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34/1, Fourth Floor, Tower B, The Corenthum, Block A, Industrial Area, Sector 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
© 2015-2023 JustWravel Pvt. Ltd.
Kinnaur Backpacking
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Kinnaur Backpacking

(5135+ Reviews)

Details

Delhi to Delhi

Backpacking Trips

8 Days

Inclusions

Meals

Stays

Transfers

Activities

Safe Travel

Flexible Cancellation

Easy EMI

Certified Captains

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Overview

A backpacking trip to Kinnaur valley is the perfect natural retreat that people crave when looking for a break from the daily humdrum of their daily lives. 

From witnessing apple and apricot orchards gracing the green meadows of Sangla Valley to breathing in the clean air of India’s last village Chitkul, Kinnaur has many gems hidden in its embrace and we explore the best places in Sangla valley and other nearby spots as we embark on this Kinnaur Valley backpacking trip.

Kinnaur has gained recognition recently because of its picturesque landscapes and the stunning view of the Kinner Kailash ranges but the history of this valley remains obscured and the only mention of its existence in the record is through mythological tales and local legends, adding more mystery to this land that remained forbidden for a long time. 

Nestled on what was the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, it is surrounded by many natural wonders. On one hand, the great Himalayas beckon you closer while on the other hand, the Zanskar river flows ceaselessly with a promise to wash you anew.

We start this 7-day backpacking trip to Kinnaur valley from Delhi as our rendezvous point. The overnight drive from Delhi takes us approximately seven hours but every turn that we take just means that our destination would be closer and that excitement is what makes this otherwise long journey seem short. 

The real trip to this valley with rich culture and age-old tradition starts from Shimla which serves as our first halt point in this Kinnaur Valley trip. The route from Shimla is perhaps the best when it comes to road trips to Kinnaur valley as it’s not only accessible throughout the year (except in cases of heavy snowfall) but also because you get to glimpse the beautiful valleys and meadows en route while driving on the Hindustan-Tibet highway. This route also helps your body get acclimated to the weather conditions as well as the high altitude.

En route to Chitkul from Shimla, we will make a brief pit stop at Narkanda which is a small town nestled within a Fir forest in Himachal. At an elevation of 8599 feet, it is surrounded by the great Himalayan ranges. The small town has pleasant weather throughout the year and in winters, it transforms into a ski resort. After spending some peaceful moments here, we will resume our Kinnaur backpacking trip. 

Chitkul, our first stop on this trip, is the last village in India. Elevated at a staggering height of 11,320 ft, this small village is considered to have the cleanest air in the country. Located on the banks of the Baspa river, the trails of this place are covered in wooden houses and apple orchards with majestic mountains in the backdrop, making it the perfect place to start your adventurous journey from.

Our next destination is Kalpa and as we will start moving toward this beautiful place, you will start getting entranced by the views of the Himalayan mountains. The town of Reckong Peo with its vibrant market is a must-stop while on a backpacking trip to Kinnaur valley.

Surrounded by the Kinner Kailash peaks with the Sutlej river flowing through deep gorges, Kalpa is known for its beautiful views but it has a lot of different things to offer.  

The 3000-year-old Kalpa Monastery and the famous suicide point are a few of the major attractions of Kalpa. While the monastery is home to many ancient relics and thangka paintings, the suicide point acts as a vantage point for a 360-degree view of the Kinnaur ranges. 

The next stop in this Kinnaur trip is a tiny hamlet located amidst the trans-Himalayan ranges. An abode to a thousand-year-old monastery and many Buddhist stupas that have remained intact for many decades is the quaint village of Nako. With Reo Purgyal in its backdrop, Nako is a perfect spot for those who are looking for some peace of mind. A stroll to the beautiful and serene Nako lake along with a chance to visit the Nako monastery is something that you simply can’t miss out on while on this backpacking trip. 

