Situated around 235 km from Shimla, Kinnaur is known for its irresistible beauty, serenity, tranquillity, lush green and rocky mountainscapes, namely, Zanskar, Greater Himalayas, and Dhauladhar. The valley is enclosed by river Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries meandering through the region and adding to its glory. At the peak of Kinnaur lies the Kinner Kailash mountain which is a natural rock Shivling, holy to the Hindus. Its slopes are covered with dense forests, extensive orchards, large fields, and picturesque hamlets. There are many old Buddhist monasteries and temples in the vicinity making the region a beautiful brotherly fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism in one place. It reflects the existence of a culture so diverse, distinct and of a different sort which is well preserved by its people so extraordinarily in this era of modernization. Besides the rich culture, Kinnaur is well known for its abundant natural produce and craftsmanship. The delicious Kinnauri apples, Chilgozas, handlooms, and handicrafts materials are rare and exquisite. Slight traces of modernization can be seen in Kinnauri towns, its cultures, and people but the area continues to be pristine, pure and magnificently beautiful. Kinnaur has become a favourite tourist destination in the past few years because of the vast scope in adventure sports like trekking, skiing, and other adventure sports. If you are looking for some outstanding places to visit in Kinnaur, you have a reason to be happy. This land of God has a lot to offer. It will spoil you for the number of choices it provides to all travellers, with the best tourist spots in its reserve and the best of experiences, it will offer you the most memorable moments of your life. Sangla Valley One of the most charming valleys in the whole Kinnaur District is Sangla Valley. It is a perfect getaway from the rush and buzz of the swarming cities. With clean air, the mighty Himalayas, gurgling rivers, virgin nature, and rich cultural heritage, this place has a fair share of amenities to offer. Bounded by burly mountain slopes, expansive evergreen forests, and lofty snow-covered peaks, the valley is set apart from others by its famous red apple orchards and cherry trees. Baspa River makes its way through the region, meandering, babbling, and splashing. It is famous for trout fishing. The place has several attractions from temples and forts to nearby villages and jaw-dropping scenery, making Sangla an amazing holiday destination. From holy temples and shrines to grand forts and fascinating villages, Sangla Valley has a perfect mix of cultural heritage and serene sites. On your visit to Sangla, you should be ready to indulge in all kinds of cultural, social and adventure retreats. You can go camping in the laps of nature where you stay at many campsites that are situated on the Baspa River banks. Camps such as Banjara, Kinner, Igloo Nature, Baikunth Adventure Camp, and the Sangla Valley camps are a few campsites in the region that offer tent and cottage accommodations. These camps themselves organize various adventure activities for you on your stay there. Enjoying undisturbed walks across the valley in peace, you get to admire and embrace the plethora of flora and fauna including apple orchards, cedar trees, and fir trees to name a few. You can also enjoy adventure activities such as rappelling, rock climbing, river crossing provided at various camps. Treks are a pleasant option if one wants to closely uncover the valley and the surrounding areas. It also gives you a chance to see the beautiful Kinner Kailash peak up-close during the trek. The Rakcham trek is a must-try when in Sangla valley. This is a glacier trek that will take you to the snowy regions of the mountain and engulf you in its exquisiteness and tranquillity. You can also opt for a yoga retreat to provide and enrichening experience to your body and mind. There are many camps and tour operators who organize these yoga retreats and what better way to do yoga than when surrounded by splendid mountain views. For those who love fishing, Sangla has a lot in the box for them too. The Baspa River is renowned for its trout fish and the crystal-clear water of the river makes it very easy to spot the trout. For those who do not want to indulge in angling, then gazing at the beautiful shoals of trout is a great experience in itself. There is a saffron farm too located on the outskirts of the town. There are numerous monasteries around the area that you can visit. The Kamru Fort, which is over 800 years old is an eminent site to visit in the Sangla valley. The valley is also well known for the famous Kamakshi Devi Temple, the Bering Nag Temple that is dedicated to the snake of Lord Shiva. The temple has exquisite woodcarvings that have both the Buddhist and Hindu influences. The valley is also famous for the Phulaich Fair, a festival of flowers which is held every year between August and September. It is an elaborate festival and it is celebrated on a huge scale. Traditional dances and songs are performed. The people wear their traditional costumes, perform several rituals and sing and dance during the festival. Sangla meadow is a beautiful site that offers spectacular views of the Kinner Kailash. From the Sangla valley, you can visit nearby places such as Chitkul which is the last town on the Indian border, after which the Tibetan border begins and go to Batseri, Karchem, and Kalpa, and relish these eye-catching sites. A trip to the Baspa Dam Reservoir is a must when