Rarang Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Rarang, Himachal Pradesh, India. Learn about the local culture, customs, safety, and health. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and transportation options.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Rarang, Himachal Pradesh

Rarang is a stunning village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas and offers incredible natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous outdoor activities. This travel guide provides everything you need to know about Rarang, its history, places to visit, best things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture and customs, safety information, and transportation options.

Introduction to Rarang

Rarang is a quaint and peaceful village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountains and dense forests. Rarang is famous for its apple orchards, wheat fields, and stunning landscapes. The population of the village is around two thousand people, and the majority of the locals are Hindu and Buddhist.

List of Places to Visit in Rarang

There are several places to visit in Rarang, ranging from culturally significant attractions to natural wonders. Here are some highlights:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Devi Kothi Temple: The Devi Kothi Temple is a famous pilgrimage site, located on the banks of the Sutlej River. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
  • Rarang Monastery: Rarang Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist monastery, constructed in the 11th century. It is renowned for its thangkas, murals, and prayer wheels.
  • Kamru Fort: Kamru Fort is a historical fort located near Sangla, around 21 kilometers from Rarang. It is a significant architectural marvel and has a unique wooden balcony.

Natural Attractions of Rarang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rarang Waterfall: The Rarang Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder, located on the outskirts of the village. The waterfall offers breathtaking views and is an ideal picnic spot.
  • Rakhchham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary: The Rakhchham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers a glimpse of the diverse flora and fauna of the Himalayan region.
  • Chitkul Village: The Chitkul Village is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border. It is a beautiful and peaceful place, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and apple orchards.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rarang

Rarang is an ideal location for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The village offers several trails for beginners and experts. Some of the notable routes are:

  • Rarang to Sangla: The Rarang to Sangla hike is a scenic and straightforward trek, passing through apple orchards and dense forests.
  • Rarang to Chitkul: The Rarang to Chitkul trail is a challenging trek, but it offers excellent views of the western Himalayas.
  • Rarang to Kalpa: The Rarang to Kalpa route is a popular biking trail, passing through picturesque villages and stunning landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Rarang: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Rarang offers several exciting activities and tours such as:

  • Apple Picking: Rarang is famous for its apple orchards, and visitors can experience apple picking with the locals.
  • Camping: Camping is a popular activity in Rarang, as it offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Local Homestays: Staying with a local family is an excellent way to experience the local culture and customs of Rarang.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rarang

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Rarang:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Rarang and explore the village.
  • Day 2: Visit the Devi Kothi Temple and Rarang Monastery.
  • Day 3: Trek to the Rarang Waterfall and spend the day picnicking.
  • Day 4: Drive to Chitkul village and explore the area.
  • Day 5: Visit the Kamru Fort and nearby villages.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to Sangla Valley and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
  • Day 7: Explore the local markets and try the local cuisine before departing Rarang.

Food and Drink Scene of Rarang

Rarang has a unique food and drink scene, incorporating local flavors and traditional recipes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Siddu: Siddu is a famous local dish, made from flour, yeast, and served with butter.
  • Thupka: Thupka is a traditional soup, made from meat and vegetables, and served with noodles.
  • Bhatura: Bhatura is a popular dish, made with fermented wheat flour and served with a spicy potato curry.

Local Beverages

  • Chang: Chang is a local beer, made by fermenting barley and millet.
  • Arak: Arak is a famous alcoholic beverage, made from fermented apples.

Where to Stay in Rarang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rarang offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular options:

  • Panchali Homestay: Panchali Homestay is a beautiful and cozy homestay, offering comfortable rooms and a warm local experience.
  • Rupin River View Guesthouse: Rupin River View Guesthouse is a beautiful guesthouse, located on the banks of the Rupin River. It offers scenic views and is an ideal place to relax.
  • Kinnaur Kailash Hotel: Kinnaur Kailash Hotel is a beautiful hotel, located in the heart of Rarang. It offers comfortable rooms and various facilities such as a restaurant, bar, and garden.

What to Buy in Rarang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rarang is famous for its local handicrafts, rugs, and woolen shawls. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back as a memory:

  • Local Rugs: Local rugs are a famous handicraft of Rarang, made using local wool and natural dyes.
  • Woolen Shawls: The woolen shawls of Rarang are famous for their intricate designs and traditional patterns.
  • Dried Apples: The dried apples of Rarang are a popular local snack and souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Rarang

The locals of Rarang are warm and welcoming people, with a rich cultural heritage. The majority of them are Hindu and Buddhist, and they celebrate various festivals throughout the year. Some of the notable festivals are:

  • Phulaich Festival: Phulaich Festival is a significant festival of Rarang, celebrated in the month of January. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is a symbol of the end of the winter season.
  • Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami is a famous Hindu festival, celebrated in the month of February. It marks the arrival of spring and is the ideal time for outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Rarang

The best time to visit Rarang is from March to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the sky is clear. The monsoon season, from July to August, can make traveling difficult due to landslides and heavy rainfall. The winter season, from December to February, is freezing, with heavy snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rarang

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress appropriately and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take care of the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Engage in any illegal activities such as drug use.
  • Litter or harm the environment.
  • Make loud noises or disturb the local wildlife.
  • Click photographs without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rarang

Rarang is a safe place for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, it is advisable to take precautionary measures to ensure personal safety. Some tips are:

  • Avoid traveling at night, especially in isolated areas.
  • Keep your belongings safe and secure.
  • Follow the local guidelines and instructions.

Health in Rarang

Rarang is a high-altitude region, and travelers may experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimate slowly and drink plenty of water. Also, carry necessary medication and consult a doctor before traveling.

Getting to Rarang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rarang is a remote village, and reaching there can be a bit challenging. Here are some transportation options and logistic information:

Airports Near Rarang

The nearest airport to Rarang is the Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla, which is around 214 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Rarang

The nearest bus station to Rarang is the Reckong Peo Bus Stand, located around 17 kilometers away.

Other Options

One can also hire a taxi or private vehicle from Shimla or Chandigarh.

How to Get Around in Rarang

Walking is the best way to explore the village and nearby areas. However, one can also hire a taxi or motorbike to explore the region with ease.

Where to Go Next from Rarang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Rarang:

  • Kalpa: Kalpa is a beautiful village, located around 31 kilometers from Rarang. It is famous for its apple orchards, Buddhist monasteries, and the stunning Kinnaur Kailash peak.
  • Sangla Valley: Sangla Valley, located around 41 kilometers from Rarang, is a beautiful valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests.
  • Chandigarh: Chandigarh is a major city, located around 309 kilometers from Rarang. It is famous for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and food.

Conclusion

Rarang is a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh, offering stunning natural beauty, adventurous activities, and a rich cultural heritage. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Rarang with ease and make the most of your visit.