Kinner Kailash: The Complete Travel Guide with Budget and Planning
Introduction
Among the most sacred and revered peaks of Hindu mythology lies in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, one such peak being Kinner Kailash. Here lies one of the most striking 79-foot vertical rock formations in the form of a Shiva Lingam which changes its color according to the sun movement. The trek gives a tremendous view of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and beautiful glaciers. Indeed, for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts, this trek has turned into a divine journey and adventure for a few. Here, we bring to you all information you would like to know about Kinner Kailash, such as how to reach, the best time to visit, budget, etc.
Historical and Mythological Significance:
Kinner Kailash is one of the important sites for Hindu mythology, related with Lord Shiva. According to the faith, this was the winter resort for Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. The Shiva Lingam is supposed to take a powerful form of divine energy, so devotees from all parts of India trek up to make their pilgrimages to pay their respect to that shrine. The summit is considered sacred by the local Kinnauri tribe, having been part of their glorious spiritual legacy.
Mount Kailash and the Kinner Kailash form a part of the more extensive Kailash range. Mount Kailash in Tibet is at the center of these beliefs. Many pilgrims cannot visit Mount Kailash, so they take the Kinner Kailash trek as an alternative route to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The Trek to Kinner Kailash
Overview of Trek Route
The Kinner Kailash trek can be a bit of a grind and altitude high and therefore isn't for beginners or especially for beginners who haven't had some decent physical preparation. The actual trek is about 25 to 30 km long in total and takes around 3 to 4 days in reality to complete, assuming one has either a very good pace and/or good luck with the weather. End
The trek starts from Tangling village, which is close to the headquarters of Kinnaur district called Reckong Peo. Tangling can be approached by road, and most trekkers spend a day in Reckong Peo to acclimatize to high altitude.
Trekking Days: Day 1:
Tangling Village to Ashiqui Park (8-10 km)
The initial part of the trek passes through the denser forests with steep climb and narrow pathways. Ashiqui Park is another favorite overnight camp for the trekkers.
Day 2: Parvati Kund (6-8 km):
It lies on a higher elevation and is a sacred lake. Moving up it will be a bit tough with rocky and very high altitudes testing your stamina.
Day 3: Parvati Kund to Kinner Kailash (3-5 km) and back
The final day is the ascent to the Kinner Kailash peak and Shiva Lingam. After worshipping there, trekkers mainly return back to Parvati Kund or Ashiqui Park for the night.
December and the Descent:
It takes a full day and sometimes up to two days to descend depending on the weather and the individual pace of the trekker.
Challenges of Trekking:
It's not a lightweight trek, to say the least. Its high altitudes and really steep ascents make this trek rather a difficult one. Of all the treks in this region, Himachal Pradesh has one of the most daunting ones; hence, one needs to be at least fit enough, properly acclimatized, and sufficiently supplied to be able to complete the trek safely.
Best Time to Visit Kinner Kailash
The ideal time to undertake the Kinner Kailash trek is during the summer months, that is June to September when the weather remains relatively stable. At such times, enough snow has melted out so that the trail can be accessed and daylight temperatures are moderate. Avoid going during the monsoon season in July-August since the trails become slippery due to landslides and besides too cold and snow clad in the winters (October-April).
Budget Break-Down
Transport
Reckong Peo from Delhi/Chandigarh
Bus: ₹1,000-INR2, 000 (this depends on bus, a one way journey).
Taxi: ₹5,000-INR7, 000 (private taxi)
Local Transport in Reckong Peo
Reckong Peo to Tangling village- Taxi: ₹ 500-INR1, 000 (shared and private taxes)
Accommodation
In Reckong Peo:
Budget hotels/guest houses: INR 500-1000 per night.
Medium range hotels: INR 1500-2500 per night.
There are many options for rooms at Reckong Peo for the trekkers and sadhus. One should definitely stay here overnight to acclimatize oneself before embarking on a trek.
Trekking Camps:
INR 300-600 per night. Generally, most trek packages provide with basic tents.
You'll camp at places like Ashiqui Park and Parvati Kund. Many tour organizers arrange accommodation. If they do not, you can have tents on rent at INR 300-500 a person.
3. Food
At Reckong Peo:
You can get ready-to-eat food for INR 100-300 in town at small dhabas. Thalis and simple meals are easily available with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
On Trek
Packed meals or Maggi/Noodles: INR 100-200 a meal.
Most trekkers carry packed food along the trek route, including noodles, energy bars, and dry fruits. To Ashiqui Park, there are a few tea shops or local dhabas along the road; choice is limited.
4. Trekking Guide and Porter Fees
Trekking Guide: INR 1500-2500 per day
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Although the trails are easily marked, at some points it becomes confusing and tricky, especially for first-time trekkers. These guides would be very useful in navigating the routes.
Porter: INR 800-1200 per day.
A porter should be engaged for the ones carrying heavy luggage as the altitude will exhaust them.
5. Treks Permits
To trek in Kinnaur, all foreigners require an Inner Line Permit as it is on the Tibetian border.
ILP Fee: INR 200-300
Permits can be applied at the District Magistrate office in Reckong Peo.
Some of these costs
6. Miscellaneous Costs
Hiring of trekking Equipments: 500-1000 per day (sleeping bags, trekking poles, tents, etc.).
Personal Expense: Recharge for the mobile, toiletries and emergency drugs
Total Approximately Cost (Per Person for 5 Days)
Economy Budget: INR 6000-8000
Mid-range Budget: INR 10,000-15,000
Luxury Budget: INR 20,000+ (private taxis, better lodging, etc.).
Pre-departure and Packing Essentials
Clothing
Layered clothes for the day and nighttime temperature changes
Thermal wear for the nights
Pants and waterproof jackets for treks.
For High Altitude Regions:
Woolen gloves, Socks, and Beanies
Foot Wear
Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
Extra pair of socks (woolens preferable)
Accessories:
Sunglasses (for protecting against snow glare).
Sun-block (SPF 50+), lip balm, and moisturizing cream.
Support trekking poles.
Sleeping bag if not renting .
First Aid Kit
Basic medical kit with bandages, antiseptic, painkillers and altitude sickness medicine Diamox.
Water purification tablets.
5. Documents
ID proof, trekking permits if applicable and medical insurance if possible.
Responsible Trekking Practices
Kinner Kailash is not only the route to trekking but it is considered sacred by the local people and the pilgrims. So, cleanliness with eco-friendly practices must be carried out. Here are a few tips:
Do not carry plastic: Carry your reusable water bottles and do not use plastic packaging. Respect local culture: Pay homage to whatever local customs and traditions exist, be very considerate especially near spiritual points such as the Shiva Lingam.
Dispose waste properly: Carry your waste back and dispose of it at the proper places.
Conclusion
Kinner Kailash: More than a trek, it is spiritual, and therefore, brings you closer to nature and the divine. The trek's difficulty juxtaposed with the subtlety of the view and the serenity of the Himalayas makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those seeking both physical and spiritual fulfillment if pursued with proper planning, budgeting, and preparation to respect the challenges and rewards. Whether you are a pilgrim or an adventure-seeker, Kinner Kailash promises memories worth one's life and feel deeply accomplished in visiting such a unique place.
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