About Kinnaur Valley ‘World within a world’ rightly defined by Rudyard Kipling. The Tribal Himachal, i.e. Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh are absolutely off the grid destinations. In India, Himachal Pradesh is richly endowed with not only […]
About Kinnaur Valley
‘World within a world’ rightly defined by Rudyard Kipling. The Tribal Himachal, i.e. Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh are absolutely off the grid destinations. In India, Himachal Pradesh is richly endowed with not only picturesque grasslands, meadows and forests but also with stupendous, snow clad mountains and picture-perfect barren landscapes of the cold desert offering the utmost serenity from the hustle and bustle of city life. The whole region has a unique terrain treacherous yet exciting.
It is almost 250 km away from Simla, on the National Highway 22, known as the old Hindustan-Tibet Road. This highway is billed as ‘world’s deadliest roads’. Kinnaur district is adourned with juicy apple laden orchards, lush green vistas with mighty mountains for the perfect backdrop and the glistening rivers like Baspa and Sutlaj who are the constant companions.
Sarahan, Sangla, Rakcham, Chitkul, Kalpa, Recong Peo, Spillo, Pooh, Nako are a few typical Kinnauri settlements to be experienced.
The spectacular view of sacred Kinnar Kailash mountain is one of the main attractions in Kalpa village. It is believed that this is the winter abode of Lord Shiva. Legends also has it that Pandavas had stayed here during their exile. Here, around Kalpa, the exceptional sight of rising sun touching the snowy peaks is quite a sight to behold. Chandika Devi temple, Narayan-Nagani Temple, Bhimkali temple are the architectural marvels to be visited near Sarahan and Kalpa.
At an altitude of 3450 meters, lies the last inhabited places in India before Indo-Tibet border, i.e. Rakcham and Chitkul. These tiny villages are a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. They, infact, offer a striking picture of modest wooden houses, amidst the grasslands, mountains and forests, a must visit place.
Nako is yet another scenic village at an altitude of 3600 meters at the east end of the Kinnaur valley. Being in the sensitive restricted zone along the border with Tibet, it requires Inner Line Permits to travel through this village. Nako is a peek into the charming Spiti valley with long green fields and placid Nako lake. It’s a gateway to the beautiful barren mountain scapes of the cold desert. As soon as we go across Nako village suddenly the verdant fields transform into breath-taking scenery of barren landscape.
Kinnaur is easily accessible by road from Simla. The roads to Kinnaur valley remain open all around the year generally. Only on a few days of heavy snow fall on Hindustan-Tibet Highway roads are temporarily blocked. If you travel to this beautiful valley via Simla – Narkanda – Rampur – Sarahan, OR via Solan – Chail – Kufri – Narkanda, the best season is either from May to July Or Late September to October. But if you choose to visit Kinnaur after visiting Spiti Valley via Manali – Rohtang La – Batal – Kaza then the routes are open only between Late June to October.
So embark on your journey to this enthralling valley keeping in mind the weather conditions of this region.
