Kinnaur

Kinnaur History

Kinnaur is one of the high altitude districts in Himachal Pradesh, where the Kinnaur's height above sea level goes from 2300m to 6000m approximately. The Kinnaur's population is considered to be the second least populated place in Himachal Pradesh. With the Kinnaur district connecting its roots to Buddhist and Hindu culture, Kinnaur has a lot to offer as the traditional festival of Suskhar or the festival of Phagli or the famous Holi of Sangla. But, in the Kinnaur district, there is no place named Kinnaur, only the district Kinnaur is called Kinnaur, one of the 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh. The spiritual land of Kinnaur has many majestic ranges of the Himalayan mountain, many beautiful valleys, and several rivers that flow through Kinnaur. The mighty Kailash of Kinnaur also known as Kinner Kailash is situated in the valley of Kinnaur. Not only nature's beauty attracts one to the destination but also the hidden and mysterious culture of Kinnaur attracts a lot of people to the destination. People of Kinnaur wear a different kind of attire from the rest of Himachal as they wear round Himachali caps with green color patterns and woolen clothes due to the high altitude and cold winds in the region.

Kinnaur Geography

The Kinnaur is situated in the hidden Himalayas which was once barely accessible. The Kinnaur district is bordered by China on the end of Chitkul village. Kinnaur height above sea level starts from 2300 m and goes to approximately 6000 m where one can experience the high Himalayas with snow-capped mountains and the beautiful Dhauladhar and Kinnaur range. Through these beautiful ranges passes many small and big rivers in Kinnaur such as Satluj River, Spit River, and Baspa River. These rivers flowing through Kinnaur have made many valleys in Kinnaur and people love to adore these magnificent valleys of Sangla Kinnaur. The Kinnaur apple is one of the prominent crops that is grown in the region and is famous for its size and sweetness. Reckong Peo is the administrative head of the district Kinnaur.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places to Visit in Kinnaur

Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa

One of the traditional temples of Kinnaur is located in Kapla village which is 3 km away from Reckong Peo. The temple has amazing wooden work which has Hindu gods and Goddesses crafted in it. The dragons represent both the Hindu and the Buddhist culture and the local deity that is praised and worshipped by the people of Kalpa. The temple offers an amazing view of Mount Kinner Kailash from its surroundings.

Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery

The Buddhist temple and school are said to be one of the oldest temples found in (950 AD). The school has much learning of Buddha teachings. The school of Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar is situated near the Kapla village of Kinnaur. One can experience the prayers of the monks in the monetary and enjoy the calm and peace in the location.

Kinnaur Kailash

One of the toughest treks said to be in the Kinnaur district is the Kinnaur Kailash trek. The trek goes to the Shivling that is said to be Lord Shiva. The trek has many beautiful views and locations one can experience. The belief according to the Hindu religion is that the Kinner Kailash is the meeting point of Lord Shiva and Goddesses Parvati. You will also see a natural pond known as Parvati Kund which is considered to be one of the holiest ponds where Mata Parvati worshipped for a very long time. The trek is around 14 km long and the trek does not end on the Mountain top but ends in between as it is said that Mount Kailash cannot be climbed by anyone. Kinner Kailash’s height above sea level is 4800m.

Sangla Valley

Sangla Valley which is also known as the Baspa Valley as the river Baspa that flows through the region is one of the most beautiful valleys to visit in Kinnaur with high snow-covered mountains, flay lands and a river flowing through that makes this Valley a must-visit and exploring the destination.

Nako Village

Nako Village, situated at the height of 3662 m above sea level, is an amazingly picturesque place where one can enjoy and relax. The village lies between the Shimla Spiti road that passes Kinnaur and is famous for its lake and the 4 monasteries that cover the lake.

Places to Visit Near Kinnaur

Shimla (approx 256.9 Km from Kinnaur)

Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, the Kinnaur district headquarters Reckong Peo is situated 230 km away from Shimla. Shimla was once the summer capital of British India and the city was established by the British before independence. One can experience a variety of things in Shimla like the Shimla-Kalka railways which is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Shimla. Several temples and amazing views of the Himalayas can be enjoyed from the destination.

Spiti (approx 176.2 Km from Kinnaur)

Lahaul and Spiti is the least populous district and the district which has a lot of unexplored destinations in the place, the Spiti Valley is considered as trans Himalayas and the Spiti Valley is located 217 km away from Reckong Peo. One can visit many ancient monasteries in the destination can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and cold deserts, the village life and culture of Kibber, Nako, Tabo, and even be a part of the expeditions held for spotting snow leopards and other Himalayan animals that are hard to see.

Narkanda (approx 196.5 Km from Kinnaur)

Narkanda is situated at 2700 m above sea level. Narkanda is known for its famous Hatu Peak temple that is dedicated to Goddess Mandordiri who was the wife of Ravana the temple is situated at 3300 m above sea level. Narkanda is also known for winter sports, especially skiing. One of the highest places in Shimla district from where one can experience the dense forests of the destination, it is also known for the heavy snowfall that comes along every winter due to its high altitude. One can visit Tani Jubbar a holy lake in the place which is related to the local deity and even a fair is organized near the lake.

