Kinnaur Kailash, Kalpa, and the Kinnauri Apple Orchards

Kalpa/Reckong Peo: Kalpa is located off the NH22 at 9,711 feet above sea level and was on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road. Since we had not booked any hotel, the first challenge was to find an accomodation in the peak season at Kalpa. We spent Rs 750/day basic room with a balcony view of the Kinnaur Kailash range and the Chini village. Kalpa is a fruit orchard with majestic views of Kinnaur Kailash. Later, shifted to another hotel near the Kalpa Bus stand. For accomodation at Kalpa near the bus stand, connect with Shri Mintu Thakur @+91-8894483421.

Kalpa is mesmerising and gives a homely feeling. Given an opportunity, I will love to settle down in Kalpa-Chinni. Overlooking is the Mount Kinnaur Kailash, the winter abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and famous for the Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama. Chini is an old village with the market; wooden houses, temple (Lochawa La-Khang), the stupa, and the local bus stand equipped with an ATM. The ecstatic charm and uninhibited feel of the village, and the apple orchards keeps travelers engaged. A stroll to Roghi Village offers scenic views of the valley and the lovers point. Kalpa with its topographical settings must be a beauty in the winter during the snowfall. We came back to Chini village and boarded a bus towards Peo to visit the Kinnaur Kalachakra Buddhist monastery (The Great Statue of Lord Buddha of Kinnaur), the Kothi village, and the Chandika Devi temple. We hiked and explored the hidden temples and lanes less traversed too. The afternoon was well spent in exploring the Peo market-the district headquarters of Kinnaur.

Important: If heading towards Nako - Tabo - Kaza and planning to catch the early morning bus from Peo, then it is advisable to stay near Peo bus stand, rather then at Kalpa/Chini. The first bus to Kaza leaves around 7 am, and it is challenging to find transportation from Kalpa that early in the morning unless you intend to book a taxi. If you are lucky, someone will give you the lift. Though we were not taking the morning bus as we had plans to visit Moorang first. The bus to Moorang leaves at 9.30 am from Peo. Still, we faced major difficulty in finding local transportation in the morning to Peo bus stand. A local gentleman helped came to the rescue and dropped us to the bus station.

For the fourth part of the journey, please visit the following: Moorang Fort - Serene Nako - Checkpoint Sumdo, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

For the second part of the journey, please visit the following: Sangla Valley and Chitkul Village, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh