 Kinnaur
surrounded by the Tibet to the east, in the northeast corner of Himachal
Pradesh, about 235 kms from Shimla is a tremendously beautiful district
having the three high mountains ranges i.e. Zanskar, Greater Himalayas
and Dhauladhar, enclosing valleys of Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their
tributaries. All the valleys are strikingly beautiful. The slopes are
covered with thick wood, orchards, fields and picturesque hamlets. The
much religious Shivlinga lies at the peak of Kinner Kailash mountain.
The beautiful district was opened for the outsiders in 1989. The old
Hindustan-Tibet road passes through the Kinnaur valley along the bank of
river Sutlej and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La Pass. And it is not
only the scenic beauty which appeals to the young and old alike but also
the life styles of the people, their culture, heritage, customs and
traditions.
The much honest people which have
strong culture and beliefs generally follow the
Buddhism and Hinduism believe that the Pandavas came and resided in the
land while in the exile. In the ancient mythology the people of Kinnaur
are known as Kinners, the halfway between men and gods. Thousands years
old monasteries still exist in the area. Both the Buddhists and Hindus
live in perfect harmony symbolising the traditional brotherhood and
friendship of the people of both the faiths.
The apples, chilgoza and other dry fruits are grown here are
world famous. The high terrain here give way to great adventures sports
of all kinds. Beautiful trekking routes includes the 'Parikarma of
Kinner Kailash'. Here is also the Beautiful Nako lake and three famous
wild life sanctuaries.
Best Time to Visit
Kinnaur is a beautiful district
to visit. Great natural scenes, rivers, valleys, high mountains, lakes
and green pastures creates a mesmerising scenes for tourists.Best time
to visit the district is from April to
October
Weather during the year
Due to the Geographical conditions
Kinnaur has long winter from October to May (the snowy season) and
Summer from June to September. From April to May is Spring and September
to October is Autumn. Only the Baspa valley, lower region of the Satluj
valley and the area south of the Great Himalaya receives monsoon rains,
while in the upper areas monsoon showers progressively.
What to Wear
Summers in Kinnaur requires light
woolen clothes while very heavy woolen clothes are required in the
winter season
Where to Shop
Kinnaur is famous for its Handloom and
Handicraft items like shawls, caps, mufflers, article of wood carving,
metal work and silver & gold ornaments . Kinnaur is also famous for
apples, almonds, chilgoza, ogla, apricots and grapes.There are many
wholesale shops at Kalpa, Reckong Peo, Karchham, Tapri etc. Besides this
the co-operative societies, small production-cum-training centres and
Khadi gram udyog centres are looking after the local products like
gudmas, shawls,wool, neoza, zira, etc. Also there are many retail price
shops in every village. Local fairs, mela and festivals are the main
source of shopping.
Adventure Tourism
Kinnaur has tremendous scope of
adventure tourism. There are many
trekking routes in the district.
Ski slopes are available at Kalpa and
rock climbing can also be started in this district. Walking has been a
means of recreation and physical fitness. Trekking is essentially
walking. In ancient times people walked through the dense., untouched
forests and they walked across unknown passes and mountains in search of
grazing grounds and game. Numerous passes connect the two valleys across
the range. These passes have legends and even today they are mysterious,
challenging and revealing to the world. The valleys have some of the
most interesting meadows, view points, lakes and lush green pastures to
add to its beauty and mystery. Chir, deodar, blue pine, rhododendrons
and junipers covers its slopes up to 11,500 fts. numerous tiny colourful
birds dwell in the forest.
Tourist Information Centre
The information regarding tourism can
be gathered from the Tourist Information centre located at Deputy
Commissioner Office, Recong Peo
Permits for Foreigners
Permits for foreigners visiting Kinnaur are available from the various
Offices. These offices include the office of MHA Govt of HP;DM
Concerened/ITBP/Spl. Commissioner (Tourism), Govt. of HP/ Resident
Commissioner HP,Delhi/DGP,HP,Shimla. The places open for tourists under
PAP include Poo, Khab, Sumdo, Dhankar, Tabo Gompa, Kaza, Moorang,
Dabling.
The general guidelines include:
The PAP is valid for group tourists consisting of four or more persons
only.
The tour needs to be sponsored by recogonised Indian Tourist Agency
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