Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Time, How to Reach and Itinerary

If you are an adventure freak and are always up for challenges then you should check out this hidden gem trek. The Kinner Kailash Parikrama trek promises you the pristine beauty and wilderness of the Kinnaur region situated in Himachal Pradesh. You will be surprised to know that this is one of the remotest regions of Himachal, closely located to the indo-Tibetan border. This is also the reason for the pagoda-style architecture and monasteries you witness there.

You will find a blend of Buddhism And Hinduism culture as well. Due to the sensitive borderline issues, foreign nations are required to take their permit from tourist authorities. Moving to the main deal, this place is famous for the sacred mountains of Kinner Kailash. The Sutlej river gushing down the Kinner valley adds that extra punch to the trek. This river originates from the slope of the Kailash part near the great Mansarovar Lake.

The entire place is strikingly beautiful because of its serene atmosphere, offering you pretty sunlit meadows, apple orchards, towering peaks, and hanging glaciers. I am sure you can’t get enough photos for your camera roll. 

This trek starts from Thangi village near Chail, taking you through Charang village which is a picturesque beauty, passes through Charang la (17, 200 ft above sea level), and ends at Manali.

History of Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek

The Kinner trek is also a famous pilgrimage because it houses the 79ft tall Shivalinga that changes its color every moment. Hence it is considered of great mythical and historical significance especially to devotees of Lord shiva. The word parikrama stands for circumambulation and hence besides the will to cover this challenge you will also require faith, mental wellbeing, and sound health. And as one said, good things never come easy, so prepare yourself for massive boulders, narrow trails, crossing large water streams, and rusty roads. 

Where is Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek? 

Situated in the lap of Kinnaur Valley in Himachal Pradesh, this is one such trek that you will love and cherish every moment. The valley stands massive with all the unseen beauty it has to offer. The historical and religious touch to the place takes your experience to another level and satisfies you to your core. The pilgrimage and its significance have elevated the trek’s experience even more and nevertheless say this trek is attempted every year by many devotees. 

Best time to visit Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek

The most favorable time to visit Kinner Kailash Trek is September to October. Though the trek can be attempted between May to October too the chances of heavy monsoon, landslides, cloud bursts, and avalanches make it dangerous. 

Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek Highlight

How to reach Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek? 

By Air:-  

Shimla is the nearest airport to this trek connected well to Delhi and Kullu. Kalpa is around 266 km from there. Also, you will find taxis to take you from Shimla to Kinnaur. 

By Rail:- 

The nearest station is Dehradun. Another option is Shimla StationStation which is around 244km away from Kinnaur. 

By Road:-

Shimla is well connected to Kinnaur through various buses and taxis. You can either take a state-run bus or book a cab to your destination. Lahaul and Spiti is also connected to Kinnaur but it’s not usually advised because it’s quite prone to landslides  

Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek Itinerary

Day 01 :- (Delhi – Shimla) 

After reaching Delhi you will be traveling to Shimla in the evening. It’s an overnight journey. 

Day 02 :- Shimla – Kalpa (290 kms/2950 mts)

So today is the day you start your trip. The excitement of the day begins with you traveling to Shri Bhima Kali Temple located in Sarahan Bushahr. The drive will take you through places like Narkanda and Kufri. Further, you will discover the hot sulfur springs of Jeori. Take a nice hot bath there and relax your nerves because you will be visiting Kalpa.

The roads to Kalpa will take you through scenic thick woods which are so stunning to look at. The Kalpa is famous for some of the finest breeds of apples. You will be spellbound by the subtle smell of apples all over the place. Don’t forget to witness the Kinner Kailash range which stands majestically 6050 meters above. Stay for the night in Kalpa. 

Day 03 :- Kalpa – Lambar (60 kms) 2890 mts

Take your breakfast a little heavy as you will be traveling to Lumbar today. The place is an outta movie scene on its own. With small villages nestling on the top and stunning beauty all over the place. Enjoy the place completely before you come back to your camps. Stay for the night in your camps and enjoy the campfire and the atmosphere of the place completely. It’s just so divine! 

Day 04:- The Acclimatization Day at Lambar

You need to acclimatize to the place so today take your time doing that. Meanwhile, enjoy the surrounding beauty and relax in the lap of mother nature. 

Day 05:- Lambar – Shurting (8 km) 3150 meters

Today you will be starting your trek to Kinner Kailash Parikrama. Post breakfast you will move towards Shurting which lies in the northeast. You will be climbing quite a height while coming across small gushing streams once in a while. Shurting is the meeting place of two rivers giving birth to the Lambda river. Your names will be recorded in an advanced ITBP located 3150 mts above according to your movement. Overnight stay at Shurting camps with light-up bonfires. 

Day 06:- Shurting – Charang (6 km) 3450 mts

 Today you will be trekking to Charang which is a 6 km stretch. The trek takes about 3-4 hours. The place is famous for Rangrik Tugma Complex which is an 11th-century old Monastery. Take your time to explore the place, nearby villages, and the local food. Relax for the day in your camps near Charang village. 

Day 07 :- Charang – Lalanti Base (8 kms) 4420mts

Get up early because you will be trekking from Charang Valley to Lanati today which is almost an 8 km stretch and takes about seven to eight hours to reach. While moving you will witness the gorgeous pastures of Lanati and flower-clad mountains. The yellow and red flowers cover the area like a blanket under the blue sky and it’s so pretty to even believe through the naked eye. Take rest for the day once you reach your camps at Lanati and relish the experience. 

Read more: Deo Tibba Trek

Day 08 :- Lalanti – Chitkul (through Lalanti Pass) 5242 mts

One of the most challenging days of the trek where you will be heading towards Chitkul which is almost 30km and will take 12-14 hours to reach. So don’t forget to have a good breakfast before you leave. The climb through Charang pass (5242 meters) is quite difficult and will test your patience. Even if the trek gets tough don’t forget to appreciate the beauty surrounding it, it’s just so pleasant to the eyes. You will be finishing your trek once you reach Chitkul Lalanti. If you are lucky you might catch sight of snow leopards as well. Exciting, right! Stay here for the night and relax fully as the trip would have surely exhausted you. 

Day 09:- Chitkul 3500 mts

Take a day off today and explore the magnificent beauty of Chitkul and its surrounding. Located at an altitude of 3500 above sea level, Chitkul presents you with pristine mountain territories, a small, handsome village of Sangla Valley, and rare sights of majestic peaks ruling over. If you move forward then chitkul you will come across Tibet. On a historical note, Chitkul was once used as a route for trading between India and Tibet. Not only this, you will find temples as old as 500 years residing in their glory. The place is a paradise to a trekker’s eyes and will give you so many moments to capture in your memory and camera roll both. 

Day 10 :- Chitkul – Shimla – Delhi

And finally, the trip comes to an end with you traveling back from Chitkul to Shimla. You can board an A.C Volvo back to Delhi. 

Day 11:- Arrive in Delhi

Arrival in Delhi is the last day. I hope you are satisfied enough and relish every single moment of the amazing trip you just had. Even if it makes you a Lilin nostalgic you will be taking back so many memories from here. Wish you a happy and Safe Journey. 

FAQ’s ( Frequently Asked Questions) for Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek