Kinnaur
The land with beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.
The mystical land of beautiful picturesque valleys and vibrant culture. Known for its lush green pine nut forests, vast apple plantations, thrill creating roads and high snow capped mountains, Kinnaur is like a fairy tale destination for travellers from all over the world. The contrast in landscape varies as you travel along , from the lush green Sangla valley to the desolate yellow golden Hangrang Valley. The altitude here ranges from 2200 metres to 6800 metres. Due to this elevation this place has a pleasant climate when rest of the country has soaring temperatures. It has very cold winter months especially from October end till last weeks of April. The lower part comprising of the Sutlej and the Baspa valleys receive monsoon rains. The upper region is mostly in the rain shadow and is arid like the neighbouring Spiti and Tibet.
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Kinnaur is famous for its Handicrafts and Handlooms especially Pasmina products. There is trademark Kinnaur shawl, which is famous worldwide. The place has ample amount of dry fruits like Chulli (Dried Apricots), Chilgoza( Pine nuts), Kagazi Almond and walnuts to name a few. Make sure to try some of these exotic varieties on your stay here.
There are many activities for a true adventure seeker here. This region has some amazing mountaineering and trekking routes. There are a few 6000 metres plus peaks for climbing like Manerang and Leo Purgyal. There are numerous treks here which go as far as the valleys of Uttrakhand. you can make some amazing road trips here which go along the Baspa, Sutlej and Spiti valleys.
The people are simple hardworking and friendly. The men and women wear a green Bushari cap, which can be seen everywhere. Kinnaur has very rich and vibrant culture and traditions. You mostly will find people in their traditional attires. If you ever get lucky to witness any Kinnauri ceremony you are one lucky person. If you can handle it try a few glasses of Angoori a local drink made out of grapes.
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Kalpa
Situated at an elevation of 2759 metres, 260 kms from Shimla. It is famous for the majestic view it offers of the snow clad mountains, the most prominent of them being the famous kinner kailash peak.This peak is said to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva. It is a spectacular view early in the morning as the sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light. As the day progresses the light of the sun falls on the peak from different angles and the colour of the peak keeps changing. Kalpa has a landscape full of apple plantations surrounded by forest of Pine, Deodar and Pine Nuts. This place is a perfect destination for travellers looking for spending some time in wilderness and solitude. There are a lot of short hikes and walks here going though apple trees and lush green forests.
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Chitkul
A village where the Inhabitation virtually ends. Located at an altitude of 3450 metres on the right bank of the Baspa valley. This is one of the last inhabited village towards the Indo Tibetan border. This place is 25 km uphill from Sangla, and 10 kms from Rackchum. Chitkul is a place out of a fairy tale. There are fields of peas and potatoes, a blue gushing river nearby, The hills towards the left bank have lush green forest, with their tops being white with snow cover. The Village is clustered and small. Mostly the houses are made of locally sourced material like mud, wood and stones and have their roofs made of slate. Above the village lie high cliffy mountains with steep gradient.
The landscape beyond the village spreads far and wide. You can gaze into the high mountain summits, which are always covered with snow. The melts of these mountains are the source of River Baspa. You have to walk beyond the village as there is no road. The walk along the River is an amazing experience. The bluish white Baspa flows in its full fury and makes a roaring sound. Nagasti is a 1.5 Km walk from Chitkul and is the last point till where a civilian can go towards the Border. The area is manned by the ITBP.
The people are simple, kind and hardworking. The hard terrain and long snowy winters have made them hard and tough over the years. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Mathi Devi in the centre of the village.This temple is a perfect example of the Sutlej style of temple architecture. The temple is built of wood and stones and is believed to be about 500 years old. According to a legend the Devi settled here after a long and arduous journey. The people of the village prospered a great deal after she settled here. There is also a temple dedicated to a deity which is related to Badrinath in Uttrakhand. Every year the deity is taken on foot across the high passes to Badrinath.
The place is still left out as far as basic infrastructure is concerned. There are no medical facilities available here. The nearest emergency and medical facilities are at Sangla. There is no ATM. There is a P.W.D rest house, and a few hotels here.
There are various trekking routes from here across to Uttarakhand like Lamkhaga pass trek which finishes in Harshil, and Borosu Pass trek which ends up in Har Ki Dun Valley. The Kinner Kailash Parikrama Yatra across the 4950 mtrs high Charang pass ends here.
You can spend a day at Chitkul strolling down the Baspa, or going across the river to venture into the forest. In all, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few days in solitude and serenity.
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