Kinner Kailash Parikrama: Circuit of Kinnaur Kailasha

Kinner Kailash peak is located in the Kalpa region of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Kinner Kailash parikrama route of Kinnaur follows the circumambulatory trail around Kinnaur Kailash Shivling peak. Kinner Kailash tour offers magnificent views of peaks of Kinnaur Kailash range and surrounding peaks like Raldang(5499m) and Jorkanden(6473m).

The region is located on the Indo-Tibet border. The culture and traditional practices of Kinnaur are heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and the trek is a great an opportunity to witness the beautiful confluence of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Charang Rangrik Monastery

Crossing Charang Kanda

Camping at Lalanti meadows, enroute Charang - La

Glacial lake at base camp , Charang - La

Camping at Lalanti Meadows , enroute Charang La

Lalanti meadows , enroute Charang - La

Upper base camp Landscape

Climbing Charang - La.

Top of the pass , Charang -La.

Kinner Kailash Yatra

The Journey To Kailasha Of Kinnaur

The schedule of Kinner Kailash yatra of Kinnaur is fixed by the office of deputy commissioner office Reckong Peo.

The official yatra to the holy Kinnaur Kailash peak is generally scheduled for the 3rd week of July month or the first week of August month, but Parikrama of Kinnaur Kailash is doable in May and June month too.

The route to the Kailash summit is steeply inclined and it gets almost perpendicular just after Tangling village. It takes around 8-9 hours from Tangling village to reach the next pit stop i.e Maling Khata meadows.

What Is The Story Behind The Kinners Of Kinnaur?

The origin of the word Kinner — with respect to the people of Kinnaur — is still debatable. Kinners of Kinnaur finds mentions in all religious and mythology texts — except Rig Veda — like Rajtaringini, Amarkosha, Matsya Purana, Ramayan, Mahabharata, Shiv Purana, and Vishnu Purana.

In this anthology of epics, Kinners are revered as a distinct tribe who are dem-gods — partway between men and gods.

The celebrated poet and sage Kalidasa has written extensively about the Kinner people of Kinnaur. In Meghdoot — a masterpiece in Sanskrit literature — Kalidasa has described Kinners as pretty people with mellifluous voices who sung and danced at Lord Kuber’s royal court.

Following the June 2019 accident that occurred near Parvati Kund, the Kinnaur district administration under Himachal Pradesh Miscellaneous Adventure Activities Rules, 2017 has mandated the permit for every trekker wishing to register for the Kinner Kailash Yatra.

Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama (Charang – La) Trek

Parikrama(circuit) is the rite of circumambulating — called Pradakshina in Sanskrit — in a clockwise direction of religious images/symbols. It is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist religious practices.

The Charang – La pass is at an altitude of 5300m whereas the holy peak of Kinner Kailash (Shivling) is at an altitude of around 4500m. The clockwise circumambulation or Parikrama is done around the holy peak of Kinnaur Kailash.  The trek starts from Charang village.

What Does Kinner Kailash Tour Package Cost?

Kinnaur Kailash tour package Cost estimation is based on the number of factors like the group size, pick-up place(Chandigarh/Shimla), and add-ons needed(like backpack offloading, accommodation before and after the trek & drop off point(Shimla/Chandigarh). Drop us an email to get a detailed cost breakup and avail group or early bird offers.

Kinner Kailash Trek Rundown

Kinner Kailash Trek Itinerary

• Day #1: Shimla – Charang village (altitude 3500 m)
• Day #2: Acclimatization at Charang. Village walks and a visit to the Rangrik Tsungma monastery.
• Day #3: Charang village – Lalanti meadows.
• Day #4: Lalanti meadows – Base Camp of Charang La
• Day #5: Base Camp of Charang La – Charang La Pass – Chitkul
• Day #6: Chitkul – Shimla.

Kinner Kailash Circuit Itemised Itinerary

The landscape of the area varies from the lush green scenic valley of Sangla to the snow-clad mountains of the Kinner ranges. This trek is packed not only with some of the best views of the mountains, but also provides an insight into the rich history of trade, religion, and diverse ethnic groups, the experience of which leaves one enchanted.

