Nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. The eternal beauty of Kinnaur offers an overall soul-soothing experience and a break from the daily hectic life. This breathtakingly beautiful district of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its serene valleys, snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, apple orchards, and vibrant culture. For those who want to spend their holidays amidst nature along with adventure, there are many best places to visit in Kinnaur that offer a variety of experiences to travellers. It is a destination that provides a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, history, and stunning landscapes that you would never want to leave the place.
If you are planning a holiday, Kinnaur is one such destination that has something for everyone. It is one of the few places that are easily accessible but has not yet experienced a tourism boom. While the natural beauty is the region’s main attraction, there are many other attractions and notable things to do in every town or village. A trip to Kinnaur will mesmerize you and allow you to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture.
Here are Places To Visit in Kinnaur For a Blissful Retreat
Trips to Kinnaur Valley begin with a visit to four important places Sarahan, Sangla Valley, Chitkul, and Kalpa. These places are home to various flora and fauna and offer many adventurous activities such as trekking, camping, and hiking. Kinnaur is a perfect destination for travellers seeking to escape the city life’s hustle and bustle. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that Kinnaur is attracting tourists worldwide. Let’s drive through the mountains and explore some of the best places to visit in Kinnaur.
1. Kalpa: Pristine Natural Paradise
Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej River valley in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. This beautiful town is perched at approximately 2,960 meters above sea level. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, snow-capped mountains, apple orchards, and lush green forests. With its rich cultural and historical legacy, Kalpa is considered among the top tourist spots in Kinnaur.
The local people, known here as Kinnauri, are predominantly Hindu and Buddhist, and the town is dotted with many ancient temples and monasteries. Kinnaur Kailash, Narayan-Nagini Temple and Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery are some significant religious places that are worth visiting.
Kalpa also offers several exciting and adventurous activities, including Trekking, Rock climbing, Mountain biking, Camping, and River rafting. The panoramic views of the majestic Kinnaur Kailash range and surrounding landscape offer numerous trekking routes, which take you through the mesmerizing terrain and offer stunning views of the Himalayas.
2. Sangla Valley: Nature’s Breathtaking Canvas
Sangla Valley is another beautiful spot that makes you spellbound with its scenic surroundings, cherry trees, and apple orchards. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or history buff, there is something for everyone in Sangla Valley. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, meandering streams, and lush green forests, the valley is a feast for the eyes. Sangla Valley is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a perfect getaway for a blissful holiday.
The Baspa River, which flows through this valley, adds to the place’s charm with its crystal-clear water and soothing sound. Here you can enjoy the picturesque view and serene atmosphere while taking a stroll along the banks of this beautiful river. Sangla Valley is also an ideal destination for adventure seekers, offering a range of adventure activities, including trekking, camping, and river rafting.
3. Chitkul: The Last Village of India
Known as the last village of India, Chitkul is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Situated at an altitude of about 3450 meters, this village is surrounded by high mountains. Nestled in the lap of nature, Chitkul is not just a paradise for travelers and nature lovers. Being situated at a high altitude, this place attracts many adventure seekers. However, reaching Chitkul village can be a challenging and difficult journey due to its remote location, narrow and steep roads, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Chitkul, with its natural beauty, boasts on the banks of the Baspa River, where on the left bank, you will see the towering snow-clad mountains, and on the right bank, the whole area is full of apple orchards and wooden houses. You can also go fishing in the Baspa River, home to various trout and other fish species. Apart from natural beauty, Visitors to Chitkul can witness these traditions firsthand by participating in local festivals like Fulach and Kinnaur Ashtami. Overall it is a place that you must visit on your trip to Kinnaur.
4. Recong Peo: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas
Recong Peo is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. Locally known as Rekong Peo or Peo, it is the headquarters of the Kinnaur district. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, this beautiful town is famous as the abode of gods due to its religious significance. Situated at an altitude of 2,290 meters, the city offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Kinner Kailash peak, which is visible from almost everywhere in the town.
One of the main attractions of Recong Peo is the Kinnaur Kailash range of mountains. This peak is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism and is a popular destination for pilgrims. Reckong Peo serves as a base for the Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama, one of the region’s most challenging and rewarding treks. It is an annual three-day trek to an 80 feet high holy rock pillar, Kinnaur Kailash, where devotees trek around this holy rock.
5. Sarahan: Ancient Temple Town
Apart from sightseeing and adventure activities, shopping is also an exciting experience in Recong Peo. Here you can shop for Kinnauri Shawls, Tibetan Handicrafts, Traditional Dresses, and local products such as apples, walnuts, apricots, etc. Also, you can try some delicious local food from Recong Peo. Whether the adventurous activities or religious places, Recong Peo offers everything a traveller is looking for, which makes it a must-visit place in Kinnaur.
Sarahan is a small town near the Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh. This picturesque town is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains. It is situated at an altitude of 2165 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a place where time seems to stand still, and one can truly soak in the natural beauty and tranquillity of the region.
As you enter the town, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Bhimakali Temple, which is one of 51 Shakti Peethas, making it one of the most significant religious sites in the region. This temple sits atop a hill and offers scenic views of the surrounding hilltops. The temple is a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit place for anyone interested in history and architecture. This temple is about 170 kilometres from Shimla, and this town is easily accessible by train and roadways.
6. Baspa River: Where Nature Meets Serenity
If you are a nature enthusiast and want to spend your vacation in the lap of natural beauty then Bapsa River is one such place for you. Baspa River is a scenic waterway that flows through the stunning Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. This majestic river originates from the Baspa glacier near the Indo-Tibetan border and merges with the Sutlej River.
Being surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and traditional villages make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kinnaur. With many enchanting places to visit along its banks, such as Sangla Valley and Chitkul Village, it provides a scenic view that will captivate your heart and soul. Bapsa River is also famous for its crystal clear water.
It is home to a wide variety of fish where you can go fishing, rafting, trekking and kayaking, offering a thrilling experience. Here you can also enjoy camping on the riverside. If you are in Kinnaur you must not miss visiting this place on your trip.