Kinnaur is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is quite peaceful and scenic place in Himachal. Further, the location is a perfect delight for Nature lover. With many snow clad mountains, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers and ripe orchards trees, the location offers many stunning views which you want to capture in your camera.
Kinnaur is situated on the border of Himachal and Tibet, so you can get a chance to know Tibetan culture. The location is also blessed with a wide range of flora and fauna. Now we are going to mention some best places to visit in Kinnaur to explore this beautiful location in your desired way. The location holds all those things which you expect in a tourist place.
Sarahan
Located at an altitude of 2350 meters above sea level, Sarahan is a small village in Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as the ‘Gateway of Kinnaur’. The location is fully surrounded by dense forest of pine, orchards and deodar trees. Further, it is a perfect blend of mountain valleys, temples and beautiful landscapes. The traditional wooden homes with a touch of unique Tibetan architecture makes it one of the best places to visit in Kinnaur.
For the adventure seeker, there are many trekking routes in this region. Apart from all these things the location has high religious value too. The famous Bhimakali Mata temple also lies in this area that attracts lost of the devotee. So overall one of the best sightseeing in Kinnaur that can’t be missed at any instant.
- Things to do: Trekking, Sightseeing, Photography, Relax
- Best time to visit: April to June & September – November
- Weather:
- Winter: -0°C maximum to -15°C minimum
- Summer: 13°C minimum to 35°C maximum
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station (168 km)
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti Airport (170 km).
Sangla Valley
The valley is named after the largest village in that region. Sangla valley is the terrain of hills and mountains located in the Shimla- Reckong Peo Highway. The valley is connected through the road where Sangla River flows sideways. The valley is a heavenly abode for various tourists. People who are looking for offbeat travels and are not much interested in commercial places, they find it a perfect place to visit. Sangla village was once popular for its wooden houses with slate roofs which are being reconstructed again. Amidst the mountains with greenery all around, Sangla is a wonderful place to travel and stay for a while. Also known as Baspa Valley, Sangla attracts a number of tourists during October, therefore if you are looking forward to a relaxing and a serene holiday then you should avoid visiting this place in October.
In the rainy seasons, people generally avoid this travel as the road connectivity becomes an issue. In winters the valley receives huge snowfalls. You will find a number of apple trees here. One major tourist attraction is a visit to the Bering Nag Temple forms the centerpiece of the annual Phulaich Festival in September. If you enjoy nature then you could enjoy walking down to the lower village, where you will see plenty of old stone houses and Buddhist and Hindu temples.
- Things to do: River Rafting, Trekking, Nature Photography, Camping, Homestay
- Best time to visit: April and October
- Winter: 10°C maximum to -10°C minimum
- Summer: 8°C minimum to 30°C maximum
- How to reach:
- By Bus: Buses are easily available at Shimla and Rampur to the Kinnaur region. Buses cost between Rs 250 and Rs 400.
- Nearest railway station: Shimla railway station (195 km)
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti airport Shimla (194 km)
Nako Village & Lake
Located at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, Nako Village is a small and scenic place to visit in Kinnaur. The location is just 2 km away from the Hangrang Valley. It is a nature lover and trekker paradise. Further, the location is very famous for Nako Lake which remains covered with snow for the most part of the year.
The place is also known as the ‘Land of the Fairytales’. One can also get a chance to spot many rare species in this region. Some of the major tourist attraction in this region is the Buddhist Temple and Spiti Valley. So if you are planning a Himachal holiday trip then it will be a worth visiting in Kinnaur.
- Things to do: Trekking, Sightseeing, Nature Walk and Photography
- Best time to visit: April to June & September – November
- Weather:
- Winter: -9°C maximum to -20°C minimum
- Summer: 10°C minimum to 20°C maximum
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station (308 km)
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti Airport (312 km).
Reckong Peo
Reckong Peo is a beautiful town located in the middle of Himalayas. The serene and breathtaking beauty of this place attracts lots of tourists every year. From the location, one can view the two greatest wonders of the Himalayas like Kailash Mountain and Shivling rock.
Further, Shopping is one of the best things to do here as there are many street shops in this region. It is a good place for shopping also cheaper from the other areas.
- Things to do: Shopping and Sightseeing
- Weather:
- Winter: 12°C maximum to -2°C minimum
- Summer: 15°C minimum to 32°C maximum
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station (228 km)
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti Airport (226 km).
Kalpa
Located at a distance of 5 km from Reckong Peo, Kalpa is one of the famous destination to visit in Kinnaur. One can take the majestic view of Kailash Peak from the location. Viewing sunrise and sunset in such a beautiful place really amaze your mind and soul. Narayan Nagini temple and Tibetan monastery are the two major tourist attractions in this region. Overall a unique place to visit in Kinnaur where you can find some peace and spirituality.
- Things to Do: Kailash View and Best for Sunrise & Sunset
- Weather:
- Winter: 3°C maximum to -15°C minimum
- Summer: 8°C minimum to 24°C maximum
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station (244 km)
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti Airport (245 km).
Moorang
Located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level, Moorang is another fascinating place to visit in Kinnaur. The location is very famous for its spectacular view and orchards of apricot. There is an old fort also found at this location which is located on the bank of Satluj River. Further, Lipa-Asrang sanctuary is one of the major tourist attraction in this region where you can spot many wild animals.
- Things to do: Sightseeing and Photography
- Weather:
- Winter: 8°C maximum to -8°C minimum
- Summer: 16°C minimum to 30°C maximum
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Shimla Railway Station (242 km)
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport (126 km).
Baspa Valley
Baspa valley is known as one of the most beautiful valleys of Kinnaur, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The valley starts from Karcham, which is situated at an altitude of 1,899 meters. This is also the point where the Baspa River coming from the east joins the River Satluj. The road for Baspa valley from here also leads to the Hindustan Tibet road at the river junction and once you turn south, you get to cross the River Satluj over a bridge to reach Karcham.
The Baspa valley opens up beyond Sangla and is known to be full wooden slopes as far as Chitkul is concerned is located at an altitude of 3,435 meters, above sea level. The last inhabited village of the Baspa valley is Chitkul which is surrounded by green fields and High Mountain peaks.
- Things to do: Camping, Trekking, Nature Photography
- Best time to visit: April and October
- Winter: -2°C maximum to -25°C minimum
- Summer: 7°C minimum to 20°C maximum
- How to reach:
- By Bus: Buses are easily available at Shimla and Rampur to the Kinnaur region. Buses cost between Rs.250/- and Rs.400/-.
- Nearest railway station: Shimla railway station (244 km)
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti airport Shimla (267 km)
Rakcham
The name Rakchham has been derived from the term, ‘Rak which means ‘ a stone and ‘Chham’ which means a bridge. This is known as one of the most beautiful villages located in the Baspa valley. The village is located at an altitude of 2,900 meters, above sea level. The village is located in Kinnaur and it is located on the right bank of the Baspa River.
- Things to do: Trekking, Hiking, Camping, Nature Photography, Nature Walks.
- Best time to visit: April to June & September to November
- Best time to visit: April and October
- Winter: 10°C maximum to -5°C minimum
- Summer: 15°C minimum to 28°C maximum
- How to reach:
- Nearest railway station: Shimla railway station
- Nearest airport: Jubbarhatti airport Shimla & Bhuntar airport Kullu.
So these are some major tourist attraction and places to visit in Kinnaur. Tourist often comes here to get some peace and relax as the location is less crowded in comparison to other tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh.
