2022
Hedged between Tibet and Kinnaur and snugged under the shadows of the greater Himalayan peaks like Phawrang (6349m) and Beshrang , Kunnu & Charang villages offers a pristine landscape which is still inaccessible by road. However you can get here by reaching Shurting ITBP check post which is around 20 km far from Moorang and around 60 km from district headquarters Reckong Peo. Charang serve as a base camp for Mangsu pass , Charang La and Khimokul Pass
.Kunnu & Charang has its distinctive cultural traditions.People are deeply influenced by Buddhism and speak Sino-Tibetian language which is very close to Bhoti ( language spoken by people of Spiti), though Kinnauri is also spoken by many.Nevertheless, with the arrival of 21st century globalization cultural values are losing sheen and inevitable change is palpable. Village landscape is changing rapidly over the course of time. People of Kunnu & Charang follow lamaism of Tibet & local deities. Age old Tibetian Bhuddist monastery Rangrik is half an hour walk from Charang. According to folklore this monastery was built by 'avtari' monk in a night and nobody knows about its inception year or date. In july month every year people celebrate 'Dugpa Cheji' or the dragon dance by monks. Losar ( Tibbetian new year ) festival is celebrated in the month of December.
Climate of the village is similar to that of Zanskar region.Even backpackers call it 'little Zansksar' . Altitude is around 3400 meter. People have built their house from stones and mud. Owing to the elevation & meagre rainfall due to rain shadow effect , the vegetation is scarce. Unique set of flora and fauna exists here by virtue of the very nature of climate & altitude. Snow leopard can be spotted along the Tirung stream during winters while the Ibex & Bharal ( mountain goats ) are easily sighted by the people.
Despite the challenges imposed by geography and climate , people of Kunnu & Charang grow peas , barley & potatoes in abundance. 'Chhang' is an indigenous spirit brewed from barley grains. It offers cushion against harsh climate and rigours of life in the mountains. Almost every house has its own brewery.
Tidong Stream
Barley fields
Natives of Charang
Barley fields
Kunnu Village
Rangrik Tsungma Monastery
Rangrik Tungma Monastery
Monk going to perform 'Chham' dance. Chham is a masked dance performed by buddhist monks
Inscription in Tibbetian script
Tidong StreamBarley fieldsNatives of CharangBarley fieldsKunnu VillageRangrik Tsungma MonasteryRangrik Tungma MonasteryMonk going to perform 'Chham' dance. Chham is a masked dance performed by buddhist monksInscription in Tibbetian script
