Kinnaur
Kinnaur – The Land of Apples, Monasteries & Majestic Himalayas
Situated on the Indo-Tibet border, Kinnaur is an interesting mix of nature’s beauty and local cultural beliefs. From here, you get to witness the mind-blowing views of the snow-clad Dhauladar range as well as the Zanskar Valley.
Did you know that Kinnaur is also known as the Land of God, its most significant attraction being the Shiva Lingam which is also the representation of Lord Shiva?
Irrespective of religious ɫ̳, Kinnaur also lets you indulge in some really cool adventurous activities like trekking and skiing.
And the excitement doesn’t just end here, as the scrumptious apples, Chilgozas, along with local handlooms and handicraft work is something to look forward to.
History of Kinnaur
As there are no authentic historical records of Kinnaur, people speculate that in ancient times, Kinnaur went by the name of Kinnaura or Kannaura.
With the onset of the fourteenth century, the entire region of Kinnaur was dissected into seven parts which came to be known as the sat kund.
Coming on to the medieval period, some of the hill states like Kangra, Chamba along with Sirmaur were attacked and also made tributary to the Mughal Emperor at Delhi.
Major Attractions in and Around Kinnaur
1. Reckong Peo
The Reckong Peo was also the headquarters of the Kinnaur district along with the middle Himalayan regions. Situated at 260 km from Shimla at a height of about 2,300 metres, this serene town is quite popular for its apple orchards. And the beautiful scenery of this place will compel you to come here again and again.
2. Kalpa
If you want to witness rejuvenating mornings that can fill you with excitement and enthusiasm, then a visit to Kalpa, a small village located in Sutlej River Valley becomes a must. There are many places to visit here locally like the Narayan Nugani Temple which showcases the impeccable craftsmanship of the region.
3. Sarahan
Now, this is a beautiful hamlet situated in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as the Gateway to Kinnaur, Sarahan is located in quite a proximity to the Sutlej river valley. The apple orchards as well as the deodar forests, wildflower fields, ravines are all the more reason to plan a visit to this place.
4. Nako
Situated at about 3,600 metres above sea level, Nako is a beautiful village that is full of some of the most captivating natural surroundings. The visual depiction of nature is simply mind-blowing. You won’t regret your trip to this place.
Things to Do in Kinnaur
- Trekking: Kinner Kailash, Sangla Valley, and Chitkul trails.
- River Rafting: Baspa and Sutlej rivers for adventure lovers.
- Camping: Enjoy nature in Sangla, Kalpa, and Chitkul.
- Photography: Capture stunning landscapes, apple orchards, and monasteries.
- Taste Local Food: Try Siddu, Thukpa, Momos, and Chha Gosht (spiced mutton dish).
Best Time to Visit Kinnaur
- April to June (Summer): Best for sightseeing and trekking.
- September to November (Autumn): Perfect for clear views and apple harvesting.
- December to March (Winter): Snowfall lovers can visit, but some areas remain inaccessible.
How to Reach Kinnaur
Kinnaur is a mind-blowing travel getaway which you cannot hope to miss out on for the sheer brilliance of it. To reach Kinnaur, you will need to cover an approximate distance of about 600, 2,014, 2,123, 2,776 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the details on how you can travel to Kinnaur by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
There is no airport in Kinnaur. You will need to deboard at Shimla Airport (SLV) situated at 278 km. And to reach here it is best advised for taking connecting flights via Delhi and Chandigarh i.e. from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Chandigarh International Airport (IXC). After deboarding your flight, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.
By Train
There is also no railway service to Kinnaur. However, if you want to travel by train then you will need to deboard at Shimla Railway Station (SML). On July 8 2008, UNESCO added the Kalka–Shimla railway to its list of World Heritage Sites. From the station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.
By Road
You can also consider visiting Kinnaur by roadways. The national highway 22 is considered as one of the most convenient routes to traverse to reach Kinnaur. From the nearby regions, you can book taxis, jeeps to reach here in a convenient manner or as an alternative, you can also book interstate buses via Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation or also book a bus online.
- From Amritsar - 527 km via NH5
- From Patiala - 425 km via NH5
- From Haridwar - 458 km via NH344
- From Ludhiana - 419 km via NH44
Frequently Asked Questions about Kinnaur
Q: What are some popular tourist places in Kinnaur?
A: Some popular tourist places in Kinnaur include:
- Kinnaur Kailash
- Kinnaur Apple Orchards
- Kinnaur Kalpa
- Bhaba Valley
- Kinnaur Temple
- Reckong Peo
Q: How many days are enough to explore Kinnaur?
A:
- 4-5 days to cover Kalpa, Sangla, and Chitkul.
- 7-10 days if you want to include trekking and remote villages.
Q: Is Kinnaur good for trekking?
A: Yes, Kinner Kailash Trek, Bhabha Pass Trek, and Sangla-Chitkul Trek are popular options.
Q: Can I visit Kinnaur in winter?
A: Yes, but Chitkul and some higher regions may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Kalpa and Sangla remain open.