visiting Sangla valley as it offers breathtaking views of the mellow waters of the river. Make sure that you try the apples that are grown here. They are genuinely sweet and juicy. A trip to the Sangla Market is an essential as it is the perfect place to buy local spices, try on the traditional clothes, taste some of the local food here and sink in the true culture of the region. Kamru Fort The majestic fort of Kamru stands tall at an altitude of 2600 meters above the sea level and gives a perfect glimpse into the artistic legacy of the past of Kinnaur. It was the original seat of the Bushahr dynasty, but later the capital was shifted to Sarahan and then to Rampur. Now the fort has been converted into a temple, it is devoted to Hindu Goddess Kamakhya Devi. The fort comprises of a wooden balcony with an enormous idol of the goddess placed on the third floor. According to the folklore, the idol is believed to have been brought from Guwahati. It is of great importance not only for the people of Sangla village but for the whole of Himachal. Kamru Fort also houses the Badrinath Temple, which dates back to the 15th century and serves as the venue of a fair which is held once every three years in the honour of the deity. During the fair a procession takes place and the idol of the deity is taken to Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges. This scene is worth witnessing as occasions like these showcases the true culture of the place. While entering the Kamru fort you must wear the Kinnauri cap on your head and a Gachhi around your waist to enter as a customary cultural practice. The fort is around 2 km away from the enthralling Sangla valley and is one of the popular tourist places in Kinnaur. The fort is situated at a picturesque location and serves the travellers with overwhelming views of Sangla valley, apple orchards, and gushing streams. On the entry point of the fort, one has to pass through a large number of gates. On the main gate, you will get to see a massive statue of Lord Buddha which will leave you astounded with its beauty. This awe-inspiring fort is adorned by majestic snow-clogged mountains, lush green fields, intricate wooden carvings, and thick woods. The Kamru Fort is a prominent tourist fascination in the region, which is visited by a large number of tourists every day. The fort’s structural design is noteworthy, and the beautiful surroundings make this a must-visit site during your trip to Sangla. Yula Kanda Yula Kanda, located at 3,895m, is popularly known for its enchanting holy lake and spiritual trek in Rora valley of the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The best time for the Yula Kanda trek is in the month of Mid-May to Mid-October, when the beauty of the place is at its peak. Urni is the nearest village from the Yula Kanda trek base camp. The total length of the trek is approximately 12 km and it offers an enthralling view of Kinnaur mountains which goes across the dense forest of oak, pine and deodar trees, then leading into the meadows, and finally towards the holy lake where you can find an ancient Lord Krishna Temple. It is said that the Pandavas made this holy lake during their exile in the Himalayas, making this place of religious and spiritual importance. Yula Kanda trekking begins from Yula Khas, a small village located on the hillslopes of the region. People from all over Kinnaur and other parts of Himachal Pradesh visit this pious lake, especially during the Janmashtami festival to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. This small village is just 3 km from Urni Village and is rich in cultural and natural heritage. Yula Khas is famous for its high-quality Kinnauri apples. The Yula Kanda Krishna temple is the highest Krishna temple in the world and the Yula Kanda lake is one of the highest altitude lakes of Himachal Pradesh. The Yula Kunda trekking trail is very breathtakingly beautiful, but even today the tourists know it only for the Krishna Temple. If you want to try some eccentric expedition while roaming Himachal Pradesh, then you must make a trip to here. This trekking trail is good enough for beginners and gives you the opportunity to spend time between the ancient and beautiful Himalayas. During this trek, you will reach the lake through the beautiful snow-capped mountains, thick forests, where after reaching you can sit under the open blue sky and admire the lake among the natural scenes. Yulla Kanda flanked by majestic peaks, is an attractive place for trekkers. Besides all the adventure and beauty that lies here, this celestial abode remains closed for most of the year, though shepherds graze their cattle on these mountainous pastures, around the lord Krishna temple during the months of August, September, and October. People from Kalpa and Pangi village go through this laborious trek via Kashang Pass (4,800m) to reach the sacred lake. One can also approach Kafnu village through the Listigarang Pass (4,680m) positioned towards North-West of Yulla lake, then from Kafnu, one can further continue the trek towards Bhabha Pass, an entryway from Kinnaur to Spiti. Moreover, an hour trek towards the North-East of Yula Lake will take you to Rora Kanda (3,900m), where one can do an overnight camping with the incredible view of passes around. On a clear sunny day, one can also view the Buran Pass from Yula Kanda. Buran pass is the doorway to Chandernahan Lake, which is a source of Pabbar river that flows through Rohru village of Shimla and finally gets merged with the Yamuna river. In order to have a