Kinnaur

Located at a dizzying height of nearly 6,000 meters above sea level, Kinnaur is an adventurer’s paradise. Surrounded by the majestic ranges of the Himalayas, the Dhauladhar and the Zaskar ranges, this little village is the last Indian district on the Indo-Tibet border.

Cascading across a varying degree of altitude, Kinnaur comprises a variety of flora and fauna. From the vibrant green valleys of Sangla with its picturesque apple and apricot orchards, to the pristine, clear lake of Nako, Kinnaur has it all. The little town is also home to the Kinnaur Kailash, a mountain sacred to Hindu mythology as the abode of Lord Shiva. The gushing rivers of Baspa, Sutlej, and Spiti have chiseled out a number of valleys here, forming one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the world.

Kinnaur is known for its distinct architectural style with its characteristic blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural designs. One of the best examples of Kinnauri architecture is the massive Narayan Nagini Temple, located only a short drive away from the main town.

The splendid woodwork and craftsmanship of the Kinnauri style is also manifested in the Bering Nag temple of Sangla, which is a beautiful wooden temple dedicated to Lord Jagas. The Moorang fort in Kinnaur is one of its most popular attractions. The fort is believed to have been built by the Pandava brothers, and is dedicated to the local deity Umrig.

The best way to enjoy the idyllic town is to visit the orchards of Kinnaur. The villages of Moorang and Kothi house some of the most beautiful orchards of apple, cherry and oranges, making Kinnaur one of the most picturesque places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The vibrant culture of the town can also be experienced by immersing oneself in the chants of the Hu-Bun-Lan-Kar Temple in Kalpa, or by visiting the popular Phulaich Fair at the Bering Nag Temple.

Owing to its high elevation, Kinnaur experiences long winters spanning between October to May, and remains cold and chilly through most of the year. The summers here are short, between June to September, and experience cool and pleasant weather. While the upper regions of Kinnaur lies in the rain-shadow area and remains arid throughout the year, the lower regions experience a fair amount of rainfall during the summer months.