An upcoming tourist destination, majorly accessible today due to the Atal Tunnel, Pangi Valley has unscathing views of High Peaks and Glaciers, High Himalayan Meadows full of wildflowers, high Alpine Forests full of rare flora and fauna, beautiful silver rushing Glacial Streams flowing down steep slopes into the white beast, the Chandrabhaga River, and so much more to offer. Remote and hidden from the world, in the embrace of the mighty Pir Panjal range, Pangi is a world of its own. 

Pangi’s history, like most of Pangi, is shrouded in mystery. Being surrounded by tall peaks acting like boundary walls, nothing much left or entered Pangi until recent technological and basic developments such as paving roads into the deep gorges and high passes. Without the existence of much physical proof and data, there are many theories that Pangwalis have about their origin. 

Pangi Valley; Image source:  Ar. Shivani Chaudhary

The Prisoners of Chamba

One of the most popular theories among the locals is that the Raja of Chamba Riyasat during the early years in India considered the rugged, remote and extreme Pangi Valley as the perfect place to banish the criminals of his kingdom condemned with life sentences. The criminals however permanently settled in Pangi, establishing different settlements in the valley over generations. 

The ‘Pangwali Topi’ from the traditional tribal attire of the Pangwali men resembles the cap given to prisoners in most of India even today. 

The ‘Pangwali Topi’ With traditional attire ; Image source:  Ar. Shivani Chaudhary

Migrating Settlers

The more simple and realistic theory among the locals is that they are descendants of migrants from neighboring areas who settled in Pangi. It is believed that long ago, settlers from Lahaul and lower Chenab region migrated from their settlements due to strain on their resources (mainly land and pastures for grazing) and settled in Pangi due to the abundance of the needed resources. 

Even today, many gaddis (shephards) travel from Chamba, Lahaul and other neighboring regions, on foot, with their flock for grazing in the lush green high pastures of Pangi. This journey lasts for a few months during the summer. 

Pangi Valley; Image source:  Ar. Shivani Chaudhary

The Rajput’s Escape

Another famous theory among the locals is that during the Mughal invasion, faced with their destiny in the war against them, many Rajput nobles sent their wives and children with servants and soldiers to a place that could not be found by the attacking Mughal Army. They reached Pangi Valley and took refuge there. Although most of the Rajput Nobles died in war and couldn't make it to Pangi with their wives, the noble wives, soldiers and servants settled in Pangi, giving rise to the various settlements in Pangi over generations. 

Since the majority of inhabitants are of Rajput origin, this theory is also believed to be one of the viable ones. However, Pangi sees Buddhists of a mongolian origin too, which suggests that one or more of these theories could be true. 

Women of Pangi Valley; Image source: Ar. Shivani Chaudhary

Evolving as a community

Pangi valley is a harmonious community, with both Aryan and Mongolian descendants. The Aryan descendants can be found in the Hindu dominated villages, and consisted of the Rajputs (mainly Ranas and Thakurs), Bhramans, Lohars, etc. The Mongolian descendants are called Bhots and live in the higher reaches of the valley, called bhatoris (for example, Sural Bhatori, Chasak Bhatori, etc). They practice Tibetan Buddhism and have a different set of festivals and religious activities than the Hindu settlements, but both can be seen united in all celebrations and difficult times. There are many beautiful temples in many of these villages, as well as old and magnificent Gompas (monasteries) near the Bhatori villages. 

Temples and Gompas in Pangi Valley; Image source: Ar. Shivani Chaudhary

Apart from the theories, there is no defining proof of the origin of the Pangwalis. All we know is that this remote and difficult terrain served as a home to these enduring locals for a very long time, and today, they have adapted to their surroundings, living in the extreme cold and cut off from the world, living a life of hardships with such ease and happiness in their hearts. And this happiness comes from the united sense of community, support, the beliefs of the locals, and the beautiful and scenic Pangi Valley itself.

Snow Festival in Sural, Pangi Valley; Image source: Ar. Akshata Damle