If you are planning a Lahaul Spiti tour plan in Himachal, then adding Kinnaur Valley to your itinerary will make your trip more exciting and meaningful. The entire region showcases a mix of Buddhist and Hindu cultures, making it a must-visit destination for travelers who love history, culture, and nature.
Explore Kinnaur through captivating images that showcase their rich culture, history, and charm.
The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti). From Shimla, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kinnaur Valley.
The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station. From there, roads connect you directly to Kinnaur Valley.
Himachal Pradesh State Transport buses operate regular routes to Kinnaur from Shimla, Manali, and Rampur. You can also find private bus services.
Kinnaur is located in the north-eastern corner of Himachal Pradesh and is surrounded by Tibet in the east. Known for its apple orchards, green valleys, and ancient temples, Kinnaur is a dreamland for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The region connects the beautiful Lahaul Spiti Valley, offering travelers a perfect mix of green landscapes and cold desert beauty. The three high mountain ranges found here are the Zanskar, Greater Himalaya, and Dhauladhar ranges.
The highlight of Kinnaur Valley is the famous Kinnaur Kailash, a sacred mountain that holds great spiritual importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Many travelers visit this region for the holy Kailash Kinnaur trek, which takes you through amazing views of snow-covered peaks, calm rivers, and traditional villages. The trek is not only an adventure but also a spiritual journey for many visitors.
The Sutlej River is the main river of Kinnaur and Spiti, and Bsp is one of its small tributaries. All the valleys in this region are very beautiful and full of natural views. The valley is covered with thick forests, apple orchards, green fields, and small villages that look very peaceful and lovely.
Legends say the kingdom of Kinnaur was ruled by several invaders and crusaders, including Magadh, Maurya, Kirata, Kamboja, Panasika, and Valhika. Even for a short period between the 9th and 12th centuries, the Guge kingdom of Tibet controlled the people of Kinnaur. Political struggles and rivalry among locals caused unrest in the territory. The situation changed when Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered the area. At that time, Kinnaur Valley was called 'Chini Tehsil.'
Kinnaur has everything worth seeing: mighty mountains, orchid farms, apple orchards, valleys, and vineyards. The district is divided into three administrative areas—Pooh, Kalpa, and Nichar. Two main valleys worth visiting are Sangla Valley (also called Baspa Valley) and Hangrang Valley. Sangla Valley has alpine meadows, snowy peaks, orchid farms, and traditional Kinnauri wood-and-stone temples and houses. Hangrang Valley is popular with adventurers for paragliding, angling, and rafting.
If you are planning a Lahaul Spiti tour plan in Himachal, then adding Kinnaur Valley to your itinerary will make your trip more exciting and meaningful. The route from Lahaul Spiti to Kinnaur Spiti Valley offers unforgettable mountain drives, beautiful monasteries, and warm hospitality from the local people. The entire region showcases a mix of Buddhist and Hindu cultures, making it a must-visit destination for travelers who love history, culture, and nature.
During your trip to Kinnaur, you can visit charming villages like Sangla, Chitkul, and Kalpa, each offering unique views of the mighty Kinnaur Kailash range. The peaceful lifestyle of the locals, wooden architecture, and Himachali cuisine make your journey through Kinnaur Valley even more memorable.
You can visit this beautiful valley for most of the year. But in winter, heavy snow can make traveling very difficult and sometimes roads become inaccessible. Apart from peak winter, places like Kalpa and Sangla Valley can be visited easily during the rest of the year.
It is important to know that monsoon is not a good time to visit Kinnaur Valley, because landslides and bad roads are common. So, always avoid monsoons. My favorite time to visit Kinnaur Valley is autumn, or fall, when the rains are over, skies are clear, and you can see apple orchards full of apples.
