Kinnaur is a hidden gem nestled in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in India. With its snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, enchanting lakes, and breathtakingly beautiful villages, it is no surprise that Kinnaur is one of the most sought-after places to visit in India. This guide will provide you with an exhaustive list of the best places to visit in Kinnaur that will leave you with unforgettable memories. From the ancient fort of Kalpa to the iconic Sangla Valley, get ready to explore the best of what Kinnaur has to offer.
1) Karcham Wangtoo
Located in the Sutlej Valley, Karcham Wangtoo is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kinnaur. This small village is home to many temples and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.
Karcham Wangtoo is located at a height of about 2,500 meters and is known for its serene atmosphere. It is also an ideal spot for trekking and camping, as there are many trails leading from this village to nearby areas like Reckong Peo and Kalpa.
For nature lovers, Karcham Wangtoo is a must-visit destination. It is surrounded by lush green forests, orchards and fields of mustard. Here, you can take in the beauty of the place while taking a stroll or admiring the majestic views of the mountains.
Apart from its natural beauty, Karcham Wangtoo is home to some of the oldest temples in the region. The village temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it has some stunning architecture. The area also houses a few other ancient temples like the Jakhu temple and Guru Siyand Mandir, which are quite popular among devotees.
For adventure seekers, Karcham Wangtoo is a great option too. There are various trekking and camping activities available here. One can also visit the hydroelectric power plant located near the village for a unique experience.
In short, Karcham Wangtoo is a stunningly beautiful place that is worth exploring for its mesmerizing landscape, old temples and variety of outdoor activities. So, if you ever visit Kinnaur, make sure to include Karcham Wangtoo in your itinerary!
2) Reckong Peo
Reckong Peo is the administrative center of Kinnaur district and a great Places To Visit In Kinnaur. It is located at an elevation of 2,290 m (7,513 ft) above sea level. It’s the starting point for many adventures in Kinnaur Valley and you can explore a variety of attractions like Baspa River, Kalpa, Sangla Valley and more.
The nearby villages like Roghi and Kalpa provide amazing views of the Kinner Kailash mountain range, which are often referred to as ‘Chandratal’ (moon lake). Other than that, you can also take part in activities like river rafting, trekking and camping in the area. The area around Reckong Peo is popular for its apples, apricots and peaches. The place is also known for its ancient temples and monasteries.
Reckong Peo is a great destination for those looking to explore the beautiful landscapes and culture of Kinnaur district. It has something for everyone- from adventure lovers to religious devotees. So don’t forget to add this amazing Places To Visit In Kinnaur!
3) Sangla
Situated in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district, Sangla is one of the most beautiful destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by thick forests and the Kinner Kailash range, this tranquil village is a great place for those looking for a peaceful escape. The locals here are welcoming and friendly and you can also experience the local culture and lifestyle here.
The valley offers some breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains that make it a great spot for photography enthusiasts. There are plenty of adventure activities to enjoy here like camping, trekking, paragliding, white water rafting, and more. Moreover, the region is full of ancient temples and other attractions like Kamru Fort, Bhimkali Temple, and Chitkul which make it a must-visit destination.
4) Chitkul
Nestled in the Baspa Valley, Chitkul is a picturesque village surrounded by captivating snow-capped mountains. Located at an altitude of 3,450 meters, it is the last inhabited village on the ancient India-Tibet trade route. The village offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and offers a peaceful retreat for those looking for a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As the highest settlement of Kinnaur, Chitkul is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Home to a variety of rare flora and fauna, visitors can explore the ancient trails, take in the stunning views, and visit nearby attractions such as the Kamru Fort, Rakchham Monastery, and Rakti Sar Lake. The village also serves as a gateway to nearby trekking trails, making it an ideal starting point for trekkers looking to explore the remote regions of Kinnaur.
Aside from its natural beauty, Chitkul is also known for its traditional culture and hospitality. Visitors can explore the quaint Tibetan-style homes, taste local delicacies, and enjoy fascinating cultural performances. From spectacular sunsets to mesmerizing starry skies, Chitkul is one of Kinnaur’s must-visit destinations!
5) Nako
Nako is a small village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 3660 meters, it is one of the highest villages in the region. It is most famous for its spectacular lake, Nako Lake, which is surrounded by colorful prayer flags, giving it a unique look. This lake is home to a variety of migratory birds and the famous Marmots, which can be seen here.
Apart from this, Nako is also known for its old Buddhist temple, Tabo monastery and its many monuments from ancient times. It also has many historic sites such as ancient sculptures, ruins of forts and chortens. The nearby village of Gue has some interesting trekking trails that you can explore.
