Darcha (elevation 3,360 m or 11,020 ft) is a village on the
Bhaga River in Lahaulregion 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. The Rough Guide to India describes it as "a lonely
cluster of dry-stone huts and dingy tent camps".
Some buses between Manali and Leh stop for the night at Darcha
where tourists sleep in tents. The village is the end-point of
a popular trek beginning in Padum, Zanskar. Roadside stalls
offer basic food.All passing vehicles must stop at Darcha's
police checkpoint for passport checks.
The village has 65 households and a total population of 298,
of which 152 are male and 146 are female. There are 2
residents belonging to scheduled castes and 222 belonging to
scheduled tribes. Schooling up to 10+2 is available in the
village; there is a Primary Health Centre at Darcha. Drinking
water is available, and the village has power and telephone
connections. |