The holy home of Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology, where he resides with his wife, Goddess Parvati. Kinner Kailash is said to be the precise location where the gods live. The trail going to this peak, which is considered one of the most challenging climbs, is undoubtedly not simple and nor for everyone. At 17200 feet above sea level, the Kinner Kailash range in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district lies close to the Indo-Tibetan border. It is also one of Himachal’s most isolated and under-explored districts, with stunning scenery.
This Himalayan peak is home to Kinnar Kailash. A stone rock in the shape of a Shivalinga stands around 79 feet tall at this location. Many Hindus and Buddhists visit this site to observe the Shivling in the shape of a stone boulder. This location is known as a Dev Sthal among Hindus. People form a ring around this Shivaling because they think Shiva arrived here for a winter stay and performed penance for many years.
Kinnaur bears the highest religious importance for Lord Shiva followers since it is home to a 79-foot-tall shivalinga that changes colors every second. It’s essentially a rock pillar resting on a rock slab that looks like a trident. Parvati Kund, located at an elevation of 14900 feet above sea level, is close by. According to popular belief, Goddess Parvati herself invented the kund. It was also known as ‘Aashiqi Park’ since it was the meeting place of Lord Shiva and the goddess. An ancient legend states that Lord Shiva gathered the gods and goddesses at Kinner Kailash every winter.
This location was once known as Indrakil Parvat, according to legend. A great fight between Shiva and Arjuna took place here, and it was also here that Arjuna got the Pashtapa Astra from Shiva.
Trekking trail to Kiner Kailash
This 14-kilometer hike is challenging, but it is also incredibly gratifying. If you ever go on this task, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding area and environment. The mind-blowing vistas of snow-capped frigid mountains, luscious green apple orchards, and breathtaking scenery are precisely what one could want. This hike will take you through the beautiful Sangla Valley and Hangrang Valley, where you may see nature in its most natural state.
Tangling Village in Himachal Pradesh is the trail’s beginning point. This lovely village is situated at the height of 7050 feet on the banks of the Sutlej River. The spectacular but perilous Jhoola Pul (hanging bridge) or the Shongtong Bridge are options. You travel from Tangling to Maling Khata (8 km), Parvati Kund (5 km), and Kinner Shivalinga. Those who need assistance can hire guides and porters at Reckong Peo or Tangling Village.
Kinner Kailash Trek Route
Powari to Gufa:
The first day’s trek begins in Powari and ends in Tingling. Powari is located on the Sutlej River’s banks. The jungle’s steep slope begins, along with the river. The most awesome apples in India may be found here. Kinnar Kailash is around 16 kilometers away from here. You can stay in the forest department guest house along the road or at a location called Gufa, which is 2 kilometres away. The Gufa is a big cave that can be found in the area. However, this 16-kilometer path runs through rugged terrain, including two massive passes, large rocks, and river crossings.
Gufa to Gaurikund:
Gufa and Gaurikund are around 4 kilometers, and it takes 5 to 6 hours to go there. The amount of water available along this route is quite limited. Water will only be available at 2 or 3 sites over the whole course. The path is acceptable for a bit of the cave, but after that, trees and vegetation begin to die, and you must pass across large stones. Gaurikund may be reached by going through these.
Gaurikund to Kinnar Kailash:
From here, you must ascend steeply and traverse massive rocks; this is also the route’s most challenging section. Throughout the journey, you must pass between stone rocks, which risk leading you wrong.
Trekkers should map out their route ahead of time; otherwise, they risk being disoriented. You may forget about your exhaustion on the road once you get to Kinnar Kailash. The breathtaking views from this vantage point will stay with you for the rest of your life. After visiting the Shiva lingam, you can immerse yourself in devotion here.
Best time to undertake the Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek
Kinner Kailash Trek’s journey takes place every year between May and October. However, it is recommended that hikers visit between September and October because the region suffers considerable rainfall throughout May, June, July, and early August, making it challenging for trekkers.
Packing list for Kinner Kailash trek
When traveling on the Kinnar Kailash journey, you must be cautious and bring only what you require daily. Along with this, you should keep first aid items and medicines for headaches and other minor physical ailments on hand so that they may be utilized in an emergency.
Because the weather here fluctuates from hour to hour, the cold is also more prevalent. To defend yourself from the cold and rain, you’ll need raincoats, full sleeves, thin jackets, monkey hats, trekking shoes, thick socks, mufflers, towels, excellent quality sunglasses, cold cream, lip balm, sunscreen lotion, and an LED flashlight. You should bring along hot water bottles, trekking poles, and headache medications such as Crocin, Disprin, Cotton, Band-Aid, Move Spray, Gauze, Crepe Bandage, and so on. On your journey to the hike, you could need them at any point.
Detail Kinner Kailash Circuit Itinerary
The region’s environment extends from the lush green beautiful valley of Sangla to the snow-capped Kinner hills. This journey offers not only some of the most incredible mountain vistas but also a glimpse into the rich history of commerce, religion, and varied ethnic groups, leaving one enthralled by the experience.
Kailash Kinner trek mainly starts from Tangling village, but depending on your travel agent or trek tour, you can start trekking from Lambar. Kinner Kailash trek can be done in 2 to 3 days, but the tour can vary.
Day 0 – You will reach Lambar by driving from Shimla. Enjoy your drive with breathtaking views of mountains and lush green forests. Once you reach Lambar, you will spend your night here and relax.
Day 1 – From Lambar you will reach Tangling village and start your trek in the morning from the village located on the bank of Satluj River. You can reach Tangling village in two ways, depending on your guide, you will opt for the route. One is through Jhula pul at Powari or you can use a dirt road and cross Shongtong Bridge over Sutlej, you can reach Tangling village. Enjoy beautiful orchards, vegetables, and interact with cheerful people. From here you can start your trek by climbing and following the direction of the stream 2.5 km ahead. It would take 1.5 hours to reach the stream in Shurting. The fresh water in the stream comes directly from the Kinner Kailash Mountain range. Shurting is high land where two river courses meet to form Lambar River. You stay overnight here and enjoy a bonfire.
Day 2 – From here you will start trekking to Ashiqui park, you need to fill water from the stream before starting the trek as you will not find any water facility till you reach the park. This section of the trek is also called Kailash Dhar. There are two halts before the park, one is Bara Pathar and Bada Ped. You will trek for 2.5 km to reach the first half and rest sometime and enjoy the panoramic views of the village from height. From here, you will trek 2.5 km to the second halt. After the first halt, you will only find shrubs and herbs till you reach the park. You can stay at an inn, built at Aashiqui park for travelers. It’s one of the best campsites for trekkers. You can enjoy watching the mountain ranges of Kalpa and Reckong Peo. Spend your night here and rest for the next day’s trek.
Day 3– From here you will start your trek to Kinner Kailash, you will come across two halts Bheem Dwar, Parvati Kund. It would take 7 to 9 hours for you to reach Kinner Kailash. The first halt will be after a 3-4 km trek and from here you will trek to Parvati Kund, a glacier lake at the base. From Parvati Kund, it takes 5kms to reach Kinner Kailash Peak, it’s a vertical climb. Many people worship here to get blessings from Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. At Kinner Kailash peak lingam you will not find any source of water so make sure you carry water.
Day 4: Enjoy the scenic beauty and trek back.
Days of the trek can be extended based on your overnight stay and how your travel guide takes you.
