Kinnaur

The truly tribal district of Himachal Pradesh known as Kinnaur is situated at a distance of 250 Kms from Shimla on National Highway No.22 popularly known as the Hindustan – Tibet road. The breathtaking spectacular Sangla valley offers the visitor’s captivating lush green orchards in the lap of majestic mountains decked with dazzling white snow. The entire district has a number of valleys varying in altitudes from 1000 Mts. The entire scenic route runs through the skiing slopes of Narkanda famous apple belts of Kumarsain before touching the waters of Sutlej River and near Rampur Bushahr. The journey upwards from this bowl shaped town through Nigulasori  and Bhabanagar is sheer thrill.

How to reach/ Approach

By Air: Air travel is possible up to Jubbar Hatti  Shimla from Delhi or Chandigarh by regular flights. Rest of the journey has to be performed by road.

By Rail: Trains from metro cities are linked with Kalka from where the narrow gauge trains bring you to Shimla. The onward journey has to be undertaken by road.

By Road: One can travel in a taxi/jeep on National Highway 22 for the entire journey from Kalka to Kinnaur.

Spots to See

Bhabha Valley : A very picturesque valley, rich in flora and fauna. Famous for Sanjay Vidyut  Power project.

Karchham : The confluence of Sutlej and Baspa Rivers marks the location of Karchham at a height of 1,899 mts. on Hindustan Tibet road. Small village like Jeori, Wangtu and Tapri are the additional gems in the crown.

Sangla : Scintillatingly scenic Sangla at a height of 2,888 mts. is 18 kms. from Karchham. The entire place is adorned by soothing saffron fields and alpine meadows. The peak of Kinnar Kailash dominates the scene.

Kamru Fort : There is an impressively built temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.

Rakchham : Right bank of the River Baspa boasts of a captivating habitat, Rakchham at height of 2,900 mts.

Reckong Peo : 240 kms. from Shimla at a height of 2,758 mts. this is the headquarters of the district Kinnaur.

Ribba : A place at an altitude of 2, 745 mts. on the National Highway No. 22 this is full of vineyards. Famous for a local brand wine made from grapes known as ‘ANGOORI’.

Namgia : Village close to Indo China border.

Tashigang Gompa : Above the village of Naka this is the picturesque setting for an ancient Buddhist Monastery.

Hangrang Valley : Nako is the largest village of this valley, a little off National Highway No. 22 at a height of 3,662 mts.

Chitkul (3,450 mts.) : The last and the highest village in this  valley, Chitkul, 26 kms. from Sangla, are noted for its alpine meadows. It has a rest house.

Kothi : Just 3 kms from Reckong Peo, Kothi has a temple to the goddess Chandika Devi. Set against a backdrop of mountains and groves of deodar, the temple has an unusual architecture style and fine sculpture.

Kalpa  (2, 759 mts) : Beyond Recong Peo ( 14 kms from Powari), on the link road, is the main village of the district Kalpa. Across the River, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. These mountains are a spectacular sight early in the morning, as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.

Puh (2, 837 mts.) : Lush green fields, orchards of apricot, vineyards and groves of almond trees, are to be seen on the route to Puh. Just 58 kms. from Powari along the N.H. 22, Puh has modern facilities for comfortable stay.

Things We Should Know About Kinnaur

Temperature: Cold with temperatures well below 0?C in winters.

Season :  June to October ideal for treks.

Clothing : Heavy woollens.

Altitude : High altitude hills 2,000 Mts or more.