Kinnaur

Kinnaur is one of twelve administrative districts in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The district is divided into three administrative areas – Pooh, Kalpa, and Nichar– and has six tehsil. It is no wonder that a local tradition maintains Kinnaur beauty as a gift from the gods. Kinnaur, also known as “Land of god” is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountains cape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti river snaking through it. Kinnaur in a land where the two religions meet and coexist in harmony.

Weather in Kinnaur

During summer, it will be the pleasant kind of cold when the temperature during day will be between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. In winter season, it starts to snow here and temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives towards late July and remains until late August during which, it can rain here anytime.

The best time to visit is between March and October. The other months are when Kinnaur receives heavy snowfall. Also, during the rainy season, one needs to be careful because sometimes this region has cloudbursts which result in extremely heavy rainfall.

How to reach Kiinaur

By road: Chandigarh is at a distance of 350 km from Kinnaur. Once you reach Shimla, it will take 8:30 hours to reach Kinnaur which is approximately 257 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Train

There are no direct Rail services for Kinnaur. The nearest Railway Station is at Shimla.

By Air

There are no direct flights for Kinnaur. The closest airport is at Shimla.

Places to visit in Kalpa

Kinnaur Kailash

The Kinnaur Kailasha is a mountain in the Kinnaur district of the Indian state Himachal Pradesh, Mount Kinner Kailash (6050 m) is listed among one of the five mount Kailash. The Kinnaur Kailash Shivlingam trek will take to the heart of one of the most mythical abodes of Lord Shiva, which is a 79 foot vertical rock in the Kinnaur Kailash  mountain range. This rock formed representation of Lord Shiva believes to change its colors throughout the day. Kinner Kailash is counted among one of the legendary abodes of Lord Shiva.

Trekking to Chakka

Chaka is a distinguished mountain peak, located at 4,572 m above sea level. Chaka is reached through trekking by hiring a local guide to trek in the upward along the water channel from Kalpa. Chaka Peak offers an amazing experience of the natural beauty to the guests. The uphill journey is almost 2-3 hour long while it will take about 1.5 hours going downhill.

Suicide Point 

The Suicide Point is located around 3 km away from Kalpa village and the journey to this point takes place through beautiful apple gardens. Dangerous trench and vertical slopes are the highlights of this region. The point is situated on the road linking Roghi with Kalpa.

Roghi Village

The beautiful Roghi village is situated 8 km away from the town of Kalpa and is surrounded by lovely gardens, apple orchards and village houses. Roghi is a high mountain village at an elevation of 2.754 m (9,035 ft) above the sea level. It is famous for its simple lifestyle and customs of Himachal.

Narayan Nagini Temple

Narayan Nagini Temple is situated on the top of a hill at Chini Village in Kinnaur District. This temple is supposed to be 5000 yrs old and carries significant importance to Indian mythology of Mahabharata. According to the local folklore. Like most other villages of the Kinnaur, Hinduism had co-existed with Buddhism. The Temple Located quite close to the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery. It’s hardly at a walk of 5 minutes from the monastery.

Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery

Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery is located in Kalpa a small village at a height of 2960 meter in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. This extremely old monastery was founded by Rinchensang-po (950-1055 AD). Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery is an example of Tibetan architecture at its best.

Sapni Fort

Sapni Fort located in nearby Sapni village has a unique architectural structure with two buildings joined together. Built by Raja Padam Singh of Rampur. A temple dedicated to Goddess kali is there on the fifth floor. A temple dedicated to Goddess kali is there on the fifth floor.

Kothi

Kothi is a Village in Kalpa Tehsil in Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. Kothi is located around 3 km from Reckong Peo. The goddess Shuwang Chandika temple is in the Village. Kothi is also called Koshtampi is an ancient large village in tehsil

Kamru Fort

The ever stunning Kamru Fort stands at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level and is only 2 km from the beautiful Sangla Valley. The fort is situated at a picturesque location and serves the travelers with breathtaking views of Sangla valley, apple orchards, and streams. This fort is a perfect place for a glimpse in to the artistic legacy of past. Now converted in to a temple, it is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kamakhya Devi.

