Moorang(3591m):
Situated above the left bank of Satluj at some distance from the confluence of the Tirang and 39 kms away from the Kalpa. The location is very beautiful and approach to this picturesque village is through apricot orchards. The dell is encircled by the lofty mountains on every side, except westward open to the Satluj, on the bank of which there is an old fort believed to be built by the Pandavas. The fort has a square structure situated on a knoll overlooking the Satluj. Its main gate is approachable by a detached ladder. It has a flat roof.
The local deity is Urming and there are three structures dedicated to the deity each existing in Thwaring, Garmang and Shilling. Generally these are empty as the ark of the deity remains in the fort. On a sacred day the ark is taken to the above named places. The ark has got 18 'mukh', made of silver, gold and brass. The 18 mukh represents the 18 days of the great epic Mahabharat.
Charang(3650m):
One of the remotest villages under the jurisdiction area of Tehsil Moorang.
Charang is a small village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the last village along the Indo-China Border, sitauted at a height of about 3500m above sea level.
The ancient Rangrik Monastery is located here. The village has flourished under the blessings of the Goddess.
The village offers complete escape from the busy city life. No network coverage only two BSNL landline connections one in the village & the other one at the last ITBP Charang Post.
The village can be visited both during summers and winters, but during winters one may have to undertake a trek of about 20 km as the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall. In winters temprature may be as low as -15°C. The accomodation here is provided by the villagers.
During summers one can reach Charang by personal vehicle or by bus from Recong Peo followed by a small trek. There is a bus from Reckong Peo at about 9 am. Cabs can also be hired from Reckong Peo or Moorang which is midway between Reckong Peo & Charang.
The winter trek to the village is very thrilling and trekking under the moonlight with the whole area covered with a carpet of snow is a divine experience. But the winter trek shall be undertaken under proper guidance & with proper life saving equipments and medicines.
Winters are beautiful but harsh. So it is advisable that one should undertake the trek with all preparation & under the guidance of some expert.
Charang Temple:
Just beyond Charang is a temple of the eleventh century known as Rangrik Tungma complex. The temple takes its name from the goddess Rangrik Tungma and her small metal image, astride a horse is the oldest at the temple. In all likelihood Rangrik Tungma must have been a pre-Buddhist deity, absorbed into the pantheon of the later religion. Two other bronze statues appear to be of considerable value; a Maitreya seated with legs pendant, in bhadrasana and a Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra. The walls of the main hall are linked with clay idols, in the same style as the mandala in the dukhang at Tabo. The wall paintings below are old although the wheel of life outside the door has been redone lately. There is also an interesting hoard of ivory and bonehandled knives and daggers at the temple. Many centuries ago, it is said a robber gang from across the Tibetan border raided the temple. The clay images of protective deities at the entrance set up a terrific noise, resembling the thundering hooves of galloping horses. The terrific robbers droped their weapons and took off, running up valley to vanish in the crevasses of the huge glaciers streaming down from the high peaks above.
Charang Temple:
Just beyond Charang is a temple of the eleventh century known as Rangrik Tungma complex. The temple takes its name from the goddess Rangrik Tungma and her small metal image, astride a horse is the oldest at the temple. In all likelihood Rangrik Tungma must have been a pre-Buddhist deity, absorbed into the pantheon of the later religion. Two other bronze statues appear to be of considerable value; a Maitreya seated with legs pendant, in bhadrasana and a Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra. The walls of the main hall are linked with clay idols, in the same style as the mandala in the dukhang at Tabo. The wall paintings below are old although the wheel of life outside the door has been redone lately. There is also an interesting hoard of ivory and bonehandled knives and daggers at the temple. Many centuries ago, it is said a robber gang from across the Tibetan border raided the temple. The clay images of protective deities at the entrance set up a terrific noise, resembling the thundering hooves of galloping horses. The terrific robbers droped their weapons and took off, running up valley to vanish in the crevasses of the huge glaciers streaming down from the high peaks above.
Lippa(2438m):
Situated near the left bank of Taiti stream. The grass of this village is said to be found to be very nourishing to cattle and horses. Ibex are said to be found in the nearby forest. There is a game sanctuary. There are three Buddhist temples dedicated to Galdang Chhoikar, Dunguir and Kangyur. Apart from the Buddhist temples there is yet another old sanctuary dedicated to Tangtashu, a local deity.
Ribba(3745m):
Ribba or Rirang is another large populous village at a distance of 14 kms from Moorang, the tehsil hqrs. situated between the villages of Purbani and Rispa. In the local dialect ri stands for Chilgoza and rang means a peak of mountain.This village is situated on the northern flank of the lofty Kinner Kailash group. Its surroundings are full of the trees of edible pine.This as well as another village Rispa are known for their grapes orchards and the alcohol famous grape distilled from the vineyards of Ribba.
Jangi:
26 km from Powari, the inner border is located here beyond which foreigners require permit to travel upto Tabo. From this point the famous Kinner Kailash Parikarama Trek starts touching Moorang, Thangi and Kunocharang villages and entering Chitkul village in Sangla Valley.
Rarang Monastery at Rarang:
Just outside Rarang, on the Thopan side is the newly built Monastery of Tashi Choeling. This new monastery has come in the wake of post-1960 Tibetan influences from the Drugpa sect. Close to the monastery are older dwellings and temples, merging into the rugged surface of a rocky mountain side. These older units are traced to Nyingmapa adherents.
Rarang Monastery at Rarang:
Just outside Rarang, on the Thopan side is the newly built Monastery of Tashi Choeling. This new monastery has come in the wake of post-1960 Tibetan influences from the Drugpa sect. Close to the monastery are older dwellings and temples, merging into the rugged surface of a rocky mountain side. These older units are traced to Nyingmapa adherents.
