About Kinnaur

Kinnaur has its district headquarters at Reckong Peo, 234 kms from Shimla. Kinnaur district came in existence in the year 1960. Earlier it was a part of district Mahasu. The hill district, basically a mountainous region with a temperate climate, is the south eastern district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude ranging between 2320 - 6816 m. It is situated in the north eastern part of Himachal Pradesh and runs along the River Satluj on the national highway no - 22 which is also known as the Hindustan - Tibet road. It is also surrounded by the three majestic mountain ranges of Zanskar, greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar and has got a tremendous appeal to the tourists from all over India. The people of Kinnaur earn their livelihood mainly from farming and handicrafts, apple being the main fruit.

Tourists coming to Kinnaur have a lot to see and do. There are beautiful natural surroundings to relax and refresh. Nearly every village of the district has a Gompa or a temple. Moreover, since Kinnaur is located on the Indo - Tibet border, their culture and lifestyle is a considerable mix of both. Kinnaur is also trekker’s paradise.

Note:* Foreign Nationals Require Permit To Travel In Kinnaur Between Akpa And Sumdo, Which Can Be Obtained From D.C. Office (District Collectorate) At Shimla Or Rekong Peo. Therefore, Foreign Nationals Who Wish To Visit Spiti From Kinnaur Or Visit Kinnaur From Spiti Must Obtain Permit.

Sangla Valley

Sangla

If a landscape had the powers of casting spells, then the Sangla valley would be a magician. Once seen, it is a place that can never be forgotten. Even 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. 2 km from Sangla Valley is the fort of Kamru (300 m) its tower like architecture resembles that of the Bhima Kali complex.

Kalpa

Kalpa

Kalpa is the foremost town of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. Much of the excitement of visiting Kalpa lies in the exploratory journey. The scenery changes vividly from gorgeous valleys, green orchards and forests of cedar and chilgoza-pineto the starkness of the mountains, high altitude deserts and splendid valleys. The sutlej carves a deep chasm through the great Himalayas. This is the legendary winter home of lord SHIVA.

About Spiti

The Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya Mountains in the north-eastern part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The Middle Land", i.e. the land between Tibet and India.

It possesses a distinctive Buddhist culture similar to that found in the nearby Tibet Autonomous Region and the Ladakh region of India. The valley and surrounding region is one of the least populated regions in India and is the gateway to the northernmost reaches of the nation. Along the northern route from Manali, Himachal Pradesh or Keylong via the Rohtang Pass or Kunzum Pass respectively, the valley lies in the North East of the Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh, and forms part of the Lahaul and Spiti district.

Lahaul and Spiti is surrounded by high mountain ranges. The Rohtang Pass, at 13,054 feet (3,979 m), separates Lahul and Spiti from the Kullu Valley. Lahul and Spiti are cut off from each other by the higher Kunzum Pass, at 15,059 feet (4,590 m). A road connects the two divisions, but is cut off frequently in winter and spring due to heavy snow. The valley is likewise cut off from the north up to eight months of the year by heavy snowfalls and thick icing conditions. A southern route to India proper is periodically closed for brief periods in the winter storms of November through June, but road access is usually restored a few days after storms end via Shimla and the Sutlej in the Kinnaur district.

Tabo

Tabo

163 km from Kalpa and 27 km from Sando, Tabo is situated on the left bank of river Spiti. Flanked on either side by hills, it is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It 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

Kaza

The capital of Spiti , Kaza sits on the eroded flood plain of the Spiti River and is the biggest settlement you’ll encounter in this empty corner of the planet. It can be accessed from Kinnaur and Lahaul. Though the Kinnaur Valley route remains open throughout the year, the Lahaul route remains open only during summers as the Kunzam Pass closes during winters. Winters in Kaza are severe with the temperature plunging to sub-zero levels.