Kinnaur Diary

Amongst dizzying Himalayan heights, Kinnaur is a treasures’ trove for the adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. From the righteous greens of Sangla Valley with well develop orchards of apples and apricots, to the magnificient panorama of Chitkul, India’s last village on Indo-Tibet border, Mother Nature’s portrait is an ever-changing one in Kinnaur. Lying on the ancient trade route of India and Tibet, ringed by the majestic Dhauladhar ranges, Kinnaur with its well conserved culture and timeless rituals is a land of plenty. The gushing rivers – Sutlej, Spiti and Baspa and their numerous tributaries, have over the centuries chiselled beautiful valleys, across the picturesque land and nurtured one of the most hardy of the mountain societies in the world.

Travel Highlights :

• A trip encompassing Sutlej, Beas, Baspa, Spiti river valleys;

• Lush green mountains and snow-clad Himalayan peaks;

• Riverside camping (optional) by the meandering Baspa River at Chitkul – India’s last village on Indo-Tibet border;

• The luscious Apple orchards and awe-inspiring Kinnaur Kailash range in Kalpa ;

• Get to know Kinnauri Culture from close quarters;

• Relish the local Kinnauri cuisines

• Study the Himalayan ecological variation with rising altitude.

Travel Itinerary :

• Day 1 - Pick up from Chandigarh in the morning and travel to Narkanda. After checking in and freshening up, visit the Hatu Mata Temple atop Hatu Peak (if roads are open) and enjoy the panoramic Himalayan ranges surrounding it. Night stay at Narkanda;

• Day 2– after breakfast, check out from Narkanda & proceed towards Sangla..If road is open, proceed towards the picturesque river side village - Chitkul, the last village on Indo Tibet Border. It will be late afternoon when you will reach the scenic valley. Retire for the night at Sangla/Chitkul.

• Day 3 : day to explore and relax on the lap of nature in the tiny Himalayan Hamlet. N/s at Chitkul

• Day 4 - drive to Kalpa. Visit Suicide point, Roghi village and Chini village- the local village over there. Enjoy the vibrant colors of the setting sun falling over the snowclad peaks in the evening. N/s at Kalpa 13

• Day 5 – descend down to Shimla. Visit the mall and Lakkar Bazar where you may indulge in souvenir collection. Spend time at the mall for refreshing up. N/s at Shimla;

• Day 6 – after breakfast, and checking out, you may spend some time at the mall and later drive towards Chandigarh for your return journey. Drop to Chandigarh airport/railway station by late afternoon.