Things To Do In Kinnaur Valley

Kinnaur is a beautiful district in the northeast of Himachal Pradesh near the Tibetan border. A 6-8 hours' drive from Shimla takes tourist to this stunning locale surrounded by snow-capped mountains, babbling rivers crisscrossing their way through the valleys and lush green meadows and a revered place for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Apart from sightseeing and soaking in the beauty of Kinnaur, the latter offers its visitors a host of activities they can indulge in. There is ample scope for adventure activities and trekking which makes Kinnaur an exciting tourist destination, as you will see in this things to do list.

One of the prime activities that tourists can indulge in is trekking. Kinnaur offers amazing options for trekking due its landscape. There are 9 trekking routes in the region, namely, Bhabha-Pin Valley, Kinner Kailash Parikrama, Sangla to Barang, Sangla to Dhamwari, Tapri to Kalpa, Sangla to Dodra Kawar, Reckong Peo to Nako, Tappri to Chhitkul and Chhitkul to Gangoitri. The degree of difficulty for trekking varies considerably from moderate to difficult and tourists can choose the elevation according to their ability from 2500 metres to 5500 metres.

Fishing in the crystal clear waters of Baspa River is a treat for enthusiasts. Tourists need to acquire day permits for trout fishing from local authorities. April and October are considered the best times for fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trouts.

Rock climbing is another exciting activity that the more adventurous people can engage in during their stay in the region. One can climb up and down the rocks or across. It is not simple and need both physical and mental fitness and agility.

This is a simple activity which all can indulge in but perhaps the best way of exploring the places, soaking in the freshness all around and being rejuvenated. Tourists can take fascinating walks through the villages, through the rich flora and fauna, the lush green meadows or stroll along the banks of the rivers while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.

This is an activity that can get your adrenaline pumping. Crossing the valley by a rope takes place at Apple Orchard Farm and Camping Sangla Valley. It may appear quite dangerous as they have surging rivers below and hanging by a rope. However, there are safety measures that are undertaken to ensure security of the participants. It is however mandatory to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid any mishaps and enjoy the moment.

Kinnaur boasts of rich and varied cultural heritage. Hinduism and Buddhism both have a strong presence in the district. There are numerous temples and monasteries in Kinnaur drawing pilgrims all through the year. The Chandika Temple in Kothi, Mathi Temple in Chhitkul, the Maheshwar Temple in Sungra, Durga Temple in Ropa are some of the temples in Kinnaur. Likewise, it has some beautiful monasteries like the Rarang Monastery in Rarang, the Brelengi Gompa near Reckong Peo etc. The prevailing peace and serenity in these monasteries help to calm the mind, body and soul.

The terrain and its produce pose limitations on the cuisine of a place. The cuisine of Kinnaur was extremely basic because of its location in the high altitude. Over the years this has however changed as it has become more accessible. Here the cuisine is predominantly Tibetan. Thukpa, Tsampa, Yaksha or Yak meat are popularly dishes. Momos are prepared for special occasions and are a delicacy. Sweet port, dry red wine and Nesang Brandy, a popular local liquor are widely consumed here, made from barley and grapes.

A high altitude tourist destination has its own limitations. The options for both eating and shopping are fairly restricted. There are no posh shops or malls in the region. However, Kinnaur is famous for its woollens like mufflers, caps and shawls that are widely found here. Wood carvings, silver and stone ornaments, metal work showpieces are also available which you can buy as souvenirs of the trip. Khadi gram udyog, small production cum training centres, melas and fairs are the main places to go shopping.