Basteri

Basteri situated almost 8 km from Sangla, Basteri Village is place where   you can shop some interesting local handicrafts. Famous items include handmade shawls and kinnauri caps.

Nako

Nako is a village in the Himalayas of northern India, located near the Indo-China border in the Trans-Himalayan region of Kinnaur district above 3600 m above sea level altitude in Himachal Pradesh. Nako is the last point of the Kinnaur district if you travel from Sarahan to Spiti Valley and this quaint village is also the most remote village. Nako lies within the restricted area close to the Tibetan border. An Inner Line Permit is required, which is available in Reckong Peo for Rs 150 or Kaza or Shimla for free, and is good for 14 days. The village can be found on the eastern end of the Kinnaur District and is most popular amongst nature lovers and trekkers. While travelling to Malling Nullah, Nako village falls on the way and is, in fact, the last attraction on the way to the final destination.

Nako Lake is a high height lake in the Pooh sub-division of the Kinnaur locale. It is around 3,662 meters 12,014 ft above ocean level. The unusual thing that excites visitors at the lake is the waterfall in which the water that flows appears to be a milky liquid. According to history, one can find the impression of the footprint of the saint Padmasambhava near the lake. Other attraction in Nako is  Lipa- Asrang Sanctuary, which is renowned for its diverse plants.  The most anticipated and most awaited festival celebrated at the Nako Village is Sazo. This festival is celebrated every year in the month of the January. For shopping purpose it is good idea to buy some woollen clothes and Tibetan Buddhist artefacts from the place.

 Best time to visit

April and October is the ideal time to visit Nako. Avoid visiting the village during peak winters as roads are closed for a few days after the snowfall.

How to reach ?

By Road: You can reach Nako through Reckong Peo which is 225km (7 hours) from Shimla and from Reckong Peo to Nako take 3 to 4 hours again by road.

By train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and there is no train service to Nako

By Flight: The nearest Airport is in Shimla and there is no flight service to Nako

Sarahan Temple

Sarahan is a beautiful hamlet situated near Kinnaur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known as the “Gateway to Kinnaur”. The way to Sarahan through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda, Rampur, and Jeori is extremely scenic-traversing through mountains flanked by steep cliffs. Sarahan temple is the temple of  Goddess Bhimakali (An Incarnation Of Goddess Durga), Household Deity Of The Bhushar Kings Bhimakali temple regarded as one of the 51 sacred Shaktipeethhs. The temple’s unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the Indo-Tibetan style. Sarahan was the Summer Capital of the erstwhile princely state, Bushaahr Kingdom. This kingdom was an important center for trade between Tibet, Kinnaur and the lower plain areas.

Best time to visit

The roads are mostly well connected throughout the year with Sarhana. Whether you’re a religious person then you can visit during the Durga Puja Festival and also you can plan in August/ September which is harvest season for the apples.

How to reach ?

By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 5 hours to reach Sarahan which is approximately 160 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, in Shimla and it is 170 km from Sarahan.

By train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 160 km from Sarahan.

Sangla

Beautifully nestled in the lap of the Himlayas, Sangla is a scenic and popular hilly area that is located in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.  In Tibetan language, the word ‘Sangla’ means ‘Pass of Light’. Sangla is famous for its high fertile soil; at an elevation of 2621 m above the sea level. Little known fact, Sangla is a Tibetan wood carving center! Thanks to the Sangam of two cultures – Hinduism and Buddhism. The place is resplendent with amazing natural beauty and picturesque locations. The climate of the region remains pleasant all year round and is apt for sightseeing. Snow clad mountains surround you and you get to see the Kinner Kailash peak. The Baspa River flows through the valley and that is why it is also known as the Baspa Valley. The place attracts every tourist with its beautiful temples, gompas, and friendly habitants. The place is famous worldwide for Kinnauri caps and handmade shawls. The major source of livelihood for the locals is agriculture and related activities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is between March and October. The other months are when Sangla receives heavy snowfall. Also, during the rainy season, one needs to be careful because sometimes this region has cloudbursts which result in extremely heavy rainfall.

How to Reach ?

Sangla can be covered by two ways, either via Shimla or Manali.

By road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 8 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 221 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, in Shimla and it is 230 km from Sangla.

By train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 221 km from Sangla.