Kinnaur Tourism: Deadliest Roads in the world.
Kinnaur Tourism Overview:
Kinnaur, also known as "Land of god" is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountain scape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti river snaking through it. A mountainous area, ranging in altitude from 2,320 to 6,816 meters, Kinnaur is one of the smallest districts in India by population. It is famous for the Kinner Kailash, a mountain sacred to Hindus, close to the Tibetan border.
 |
| Recong Peo during winters, Kinnaur |
The three high mountains ranges i.e. Zanskar, Greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar, enclosing valleys of Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries.The slopes are covered with thick wood, orchards, fields and picturesque hamlets. The much religious Shivlinga lies at the peak of Kinner Kailash mountain. The beautiful district was opened for the outsiders in 1989. The old Hindustan-Tibet road passes through the Kinnaur valley along the bank of river Sutlej and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La Pass. And it is not only the scenic beauty which appeals to the young and old alike but also the life styles of the people, their culture, heritage, customs and traditions.
Majestic mountains, green valleys, meandering rivers, orchards and vineyards define the valley of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur and surrounding valleys are famous for trekking and other adventure sports. 'Parikarma (revolution) of Kinnaur Kailash, abode of Shiva, is among the popular trails.
Fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism:
A brotherly fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism at one place reflects the existence of a culture of a different sort which is well preserved by its people in this era of modernization. Hindus visit Kinnaur to see the famous Kinner Kailash, believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and the Shivaling rocks, the stories of Pandavas and their link with Kinnaur is a great attraction. There are also old Buddhist monasteries and temples in the vicinity which hold special importance and are revered by Buddhists.
 |
Kalpa Village backdrop, Kinner Kailash mountain |
Apart from religion, Kinnaur also has a large scope in adventure sports like trekking and skiing. There are about nine known routes for trekking and some which are five day or six day trips. Kinnaur is well known for its delicious apples, Chilgoza, handlooms and handicrafts materials. Slight traces of modernization can be seen in the town, its cultures and people but the area continues to be pristine, simple and magnificently beautiful.
Top destinations in Kinnaur district:
Kalpa Town:
Kalpa is a small town in the Sutlej river valley, above Recong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya. Inhabited by Kinnauri people and famous for its apple orchards. Apples are a major cash-crop for the region. The local inhabitants follow a syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, and many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods. India's first ever voter Shyam Saran Negi also belongs to Kalpa.
 |
| Kinner Kailash view, Kalpa |
Chittkul:
Chittkul is the highest in the lot at an altitude of about 3,450 Mtrs. The last inhabited village near the Indo-China 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.
 |
| Indian Roads ends here, Chittkul |
Sangla Valley:
 |
| Sangla Valley, Kinnaur |
Baspa River:
One of the most picturesque rivers of the Himalayas, Baspa River offers awesome vistas of Sangla valley, apple orchards, snow-clad mountains and crystal clear streams. The valley is situated adjacent to the river and is beautifully covered with huge oak and pine forests, making it a picture-perfect landscape. While the lower side of the valley boasts of green fields, pastures and meadows, the upper terrains have mesmerising snow-clad mountains.
 |
| Valley along Baspa River |
Tagged as an angler’s heaven, the Baspa river is home to a vast variety of fishes including Brown and Rainbow Trouts. However, permission is needed from the local authorities for fishing.
Trekking Overview:
The traction of Kinnaur district due to great variation in its elevation, climate and topography represents varied fauna and flaura. For the reasons for their ecological, faunal, floral and geomophilogical importance three wild life sanctuaries are set up in the district. The min objective of these are to save the rare species. Varied varieties of wildlife can be seen in these sanctuaries.
There are basically about 9 trekking routes that fall in the region.
1. Bhabha Valley - Pin valley (4 days)
| Day First: | Kafnoo to Kara (Bhabakanda) : Distance 18 Km. Covering thick forest of Deodar, pine spruce and green pastures. |
| Day Second: | Kara to Baldar : Distance 20 Km. Crosses Bhaba Kanda pass and joins the Pin valley. Adventurous glacier crossing is the most exciting event. |
| Day Third: | Baldar to Mud village : Distance :10 Km.: On third day one can enjoy Scenic beauty of Baldar pastures which is a widely open valley. |
| Day Fourth: | Mud to Kungri Monastery : 14 Km. : At Kungri a big monastery exists. One thousand rooms are proposed to be constructed here. Tiling, tonnam, Khar, Sagnam and Mikkim villages are covered on fourth day. There are twelve villages in pin valley. |
2. Kinner Kailash Parikarma (3 days)
| Day First: | Thangi to Charang: 32 Km. : Lamber village exists in between. This is a narrow valley. |
| Day Second: | Charang to Lalanti : 15 Km. : It is a difficult trek having steep climb. Height of lalanti is about 15000 feet. Trekkers are advised to carry tents for stay at lalanti. |
| Day Third: | Lalanti to Chhitkul: 20 Km. :Very difficult trek. Lalanti pass is ahead, situated at about 17000 feet. Early journey is required to cross the pass. After crossing pass there is steep down journey to chhitkul. |
4. Sangla to Dhamwari (5 days)
5. Sangla to Barang (1 day)
6. Tapri to Chittkul (5 days)
7. Tapri to Kalpa (3 days)
8. Reckong Peo to Nako (6 days)
9. Chittkul to Gangotri (5 days, special permission requires for this route).
Comments
Post a Comment