A legendary gift from the gods, Kinnaur Valley is said to have fallen from the clouds in its full glory.

A district of scenic splendour, Kinnaur Valley in North India is home to the mountain ranges- Greater Himalayas and Zanskar and surrounded by the amazingly beautiful valleys of Baspa, Spiti and Sutlej with their respective rivers. Travelling in the cool climate, one cannot help being mesmerized by the lush slopes blanketed with thick wood, orchards, and quaint hamlets.

History of Kinnaur

Kinnaur Valley’s colorful history dates back to the ancient 6th century during the time of the Magadh Kingdom. Having ruled by fragmented kingdoms and tribes, even by start of the 14th century when the entire Kinnaur Valley district was divided into seven parts locally referred as sat khund. The most notable significance of Kinnaur Valley, in modern history is its role as a stronghold for the state of Busharh. Until its independence in 1960, to be a district in its own right, it was part of the Mahasu district.

Tourism in Kinnaur

Rustic villages

There are numerous villages to be found at various elevations in the Kinnaur Valley. Nestled among the valleys and bordered by the white capped peaks, every tour in the quaint and rustic villages leaves the traveller in awe of the surreal surroundings. The village of Kalpa at an altitude of 2759m is located very close to the sacred mountain of high Kinner Kailash revered by HIndus as the winter abode of Lord Shiva. The local craftmanship is at its best in the Narayan-Nagani temple and there are few of other Buddhist monasteries that may be of interest to those on travel to religious sites.  Visitors to this village envy the locals for waking up to the glacial views daily. The spectacular sunrise, known to transform the snowy peaks into an easel of vibrant hues from the early rays, is not to be missed even with the blinking of the eyes. It is a magical view to be savored and etched in one’s memory.

Closer to Shimla is the Sarahan village, referred to as the gateway to Kinnaur Valley,  where a stroll to the temple vicinity will take visitors to refreshing views of mountains heavily veiled in greenery. There is an unique Hindu temple- BhimKali- of the goddess Kali- whose distinctiveness lies in its Buddhist style structure. While the temple is carved on wood, its silver doors are adorned with images of the main deities- Goddess Kali, Ganesh and Lord Shiva in meditation.

Other serenely scenic villages, among many more, to tour include Reckong Peo at 2670m. This is another prime spot to enjoy a sweeping view of Kinner Kailash. A 79 feet high rock formation located here is said to resemble Sivalinga and its has been reported to change colors with each passing hour. Chhitkul is the highest village in the Baspa Valley at 3450m altitude, located on the Baspa river’s right bank. The three temples for the local goddess will be of interest to tourists. Moorang at 3591m is another picturesque village accessible through an apricot orchard. There is an old fort believed to have origins from the Pandavas. Ribba, also known as Rirang at 3745m is home to numerous trees with edible pine. Ribba and another village Rispa are famous for the grapes orchards and the vineyards in Ribba are famous for producing local wine distilled from the grapes called Anguri.