Sarahan, a small town, and a sacred site acts as a gateway to Kinnaur because of its proximity to the old Indo-Tibetan road. Popular because of the Bhimakali temple which is the abode of the Kuldevi of the dynasty that reigned here in the past, Sarahan has its roots back in the Puranas and Vedas of Hinduism. The Bhimakali temple is considered to be as holy as the 51 Shakti Peeth, making this temple a significant part of the entire district and the reason why we would pay our respects at this holy site while on this Kinnaur backpacking trip. 

This trip aims to explore the best places in Kinnaur valley and since the valley is vast with a lot of destinations to offer, from lush green valleys to confluences of many rivers, quaint villages where life seems to move at a slow pace, towns like Reckong Peo where you get to witness distinct cultures blending,  it isn’t humanly possible to cover them all in this 7 day Kinnaur backpacking trip. That is exactly why we have carefully curated this itinerary, handpicking some of the must-visit places in Kinnaur valley to make sure that we cover all the major attractions so you get to make the most out of this experience. 

The temperature of Kinnaur valley remains pleasant throughout the year except for the heavy snowfall that graces the land with thick blankets of snow, making it less accessible to people. Hence the best time to visit Kinnaur valley is from March to May as in winters, the temperature drops below sub-zero.  

During these months though the temperature remains at a tolerable level, maintaining a balance between the too-hot temperatures of cities like Delhi and the harsh cold winters of most hilly areas. 

If you are someone who isn’t a snow fanatic, the best time to visit Kinnaur valley for a backpacking trip would be the summer season. You get to see the valley bloom in all its glory as the snow will melt away except for a few patches that you will only find at higher elevations.

In a nutshell, the Kinnaur backpacking trip gives you the chance to break out of the monotony of life that you may find yourself in after a tedious routine and since it’s a week-long trip, it is the perfect retreat that you can plan and see almost every attraction of Kinnaur. 

Itinerary

1

Day

Delhi to Shimla (342 Kilometers, 8 Hours)
2

Day

Shimla to Chitkul/Sangla | (236 Kilometers, 7 Hours Drive)
3

Day

Holi Celebration in Sangla
4

Day

Chitkul/Sangla to Kalpa (50 Kilometers, 3 Hours Drive)
5

Day

Kalpa to Nako (100 Kilometers, 5 Hours Drive)
6

Day

Nako to Sarahan ( 174 Kilometers, 6 Hours Drive )
7

Day

Sarahan to Shimla (154 Kilometers, 5 hours) | Overnight Journey
8

Day

Delhi Arrival | Tour Ends
Age Limit (Trip Wise)

Weekend
Getaways


18-35

Himalayan
Treks


18-48

Backpacking
Trips


18-35

Biking
Trips


18-42

Customized
Trips


No Limit

Pricing


Select Occupancy

+5% GST *

Transportation in Volvo Bus from Delhi to Shimla and back. 

Innova/Tempo Traveler for local sightseeing 

Accommodations for 5 nights on sharing basis as per itinerary

Meal Plan: 10 Meals (Starting from Day 2 Dinner till Day 7 Breakfast)

An experienced trip Lead will be present at all times during the tour.

Holi Celebration in Sangla

Sightseeing as per the Itinerary

All Kinds of Permits

Toll & Parking Charges

Driver Allowances

Medical Support.

Cancellation Policy

Upto 30 days30-21 days21-15 days14-0 days
Batch Shifting
Cancellation ChargeFree Cancellation25% Deducted50% Deducted100% Deducted
Booking Amount Refund in mode of credit
(note with lifetime validity)
No RefundNo RefundNo Refund
Remaining AmountFull RefundPartial RefundPartial RefundNo Refund

Credit Note :

The Booking Amount will be credited to your JW Profile which can be accessed by logging in to the website through your Email ID. Credit Notes issued have no date of expiry and can be used entirely in any of your future trips.

GST :

The Booking Amount will be credited to your JW Profile which can be accessed by logging in to the website through your Email ID. Credit Notes issued have no date of expiry and can be used entirely in any of your future trips.

