Baspa River is a river flowing through the Indian Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It rises near the Indo-Tibetan border and forms the scenic Baspa Valley (also known as the Sangla Valley) before flowing into the Sutlej River from the left bank near Karchham, where the Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant is located on it.
Geography
The Vally runs from Chung Sakhago Pass to Karcham. The Chung Sakhago Pass lies at the head of the valley. It is fed by the perennial glaciers and shares the catchment area with the headwaters of the Ganges. Only the lower half of the 95 kilometers length of the valley is inhabited - all the way from Chitkul (3,475 m) to where the Baspa meets the Sutlej River at Karcham (1,830 m). Though gentle most of the way, it would be difficult to raft the Baspa as some stretches have sheer falls.
Ecology
The upper and middle slopes of the valley along the river are covered with pine and oak forests. Pastures, meadows and fields cover the lower slopes.
Tourism
Some of the most picturesque villages in the Himalayas can be found here, including the tourist habitations of Sangla, Rakchham, and Chitkul.
Transport
The 40-km long Kharcham-Sangla-Rakchham-Chitkul section of under construction 150 km long Karcham-Harshil Road runs along the Baspa River from Kharcham,Himachal: BRO to build Karcham-Chitkul road along China border, Hindustan Ties, 15 July 2024. later of which begins from Karcham NH-5 will have a road tunnel under the Lamkhaga Pass.One step closer, Daily Pioneer, 8 October 2020.BRO plans tunnels to ensure all-weather connectivity in eastern Ladakh, Business Standard, 2 August 2025.Himachal: BRO to build Karcham-Chitkul road along China border, Hindustan Ties, 15 July 2024.
See also
Baspa Valley Sangla Valley, part of Baspa River Valley where Baspa River flows by the Sangla habitation Chitkuli Kinnauri language, spoken in Baspa River Valley Liar's Dice (film), story set around Baspa River Valley
References