You can also take a walk around the village and take in the scenic beauty of the region. You will find many guest houses and restaurants where you can rest during your journey and enjoy some local delicacies. Nako has something for everyone so don’t miss out on this amazing place.
6) Tabo
Located on the banks of the Spiti River, Tabo is an ancient Buddhist village and a popular tourist destination in Kinnaur. It is home to some of the oldest monasteries in India, dating back to 996 AD. The village’s history dates back to the 11th century when it was ruled by the royal family of Kullu. The main attraction here is the Tabo Monastery which is famous for its intricate wall paintings and statues of Buddha. The monastery has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Tabo is also known for its picturesque landscape, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and deep blue skies. Adventure lovers can trek to the nearby village of Dhankar or explore the Spiti Valley. Other places of interest include the Gue Monastery and the stunningly beautiful Nako Lake.
Tabo is an ideal destination for those looking for spiritual solace or an adventure. It is easily accessible from Shimla and other cities in Himachal Pradesh, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway.
7) Dhankar
Dhankar is a small village located in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies at an altitude of 3650 meters above sea level and is an ideal destination for trekking. The village is renowned for its old monastery which dates back to the 8th century AD. The monastery was founded by Rinchen Zangpo, a Buddhist saint who propagated Buddhism in the region. The monastery, known as Dhankar Gompa, has been declared as a national heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The view of the stunning landscape from the village is simply mesmerizing and will surely leave you captivated. You can explore the meandering paths around the village, passing through the terraced fields, apple orchards, walnut and apricot trees. Nature lovers can also explore the mountain passes and waterfalls near Dhankar.
Dhankar also serves as the gateway to Spiti valley, which is famous for its high mountain passes and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can take a taxi from Dhankar to Kaza, the district headquarter of Spiti valley.
Apart from exploring the village and nearby attractions, you can also try your hand at various adventure activities such as paragliding, rock climbing and skiing in Dhankar. You can also visit the local markets in the village to buy souvenirs and savour some delicious local delicacies.
All in all, Dhankar is a must-visit destination when in Kinnaur district and will surely offer you an unforgettable experience.
8) Kalpa
Kalpa is a beautiful village situated in the Sutlej Valley of the Kinnaur district. It is situated at an altitude of 8,200 feet and offers breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range. It is a great place for trekkers and hikers, who can enjoy stunning views of nature and the Himalayan Mountains. The most famous attractions in Kalpa are the famous temples dedicated to Goddess Kalika Devi and Kinner Kailash. The temple also houses a 12th century wall painting depicting the gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology.
Kalpa is also popular for its local cuisine, which includes steamed dumplings, sweet rice puddings, meat dishes, and spicy lentil curries. Apart from that, there are some great shopping opportunities here, with local artisans selling handicrafts and souvenirs. During the summer months, tourists can visit nearby apple orchards and enjoy the delicious apples found here.
The town of Kalpa is a great place to stay while visiting Kinnaur. Here, you can enjoy the serenity of nature and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. There are several guesthouses and hotels in the area that offer comfortable accommodation options. So, if you’re looking to explore this region of India, make sure to visit Kalpa and experience its unique beauty.
9) Ribba
Ribba is a picturesque village located in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 4,320 meters above sea level. This stunning village is famous for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. There are several small temples in the village that provide a spiritual atmosphere to the area. The main attraction of the village is the hot water spring which is believed to have therapeutic effects. The nearby villages also provide great opportunities for trekking and camping. The Ribba Valley also offers a wonderful view of the snow-capped peaks of the Kinner Kailash mountain range. So if you’re looking for some adventure, this is the place to go!
10) Pin Valley National Park
Located in the western part of the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Pin Valley National Park is home to a variety of unique species of wildlife and vegetation. Spread over an area of 600 sq km, this park is known for its breathtaking views and amazing flora and fauna. It’s located at a height of 3,000 to 6,500 metres above sea level and has a large number of glaciers, high mountain peaks and deep valleys.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife such as the snow leopard, ibex, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer and many more. Visitors can also witness a number of birds including the golden eagle, lammergeyer, and chukar. Besides these animals, visitors can also find plants like Juniper and Birch. This park is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and solitude.
The best time to visit this park is from May to October as the weather during this period is quite favourable. Tourists can take part in activities like trekking, skiing and mountaineering in order to explore the different features of this park. Moreover, there are several camping sites in the park that allow you to camp under the stars and enjoy the beauty of nature.