Kinnaur, the land of fairy tales and fantasies, has a spectacular terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards snow-clad peaks and cold desert mountains. The border district of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur is also rich in flora & fauna and its culture and language is different from other parts of the state. Kinnaur, the tribal district of Himachal Pradesh, is about 250 km away from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is situated on the national Highway No. 22 (Hindustan Tibet Road).

The landscape of the area varies from the lush green orchards of the scenic Sangla Valley to the stark magnificence of the Hangrang valley. The massive snow clad ranges that provide a regal dignity to the scene are dominated by the peak of Kinner Kailash, at the lap of which is located Hotel Kinner Kailash. Kalpa is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of Kinnaur district.

You can enter Kinnaur district at village Chora and follow a straight line road constructed in vertical rock cliff and it is a rare treat to travel on this road which is a great engineering feat. Along the road are the villages of Nigual Sarai and Bhabanagar where the famous Sanjay Vidyut power project is located. After Bhabanagar, you reach Wangtu where you cross Satluj river. From this point you can visit the famous Bhaba village and also undertake, the famous adventurous trek from Bhaba valley to Pin Valley in Spiti.

The road from Shimla to Kinnaur follows a scenic route running through Narkanda, famous for skiing and winter sports, where Hotel Hatu is located. Enroute are the famous apple belts of Kotgarh and Kumarsain descending to the Satluj Valley. After reaching Rampur Bushahr, the famous trading town and capital of the erstwhile rulers of Bushahr State, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has a restaurant and bar called'Cafe Satluj'. From Rampur the beautiful village of Sarahan Bushahr is 44 km, where HPTDC has a Hotel named Srikhand. Sarahan (2165 m) is truly a heaven, tucked away in the foot hills of the Himalayas. The major attractions in Sarahan are the centuries old Bhimakali temple and the Palace of Raja Bushahr. Sarahan is also the gateway to Kinnaur.

Kinnaur is a border district, located in the southeastern part of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 250 km from the capital Shimla and is situated on National Highway No. 22, which is also called the Hindustan-Tibet Road. The landscape of the area varies from the lush green orchards of the Sangla Valley to the stark magnificence of the Hangrang Valley. The massive snow-clad ranges provide a regal dignity to the area. There are about 77 villages in the district and Kalpa is one of the biggest of them. There are almost no urban centers.

It is very cold during the winters here but the summers are pleasant. Being a dry zone, there is no monsoon here. Therefore, the ideal time to visit Kinnaur is from May to October.

Places of Tourist Interest

Bhaba Valley:
A beautiful valley along Bhaba river. Link road to valley originates at Wangtu. It is a beautiful landscape, reservoir lake and alpine meadows and is the best for famous trek route to Pin valley in Spiti.

Karchham:
The N.H. 22 that follows the old Hindustan Tibet Route goes past the villages of Jeori, Wangtu, Tapri and Karchham. Karchham (1,899 m) located at the confluence of the Satluj and Baspa rivers is the start of the picturesque Baspa or Sangla valley.
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Bangla:
(2,880 m) The Central villages in the valley, scenic Sangla is 18 km from Karchham. A link road that goes off the N.H. into the Baspa valley offers an enchanting visit at every curve. There are saffron fields, orchards and higher up, as the road climbs the steep inclines lovely alpine meadows, Sangla is on a sharp slope with the houses rising in tiers. The Kinner Kailash peak dominates the view. From Sangla, it is possible to visit the Kamru Fort, an impressive fortress-style temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.

Rakchham:
(2900 m) is about 13 km on the way to Chitkul from Sangla. lt is situated on the fight bank of Baspa river and is famous for its scenic beauty.

Chhitkul:
(3,450 m) The last and the highest village in this valley, Chhitkul, 28 km from Sangla, is noted for its alpine meadows and snow scapes. It has a rest house.

Powari:
Powari, 70 km, from 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:

(2,670 m) Located 240 km from Shimla and 7 km from Powari, Recong Peo is the Head quarters of the district Kinnaur. it has a Rest House and hotels and a fine view of the Kinner Kailash.

Riba:
(2,745 m) Riba just (1 8 km) from Powari on N.H. 22 is famous for its vineyards and local wine "Angoori' that is made from grapes.

Jangi:
26 km from Powari, the inner border is located here beyond which foreigners require permits to travel upto Tabo. From this point the famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek starts touching Morang, Thangi and Kunocharang villages and entering Chitkul village in Sangla valley.

Rivers:
Satluj flowing through Namgya, Karchham, Tapri. Baspa flowing through Chitkul and Sangla. Spiti flowing through Kaza and Tabo. Chandra flowing through Batal Gramphu, Koksar and Gondla. Bhaga flowing through Keylong. Chandrabhaga flowing through Udaipur, Purthi and Kilar.

Lakes:
 Nako, Chandratal Surajtal

Fishing:
 Baspa river for trout.
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Heritage Buildings:
 Kamru Fort, Sangla, Moorang Fort, Gondla Fort, Gondla, Tabo, Dhankar and Key monasteries.

Fairs & Festivals:
 Ladarcha fair (July-Aug.) Kaza, Tribal Fair (August) Keylong, Tribal Festival (Oct-Nov.) Rekongpeo Phulaich Festival Kastiar (Aug-October)