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Kinnaur - the land of fairy tales and
fantasies, has a spectacular terrain of lush green valley, orchards, vineyards, snow clad
peaks and cold desert mountains. It is a border district of Himachal
Pradesh. Kinnaur is also rich in flora & fauna. The culture and language is
different from other parts of the state. Kinnaur, the tribal district of Himachal Pradesh,
lies 250 km away from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is situated on the
NH - 22 (Hindustan Tibet Road). The landscape of the area varies from 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. Kalpa is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of Kinnaur.
One
can enter Kinnaur district at Village Chshora and follow a straight line road constructed
in vertical rock and it is a rare treat to travel on this road which is a great
engineering feat.
Situated at the height of 2758 m above
the sea level and 110 km from Sarahan, Kalpa is a beautiful and main village of Kinnaur.
Across the river faces the majestic mountains of the Kinner Kailash range. These are
spectacular sights early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with
crimson and golden light.
ACCESS:
Nearest Airport (267 km) and Railhead (244 km) is at Shimla. The route is on NH - 22
(The Hindustan Tibet Road) which bifurcates to Kalpa from Powari. Buses and Taxis are
available at Shimla and Rampur.
One can also reach Kalpa via Manali - Rohtang Pass - Kunzam Pass - Kaza
(400 km).
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required and for summers light woolens are recommended.
 THE KINNER KAILASH:
The hotel is strategically located for visiting Kinnaur or
traveling ahead to Spiti. This is a newly built hotel with all modern
facilities. The design of the hotel has been inspired by the traditional
architecture of the area. Needless to add, it has one of the finest views in the
world.
ADDRESS:
The Kinner Kailash, Kalpa (H.P.) - 172108. Tel:
(01786) - 226159.
CLASS:
Deluxe Hotel.
Check availability & book The Kinner Kailask
- Rooms are
modern, well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
- Restaurant serving Indian,
Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisine
- Satellite
Television,
- Sprawling Lawn, Parking within premises.
- Closed
from December - March due to extreme weather conditions
PLACES OF INTEREST
RECONG PEO (2670M): Located 240 km
from Shimla, 7 km from Powari and 13 km from Kalpa. Recong Peo is the headquarter of
district Kinnaur.
KOTHI:
Just 3 km from Recong Peo. Kothi has a temple dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi. Set against a
backdrop of mountains and graves of the deodar the temple has an unusual architectural
style and fine sculpture. An exquisite gold image of goddess is enshrined in sanctum.
SANGLA VALLEY:
If a landscape had the
powers of casting spells, then the Sangla valley would be a magician extraordinary. Once
seen, it is a place that can never be forgotten. Even the rushing waters of the Baspa
river, that flow through its 95 km length, seem to absorb some of the magic and slow down
to savor its snow-frame beauty. 2 km from Sangla is the fort of Kamru (300 m) its tower
like architecture resembles that of the Bhima Kali complex and this was the origin of
rulers of Bushehar. Chitkul (3450 m) is the last village of the valley and beyond lies
Tibet.
RIBA (2745M):
Just 18 km from Powari
on NH-22 is famous for its vineyards and local wine 'Angoori' made from grapes.
JANGI:
26 km from Powari, the inner
border is located here beyond which foreigners require permit to travel upto Tabo.
From this point the famous Kinner Kailash Parikarama Trek starts touching Morang, Thangi
and Kunocharang villages and entering Chitkul village in Sangla Valley.
PUH (2837m):
Lush green fields,
orchards of apricot, almond trees and vineyards, are to be seen on route to Puh. Just 58 km from Powari along the NH-22, Puh has rest house and
basic hotel
facilities.
NAKO (3662m): 117 km from Kalpa. In
Hangrang Valley is the largest village above sea level. It is also famous for Nako Lake
which has boating facilities in summer and during winter its frozen surface is used for
ice skating. Buddhist monastery is located here.
TABO (3050m):
163 km from Kalpa and
27 km from Sando the ancient village, Tabo is situated on the left bank of river Spiti.
Flanked on either side by hills, it is one of the most important Buddhist
monasteries regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It is also
known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which
has since been declared a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of
India.
KAZA (3600m):
210 km from Kalpa 47
from Tabo. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district, Kaza is on the bank of river Spiti.
In earlier times, it was the capital of Nono, the chief of Spiti. It has a Buddhist
Monastery and Hindu Temple.
