Have you ever wondered how nature created such vivid pieces of art? It indeed is a creator of all beauty that has ever existed or will be born in this world. Among these are mountains, reaching enormous heights; they are magnificent and unveil breathtaking aspects of Himachal Pradesh’s beauty. Offering tourists activities including trekking, hiking, and sightseeing, Chitkul, Kalpa, and Sangla are culturally rich and showcase the varied traditions of Himachal Pradesh. Here, we trace paths through Chitkul, Kalpa, and Sangla, the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh, and discuss the best time to visit Kinnaur and its villages.
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Kinnaur: Cultural Hub with Majestic Mountains
Situated at an altitude of 1,500 to 6,000 meters above sea level, Kinnaur district embraces the Great Himalayas, Zanskar, Dhauladhar mountain ranges. The district is home to the Sutlej River and contains the cultural shades of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.
Kinnaur is believed to have been first inhabited by the Gandharvas, Kiratas, and Yakshas, as mentioned in ancient texts and legends.
The district features orchards of apples and other fruits, hamlets, and lush green landscapes surrounding the district. With a vibrant scenery, the district has its lively local traditions, which are visible in its distinctive attire, including the Kinnauri cap, Chamn Kurti, and Dohru Chhuba. These are traditional woolen attire that protect the locals from the chilling atmosphere of the mountains.
Best time to visit Kinnaur
1. April to June
Also considered the peak seasons for travelling in Himachal Pradesh, these months provide pleasant and cool atmospheric conditions, making outdoor activities possible even in the summer season.
2. September to November
These months offer autumn vibes in the district. As it is the harvest season of apple orchards, you can participate with locals and gain knowledge on apple harvesting.
3. June to September
These months are highly dangerous, even for the villagers. Due to heavy rainfall in the monsoon, the mountains become prone to heavy landslides and soil erosion.
4. December to March
Winters are considered the ideal months to visit Kinnaur district, if you want to experience the scenery covered in the blanket of snow. Although these are not as ideal for tourists and outdoor activities as many of the routes remain closed due to below-freezing temperatures. So, avoid travelling with family and especially if you are a solo backpacker.
Chitkul: The Town of Serene Beauty
Located in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district, Chitkul village is the last village on the India-Tibet trade route. At an altitude of 3,450 meters above sea level, this village is the home to the 500-year-old Mathi Temple.
Chikul is located in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district and is considered the last village on the Indo-Tibet trade route. Situated at an altitude of 3,450 meters (11,320 feet) above sea level, this destination is ideal for trekking, night camping, and mountain hiking.
The village is located at the banks of the lacial Baspa River, which serves as a source of fresh water for the villagers. As you look at the scenery of the village, you see lush grasslands, meadows, buckwheat flowers, and the majestic backdrop of the Kinnaur Kailash range.
In the harvest season from August and September, the valley hides beneath the curtain of pink buckwheat flowers, especially in the Rakchham village near Sangla Valley.
Moreover, there is also a temple in the village that spans over 500 years, locally referred to as the Mathi Temple (the goddess temple), and a Kagyupa monastery featuring a Shakyamuni Buddha statue renowned for its wisdom and enlightenment.
As a tourist, you have got the package of an entire mountain adventure. Here’s what you can do:
- Hiking to the Kamru Fort
- Trekking on the Charang Chitkul Pass Trek, Rupin Pass, and the Lamkhaga Pass
- Lunch at the Hindustan Ka Aakhri Dhaba
- Adventurous motorcycling to Chitkul itself
When to Visit Chitkul Village?
The best time to visit Chikul lies between the summer season, when the weather is comfortable enough to travel. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. April to June
This is the summer season of Chikul when temperatures stay tolerable and pleasant. From the minimum temperature of 8°C and the maximum of 24°C, the weather stays cool but clear skies with sunlight.
2. July to August
Between these months, you can expect cooler weather conditions due to rain and cool winds. You can also plan a trip in this season, but you may experience some inconvenience.
3. September to October
This is the post-monsoon and the onset of the winter season, which offers fewer tourists, making this place more open to experience.
4. November to March
This is the highest time of snowfall, and the cool season is not preferred for tourism activities.
Kalpa: Place of Breathtaking Views
Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, this village is situated at an altitude of 2,759 to 3,000 meters above sea level. Featuring a small settlement of beautiful hamlets, this village is home to an ancient temple, Narayan-Nagini Temple, and the famous Hu-Bu-lan-Car Gompa monastery of Buddhists.
As a major producer of the best quality apples, this village also harvests chilghoza (Pinus gerardiana). As you step into this village, remember to visit the local market and explore local and traditional Kinnauri shawls, caps, wooden crafts, and local apples.
This village is accessible from the NH-22 and provides guest houses, hotels, and homestays to travellers wishing to stay.
Best Time to Visit Kalpa
1. May to June
Best time for sightseeing of the majestic Kinnaur Kailash range due to pleasant weather and favourable temperatures.
2. December to February
In this season, you may experience heavy snowfall and sometimes rain. However, the season is preferred by many tourists, but you need to be cautious on some paths, as they can be slippery due to moisture.
3. July and September
The peak monsoon is not recommended due to bad road conditions caused by landslides, making trips unsafe.
Sangla: Blend of Landscapes and Adventure
Sangla is situated at an altitude of 2,650 meters in the Baspa River Valley of Kinnaur district. This place lies before the China border and is home to scenic landscapes, including deodar forests, vibrant apple orchards, and green meadows during its peak summer season.
The village is famous for its settlement style, which is visible in the traditional Kinnauri houses built on the mountain slopes. Being a place of tourism-rich activities in the summer season, this place stays in the list of adventurous hikers, trekkers, and explorers, making summers the best time to visit Sangla.
Best Time to Visit Sangla
1. April to June
Considered as the peak season for tourism, due to sunny days, making exploring villages like Batseri, a part of the journey.
2. July to August
The monsoon season shows moderate rainfall, making the roads slippery.
3. December to March
The best time for snow lovers as the place becomes a white snow canopy, making a perfect, picturesque location.
Wrapping Up
Kinnaur district is positioned in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh. This district consists of three small villages: Chitkul, Kalpa, and Sangla. All of these are known for their scenic beauty, apple orchards, Himalayan landscapes, and the mix of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. This Kinnaur travel guide walks through the beauty of these villages, their traditional lifestyle, what you get there, the best time to visit, and what months to avoid. Therefore, consider this guide and explore a special part of Himachal Pradesh while ensuring your safety and convenience.
Also Read – Sangla Holi Travel Guide: Celebrate the Festival in the Himalayas
