5 advice for a mountain trip to Kinnaur
Kinnaur, the land of sweet and succulent, bright red apples.
At an altitude between 2,320 to 6,816 meters in the Himalayas, Kinnaur is home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The resplendent view of the mountain ranges looks like painted scenery on a Life-size canvas. If you’re ready for an adventure , then plan a mountain trip to kinnaur.
Another Mountain trip – to Kinnaur
The two friends Arun Kumar and Prateesh who visited Kashmir in December, this time went with two more friends Krishna Kumar and Renoy for an adventurous trip to Kinnaur. They gave valuable tips on preparations and precautions for the mountain tour to Kinnaur. Their tips will be shared in this post.
Kinnaur is one of the twelve districts of Himachal Pradesh. The four friends travelled to some of the splendorous villages in the Baspa Valley to get a glimpse of the hidden beauty of the Himalayas. Baspa valley is the river valley of Baspa River which is a tributary of Sutlej River. Baspa valley has some of the breathtakingly beautiful villages like Chitkul, Rakcham and Sangla town with ancient monasteries, temples and traditional wooden houses.
How they planned their mountain trip to kinnaur
Tour Company ‘Within and Around’ planned the itinerary for the four friends. As the name suggests, the four tourists were taken on a four-day tour ‘within and around’ the Middle Himalayan range. They travelled to Chandigarh for the four-day trip to the Himalayan mountains and valleys. From Chandigarh, they were provided with a car. They travelled to Narkanda in Shimla, and spent the night in Narkanda.
Next day they made a six hours journey to the Sangla valley in Kinnaur District, and spent the night in Sangla town. They also visited the nomadic Rakcham village at 2900 meters altitude. Next day they made a 5-hour journey to Kalpa village, on the way visiting the last village on the Indo-Tibet border Chitkul. And spend the night in Kalpa Village, which is in the Sutlej River valley.
What Kinnaur has to offer?
Kinnaur has much to offer – the beautiful scenery that soothes the eye, which will help you gaze to the yonder and bewilder at the wonder of nature. The serenity will calm the mind, with no honking, bellowing and rash driving experienced in the city. The fresh air rejuvenates the body and mind. The air quality of Kinnaur, according to a study by IIT, is the cleanest in the country.
In the Baspa River, the colourful rocks in the river bead shine through the crystal-clear water. Baspa is fed by numerous glaciers.
Kalpa village in Sangla valley
The village of Kalpa, at an altitude of 2789 meters, is one of India’s popular sunset spots. Natures beauty of Kalpa radiates at its best during the sunrise and sunset. Rocky Mountains, Temples like Maa Chandika Devi Ji Kila Temple, monasteries and orchards are some of the attractions in Kalpa.
Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border, is a place with awesome scenery. The Baspa River, the fresh air and the scintillating scenery combined gives a soothing feeling.
Life of the people of Kinnaur
The nomadic village of Rakcham has only a population of less than 1000. The people, who mostly farm and take care of their livestock, move down the valley during the winter when the village is covered with snow.
Engaged in the daily chores and always smiling, the people of Kinnaur are friendly, calm, and lead a slow life. The happily playing children bring nostalgia of a long-lost childhood. A childhood which is non-existent in the Urban areas. Lying idly on the benches, skipping in the residential courtyards while the mothers chat; and playing with self-made toys are some of the precious nostalgic experiences that Kinnaur offers.
The Children of the valley have their own set of hardships. They brave the biting cold and walk-through Knee-deep snow to reach their school. The school looks like a silent shrine, with students inside enduring the cold to gain knowledge and enlightenment.
Climate of Kinnaur
The climate in Kinnaur is winter till May and the summer is from June to September. May and June are said to be the best time to visit Kinnaur. The Climate is similar to that of Tibet and Central Asian Countries. However due to the erratic rainfall possibly due to Climate change, you need to plan the trip accordingly.
Here are the 5 advice for a mountain trip to Kinnaur
Be accompanied by local people
While traveling to Kinnaur, it is better to be accompanied by local people. The rains and rough terrain can play havoc to the trip. The melting ice and unprecedented rain may create challenges in the journey. Local people can guide you to undertake a safe and enjoyable journey, when you escape to the mountains.
Hire a taxi
One thing the four tourists said is for the people who self-drive cars and ride bikes to the mountain ranges. They say that the journey is not that smooth, so it is better to hire a taxi.
The trip is for the truly adventurous
With hairpin bends and meandering mountain roads, the pleasure trip to Kinnaur is meant for the truly adventurous.
To see the flowers and fruits travel from April
The apple tree starts flowering only in April and if you visit in May to August, you will be lucky enough to see the fruits. When the friends visited the Orchards, the tress were yet to flower.
Do all shopping before leaving for the mountains
And finally, the friend’s advice is to carry all the necessary items as shopping may not always be possible.
Finally
So, pack up your bag and go on a mountain tour to Kinnaur enjoying the Pines, Firs and Cypress trees intermingling with the snow-covered mountain range.
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