Day 1: Arrival in Shimla and Drive to Kinnaur (Rampur)
Distance: Approx. 150 km (6-7 hours)
Route: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur
Morning: Arrive in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards Kinnaur Valley.
Stop at Narkanda: Located at an altitude of 2,708 meters, Narkanda offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a great place to take a short break.
Arrival at Rampur: Continue your journey to Rampur, the gateway to Kinnaur Valley. Rampur is situated on the banks of the Satluj River and is famous for its apple orchards and beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Stay at Rampur.
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Day 2: Rampur to Sangla Valley
Distance: Approx. 100 km (4-5 hours)
Route: Rampur → Jeori → Karcham → Sangla
Morning: After breakfast, start your drive towards Sangla Valley, one of the most picturesque valleys in Kinnaur.
Stop at Jeori: En route, stop at Jeori and Karcham for some stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Arrival at Sangla: Sangla is known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and apple orchards. It’s also the base for visiting Kamru Fort, an ancient fort with historical significance and beautiful views.
Visit the Kamru Fort: Explore Kamru Fort, located on a hilltop with excellent views of the Sangla Valley and Baspa River.
Overnight: Stay in Sangla.
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Day 3: Sangla to Chitkul and Back
Distance: Approx. 22 km (1-2 hours one way)
Route: Sangla → Chitkul → Sangla
Morning: Start your day early and head towards Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border.
Chitkul is a charming village with wooden houses, apple orchards, and a stunning view of the Baspa River. It’s an excellent place for nature walks and photography.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and visit the Chitkul Temple, dedicated to the local deity Goddess Mathi.
Lunch: Have lunch in Chitkul while enjoying the views of the Baspa Valley.
Afternoon: Return to Sangla and relax or explore the surroundings further.
Overnight: Stay in Sangla.
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Day 4: Sangla to Kalpa
Distance: Approx. 50 km (2-3 hours)
Route: Sangla → Karcham → Kalpa
Morning: After breakfast, drive towards Kalpa, the headquarter of the Kinnaur District.
Kalpa is known for its picturesque views of the Kinner Kailash Range, which is considered sacred by the locals. The village is surrounded by apple orchards and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Explore Kalpa: Visit the Kalpa Monastery, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. You can also explore the small village of Roghi, a picturesque spot offering views of the valley.
Visit the Kinnaur Kailash Range: If you are adventurous, you can take a short trek or just relax and enjoy the majestic views of Kinnaur Kailash.
Overnight: Stay in Kalpa.
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Day 5: Kalpa to Shimla (Return Journey)
Distance: Approx. 250 km (8-9 hours)
Route: Kalpa → Karcham → Jeori → Shimla
Morning: After breakfast, start your journey back to Shimla. The route offers several scenic spots to capture on the way.
Stop at Karcham: Take a break at Karcham to admire the stunning view of the Satluj River.
Arrival at Shimla: Reach Shimla in the evening. If time permits, you can take a short walk around Mall Road and enjoy the evening.
Overnight: Stay in Shimla or conclude your journey.
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Key Attractions and Experiences in Kinnaur:
1. Rampur: The gateway to Kinnaur, known for its apple orchards and views of the Satluj River.
2. Sangla Valley: A beautiful valley with lush green landscapes, apple orchards, and snow-capped peaks.
3. Kamru Fort: A historical fort offering amazing views of the Sangla Valley and Baspa River.
4. Chitkul: The last village on the Indo-Tibetan border, offering views of Baspa River and Kinner Kailash.
5. Kalpa: Known for its stunning views of Kinner Kailash, apple orchards, and the peaceful Kalpa Monastery.
6. Kinnaur Kailash Range: A sacred mountain range considered holy by locals, with breathtaking views and treks.
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Additional Travel Tips for Kinnaur:
1. Road Conditions: The roads in Kinnaur can be narrow and winding, especially near the mountains. It’s advisable to travel in a 4×4 vehicle for a smoother journey.
2. Altitude Considerations: Kinnaur is at a high altitude, so take proper precautions to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion.
3. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kinnaur is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear.
4. Packing Tips: Carry warm clothes, especially for the evenings, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Also, pack sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and personal medications.
5. Permits: Kinnaur is located near the Indo-Tibetan border, so some areas may require special permits. Check with local authorities about the necessary documentation before traveling.
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This 5-day Kinnaur Valley tour itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and culture. From exploring the scenic Sangla Valley and visiting the sacred Trilokinath Temple, to enjoying the breathtaking views of Kinnaur Kailash, this journey will leave you with unforgettable memories.
