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Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh
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Kinnaur known as the Land of Gods is 235 kms from Shimla. This is a beautiful place with three high mountains ranges Zanskar, Greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar, enclosing valleys of Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries. The old Hindustan-Tibet road passes through the Kinnaur valley along the bank of river Sutlej and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La Pass. In the ancient mythology the people of Kinnaur are known as Kinners, the halfway between men and gods. The much honest people which have strong culture and beliefs generally follow the Buddhism and Hinduism.
The apples, chilgoza and other dry fruits are grown here are world famous. Best time to visit the district is from April to October. Kinnaur has long winter from October to May (the snowy season) and Summer from June to September.
Shopping
Kinnaur is famous for its Handloom and Handicraft items like shawls, caps, mufflers, article of wood carving, metal work and silver & gold ornaments . Kinnaur is also famous for apples, almonds, chilgoza, ogla, apricots and grapes.
Adventure
There are many trekking routes in the district.Ski slopes are available at Kalpa and rock climbing. Chir, deodar, blue pine, rhododendrons and junipers covers the slopes of the Kinnaur valley.
What To See
Kalpa
This heritage village sprang up when the British Governer Lord Dalhousie visited Kalpa in the 19th century. The Narayan-Nagani temple here is worth a watch. There are many Buddist monastries here. Kalpa is close to the foot of the 6050m high Kinnar Kailash which is the winter home of Lord Shiva.
Reckong Peo
Reckong Peo is located at a height of 2670m from sea level and is nearly 235 kms from Shimla. There are many Buddist monastries here. This place offers a beautiful scenery of the Kinnar Kailash mountain.
Sangla
Sangla is located on the Baspa river. The Raldang peaks are visible behind and the forest and snow capped mountains give a beautiful look to the place. The Bapsa valley is very pretty and supposed to be very fertile.
Kothi
The village is environed by the fields and fruit trees punctuated by vineyards.
Lippa
Located on the bank of Taiti stream. The grass of this village is said to be found to be very nourishing to cattle and horses. Ibex are said to be found in the nearby forest.
Pabbar Valley
Fed by the glacial ice and pure snowmelt the river Pabbar rises in the Chanshal range just south of Kinnaur. It finally drains into the Tons at Tiuni. Like countless branches reaching out of valleys and down mountainsides, several side streams like the Andhra, Pejore and Shikri pur their wash into the Pabbar.
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Himachal Pradesh
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Capital city - Shimla
Ideal time to Visit - March to June.
Spring (May/June)- You would get lots of snow but roads are at worst, lots and lots of tourists and obviously a costly trip with escalated price.
Monsoon (July/Aug) - Ladakh/Lahaul/Spiti is historically there is no rain but traffic is high.
Autumn (Sep/Oct) - Roads are at the best but almost no snow enroute. Weatherwise I like this season personally the most, the weather after monsoon recedes remain crystal clear with least haze/dust/mist and gives excellent visibility for watching peaks.
Winter (Nov-April) - At your own risk without any tourists, excellent bargain and budget trip is likely. Also for special interest tours like say Chaddar trek of Zanskar, this is the time to go.
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How to reach
By Air - The closest airport is located in the hill town of Shimla (267 kms)
By Train - The closest railway station is also located at Shimla and this is around 244 km from Kinnaur
By Road - Kinnaur is connected by road to all cities of India.
Delhi - Kinnaur Road drive
Route - NH 1 & NH 22
Distance - 600 kms
Time - 12 hrs