Keylong is a quiet mountain town in the beautiful Spiti Valley, and right in the middle of it is a small, colorful place of life - the Keylong Market! It’s not big or fancy! You will find local people selling handmade woolen clothes, dried fruits, and small souvenirs that tell stories of the mountains.
Travelers often stop by to explore this amazing Keylong market Himachal Pradesh. There are no bright lights or bargaining crowds, but the aroma of fresh momos and amazing Spitian cuisine. You get to witness old wooden shops lined with woolen hats, yak-wool sweaters, dried apricots and much more, some of the best shopping spots in Spiti!
So, if you find yourself winding through the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, don’t just pass by! Stop at the Keylong market and let it show you that even in the remotest corners, life is full, rich and beautifully alive during your Spiti trip!
How to Reach Keylong Market Spiti?
By Road - The Most Scenic Route
Most travelers reach Keylong by road, and trust us, it's worth the ride.
From Manali:
Keylong is about 120 km from Manali, and thanks to the Atal Tunnel, the journey has become smoother and faster. It takes around 3 to 4 hours by car. The route goes through Sissu, Tandi, and Gondhla, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
By Bus – Budget & Beautiful
If you’re traveling on a budget or love road adventures, buses are a great option:
- HRTC and HPTDC buses run between Manali and Keylong during the travel season (May to October).
- You’ll also find shared taxis and tempo travelers leaving from Manali every morning.
- Buses from Leh to Manali often stop at Keylong, making it a handy overnight halt.
By Air - Closest Airports
- Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) is the nearest, located about 170 km from Keylong.
- From Bhuntar, you’ll need to travel by road via Manali.
- Leh Airport is another option if you’re coming from Ladakh. From there, the road to Keylong is long but scenic.
Also check out: 7 Days Spiti Circuit Road Trip
Best Time to Visit Keylong Market
If you want to see Keylong Market Spiti at its best, plan your visit between May and September. During these months, the sun is out, the roads are clear, and the market buzzes with local life.
Shops are open, fresh fruits and woolens fill the stalls, and the air is crisp but comfortable. Monsoon brings a touch of green, and early autumn adds a golden glow. In winter, though, the market slows down as snow takes over, beautiful, but quiet and limited.
Keylong Market Opening Time
Shop Timings (Peak Season)
- Main market shops in Keylong are generally open from 8 am to 6 pm daily, ideal hours for shopping authentic local crafts, woollens, and snacks
24‑Hour Access (Outer Market Area)
- The local market stretch along the Leh–Manali Highway (Lower Keylong village) operates 24 hours a day, every day.
Things to Buy in Keylong Market Spiti Valley
Here are certain things to buy in Keylong Market in Spiti Valley that you should not miss, so go ahead and experience one of the best things to do in Spiti.
- Woolen clothes: Traditional knitwear, warm coats, sweaters, shawls, socks, hats, gloves, etc.
- Local handicrafts: Carved wooden items, jewelry, carpets, pottery, and sculptures.
- Dry fruits: Almonds, Kashmiri almonds, dates, apricots, walnuts, raisins, etc.
- Spices: Saffron, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, cumin, coriander, pepper, etc.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits: Peas, cauliflower, apples, apricots, etc.
- Ayurvedic medicines: Ashwagandha, amla, guggal, brahmi, wheatgrass, etc.
- Dairy products: Ghee (clarified butter), paneer (cottage cheese), churma (sweet pudding), etc.
- Ethnic costumes: Traditional Himachali kurtas and dresses.
- Pickles: Aamchur (mango pickle), Lachoal (fried bura), and other traditional fish, vegetable and fruit pickles.
- Sakti tassels (nag chadi): Traditional Hakiyari ornaments made of metal and beads used for religious purposes.
Where to Buy From in Keylong Spiti Valley?
- Co‑operative Society Shops like Himachal Emporium and Bhuttico offer quality woollens, carpets, jackets, silver jewelry, and pullas.
- Tibetan-style Handicraft Shops are scattered across the market, great for ceramics, stone jewelry, and utensils.
- Highway-side Market (Lower Keylong) operates 24/7 and carries basic essentials, snacks, shawls & cozier gear anytime.
- Weekly Monday Market at the Polo Ground: a big cultural bazaar with seasonal produce, crafts, and local handicrafts.
Tips for Visiting Keylong Market Himachal Pradesh
- Visit Keylong Market between May and September for the best weather and open roads.
- Always carry enough cash as ATMs in Spiti are few and may not work.
- Buy authentic woollens like Pashmina shawls, Kullu caps, and handwoven mufflers.
- Don’t hesitate to bargain, it’s expected and part of the local shopping culture.
- Co-operative society shops are the best places for genuine local crafts and goods.
- Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes,, even summer evenings get chilly in the mountains.
- Reach Keylong via the Atal Tunnel from Manali — it’s a scenic 2-3 hour drive.
- BSNL and Jio networks work best — download offline maps just in case.
- Stay hydrated and walk slowly — the altitude (3,000 m) can sneak up on you.
- Savor local favorites like momos, thukpa, and butter tea at clean food stalls.
- Explore the market on foot; it’s compact, colorful, and full of hidden gems.
