geographical setting
Pangna is a small village in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located 97 km from the state’s summer capital, Shimla and can be accessed by road. Situated at an elevation of 5000 feet Pangna lies in the lap of Shikari peak overlooking a valley intersected by several streams like the Pangna khud (river), which runs along the side of the village. The valley of Pangna makes up a part of the lower Himalayas filled with evergreen trees like Deodar, Bahira, Bakain, Ban, and Chil. Pangna is an abode to several varieties of flora like Pomegranate, Galgal(lemon), Mogra, Weed, Walnut, Apricot, Khumani, Lukat, Khadak, Beaud, Fegada etc.Stepped farming, carved from the side of hills and the steep mountains are a common feature here.
The presence of several streams makes the soil favourable for farming. The neighbourhood once flourished as a farming community that grew pulses like rajma, makai, dal, masoor, maize, paddy, various grams, and Barley, which inherently became a part of their staple diet. As time passed, agriculture patterns shifted as cash crops such as apples, pears and oranges were introduced for commercial use. Fruits grown in this region include almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and walnuts, given that the climate here is suitable for their cultivation.
view from the pangna fort