beautiful experience of Yula, you should visit this place in the month of May when the days are clear and sunny, the area is accessible, and the region is full of snow and mesmerizing beauty all around. Sangla Kanda If you are planning a holiday in Sangla and wish to throw in a bit of bliss enjoyment, exercise and adventure, this kind trek is ideal for you. Sangla Kanda is a trek to Sangla hill where there is a small village with a lake at almost two-hour drive or five to six hours trek of the Himalayas. The Sangla Kanda trek allows you to savour the beauty of the fallows of Sangla Kanda. You can enjoy the Sangla Kanda trek over the afternoon after climbing up from Sangla and savouring the beauty of the whole trail. You can spend the night at or near various trek camps and huts here and climb north-west the next day to cross the Shivaling Pass towards the Baspa Valley. After that, you can stroll down to the trekking huts at Dambar at the expansive pastures of the picturesque Chansu Village. Spend a night enjoying the celestial beauty of the place and watching the moon over Raldang Peak, directly north, across the Baspa Valley. From Dambar you can take the steep track to Chansu Village and Ruttrang Bridge in order to reach the motor road 3 km below Sangla. No matter how many days we spend in the mountains it will always turn out to be insufficient for you to take in the charm of the place, but it is certain that these mountains will surely leave an everlasting mark on your mind and soul. Give this unheard and hidden place a shot and see how it turns out to be the most remarkable decision and also, it will instantly become one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for you. Rakchaam A relatively unknown and untravelled destination on the way to Chitkul via Sangla is Rakcham. It is located at a height of around 2900m and has a scant population of approximately 800 people inhabiting the village. While moving towards Chitkul from Sangla, the Rakcham village is found on the left side of the main road and the river Baspa flows on the right. The inhabitants of Rakcham are mostly nomadic where the men in Rakcham usually take care of the herd of sheep and cows whereas women tend to farm and household chores. During the winter season, the village remains covered under thick snow and therefore migrate every six months during winter to lower altitudes They move back to the village again in April, when the weather is fine, to sow the seeds. The village is also famous for the two temples that it has dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali and a Buddhist shrine, which reflects the rich amalgamation of the cultures of Hindus and the Tibetan people. Rakcham is a small village but you can still find several lodges and hotels to stay and many apple orchards that add to the beauty of the place. It is settled between the huge snow-covered peaks and a lush green landscape and looks like an absolute heaven on earth. This village appears to be a place from past where there are no newspapers, no post office, no internet, no police station, no wine shop, no marketplace, no communication with the world whatsoever, just a couple of shops selling very basic supplies. However, the place is blessed with good crops and produce, abundant water, natural beauty, and is surrounded by warm-hearted people. Reaching Rakcham is quite easy as it is well-connected to major cities like Shimla and Delhi, so next time whenever you are planning your holiday to Sangla Valley, don't forget to visit Rakcham as this pristine site has a lot to offer. This place is not only a refresher for your eyes but also your body and soul. The beauty of the place will leave you mesmerized, and you would want to visit the place again and again. Chitkul (last village towards Tibbet border) Chitkul is situated at a height of 3450 meters and is best known for its stunning and picturesque location. On one side of the Baspa River are snow-clad mountains; and on the other side, the whole topography is filled with green pastures, apple orchards, and wooden houses. During the winters, the entire place remains covered under a thick blanket of snow so much so that even the locals move to lower altitudes of Himachal for a few months. Chitkul is majorly known for being the last village of India to the side of Tibet, situated at a distance of 28 km from Sangla. You can stay at Sangla and go for a half-day trip to Chitkul. It will take almost an hour to reach Chitkul from Sangla and further you can plan for one or two hours to stay at Chitkul and return. If you want to take in the vibe of this place you can also plan a stay here as there are many hotels and guest houses available at Chitkul. While traveling to Chitkul valley, you will not lose sight of the Baspa river as it flows on the right side throughout the route to Chitkul. On the way, you will pass through Rakcham village and find several campsites located within the apple gardens by the side of Baspa River. The last village of Indo- Tibet border and at 14930 feet above sea-level, Chitkul is also the highest inhabited village in Sangla Valley. There is no cell phone coverage, no markets, no ATMs, Chitkul will make you feel like you come back in the past, yet it is so worth it. You can escape from all your occupations and relax in the laps of nature providing you the best amenities that nature can provide. The snow-covered mountains, apple orchards, thick forests, green pastures and wooden houses with either slate stone or wooden plank roof make the valley extremely