An Overview

A gorge carved through the Great Himalayas by the bravest of all rivers 'the Sutlej' and framed by towering peaks, Kinnaur awes and inspires. The most common attractions in this culturally rich district of Himachal Pradesh are Nako, Kalpa, Sangla, Chitkul, Rupi Bhaba, Kinner Kailash, Yulla Kanda, Rupin Pass, etc. There are many treks in Kinnaur and the highest peak in Kinnaur is Reo Purgyil- also the highest peak of the state! Kinnaur is one of twelve administrative districts in the state and the district is divided into three administrative areas – Pooh, Kalpa, and Nichar (Bhabanagar). The administrative headquarters of the district is at Reckong Peo, from where Kinner Kailash, considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva, can be seen. As of 2011, Kinnaur is the second least populous district of Himachal Pradesh. Nine vital languages are spoken in this district and it has three high mountains ranges, namely, Zanskar and Himalayas that enclose valleys of Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries. The slopes are covered with thick wood, orchards, fields and picturesque hamlets. At Kinner Kailash Peak, there is also a famous natural rock Shivling which is known as the Shiva lingam.

The district was opened to outsiders in 1889. The old Hindustan-Tibet Road passes through the Kinnaur valley along the bank of river Sutlej and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La pass. A study by the IIT Delhi in 2016 established that Kinnaur district has the cleanest air in the country. Kinnaur with its panoramic rhapsodies offers a plethora of tourist spots. The eminent ones include the Chandika Temple Kothi, Mathi Temple, Maheshwar Temple, Chango Temples, Rarang Monastery, Durga Temple, Charang Temple, Brelengi Gompa, Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary, Rakcham-Chitkul Sanctuary, Rupi-Bhaba Sanctuary, Nako Lake etc. Adventure lovers can have a gala time exploring the innumerable trekking, fishing, skiing, camping, and ice-skating options. Trekatribe offers Trekking and sightseeing in all parts of the district including Kinner Kailash Shivlingam trek, Bhaba Valley, Rupin Pass trek, Yulla Kanda trek, and a Kinnaur road trip including Kalpa, Sangla, Chitkul, and Nako.

Quick Facts-

  • 77o-0" and 78o-19" East Longitude to 30o-45" and 31o-44" North Latitude
  • Altitude varying between 2320 m - 6816 m
  • Highest Peak in Kinnaur-Reo Purgyil 6816 m
  • Population- 84121 (2011)
  • Area- 6401 sq. km
  • Rivers- Sutlej, Spiti & Baspa
  • Literacy- 80%
  • Sex Ratio- 819