Day 1: Arrival at Shimla & Travel to Sangla
Morning:
Arrive at Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, via road or train. Shimla is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kullu.
From Shimla, take a private vehicle or bus to Sangla (approximately 7-8 hours, 230 km). Sangla is a picturesque town situated in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur.
Afternoon:
Lunch on the way or upon reaching Sangla.
Explore Sangla Valley: Sangla is known for its stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range and traditional Kinnauri wooden houses. Take a leisurely walk along the Baspa River and enjoy the serene environment.
Evening:
Settle into your guesthouse or camp in Sangla.
Enjoy a relaxing evening with a warm meal and rest after the long drive.
Overnight: Stay in Sangla (Guesthouse or Camp).
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Day 2: Trek from Sangla to Chitkul
Morning:
Breakfast at the guesthouse or camp.
Start your trek from Sangla to Chitkul (approx. 6-7 km, 4-5 hours). The trek to Chitkul is mostly moderate with gradual ascents.
You’ll pass through forests of deodar and oak trees, with beautiful views of the Baspa River on the side. Chitkul is the last inhabited village in India along the Indo-Tibetan border, and the scenery here is stunning.
Afternoon:
Reach Chitkul, a quaint village known for its untouched natural beauty and traditional Kinnauri culture. You’ll be greeted by magnificent views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range.
Have lunch at one of the small local guesthouses or cafes in the village.
Evening:
Take a short walk around Chitkul, explore the temple dedicated to Lord Badrinath, and relax by the riverside, enjoying the quiet and serene environment.
Overnight: Stay in Chitkul (Guesthouse or Camp).
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Day 3: Trek from Chitkul to Yulla Kanda Base Camp
Morning:
After a hearty breakfast, start your trek from Chitkul to Yulla Kanda Base Camp (approx. 10-12 km, 5-6 hours).
The trail is mostly uphill and passes through dense forests, meadows, and beautiful alpine landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll experience clear views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range and pass through remote villages with traditional wooden houses.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Yulla Kanda Base Camp, located at a higher altitude. The area offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, meadows, and valleys.
You can set up camp here or stay in local accommodations if available. Enjoy a packed lunch or warm meal prepared by the trekking team.
Evening:
Spend time relaxing at the base camp, enjoy the stunning sunset views over the Kinnaur Kailash range, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the high mountains.
If you’re up for it, you can take a short walk around the campsite to explore the area further.
Overnight: Camp at Yulla Kanda Base Camp or in a nearby guesthouse.
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Day 4: Summit Yulla Kanda & Descend Back to Chitkul
Morning:
Wake up early to catch the sunrise from the summit of Yulla Kanda. It’s an awe-inspiring sight with the mountains bathed in golden hues.
After breakfast, begin your final ascent to the Yulla Kanda summit (approximately 2-3 hours). The peak offers an incredible view of the entire Kinnaur Kailash range, and on clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Afternoon:
After enjoying the panoramic views from the summit, start your descent back to Chitkul (approximately 4-5 hours). The descent can be a bit quicker and easier, but be cautious on steeper sections.
Evening:
Once back in Chitkul, enjoy a well-deserved meal and rest for the night. You can reflect on your adventurous trek and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the village.
Overnight: Stay in Chitkul.
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Day 5: Return to Sangla & Departure
Morning:
After breakfast, descend back from Chitkul to Sangla (approx. 6-7 km, 2-3 hours). You can either trek or use a jeep to return.
Afternoon:
Once back in Sangla, have lunch and relax for a while. You can explore the village further or visit the nearby Bering Nag Temple.
Evening:
Depart from Sangla to Shimla (approximately 7-8 hours drive) for your onward journey. You can either travel back to Shimla by road or continue to your next destination from there.
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Important Tips for the Yulla Kanda Trek (Kinnaur):
1. Trekking Difficulty: The Yulla Kanda trek is considered moderate to difficult, with a steady ascent and high-altitude conditions. It’s best suited for trekkers with some prior experience and good physical fitness.
2. Best Time to Visit: The best time for the Yulla Kanda Trek is May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are accessible. Winter months (November to March) can be extremely cold with heavy snow, making the trail challenging.
3. Packing Essentials:
Trekking shoes with good grip for rough, steep terrain.
Warm clothes, as the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes, especially at the summit.
Rain gear, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Water bottle (and water purification tablets).
Snacks & Energy Bars for the trek.
Camera to capture the stunning views.
4. Accommodation: You can camp at Yulla Kanda Base Camp or stay in local guesthouses at Chitkul and Sangla. Be sure to book accommodations in advance, especially during the trekking season.
5. Guides & Porters: It’s recommended to hire a local guide or join a trekking group, as the region is remote, and the trail can be tricky in places.
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Conclusion:
The Yulla Kanda Trek in Kinnaur is a challenging yet rewarding trek that offers stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range, serene valleys, and high-altitude landscapes. It’s an ideal choice for trekkers looking to experience the pristine beauty of Himachal Pradesh, away from the crowds. With its combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion, this trek is perfect for those seeking a unique Himalayan experience.
