Darcha
Darcha (elevation 3,360 m or 11,020 ft)[1] is a pair of villages (Darcha Sumdo and Darach Dangma) on the Bhaga River in the Lahaul sub-division in the 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 Sumdo and Darach Dangma | |
  Darcha Location in Himachal Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates: 32.674°N 77.216°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| District | Lahaul and Spiti |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.51 km2 (0.20 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 3,360 m (11,020 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 358 |
| • Density | 700/km2 (1,800/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 175132 |
| Vehicle registration | HP-42 |
Demographics and amenities
Darcha consists of two adjacent villages, Darcha Sumdo and Darcha Dangma with a total area of 51.3 ha (127 acres). Information on Darcha from the Census of India 2011 is given in the table below.[3]
| Measure | Darcha Sumdo | Darcha Dangma | Darcha (total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (ha) | 10.6 | 40.7 | 51.3 |
| Population | 172 | 166 | 338 |
| Households | 38 | 34 | 72 |
| Scheduled Caste | <5% | Nil | |
| Scheduled Tribes | 41-50% | >75% |
Schooling from primary up to senior secondary (Class 1 to 12) 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.[3]
Transport
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]
Gallery
Darcha village, Oct 2020
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
- "Himachal Tourism | Darcha". Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- Singh, S.; Bindloss, J. (2007). India. Lonely Planet. p. 341. ISBN 9781741043082. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- Census of India 2011: District Census Handbook: Lahul & Spiti: Village and Town Directory. Vol. Series-03, Part XII-A. Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh. 2011. pp. 164, 303, 304, 308, 310.
- "Of 44 bridges dedicated to nation, HP gets two on Manali-Leh highway". The Hindustan Times. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
- Bradnock, R.; Bradnock, R. (2000). Indian Himalaya: The Travel Guide. Footprint Handbooks. p. 196. ISBN 9781900949798. Retrieved 12 December 2014.