Kinnaur is a district of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Divided into two main valleys namely Sangla Valley and the Hangrang Valley, the district is divided into three administrative areas – Pooh, Kalpa, and Nichar, and has six tehsils. Sangla is a great destination for paragliding, angling, and riverafting. The administrative headquarters of the district is at Reckong Peo.. Full of majestic snow-capped mountains, green valleys, meandering rivers, orchards, and vineyards define the valley of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.
Kinnaur, is about 235 km from the state capital, Shimla, located in the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh bordering Tibet to the east. It has three high mountains ranges, namely, Zanskar and Himalayas that enclose valleys of Satluj, Spiti, Baspa, and their tributaries. Kinnaur, in general, is open all year round, for tourist but they do close when there is heavy snowfall on the Hindustan-Tibet Highway, near Narkanda in particular. The best time to visit Kinnaur is from Mayt to November and for those interested in winter they can enjoy even till January.
Kinnaur apples are the most premium variety of apples grown in India. Kinnaur is also well known for its Chilgoza, handlooms, and handicrafts. The valleys of Kinnaur are also one of the most sought-after for camping destinations in India, Camping on the river Baspa and Satluj are some of the scenic destinations to pitch your tents for an amazing camping experience. Tourists mostly try Parikarma (revolution) of Kinnaur Kailash, the abode of Shiva, a popular trail. Bhaba Valley and Sangla Valley treks are other popular trails.
Travelling in the valleys of Kinnaur along the Satluj River tourist can see numerous nameless small streams carrying the waters from the freshly melted glaciers to Satluj. The biggest attraction of Kinnaur is Chitkul, the last village before Tibet. Indians can easily go, but now foreigners can also go. A few miles before Chitkul, there is an Army check post, where every foreigner has to show their passport, visa, and other travel documents. Most villages of Kinnaur lie at high altitudes, some as high as 4,000 m and each village has its own presiding deity.
Kinnaur and surrounding valleys are famous for trekking and other adventure sports. Pari karma (revolution) of Kinnaur Kailash, the abode of Shiva, is among the popular trails. Bhaba Valley and Sangla Valley treks are other popular trails. Kinnaur and surrounding areas were believed to be part of Magadha kingdom and then the Mauryan empire during 6th century BC. It subsequently came under the influence of the Guge kingdom of Tibet between the 9th and 12th centuries, when Kinnaur was divided into seven regions, known as Sat Khund.
Mughal emperor Akbar conquered the area and made the valley a part of his Empire. The valley was known as Chini Tehsil then. Tourism in Kinnaur is mostly centered around the trails around the beautiful valley however they can also visit Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary. There is no air or rail link with roads only option. Here are numerous hotels in and around Kinnaur that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. Restaurants serve a variety of delicious veg and non-veg cuisine be it Tibetan, Himachali, or even Punjabi. Also known as “Land of God”, the most important attraction of Kinnaur district is the religious “Shiva Lingam”.
There are old Buddhist monasteries and temples in the vicinity which hold particular importance and are revered by Buddhists. Besides Reckong Peo..Kalpa, Sahamn, Nako and Ribba mut visit places in Kinnaur. Other places worth visiting are Chitkul, Rakcham, Kinner Kailash, Suicide Point, Lamkhaga Pass, Shongtong Bridge, Narayan-Nagini Temple, Bhaba Valley, and Durga Temple. adrenaline junkies could also try out cycling safari through the Kinnaur wilderness. There is nothing much for shopping in Kinnaur
