Wednesday, January 20

How to Plan a Trip to Kinnaur - Unexplored Hill Station in India

HOLIDAYS IN KINNAUR IN HIMACHAL PRADESH – LAND OF FAIRY TALES AND FANTASIES


Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful regions in Himachal Pradesh. The place is a must visit for the adventure and nature lovers. Kinnaur is truly a mesmerizing place which is a captivating terrain of lush green valley, orchards, vineyards, snow clad peaks and cold desert mountains. Kinnaur has exotic valleys with panoramic views and dust free environment. It is also very rich with different flora & fauna.
Kinnaur is one of the tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh and here you will find a different culture and language as compared to other parts of the state. Kinnaur is located about 250 km from the state capital Shimla, and situated on the NH - 22 also known as Hindustan Tibet Road.
While on the way to this amazing place you will encounter various stunning and breathtaking landscapes. You will be amazed to witness the lush green orchards of the scenic Sangla Valley to the unadulterated splendor of the Hangrang Valley. The gigantic snow attired ranges that provide a regal dignity to the scene are dominated by the peak of Kinner Kailash.

KALPA
Kalpa is one of the most beautiful villages of this region. Kalpa is located at an altitude of over 2750 meters above the sea level at a distance of about 100 km from Sarahan. Kalpa is the biggest village of Kinnaur. You will relish seeing across the river in Kalpa faces the grand mountains of the Kinner Kailash range. The best time to watch the great Kinnar Kailash Mountains is in the morning as you will be delighted to see the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and golden light.

HOW TO REACH KINNAUR 
Nearest Airport from Kinnaur is about 267 km at Shimla and the nearest Railhead is again Shimla Railway station about 244 km from Kinnaur. You can take the NH - 22 also known as The Hindustan Tibet Road which bifurcates to Kalpa from Powari.
You can also take a bus or taxi from Shimla to reach Kinnaur. Number of buses and Taxis are available from Shimla and Rampur to reach Kalpa Kinnaur.
Another route to reach Kalpa is via Manali - Rohtang Pass - Kunzam Pass – Kaza. The journey is around 400 km.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN KINNAUR: Winters are very chilled in Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, the temperature can drop to below freezing point. The summers are pleasant but still very cold and woolens are required

PLACES OF INTEREST IN KINNAUR

RECONG PEO: Located at an altitude of 2670 meters above sea level Recong Peo is about 240 km from the state capital Shimla. Recong Peo is only 7 km from Powari and 13 km from the biggest village in Kinnaur, Kalpa. Rekcong Peo is also the head quarter of district Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.

KOTHI: Kothi is only 3 km from the district head quarter Recong Peo. Kothi offers astounding panoramic view. It has a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi. The Chandika Devi temple in Kothi is set against a backdrop of mountains and graves. You will love to see the uncommon architectural style and fine sculpture of the temple. A wonderful gold image of goddess is enshrined in sanctum.

SANGLA VALLEY: The magical valley of Sangla is really hypnotic. The beautiful landscapes so mesmerizing that you can never forgot the place. You would love to see the rushing waters of the Baspa river, that flow through its 95 km length, seem to absorb some of the magic and slow down to savor its snow-frame beauty. Apart from the scenic natural beauty you must not miss the fort of Kamru located about 2 km from Sangla. Watch out its tower like architecture resembles that of the Bhima Kali complex and this was the origin of rulers of Bushehar. Another beautiful place not to miss here is Chitkul at an altitude of 3450 m. It is the last village of the valley and beyond lies Tibet.

RIBA - Riba is situated at an altitude of about 2750 meters and is at a distance of only 18 km from Powari on NH-22 is famous for its vineyards and local wine 'Angoori' made from grapes.

JANGI: Jangi is located about 26 km from Powari. Please note that the foreigners would require permit to travel beyond Jangi upto Tabo in Lahaul Spiti. From Jangi  the Kinner Kailash Parikarama Trek starts touching Morang, Thangi and Kunocharang villages and entering Chitkul village in Sangla Valley.

PUH: It is located at a height of about 2850 meters and will captivate you with Lush green fields, orchards of apricot, almond trees and vineyards, on route to Puh. Puh is about 58 Km from Powari village. You can stay here at the government rest house which has basic hotel facilities.

NAKO: Located at an aamzing height of over 3660 meters above sea level Nako is around 117 km from Kalpa. Nako is the largest village above sea level in Hangrang Valley. The striking Nako Lake is fun to the eyes and you can also enjoy boating here. Nako lake is frozen during the winters and its surface is used for ice skating. Buddhist monastery is located here.

TABO: Tabo is located at an altitude of 3050 and is about 163 km from Kalpa. Distance of Tabo is around 27 km from Sando which is an ancient village. The spectacular Tabo is located on the left bank of river Spiti. Tabo is bordered on either side by enthralling hills and is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in the world regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet.
Tabo is also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which has since been declared a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

KAZA: Height of Kaza from the sea level is about 3600 meters. It is located about 210 km from Kalpa. Distance of Kaza is around 47 from Tabo. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district, Kaza is on the bank of river Spiti. In earlier times, it was the capital of Nono, the chief of Spiti. It has a Buddhist Monastery and Hindu Temple.

KEY GOMPA: It is located at an altitude of over 4100 meters from sea level. Key Gompa is just about 7 km from Kaza. Key Gompa is also known as the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. It is one of the ancient monasteries and was established in the 11th century, it has ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. Also houses the largest number of Buddhist monks and nuns.

KIBBER: Kibber is located at a height of over 4200 meters. It is just around 8 km from Kaza. Kibber is alos known as the highest village in the world which is connected by a motorable road and also the highest village in the world which has its own polling station during elections.

KUNZAM PASS: Kunzum Pass is located at a height of 4550 meters above sea level. Kunzum Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in India. Goddess Kunjum keeps guard over the pass and wards of the evil.

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