The secluded district of Kinnaur is studded with towering peaks, high altitude valleys, glaciers and fastly flowing rivers. The Breathtakingly beautiful district is sparsely populated with about 77 villages and no major urban centre. Kinnaur has two of the world’s great mountain ranges – the Zanskar and the Greater Himalaya. It is also noted tor a unique delicacy, the chilgoza, the tasty kernel of the Chil pine. Kinnaur is said to be named after Kannauras, the main community inhabiting the region, who are believed to be the descendants of the Kinnars of Mahabharta. According to mythological legends, the Pandavas spent several years of their exile in this region.
Recong Peo:
Recong Peo, the headquarters of Kinnaur district is perched at an altitude of 2290 metres amidst scenic surroundings. There is an ancient gompa – Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar established by Rinchensang-po (950 – 1055) and a new gompa commemorating the venue of Kalachakra initiation conducted by Dalai Lama in 1992. The sight of Kinner Kailash from here is asesome.
Kalpa:
The main toun of the district is set at a height of 2759 m., about 12 kms. from Recong Peo amidst vineyards, apple orchards, Chigoza pines, Cedar and deodar forests. Kalpa earlier known as Chinni affords a panoramic view of the majestic Kinner Kailash. It came into Prominence when Lord Dalhousie proposed the construction of Hindustan – Tinet road in the 19th century. Places worth seeing are the Narayan. Nagini temple and Buddhist monasteries.
The thickly wooded Lippa, located nearby on the banks of Taiti stream is known for its Buddhist monasteries.
Kothi:
The scenic village dominated by Kinner Kailash peak is known for its fine temple of goddess Shuwang Chandila. The green fields and fruit trees add to its beauty.
Kinner Kailash Circuit or Parikrama
The majestic mountain of Kinner Kailash is held very sacred by the Kindus as it is considered to be one of the mythical abodes of Lord Shiva. There is a 79 feet high rock formation resembling a Shivalinga by the side of the mountain. Pilgrims undertake the holy parikrama around the peak starting from Morang and retuning to Kalpa / Karcham in 7-8 days.
Chango:
It is 122 kms. from Kalpa on the banks of river Spiti, amidst high mountains. Buddhism is generally pracriced here.
Leo:
It is located on a rocky outcrop on the banks of Spiti, river about 105 kms. from Recong Peo. The temple of Jamato here is worth visiting.
Morang:
The charming village 39 kms. from Kalpa is set on the left bank of river Satluj amidst apricot orchards.
Nako:
The beautiful village at an altitude of 3662 meters about 107 kms. from Recong Peo is built around a lake formed by masses of ice and snow. The Lagang temple here has several idols.
Nichar:
The scenic site on the banks of Saltuj river is 5 kms. from Wangtu surrounded by lush orchards. The temple here is noted for its exquisite carvings. One can also see ghoral, antelopes, black and red bears in the forests of upper ranges. It is also a popular fishing site.
Puh (Spuwa):
The scenic village is 71 kms. from Recong Peo, its natural beauty is further enhanced by the green fields, vineyards, apricot almond and grape ochards.
Ribba or Rirang:
This attractive village is 14 kms. from Morang. Tirang in local dialect means, ‘Ri’ – Chilgoza and ‘Rang’ a peak of a mountain. Rispa, a village nearby is known for its delicious grapes.
Sangla Valley:
The enchanting town of Sangla lies on the right bank of Baspa river about 238 kms. from Recong Peo. The 95 kms. long Sangla or Baspa valley is indeed the most charming valley of Kinnaur. Other important villages of the valley are RAKSHAM, CHITKUL and KAMRU.
Chitkul, set on the right bank of Baspa river is the highest town of the valley and is known for 3 temples of local goddess Mathi, the main shrine is believed to be over 500 year old.
Sumdo:
It lies on the border of Spiti about 104 kms. from Kalpa and is the gateway to the Spiti Valley.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Nearest airport of Spiti about 104 Peo is Jubberhatti (Shimla) (253 kms).
By Rail: Nearest railhead Shimla.
By Road: The Hindustan Tibet road passes through Kinnaur. Buses are easily available from Shimla.