Day 01: Shimla to Charang

Reception at Shimla and drive from Shimla to Charang via Kufri, Narkanda and Reckong Peo. The drive from Shimla to Charang is a beautiful and scenic village with breathtaking views of the Phawarang peak (6050 m) and the Rangrik range. Reach Charang by evening and the stay would be arranged either at a Homestay or rented accommodation.

Day 02: Acclimatization at Charang.

Village walk and a visit to Rangrik monastery and last ITBP post on the Indo-Tibetan border. Explore the places around Charang and pay a visit to the Rangrik Monastery. Overnight stay in the village homestay or camping.

Day 03: Charang–Lalanti

Today we trek from Charang to Lalanti. Initially, the climb will be steep for 2-3 hours till we reach Charang Kanda. After reaching the Kanda gradient is low till Lalanti. Lalanti is a place with many wildflowers and beautiful meadows. The place is beautiful with flowers and blue sky and the roaring sound of rivers. Camp for the night beside a stream in Lalanti.

Day 04: Lalanti – Base Camp of Charang La

Trek to the base camp of Charang La today. The climb is relatively steep today and we reach the base camp by evening. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 05:  Base Camp of Charang La – Charang La – Chitkul

Today we start early and climb steeply to the Charang La. The view of the Kinnaur range is spectacular from this point. We pass the Charang La and descend down to Chitkul village. Overnight stay in the village.

Day 06: Chitkul– Shimla

Chitkul is the last village on the Indo-Tibet border. We can explore the places around Chitkul like Nagasti ITBP post and Ranikanda meadows. Drive back from Shimla with a bag full of lifetime memories.

Kinner Kailash(Kinnaur) Circuit Trek Map

View on Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1aNSZNwfupdnu00hxJXvz2wjvZ6660tDz&ll=31.417586513655234%2C78.50978400000001&z=12

Kinnaur Kailash Trek Cost Includes.

• All arrangements for overnight stays during the trip.
• Camping and Climbing gear.
• All food expenses
• Food will usually consist of morning breakfast, lunch, evening high tea, and dinner.
• All food will be vegetarian.
• Trained and certified guides trained for emergency situations.
• Local guides and workers with in-depth knowledge about the local area.
• One luggage per person will be transported by us.
• Inner line permits and arrangements en route will be arranged by the operator.
• All stays and lodging on a twin sharing basis shall be provided.

Cost Excludes

• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Camera fees or any other costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances and situations beyond our control

Besides good planning, logistics, food, and good equipment, packing a backpack and carrying essential things play a key role in the success of an expedition.

Criterion For Kinner Kailash Circuit Of Kinnaur.

You must have done at least one high altitude trek before. Those who do not have requisite trek experience of high altitude passes should not apply.

You must be physically fit to do the 4-day Himalayan trek. The Kinnaur Kailash circuit trek leads you up to 17,400 feet high pass of Charang-La and through a long expanse of Charang-La glacier. At this altitude the air is thin and the rigors of the mountain can grind you down. You must give yourself sufficient time to prepare yourself for the trek.

NOTE: Trekkers are required to bring a medical certificate deeming them fit for high-altitude trekking at the start of the trek.

Backpack carrying: A porter will carry your backpack, please do not bring extra items but only the essentials needed for high altitude trek. Besides detailed planning, taking care of all the logistics, food, and good equipment, packing a backpack efficiently and carrying essential things play a key role in the success of an expedition.

Kinner Kailash Trek Bare Essentials

• A pair of good quality waterproof trekking boots.
• Three pairs of socks.
• Two pairs of waterproof hiking pants.
• One pair of shorts
• Two pairs of fleece jumpers. 
• Two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms
• One down jacket.
• Headgear (1 beanie/skull cap, 1 buff, and 1 trekking cap). 
• A pair of thick gloves
• Personal hygiene essentials(alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer, soap, towels, toilet papers, baby wipes, etc.) 
• UV-block sunglasses.
• First aid kit.
• A water purifier and filtration bottle.