beautiful. The total population of the Chitkul village is around 700 people. The best thing to do here is to sit and relax the natural beauty all around you; to savor on the mesmerizing vistas and listen to the silence. If you are into trekking, then you will find many trails in Chitkul that you could venture out on. It marks the starting point for Lamkhaga pass trek and Borasu pass trek. For a one-day trek, Nagasthi ITBP post is just 4 kilometers away and is an easy to moderate walk. Further ahead lie the lush green Ranikanda meadows, about 10 kilometers from Chitkul. This same trek then takes you up to the Lamkhaga Pass and finally ends at Gangotri. Chitkul mostly gets included in the tour by people who are out traveling on the Spiti circuit; or covering the whole Kinnaur valley. But if you have only a few days in hand and wanted to visit some of the most scenic but lesser-known locations then Chitkul would perfectly serve the purpose. Kinner Kailash Popularly known as “Parbat Of Lord Shiva”, this mountain is perched at an altitude of 6500 meters above the sea level. The fascinating landscapes of this place make it one of the most popular tourist spots in Kalpa. A large number of people usually visit this place to take the holy Parikrama, which kickstarts from Morang and continues till Kalpa. Kinnaur Kailash is situated amid magnificent valleys, blossoming green gardens, snow-clad mountains, and spouting rivers. What further adds to the significance of this site is the holy Shivling of Lord Shiva. The Shivling is settled on the Kailash rage at a height of around 4800m. With its religious significance and exquisite landscapes, it is one of the finest places to visit in Kinnaur. The refreshing weather of this place makes it even more beautiful and unique and the visitors simply love to come here and explore the great Kinnaur region, which is blessed with so many natural wonders. Kalpa can be reached by road through a car or bus, and the further distance towards Kinner Kailash can be covered through trekking. You can find a gorgeous lake at an elevation of 3,568 meters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains whose reflection is seen vividly in the algae encompassed water. Locals refer to these snow coated mountains as Kailash, the residence of Lord Shiva. Stories are swapped among the locals that no trekkers or locals have till date gone up against these Kailash mountains as those who tried in the past have never come back. Kalpa Known for its captivating sunrise views, Kalpa rests at an altitude of 2759 meters on the India-Tibetan road. This is a small village which is located above Reckong Peo, a hub of Buddhist Culture. Exhibiting all the virtues of a heritage village, this site is one of the many unforgettable places to visit in Kinnaur. There are a few Buddhist monasteries and shrines in Kalpa such as the Gompa and Hu-Bu-Lan-car which are the main tourist spots in the village. You can also relish the soothing view of the river Satluj that streams down the Himalayas and gets through the alpine surface of Kinnaur. As soon as you enter Kalpa, you will be welcomed by the enthralling views of the Kinner-Kailash range and Shiva Lingam which is a well-known Hindu religious site. Forming a perfect escape from the boisterous city life, Kalpa is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountain slopes, and snow-clad peaks. Kalpa is an ideal foreground to photographs of the incredible mountain panorama. It is one of the main villages of Kinnaur, in the Sutlej River Valley and a place to always remember and cherish. Known for its beautiful temples and monasteries, this small town is also recognized for its apple orchards. The majestic Kinner-Kailash range peeking from across the Sutlej River makes for a delightful break. An early morning walk through this paradise will give you a chance to experience the magic with the sunrise. The pinkish hue on the peaks that slowly gets painted with the orange, yellow and golden glow is a sight to behold. Decked with rich flora and fauna, this small settlement is a must-visit destination. You will witness the best sunsets and sunrises of your entire life here in this sleepy town. The jaw-dropping views will leave you in awe of this place. The backdrop of Kinnaur Kailash, the mighty Himalayas in general and the effervescence of the setting sun is a combination made in heaven. For the adventure enthusiasts, Chaka Meadows hike is an excellent hike that will take you through beautiful landscapes. It is a fairly easy trek, you will not face that much difficulty for completing the task at hand. By undertaking this expedition, you will be rewarded by the most spectacular views, untouched by humans and sun-kissed for beauty. Other things to do in Kalpa should include visiting the Sapni Fort, while this historical citadel opens only once every seven years, it has a magnificent wooden architecture that visiting the premises seated within the surrounding Himalayas is a beautiful experience. The fort is walkable from any point in Kalpa and inside the fort is a Kali Temple. While your hotels and restaurants will gladly serve you with excellent, piping hot, north Indian food, there are tons of options near the Kalpa Chowk for you to experience the authentic local cuisine of the region. Whenever you are in Kinnaur, you should definitely try the local tea, Cha. It is a salty Kinnauri tea that the local people swear by. It is an acquired taste and the first time you try it; your senses might be in shock, but, the beauty of enjoying a morning cup of