KEY GOMPA (4116m):
7 km from Kaza.
The largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Established in the 11th century, it has ancient
Buddhist scrolls and paintings. Also houses the largest number of Buddhist monks and
nuns.
KIBBER (4205 m):
18 km from Kaza. The
highest village in the world which is connected by a motorable road and also the highest
village in the world which has its own polling station during elections.
KUNZAM PASS (4551m):
76 km: One of
the highest motorable passes. Goddess Kunjum keeps guard over the pass and wards of
the evil.
Situated at an altitude of 3600 meter above sea level on left bank of
river Spiti is presently the headquarters of Spiti sub division. Translated,
'Spiti' means the 'middle country' - a name obviously given as a result of its
ties with both India and Tibet. With freckles of green over a dry,
weather-beaten face, Spiti
is a cold desert where the monsoon rain never comes. It is characterised by
stark beauty, narrow valleys and high mountains. A century ago, Rudyard Kipling
in Kim called Spiti "a world within a world" and a "place where the gods
live" - a description that holds true to the present day.
ACCESS:
Nearest airports are at Kullu (Bhuntar) 250 km. and Shimla 445 km. Kaza can be approached
by road from Shimla (May to October) and from Manali 200 km. via Kuzam Pass (June to
October).
CLIMATE:
This region is known as Cold Desert and does not receive rainfall. In winter the temperature can
drop below freezing point, when heavy woolens are required. In summers the weather remains
pleasant when light woolens are advised
THE SPITI: Named after the
Spiti river and complimenting the Spiti valley, the hotel has been started
recently. The hotel serves as excellent
accommodation for exploring the artistically and culturally rich monastery's
around Kaza
ADDRESS: The Spiti,
Kaza, Spiti - 172114.
Tel.No: (01906) - 222752.
CLASS:
Deluxe Hotel.
Note: The tariff for
Double Bed Room is inclusive of Veg. Food Charges @ Rs. 400/- for 2 persons per
day i.e. breakfast and lunch or dinner.
 THE TOURIST
LODGE: Himachal Tourism runs four room Tourist
Lodge at Kaza.
ADDRESS:
Tourist Lodge, Kaza, Spiti - 172114.
CLASS:
Budget Hotel.
Check availability and book The Tourist Lodge
Note: The tariff for 4
Double Bed Rooms is inclusive of Veg. Food Charges @ Rs. 300/- for 2 persons per
day i.e. breakfast and lunch or dinner.
- Drive in, Parking, Catering.
(Open June to October)
- Spacious rooms having attached bath with running hot
and cold water.
PLACES OF INTEREST
TABO:
(3050 m) 163 km from Kalpa is the ancient village of Tabo, situated on the left bank of river Spiti. Flanked on
either sides by hills, its has one of the most important Buddhist monasteries regarded by
many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It is also known as the Ajanta of the
Himalayas. Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which has since been declared a
protected monument under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India.
KAZA:
(3600m) 210 Km from Kalpa, 47 km
from Tabo. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district, Kaza lies on the bank of river Spiti.
In earlier times, it was the capital of Nono, the Chief of Spiti. It
has a Buddhist Monastery and Hindu Temple.
KEY GOMPA:
(4116m) 7 km from Kaza.
The largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Established in the 11th century has
ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. It also houses large number of
Buddhist monks and nuns.
KIBBER: (4205m) 18 km from Kaza.
The highest village in the world which is connected by motorable road and is the
highest habitated village in the world which has its own polling station during elections.
DHANKAR:
(3890m) 24 km from Tabo, this
place is famous for a Buddhist monastery.
PIN VALLEY:
The Pin valley lies below
the Kungri Glacier and has several beautiful and important monasteries. iT is
called the land of Ibex and snow leopards
KUNZAM PASS:
(4551m) 76 km. One of the
highest motorable pass. Goddess Kunjum keeps guard over this pass and wards off evil.
