Kinnaur is known for its apple orchards. Apples are a major cash crop here. It's perennially cold and the people wear woollens round the year. The local language is Kinnauri. Chitkul village in Kinnaur borders Tibet. The villagers come down during winter because of the extreme cold. Chitkul village is described as an enchanting hamlet. It is located in the most charming valley in Kinnaur district, Sangla Valley, where the snow is eternal. Recong Peo is the headquarter of Kinnaur district.
KALPA: Kalpa township in Kinnaur district is a tourist attraction from where one can have breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains. There are Buddhist monasteries in Kalpa. The mythological winter home of Shiva, Kinner Kailash, is nearby. It is situated at a height of 6,000 metrres.
HOW TO REACH KALPA: The best time to visit is April to October. The distance between Kalpa and Shimla is 225 km. By road it takes a little over 5 hrs. Road journey is smooth. There are Delhi-Shimla-Rampur-Kalpa and the longer Delhi-Manali-Kaza-Kalpa routes. The nearest airport and railway station are in Shimla. Kaza to Kalpa in Spiti is 210 km. There are hotels to stay in Kalpa.
KAZA: A serene Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti district has a picturesque landscape dotted with snow-covered mountains and meandering rivers. There are New Kaza and Old Kaza, the former has a palace and the latter has offices. Monasteries abound. Adventure sports like trekking can be undertaken here.
HOW TO REACH KAZA: Kaza is located at a short distance of around 5 km from Spiti Valley and 400 km from Shimla, a 12-hour journey. Kaza can be reached from Lahaul valley as well as Kinnaur valley. Kaza-Kalpa is 210 km. June to October is the best time to visit. Shimla route is round the year. Buses are available from Shimla as well as Manali. Bhuntar in Kullu is the nearest airport at 250 km away (5 hrs). The closest railway station is in Jogindernagar, 365 km away (8 hrs). There is no Net connectivity and hardly any ATMs. Petrol is hard to get.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN KAZA: Kaza's cold terrain is similar to that of neighbouring Ladakh and Tibet. It is situated 3,500 metres above sea level. It is a base for trekking and mountaineering. There are several beautiful monasteries in Kaza. Dhankar and Chandratal are some of the lakes. Pin Valley National Park here shelters Himalayan Snow Leopards, Siberian Ibex, Red Fox, Marten, Weasel and Bharal. The local food is local dishes like chicken, pork, and mutton momos, Tibetan bread and thukpa. There are hotels and restaurants.
KEYLONG: Keylong is the district headquarter of Lahaul and Spiti district of in Himachal Pradesh. Keylong is on Manali-Leh highway. It is 70 km north of Manali via Atal tunnel (Rohtang Pass). There are famous monasteries in Keylong.
Himachal Pradesh - Destinations:
For Online Booking of Accommodation (Govt Hotels - HPTDC): http://www.hptdc.in
ALSO GO TO: http://www.himachaltourism.gov.in
