Kinnaur Kailash

Kinnaur Kailash is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, near the Indo-Tibetan border. It stands majestically at an altitude of around 6,050 meters (19,849 feet), and is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Mythological Importance and Story

According to Hindu mythology, Kinnaur Kailash is believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The main highlight is the huge vertical rock pillar, about 79 feet high, known as the Shivlingam — a naturally formed rock that changes colors during different times of the day.

The Kinnaur Kailash Shivlingam is highly revered, and it is said that Lord Shiva conducts meetings of all gods and goddesses here.
The region is also mentioned in ancient scriptures as the mystical land where gods once roamed freely.

Kinnaur Kailash is one of the sacred Panch Kailash, along with Mount Kailash, Adi Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, and Om Parvat.

While there is no formal temple atop Kinnaur Kailash, there are numerous ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and local deities in nearby villages like Kalpa, Roghi, and Pangi.
The pilgrimage to the Shivlingam is a test of devotion, endurance, and spiritual strength.

Best Time to Visit

  • Best Season: June to mid-October.
  • Ideal Months for Trekking: July to September (after snow melts).
  • Avoid: November to May due to heavy snowfall and blocked roads.

How to Visit Kinnaur Kailash

Travel Route:

  • Delhi ➔ Chandigarh ➔ Shimla ➔ Reckong Peo (Kinnaur district) by road.
  • Reckong Peo serves as the main base town to start the trek.

Mode of Transport:

  • Direct buses available from Shimla to Reckong Peo.
  • Private taxis also operate on this route.
  • Nearest Railway Station: Shimla.
  • Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla (~267 km away).

Trek to Kinnaur Kailash Shivlingam

Base Point of Trek

  • Starting Point: Trekking starts from Tangling village, around 12 km from Reckong Peo.
  • Alternative Starting Point: Some trekkers also start from Kalpa.

How to Reach the Base Point

  • From Reckong Peo, hire a local taxi to Tangling village (~30–40 minutes).
  • From Kalpa, you can either trek downhill or drive to Tangling.

Trek Difficulty

  • Difficulty Level: Challenging (requires good fitness and acclimatization).
  • Steep ascents, rocky paths, glacier crossings, and rough terrains are part of the journey.
  • Altitude gain can be significant, so proper acclimatization is crucial.

Guide Options / Trekking Agency

  • Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for the trek.
  • Some local agencies based in Reckong Peo and Kalpa offer complete trekking packages including tents, meals, and guide services.
  • Guides help with navigation, safety, and basic altitude sickness management.

When to Start the Trek

  • Start early morning (around 5–6 AM) to avoid trekking under harsh sun and complete major climbs before noon.
  • Full moon nights during August are highly revered for pilgrimage, known as the Kinner Kailash Parikrama.

Time Required

  • Tangling to Parvati Kund (First campsite) – 7 to 9 hours trek
  • Parvati Kund to Shivlingam (Summit) – 3 to 4 hours one-way
  • Return time to Tangling is faster but still requires 6–7 hours.

Thus, a 2-day trek (1-night camping) is the minimum requirement.

Eateries Availability During Trek

  • No eateries available during the trek.
  • You must carry your own food (MREs, snacks, packed lunch).
  • Local homestays and small eateries available in Tangling and Reckong Peo before starting.

Temple Timings

  • No structured temple at Shivlingam.
  • Pilgrims usually perform rituals like parikrama (circumambulation) and prayers during dawn or early daylight hours.

Other Important Tips

  • Proper acclimatization is a must before attempting the trek.
  • Weather can change suddenly; stay updated.
  • No mobile network beyond Tangling village.
  • Respect the local customs and natural surroundings; it’s a deeply spiritual site.
  • Plastic use is strictly discouraged.

Where to Stay

Budget Dharamshalas

  • Kinner Kailash Dharamshala, Reckong Peo
  • HPPWD Rest Houses (Advance booking recommended)

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hotel Kinner Kailash
  • The Monk, Kalpa
  • Hotel Rollingrang

Luxury Stays

  • Grand Shambala, Kalpa
  • Echor – The Alpine Crest

(Note: Luxury accommodations are limited and concentrated mostly around Kalpa.)

Important Items to Carry

  • Government-issued ID card (for permits, if needed)
  • Warm layered clothing
  • Raincoat/windcheater
  • Trekking shoes (good grip and ankle support)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
  • Water bottles, energy bars, dry fruits
  • First aid kit (include AMS medicines)
  • Torch/headlamp
  • Trekking pole
  • Sleeping bag (for higher camps if staying overnight)

NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  • Kalpa: Charming village known for scenic views of Kinnaur Kailash range.
  • Suicide Point, Roghi: A famous cliff point near Kalpa.
  • Sangla Valley: Known for lush beauty and traditional Himachali culture.
  • Chitkul: The last inhabited village near the Indo-China border.
  • Nako Lake: A serene high-altitude lake surrounded by monasteries.
  • Rakcham: Beautiful meadow village between Sangla and Chitkul.
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