Payment Policy

Upto 30 days30-21 days21-15 days14-0 days
Booking Amount
50% PaymentOptionalCompulsory
75% PaymentOptionalOptionalCompulsory
100% PaymentOptionalOptionalOptionalCompulsory
Things To Pack

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Rucksack:

You must pick a good quality backpack with a comfortable fit and straps that won’t give you shoulder pain. You can check out your nearest Decathlon store for a good trekking backpack.

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Day Bag / Day Pack:

When you head towards the summit, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one on the campsite.

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Hiking Shoes :

Durable footwear designed for rugged terrains.

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Floaters or Sandals:

Although the entire trek requires a good quality shoe, you still need to let your feet breathe to avoid chafing and blisters. When you are at the camp, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.

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Tees / Tshirts:

You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene.

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Poncho:

A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from rain.

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Quick Dry Towel:

A quick dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.

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Sanitizer:

Essential for maintaining cleanliness while trekking.

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Sun Cap / Hat:

A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day.

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Sunscreen SPF 40+:

To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.

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Water Bottle (Re-usable):

Hydration is extremely important when it comes to trekking. Carrying a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.

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Personal Toileteries:

A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag.

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Personal Medication / First Aid:

A few cuts and bruises are almost inevitable when you are on a trek so carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, etc is necessary.

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Sun Glasses / Reading Glasses:

Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc.

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Charger:

To keep your electronic devices powered during the trip.

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Power Bank:

Ensures your devices stay charged when there are no outlets.

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Personal Documents & ID's:

Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, Drivers License.

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Laundry Bag (Waterproof):

In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in polythene. However, make sure that all the plastic that you are carrying into the woods leaves with you. Don’t litter in the mountains.

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Track Pants:

A good pair of track pants made of polyester will let your skin breathe. They’re lightweight, dry easily, and comfortable to walk around in. You can easily avoid chafing and rashes by investing in a good pair of track pants.

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Trekking Shoes:

A good trekking shoe is comfortable, provides ankle support, and has a good grip as well. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and sturdy.

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Cotton Socks:

Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.

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Woolen Socks:

A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.

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Woolen Gloves:

Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands and also provide a better grasp on trekking poles.

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Main Jacket:

It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry a heavy jacket that you can put on over your other clothes.

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Woolen Cap:

A woolen cap will help prevent cold when you ascend to high altitude. You can also cover your ears to avoid any pain and discomfort you might face in them when going at high altitudes.

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Hoodie:

A versatile layering option for various temperatures.

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Scarf / Balaclava:

Along with sun rays and chilly winds, you also get hit by dirt and grime during treks which is why it's important to carry a scarf or balaclava so you can cover your face when needed.

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Head Lamp:

You can’t rely on moonlight when you are in the mountains. A torch or even a headlamp with a fresh pair of batteries is always a good idea to bring along.

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Trekking Pole:

The trekking pole assists in more than one way. It saves energy while also providing stability and helps you to maintain proper balance.

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Camera:

This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trek. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.

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Riding Gear:

If your trip involves biking or motorcycling.

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Moisturiser & Cold Cream:

To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.

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Lip Balm:

Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it's important to keep them moisturized.

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Sanitary Pads:

Essential for feminine hygiene.

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Insect Repellent:

Guards against pesky bugs and insects.

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Cash:

Emergency funds for unexpected situations.

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Thermals:

Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when going on a high-altitude trek.

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Snacks / Dryfruits / Energy Bar:

Provides quick energy on the go.

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Positive Attitude:

The most important item for a successful trek or trip, keeping your spirits high and adaptable to the challenges of the journey.

FAQs
What are the main attractions of Kinnaur?
Which is the nearest airport to Kinnaur?
Why is Chitkul Famous?
Is Kalpa and Kinnaur same?
Is Kinnaur Near Manali?
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34/1, Fourth Floor, Tower B, The Corenthum, Block A, Industrial Area, Sector 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301




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