Cha with the Kinner Kailash in the background surely will be worth it. The local community typically enjoy rice and they are majorly non-vegetarian. Goat meat preparations are especially distinctively prepared, so do relish the curry for a true culinary experience. A paradise for shoppers, Kinnaur is famous for so many things. You can enjoy discovering the town market for its unique and exclusive handlooms and handicrafts, including Kinnauri shawls, caps, mufflers, articles of wood carvings, unique silver, and gold ornaments. When in Kinnaur it is essential to devour upon apples, and the famous Kalpa apples are the ones to start with. Kalpa is also famous for its almonds, chilgoza, ogla, and apricots as well as grapes. Kalpa is a must-visit site in Kinnaur and will only treat you with magical surprises. Nako A small remote reservoir situated at an elevation of around 3662 meters, Nako Lake has become extensively popular for its virgin beauty and immaculate charm. This is considered a holy lake that is nestled in the mystical Himalayas. A thick cover of willow trees surround the lake multiplies to the charm of this tourist spot. This popular spot is surrounded by four ancient Tibetan temples. Near these temples, you can also locate four caves which are said to be saint Padmasambhava’s meditation site. There is one stunning waterfall near the lake which is known to be the home of fairies. If you happen to visit this place during the month of September, you can savour the experience of boating in this popular lake. On the western edge of Nako, a Gompa can be found which combines recent monastery buildings with elements that dates back to the 11th century. Inside the Nako Gompa are some fine murals and sculptures similar to those of Spiti's famous Tabo Gompa. Just like Tabo Gompa, this Gompa is believed to be one of over a hundred monasteries founded by Ringchen Zangpo, popularly known as the 'Great Translator'. He was a key figure in the second propagation of Buddhism in Tibet in the 10th and 11th centuries. Chango gompa is an important site for the Buddhists which is about a few km away from the Nako monastery on the road from Spiti. It has a prayer wheel more than 500 years old, which measures about 3.5 meters in diameter and is made up of yak skin. The serene and striking Nako village is settled on the banks of the Nako lake, illuminated by the shimmering blues and greens by the sun leaping off the surrounding snowy mountain peaks. The infinite sapphire skies above and the bare expanse around the place join hands with the lake to deliver a sense of openness that makes Nako a traveller’s delight. You can start your day at Nako with a small trek to the mountain behind the lake, climb the small hill behind the lake up and you will get a beautiful holistic view of the lake, the village and the surrounding peaks of Nako. During the day, you can ramble around the village, visit the monastery and spend some time interacting with the villagers. Spend the evening near the lake as it is magical to watch the sun setting over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks that look simply amazing. Roggi Village Fortunate to have so many natural wonders, the beautiful Roggi village is located 8 km away from the town of Kalpa and is surrounded by lovely orchards and wooden village houses. This place is popular for its expansive apple orchards and ethnic village life. You will find many temples, monasteries, Kinnauri style buildings in this area. The tourists and travellers are in love with this incredible destination, which is blessed with such exquisite beauty. The road to Roggi from Kalpa is a little dangerous as it is a narrow one-way road from Kalpa and a cliff and a deep gorge on the side, crossing which seems impossible for many tourists. However, there are some adventure enthusiasts, who love this route and they come down to Roggi just to enjoy the route and the spectacular view of the Kinner Kailash range, which can be seen from here. The Roggi village is built on the slope of a mountain and is covered with apple, apricot, and chilgoza trees throughout. The people of the village are extremely helpful here and they guide you around the village to make you feel safe and familiarize you with the traditions of the region. The village is very close to suicide point, a point on the Kalpa- Roggi road with a sharp drop, giving the place its name, and it has a temple and a lot of apple gardens. Roggi is just at a distance of 113 km from Shimla and it is easily accessible through road. Suicide Point Roggi Around 3 km away from the Kalpa village, the Roggi suicide point can be found, this spot is so magnificent that the tourists forget about the dangerous crag for a while. The journey to Suicide Point takes you through the most gorgeous landscapes and inviting apple orchards which are truly a feast for the eyes. This place is famous for its thrilling trench and delightful atmosphere that offers a wonderful experience to the visitors. Apart from its visual appeal, this place is recognized for its enthralling vertical slopes as well. The point is situated on the road linking Roggi with Kalpa. If you are an adventure lover, this may be the one among the many places to visit in Kinnaur that deserves a mention in your travel journal. One can reach at this spot through a car and enjoy the stunning landscape of this point. The breath-taking mountain views and sceneries are worthy of all the time and effort. This would surely turn your experience into something more interesting and stimulating.