Best Time To Visit In Kinnaur

The best time to visit Kinnaur is from April to October as it is the beginning and end of the summer season. The winters are harsh and it is not recommended to visit the destination from November to March as the snow can block the roads adversely and cold weather in Kinnaur can be a lot harsh.

Kinnaur in Summers(Best Time To Visit)

The only and the best time to visit the Kinnaur is from April to June and September to October. The destination of Kinnaur can be easily accessed in the months and enjoyed as the winters are harsh in the destination, but also in summers, one needs to carry a light layer of warm clothes due to the strong winds that flow in the district throughout the year. The temperatures of Kinnaur in summers remain from 5 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

Kinnaur in Monsoon

Due to the high Himalayas and the unpredicted weather with several incidents and natural disasters that take place in Kinnaur during the season of monsoon it is not recommended to visit the district of Kinnaur. One can get stuck in the district of Kinnaur for several days in the monsoon season due to floods, landslides, cloud bursts, and flash floods.

Kinnaur in Winter

Kinnaur is a district of trans and the high Himalayas as the reason Kinnaur district experiences heavy winters season where the snowfall in Kinnaur is so much that it is barely possible for one to move out from their homes. Even the cold winds in the entire region are so strong that the people of Kinnaur face the problem of skin dryness.

How to Reach Kinnaur

Kinnaur by Air

Kinnaur can be reached by air till Shimla covering approximately 500 km in just 1hour 30 minutes and the ticket cost per person will be around 1300 INR, from Delhi to Shimla. From Shimla to Kinnaur it is around 250 km that one needs to cover in a car, cab, or bus to reach Kinnaur. Crossing the Mid-Himalayas and reaching between the high and mid-Himalayas, the journey takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach Reckong Peo. The nearest airport from Kinnaur is Shimla Airport.

Kinnaur by Railways

Kinnaur can be reached by railways till Shimla from Delhi to Kalka then from Kalka to Shimla that will take 14 hours to reach Shimla. One needs to switch between 2 trains and a car, car, or bus to complete the full journey and reach Reckong Peo. From Shimla to Kinnaur it is around 250 km that one needs to cover in a car, cab, or bus to reach Kinnaur. The nearest railway station from Kinnaur is Shimla Railway Station.

Kinnaur by Road

Kinnaur has good connectivity of roads like any other destination in the Himalayas it would take around 600 km from Delhi to Kinnaur bus passing through Shimla. The journey involves crossing through the plains, mountains and reaching high mountains. One coming in the personal car should be well known to drive in mountains and with another person in the car to drive as the journey is long and tiring for the people traveling in the bus the cost will be about 1000 INR and above to travel by bus. One reaches Kinnaur by car or cab.

Places to Stay in Kinnaur

Kinnaur has several options for people visiting when it comes to accommodation whether it be homestay at Kinnaur, hostels, hotels, or camps. The destination provides majestic views of the Himalayas wherever one wishes to stay experiencing the local culture and lifestyle is recommended by Plan My Package. One can experience the people their customs and their culture living in Kinnaur, even people for Kinnaur are known for their hospitality and respect that they give.

Hotel Rolliongrang

The hotel provides an amazing view of the Himalayan from the windows. The hotel is located in Kalpa village which is 3 km away from the destination. The hotel rooms cost 2500 INR per night. With facilities like parking, free wifi, restaurant, and paid transportation. One can explore and visit all nearby places and it is really easy to explore all destinations from Kapla, even one enjoy the breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Kinner Kailash.

Kinner Camp Sangla

Experiencing the best views of the Sangla Valley and enjoying the stay at the destination established in 2001, in Sangla the camps provide 23 camping luxury tents to one visiting the property. Starting from 5000 INR per night. Experiencing the accommodation type in form of Camps that too in Kinnaur will give a special kind of adventure experience and makes one feel how living to nature looks like.

Eskape Adventure Camps

A cheap and amazing campsite in Kinnaur is best to experience the camping at a cheap cost starting at 900 INR per night. Operated by an ex-army commando situated at Rakcham. The campsite offers only restaurant services with camping. From Rackham, one can experience the majestic dams and hydro projects of Kinnaur the high Himalayas, and can easily visit Sangla and Chitkul.

Hotel Apple Pie

One of the best hotels located in Reckong Peo offering Stays at 1200 INR per night with facilities like smoking rooms, pet-friendly hotel, restaurant, parking, and wifi services. With amazing views of the Himalayas and all places reachable within a short duration of time. One can easily access all the nearby destinations like Kapla, Roghi, Pooh and even can use the accommodation while traveling to Spiti.

Places to Eat in Kinnaur

Many restaurants in Kinnaur offer a variety of food and local cuisine with many multi-cuisine in the restaurants one should try the local cuisines of Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh. Depending on type and food choices one can easily select between the options that one has while trying food in the destination.