Places To Visit In Kinnaur - Spiti
KAMRU FORT
IN SANGLA
Kamru Fort is one of the oldest Forts in Himachal. Distance of 2-km from Sangla, lies this wonderful place, the tower-like fort of Kamru. An exotic Image of Lord Buddha on the Fort's Main Gate & an Image of Kamkhya Devi are the unique features of this fort. The image of Kamkhya Devi is installed there. There is also a 15th century shrine of Lord Badrinath, which hosts a light every three years.
KOTHI TEMPLE
IN KALPA
This temple dedicated to goddess Chandika, who is worshipped with great respect by the locals. She was the daughter of the demon Devata Banasur who takes the seat over the Kinnaur. The Temple is set against a backdrop of mountains. The temple has an unusual architectural & fine sculpture. Seated in an ark, there is an image of gold. Kothi is located right at the bottom of the Rohtang Pass.
TABO MONASTERY
IN TABO
The monastery, established in 996 AD, The Year of the Fire Ape by the Tibetan Calendar, by great teacher and translator Lotsawa Rinchen Tsang Po, is today more than thousand years old. It was developed as an advanced center for learning and till date it has managed to preserve the Buddhist legacy with the same steadfastness. The location of Tabo Monastery adds to its charm.
KEY MONASTERY
IN KAZA
The spectacular monastery is located at a height of 4116m and 7 km from Kaza. It is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Established in the 11th century has ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. It also houses large number of Buddhist monks and nuns and a cafeteria. It is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley & a religious training center. It reportedly had 100 monks in 1855.
BERING NAG TEMPLE
IN SANGLA
This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Jagas, also known as Lord Shiva, whom the local people worship for the wellbeing of the village and its inhabitant. The tourists never miss to visit this exquisite temple destination, which is only a few kilometers away from Sangla. One can easily visit Sangla through a car or bus and then come to Bering Nag Temple, by following a simple trek of few kilometers.
BRELENGI GOMPA
IN KALPA
This Monastery is located near Reckong Peo in Brelengi and also known as the Brelengi Gompa. The monastery of Mahabodhi society was constructed specially for the Dalai Lama to perform the Kalachakra ceremony in the year 1992. This is an impressive and modern Buddhist edifice. Next to the monastery there is a 10 meter statue of the standing Buddha, which is visible from a considerable distance.
BASPA RIVER
IN SANGLA
Bapsa River is one of the most scenic rivers of Himalayas since it is loaded with culture, history and nature. This river gave rise to the famous and beautiful Baspa Valley. Ahead of this valley lies Chung Sakhago Pass, which has many glaciers to add to its beauty. Baspa River originates in Baspa Hills and joins Sutlej River later. The valley adjacent to this river is covered with huge oak and pine forests.
CHITKUL VILLAGE
NEAR SANGLA
This is the last and highest village in the Baspa valley in district Kinnaur. It is situated on the right bank of Baspa River. Chitkul is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. The Indian road ends here. During winters, the place mostly remains covered with the snow and the inhabitants move to lower regions of Himachal. Potatoes grown at Chittkul are one of the best in the world and are very costly.
KINNER KAILASH
IN KALPA
Kinnaur Kailash or Kinner Kailash, as it is popularly known, is a 6500 m high mountain peak. It is a sacred peak both for the Buddhist Kinnauris and Hindus. The Mountain range of Kinner Kailash forms the border of Kinnaur towards the South. The two most important mountain peaks of this area are the Jorkanden & Kinnaur Kailash . This mountain is sometimes confused with the Mount Kailash in Tibet.
KIBBER VILLAGE
IN KAZA
Kibber, in Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh of Northen India, has the distinction of being the highest motorable village in the world. The village is known for its scenic mountains, barren splendor and monasteries. Key Monastery, the largest in Spiti Valley is situated close to Kibber. The landscape of Kibber and the entire Spiti Valley resembles that of Ladakh and Tibet & cuture is also similar of that.
DHANKAR
IN KAZA
Dhang or dang means cliff, and kar or khar means fort. Hence Dhangkar means fort on a cliff. Dhankar Monastery was built as a fort monastery on the Central Tibetan pattern. The complex is built on a 1000-foot high spur overlooking the confluence of the Spiti & Pin Rivers – one of the world’s most spectacular settings for a Gompa. A nonprofit group, Dhankar Initiative, is attempting to organize its conservation.
H-T ROAD
IN KALPA
This is the road journey tracing the route taken by the River Sutlej, flowing in from Tibet & it is the fastest flowing river in India. Approximately 350 kms starting from Shimla - The road has been the mainstay of trade and commuting in the valley since known history. The first travelers known to have traversed the region were Gerard Butler, Jacquemont & Hutton (famous explorers of 19th century).
