: Karamjeet Singh

High snow-clad peaks surround the Sangla Valley. Its boundary coincides with the water-divide between the Satluj and Yamuna catchments, which also forms the border between the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

Barren ranges covered by snow form the upper half of the valley, extending almost up to the village of Chitkul. The lofty Chung Sakhago pass lies at the head of this valley. The lowest point is at the confluence of the Baspa and Satluj rivers. The inhabited and cultivated part of the Sangla Valley lies between Chitkul and the confluence.

In the moist season the Sangla Valley is transformed into a fairyland. Millions of butterflies of all hues and shades can be seen. Flowers bloom on the sub-alpine and alpine slopes.

The Sangla Valley is connected by a motor road with the main Indo-Tibet road. Rest houses are available at Sangla for visitors to the area. Legend has it that the Baspa was once a prehistoric lake. The legend looks all set to come true again in modern times as large sections of the valley will be inundated by the completion of a major multi-stage hydroelectric project currently under construction.