Darcha

Darcha also known as Dartse (elevation 3,360 m or 11,020 ft)[1] is a village on the Bhaga River in Lahaul region in Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the northernmost permanent settlement in Himachal Pradesh along the Manali-Leh Highway.[2] With the opening of the Atal Tunnel, Darcha is likely to see a large influx of tourists as it is now connected to Manali throughout the year. The Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road which is being constructed, will improve connectivity of Kargil, Zanskar and Leh District of Ladakh to Darcha.

Darcha
Village
Darcha
Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 32.674°N 77.216°E / 32.674; 77.216
Country India
StateHimachal Pradesh
DistrictLahaul and Spiti
Area
 • Total0.51 km2 (0.20 sq mi)
Elevation
3,360 m (11,020 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total358
 • Density700/km2 (1,800/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationHP

Demographics
New Darcha village, Oct 2020

The village has 65 households and a total population of 358, of which 182 are male and 176 are female.[3] There are 5 residents belonging to scheduled castes and 262 belonging to scheduled tribes.[3] Schooling up to 10+2 is available in the village; there is a Primary Health Centre at Darcha.[3] Drinking water is available, and the village has power and telephone connections.[3]

Transport
Old bridge at Darcha

Some buses between Manali and Leh stop for the night at Darcha where travelers sleep in tents. A new all weather steel bridge of 360 meters length has been built over the confluence of the Bhaga river and Jankar Nala on the Leh-Manali Highway.[4] The village is the end-point of a popular trek beginning in Padum, Zanskar. Roadside stalls offer basic food.[2]

All passing vehicles must stop at Darcha's police checkpoint for identification and passport checks.[2][5]

  • Darcha village, Oct 2020
  • Village on a river beneath a mountain range, '09
  • R. Bhaga, Darcha to Gemur, Oct '20
  • R. Bhaga from Darcha past Jispa to Gemur, Oct '20
  • R. Bhaga from Darcha past Jispa to Gemur, Jul '16
  • Fields on the Bhaga river bed, Oct '20

References
  1. "Himachal Tourism | Darcha". Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
  2. Singh, S.; Bindloss, J. (2007). India. Lonely Planet. p. 341. ISBN 9781741043082. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
  3. 2001 India Census. See censusindia.gov.in Archived 12 May 2008 at WebCite (registration required). Data aggregated for Darcha Dangma and Darcha Sumdol.
  4. "Of 44 bridges dedicated to nation, HP gets two on Manali-Leh highway". The Hindustan Times. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  5. Bradnock, R.; Bradnock, R. (2000). Indian Himalaya: The Travel Guide. Footprint Handbooks. p. 196. ISBN 9781900949798. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
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