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.[original research?] The Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road which is being constructed, will improve connectivity of Kargil, Zanskar and Leh District of Ladakh to Darcha.[citation needed]
Darcha | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Darcha Sumdo and Darach Dangma | |
  Darcha Location in Himachal Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates: 32°40′26″N 77°12′58″E / 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
editDarcha 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
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Some buses between Manali and Leh stop for the night at Darcha where travelers sleep in tents.[citation needed] 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
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Darcha village, Oct 2020 -
R. Bhaga, Darcha to Gemur, Oct '20 -
R. Bhaga from Darcha past Jispa to Gemur, Jun '24 -
Fields on the Bhaga river bed, Oct '20
References
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- ^ "Himachal Tourism | Darcha". Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ a b c Singh, S.; Bindloss, J. (2007). India. Lonely Planet. p. 341. ISBN 9781741043082. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on 27 November 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.