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| Location |
Himanchal Pradesh |
| Places Of Interest |
Reecong Peo, Kalpa, Sangla Valley,
Puh |
| Best Time To Visit |
May to October |
| Altitude |
2670m |
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| NEARBY CITIES |
Recong Peo: 38-km
Kalpa: 50-km
Lippa: 64-km
Morang: 89-km
Puh: 109-km
Chango: 172-km
Nako: 157-km
Sumdo: 154-km
Kaurik: 174-km
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Located
in the dizzying heights of the Himalayas, with passes
that remain closed for six months linking them with
the rest of the world, Kinnaur, is the land of fairytale
and fantasies. Today, this area has been opened for
the daring and adventurous, to discover what had been
hidden from the world for centuries.
Kinnaur has got the spectacular terrain of lush green
valleys, orchards, vineyards, snow clad peaks and
cold desert mountains. This border district of Himachal
Pradesh is also rich in flora and fauna and its culture
and languages is different from other parts of the
state. Also known as the tribal district of Himachal
Pradesh, Kinnaur is situated 250-km away from Shimla
and is situated on the National Highway No.22.
The landscape varies from the luxuriant green orchards
of the scenic Sangla valley to the stark magnificence
of the of the Hangarang valley. The massive snow clad
ranges that provide a regal dignity to the scene,
are dominated by the peak of Kinner Kailash and Kalpa
is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of Kinnaur
district.
The gushing rivers of Kinnaur abound in Trout-the
angler's prize catch, their waters have over the centuries
chiseled beautiful gorges across this picturesque
land and nurtured one of the most unique societies
on there banks. In the lush land live the descendants
of the Kinners- the demi-gods of the Hindu pantheon,
whose deeds have been immortalized in epics and the
poems of ancient Sanskrit poets.
There are thirty-three Buddhist monasteries and temples
in Kinnaur's breathtaking beautiful setting. The Nyingma-pa,
Drug-pa sects are all well represented over here.
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| EXCURSIONS |
TEMPLES
Recong Peo (2290 mts, 38 Km from
Sangla village):
Recong peo is Kunnaur's district headquarters and
has recently built a gompa, where His Holiness the
Dalai Lama conducted a 'Kalchakra' ceremony in 1992.
The ancient settlement of Kalpa with spectacular views,
lies just above Recong Peo.Here is the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar
gompa said to have been founded by Rinchensang-po
in 950-1055 A.D.
Kalpa (2759m):
Beyond Recong Peo, 14-kms 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. This is a spectacluar sight early in
the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks
with crimson and gold light.
Chitkul (3450m):
This is the last and highest village in the Baspa
valley. Situated on the right bank of Baspa river
and there is a road along the left bank from Karcham.
There are 3 temples of local goddess Mathi, the main
ones are said to have been constructed about 500 years
ago.
Nichar (2150m):
This village is situated between Taranda & Wangtu
on the left bank of Satluj about 5-kms above Wangtu.
The scenery is enchanting and Ghoral, antelopes, black
& red bears are seen sometimes in higher ranges.
Kothi:
Kothi is also called Koshtampi. It is little below
Kalpa, and is overshadowed by the Kinner Kailash peak.
The village with its attractive temple, gracious willows
green fields, fruit trees makes an altogether lovely
landscape. Goddess Shuwang Chandika temple is also
located in the village.
Puh:
Locally pronounced Spuwa, is the tehsil headquaters,
71-kms from Recong Peo. It is situated above the National
Highway No.22, having all modern amenities as well
as green fields, vineyards, apricot, almond and grape
orchards enhance its beauty. The local god is called
Dabla, who neither has any dwelling nor possesses
an ark. The only manifestation of the deity is a pole
with a small idol set on its upper portion and adorned
with Yak tail hair and long pieces of colored cloth.
The whole being called Fobrang, it is occasion brought
to the Santhang.
Rakchham (2900m):
Rakchham is situated on the right bank of river Baspa.
Its name has been derived from "Rak" a stone
and "Chham" a bridge. The location of the
village is striking.
Ribba (2745m): Ribba or Rirang is another largely
populous village at a distance of 14-kms from Morang,
the tehsil headquaters. Ribba is situated between
the villages of Purbani & Rispa. In the local
dialect 'Ri' stands for chilgoza and 'rang' means
a peak of a mountain. Another village Rispa is known
for its grapes.
Leo:
About 105-kms from Recong Peo perched on a small rocky
eminence, on the right bank of the Spiti river, is
the headquaters of sub-tehsil Hangrang in Puh subdivision.
The temple of Jamato is worth visiting.
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Lippa (2438m):
Situated near the left bank of Taiti
stream, this village can be approached from Kalpa by
the old Hindustan-Tibet road to Jangi-Lippa-14-kms.
Ibex are said to be found near the forest. The three
Budhist monasteries over here are dedicated to Galdang,
Chhoiker
Dunguir and Kangyar.
Morang (2591): This village is situated
39-kms away from Kalpa on the left bank of river Satluj.
The location is very beautiful and approach to this
picturesque village is through apricot orchards. The
local deity is Urmig and there are three structures
dedicated to the deity each existing in Thwaring, Garmang
and Shilling. Generally these are empty as the ark of
the deity remains in the fort. On a sacred day the ark
is taken to the above named places. The ark has got
18 'mukh', made of silver, gold and brass and they represent
the 18 days of the great epic Mahabharat.
Chango (3058m):
At a distance of 122-kms from Kalpa,
is a collection of 4 hamlets in Pargna Shuwa, sub-tehsil
of Hangrang on the left bank of river Spiti. It is encircled
on every side by high hills, which is a witness to the
presence of a former lake. Buddhism is generally practised
here but there are some local Hindu deities too namely
Gyalbo, Dabla and Yalsa.
Nako (2950 mts, 107 km from Recong
Peo):
7-km on a side-road from bifurcating
near Yangthang, the village is built around an emerald-like
lake. On its northern side are four Buddhist temples
with stucco images and murals. Within the village, two
temples house large prayer wheels. Near Nako is a rock
where a footprint-like impression is ascribed to Padmasambhava.
Situated about 2-kms above the Hangrang valley road
and is 103-kms from Kalpa on the western direction of
the huge mountain of Pargial. This is the highest village
in the valley and the existence of lake formed out of
the masses of the ice and snow above adds beauty to
the village. Local village deity is Deodum and another
Lagang temple with several idols exists over here.
Sumdo/Kaurik:
On the border of Spiti at a distance
of 104-kms and 124-kms respectively from Kalpa, are
the entry points to Spiti valley. There is a Police
Check Post to assist and help the visitors.
Kinner Kailash Circuit (Parikrama):
One can undertake this holy Parikrama
from Morang and return to Kalpa / Karcham in 7-8 days.
Kanum:
This is a complete monastic village
and dates back to the time of Rinchensang-po. 'Kanum'
means 'A place of sacred books'. It has seven large
and small temples and several reliquaries.
VALLEYS
Baspa/Sangla Valley:
This valley starts 57-kms short of
Kalpa, which has been named after a beautiful &
populous village Sangla. Sangla is situated on the right
bank of Baspa river 17-kms from Karcham. Journey from
Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout
the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal
snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known
as Baspa Valley since Baspa river flows through this
area. This is the most charming valley in the entire
District of Kinnaur.
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| HOW TO REACH |
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Air:
Nearest airport is at Jubberhatti, 30-km from Shimla.
Rail:
Nearest railway point is at Shimla.
Road:
Regular buses run daily from Shimla.
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