About 250kms away from Shimla is the strikingly beautiful district of Kinnaur, where the icy waters of the River Sutlej and its tributaries have carved deep gorges through the high ranges. The landscape varies from the lush green orchards of the picturesque Sangla Valley to the stark magnificence of the Hang rang Valley.
Along the valley of the River Baspa, terraced fields surround villages that cling to the steep slopes above the gorge. Higher still, are beautiful Rolling Meadows spiked with iris and wild flowers in spring and dotted with shrubs of rhododendron in varying shade of pink. The massive snow clad ranges that provided a regal dignity to the scene are dominated by the peak of the Kinner Kailash revered by the Kinnauris as the abode of Lord Shiva.
The road from Shimla to Kinnaur follows a scenic route, running through Narkanda in the heart of the apple country, past kumarsain, descending to the Sutlej Valley and the trading town of Rampur, then on to the beautiful village of Sarahan the last stop before entering Kinnaur.
ALTITUDE: HIGH ALTITUDE VALLEYS 2,500M OR MORE.
TEMPERATURE: Cold with temperatures well below Zero in winter.
SEASON: June to Oct Ideal for treks.
CLOTHING: HEAVY WOOLLENS.
HOW TO GET THERE: AIR: Shimla (25kms) is the nearest airport.
RAIL: Nearest railhead is Kalka.
ROAD: Linked by road to Shimla. The N.H.22 runs through the district to Spiti and links important centers along the route.
BUS: Buses, Jeep and taxis are available from Shimla and Rampur.
SARAHAN: Drive 177kms past woodland and orchards – and through the Sutlej Valley to Sarahan.
Sarahan is regarded as the shonitpur of old. And here, in a truly splendid setting, Banasura of legend once ruled. With the Bhimakali temple complex, Sarahan is revered as one of the 51 sacred shaktipeeths.
As the mists of myth gave way to verifiable history, the beautiful spot of Sarahan became the capital of the princely state of Bushair. The raja moved here from Kamru, the original seat in the Baspa Valley. In the 18th century another shift was made to Rampur on the lower boundaries of the state. Bushier was regarded as one of the wealthiest states of the region and was a major entry point for trade with Tibet, Ladakh, Kashmir and Kazakhstan.
KARCHAM: The N.H.22 that follows the old Hindustan – Tibet route goes past the villages of Jeri, Wangtu and Tapri to Karcham (1,899m) located at the confluence of the Sutlej and Baspa rivers – a beautiful village and the start of the picturesque Baspa or Sangla Valley.
SANGLA (2,860M): The largest village in the area, scenic Sangla is 18kms from Karcham. A link road that goes off the N.H.22 into the Baspa Valley offers an enchanting vista at every curve. There are saffron fields, orchards and higher up, as the road climbs the steep inclines, lovely alpine meadows. Sangla is built up a sharp slope with the houses rising in tiers. The Kinner Kailash Peak dominates the view. From Sangla, it is possible to visit the Karma Fort, an imposing fortress – style temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.
CHITKUL (3,450M): The last and the highest village in this valley, Chitkul, 26kms from Sangla, are noted for its alpine meadows and snows capes. It has a rest house.
POWARI: Powari, 70kms form Rampur, is the last major stop on the N.H.22 with a Petrol Station. The link road, to the district headquarters Recong Peo, takes off from Powari.
RECONG PEO (2,670m): Located 260kms from Shimla and 07kms from Powari, Recong Peo is the headquarters of the district. It has a rest house and hotels and a fine view of the Kinner Kailash.
KOTHI: Just 03kms from Recong Peo, Kothi has a temple to the goddess Chandika Devi. Set against a backdrop of mountains and groves of deodar, the temple has an unusual architectural style and fine sculpture. An exquisite gold image of the goddess is enshrined in the sanctum.
KALPA (2,759m): Beyond Recong Peo (14kms from Powari), on the link road, is the main village of the district – Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. They are a spectacular sight early in the morning, as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
PUH (2,837M): Lush green fields, orchards of apricot, vineyards and groves of almond trees, are to be seen on the route to Puh. Just 58kms from Powari along the N.H.22, puh has modern facilities for a comfortable stay.
NAKO (3,662M): A little off the N.H.22 along a link road just short of Yang hang is the scenic village of Nako, the largest village in the desolate Hangrang Valley. A little lake reflects the stark grandeur of the surrounding hills.