CHANDER TAL LAKE: (4270m) 7 km
from Kunzam Pass, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire Himalayan
region. Surrounded by snow, this deep blue water lake has a
circumferences of 2.5 km. River Chandra flows very close to the lake.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOR INDIAN AND FOREIGN TOURISTS
The Kinnaur and Spiti area of Himachal Pradesh has
been opened to Indian and Foreign tourists. While going via Shimla and Rampur -
Kalpa, Recong Peo and Sangla Valley can be visited by Indians and Foreigners
without any restrictions. To travel beyond Jangi in Kinnaur to Kaza in Spiti
one requires an inner line permit for foreign nationals which can be obtained
from the following offices:
District Magistrate
- Shimla, Recong Peo (Kinnaur), Kullu, Keylong (Lahaul)
Sub District
Magistrate (SDM) - Shimla, Rampur,
Kalpa, Nichar, Keylong, Udaipur
Additional Deputy
Commissioner Office in Pooh and Kaza.
The best place to get the permit
is at Rampur and Recong Peo. The office of the SDM at Rampur is just opposite
the Police Station in the main bazaar and the office of the District Magistrate
at Recong Peo is near the bus station. The permit is free of cost and holds good
for seven days. To get a permit, one
must have a letter of introduction from a recognised travel agency, three
passport size photos, and a photocopy of the front pages of the passport. Making
several copies of the permit is suggested, as one may have to submit them at
checkpoints on the way.
Foreign nationals
can travel with permits in a group of four or more persons. Foreign nationals
cannot stay overnight between Jangi and Kaza.
Indian nationals do not require any permit to
travel in this area however retaining a proof of identity is suggested.
Situated at an altitude of 3350 m,
Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district of
Himachal Pradesh. The region is strange, exciting, primitive mountainous and
delightful. Rudyard Kipling said of the region "Surely the God live here this no
place for men." The route to Lahaul takes a traveler over Rohtang Pass (3980
ml), Koksar (1st village of Lahaul) Sissu, Gondla and crossing the river Chandra
Bhaga at Tandi
ACCESS:
By road the distance is 115 km from Manali, 188 km from Kaza, 373 km from Leh,
435 km from Chandigarh and 690 km from Delhi. Heavy winter snows cut off road
connectivity to the region at Rohtang Pass for six months from November to June.
Buses, Taxis are available from Manali in season. HPTDC also plies regular
coaches to Leh via Keylong during July - September. Nearest airport is Bhunter,
175 km from Keylong.
CLIMATE:
Lahaul remains cut-off from outside the world till mid June due to heavy
snowfall and closing of Rohtang Pass. There is little or no rain in monsoons.
The climate remains dry and invigorating. The days are hot and nights are
extremely cold. Heavy / Light woolens are recommended.
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The Chander
Bhaga, Kelyong:
The majestically built hotel is on the Manali - Leh
road at Keylong, offering spectacular views of the Kardang monastery and the
four high peaks covered with snow. The hotel serves as excellent accommodation
for exploring the artistically and culturally rich monastery's in the vicinity
of Keylong
ADDRESS:
The Chander Bhaga, Keylong, Distt. Lahaul & Spiti (H.P.)
Tel: (01900) - 222247, 222393.
CLASS:
Budget Hotel.
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Check availability and book The Chander Bhaga
Note:
The traiffs for Family Suit and Double Bed Room are inclusive of Veg. food
charges @ Rs. 800/- in family suite and Rs. 400/- in Double Bed Room per day.
PLACES OF
INTEREST
TANDI
(2573m): 8 km, short of Keylong, on the Manali - Leh Raod, situated
on the confluence of Chandra & Bhaga rivers. Last point to tank up if traveling
north of Keylong as it has the last fuel station on this stretch.
SISSU
(3100m): On the bank of Chandra, 15 km from Koksar, every spring and
autumn wild geese and ducks halt here on their way to and from Siberia.
GONDLA
(3110m): 18 km from Keylong on the right bank of river Chandra.
Famous for ancient Fort.
UDAIPUR
(2523m): 53 km from Keylong, home of the Mrikula Devi Temple, which
is famous for wood carvings.
TRILOKNATH
(2660m): 4 km from Udaipur famous for Triloknath temple. Sacred both
for HIndu and Buddhist.
MONASTERY'S:
Lahaul is well known for its monasteries, locally called Gompas, which are great
repositories of Buddhist faith and art treasures. These are Kardang - 5 km,
Shasur - 3 km, Guru Ghantal - 8 km, Tayul - 6 km, Gemur - 18 km
SHOPPING:
Shawls, Local Tweeds, Caps, Rugs, Footwear, Fresh fruit, Natural oil (olive and
almond), Sliver jewellery, Pullovers, Metal craft, Woolen jackets and Bamboo
products. |
