Sangla Holi 2026: Complete Travel Guide, Dates, Itinerary & Tour Package
Published on February 04, 2026
Sangla Holi isn’t just another colour festival — it’s a culturally rich, centuries-old Himalayan celebration in the idyllic Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Unlike typical Holi festivities seen elsewhere, Sangla’s version blends ancient tribal customs, nature worship, local music and folk dances with the playful spirit of colours amid snow-clad mountain scenery.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Sangla Holi 2026, including the festival’s significance, detailed itinerary, local traditions, travel logistics, and must-visit places in the valley.
What Makes Sangla Holi Special?
Sangla Holi — also known as part of the traditional Faguli Festival — is celebrated over several days with deep cultural meaning. The festival honours the end of winter, the beginning of spring, and seeks blessings for a prosperous agricultural season. Its origins trace back over 800 years, making it one of the oldest Holi traditions in the Himalayan region.
Unlike mainstream Holi celebrations:
- Celebration includes folk music, dances and spiritual rituals before colours.
- Locals enact Ramayana scenes and traditional processions through villages.
- It blends light (diyas) and colour, reflecting both Holi and Diwali influences.
- Snowy landscapes give the festival a unique Himalayan twist.
Sangla Holi 2026 Dates
- Sangla Holi 2026 is expected to be celebrated in early March (main festival days usually fall just after the full moon in Phalguna).
- Most travel itineraries plan activities from late February to early March to catch all cultural events and scenic beauty with snow still present.
Sangla Holi 2026 Tour Itinerary
DAY 0: 28 February – Delhi to Shimla (Overnight Journey)
Your journey to the magical Himalayas begins in the evening from Delhi. Board a comfortable vehicle and enjoy a smooth overnight drive towards Shimla.
- Evening departure from Delhi
- Dinner halt at a clean and hygienic roadside restaurant
- Relax, unwind, and enjoy the scenic overnight journey
- Overnight travel
DAY 1: 1 March – Shimla to Sangla (Kinnaur Valley)
Wake up to fresh mountain air as you arrive in Shimla. After breakfast, continue your scenic drive towards the breathtaking Kinnaur Valley, passing through lush forests, deep valleys, and riverside roads.
- Arrival in Shimla and onward journey to Sangla
- Drive via Rampur, Karcham, and Baspa Valley
- Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks and apple orchards
- Reach Sangla by evening and check into your hotel
- Leisure walk around Sangla village and the riverside
- Dinner and overnight stay in Sangla
DAY 2: 2 March – Sangla Holi Celebration
This is the highlight of your trip — Holi in Sangla Valley, celebrated in its most traditional and authentic form.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Participate in traditional Sangla Holi celebrations with locals
- Experience folk music, cultural dances, rituals, and natural colours
- Celebrate Holi against the backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan mountains
- Free time to explore local culture and interact with villagers
- Evening at leisure
- Dinner and overnight stay in Sangla
DAY 3: 3 March – Chitkul Sightseeing & Departure
After breakfast, head towards Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, famous for its untouched beauty and serene landscapes.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit Chitkul Village and Baspa River viewpoints
- Explore local cafes, wooden houses, and scenic trails
- Capture breathtaking photos of the valley
- Begin the return journey after sightseeing
- Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of Sangla Holi 2026
Cultural Rituals & Traditions of Sangla Holi
Sangla Holi isn’t a one-day event — it’s part of an extended community festival that celebrates nature, heritage and seasonal change.
Preparatory Phase
Villagers spend days preparing by cleaning homes, gathering ritual items, and making sacred dishes like “Totu” (a traditional buttermilk and roasted barley food shared as prasad).
Spiritual Observances
Locals gather at places like the Nag Temple to offer prayers and perform processions to honour local deities. Traditional instruments such as dhol, karnal, shehnai, and folk songs form an immersive cultural backdrop.
Main Holi Day
On the main celebration day, villagers and visitors dressed in white play “Gulaal Wali Holi”, dance, and celebrate with colours against the snowy Himalayan backdrop — a truly unique experience compared to typical Holi festivities elsewhere.
Closing Celebrations
The final days include lighting diyas and lamps, reenacting stories from the Ramayana, and community feasts that reinforce unity and cultural continuity.
Local Food & Drinks to Try
During the festival, you’ll get a chance to taste traditional Kinnauri delicacies:
- Sidu – Steamed bread with seeds and nuts
- Chilta – Buckwheat pancake
- Phasur – Local alcoholic beverage perfect for cold weather
- Thukpa – Warm noodle soup
These foods enrich the cultural and culinary experience of Sangla Holi.
How to Reach Sangla
✈️ By Air
- Chandigarh Airport is the major aerial gateway (approx 350 km from Sangla)
- Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) is closer but has limited flights
By Train
- Kalka Railway Station or Chandigarh Railway Station are the best options
- From there, hire a taxi or take a scenic road journey to Sangla
By Road
-
Road travel from Shimla or Delhi is most popular
-
HRTC buses and private taxis run regularly to Sangla
Plan your travel early, especially around festival dates, as mountain routes can be affected by weather changes.
Top Places to Visit Near Sangla
Chitkul Village
Known as the last Indian village near the Indo-China border, Chitkul offers serene landscapes and panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Bering Nag Temple
A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with beautiful wooden carvings and deep local reverence.
Rakcham Village
A peaceful hamlet between Sangla and Chitkul, known for its apple orchards and scenic Baspa river walks.
Kamru Fort
An ancient hill fort with intricate architecture and views of the Kinnaur Kailash range.
Sangla Meadows
Ideal for camping and nature treks, offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Travel Tips for Sangla Holi
✔ Respect local traditions and ask before participating in rituals.
✔ Carry warm clothing — snow and chilly winds are common in early March.
✔ Book accommodations and transport well in advance.
✔ Engage with locals respectfully — elders are highly regarded in the community.
Why Sangla Holi is a Must-Visit
If you’re looking for an offbeat Holi experience that combines tradition, culture, and scenic beauty, Sangla Holi offers something truly special. Here you don’t just attend a festival — you become part of a community celebration deeply rooted in Himalayan heritage.
Explore More Unique Holi Celebrations in India
If you loved reading about Sangla Holi, there are other equally vibrant and culturally rich Holi destinations in India that you can explore with TourMyHoliday.
Pushkar Holi Celebration
Pushkar Holi is one of the most energetic and colourful Holi celebrations in India. Famous for its DJ parties, flower Holi, and international crowd, Pushkar offers a completely different vibe compared to the peaceful Himalayan Holi of Sangla.
Explore Pushkar Holi Package:
Gopeshwar Holi – Traditional Uttarakhand Holi
For travellers looking for an authentic, spiritual, and local Holi experience, Gopeshwar Holi in Uttarakhand is a hidden gem. Celebrate Holi with locals through folk songs, temple rituals, and mountain views, away from commercial crowds.
Explore Gopeshwar Holi Package:
Why Choose TourMyHoliday for Holi Trips?
- Curated offbeat Holi destinations
- Local experiences with cultural authenticity
- Verified stays & experienced trip leaders
- Trusted Himalayan travel experts
Whether you want the snowy Holi of Sangla, the spiritual charm of Gopeshwar, or the high-energy celebration of Pushkar, we have the perfect Holi trip for you.
Contact TourMyHoliday today to plan your Holi 2026 adventure!
