The Buddhist Centre, Knaygoh Kinner Camps- Kinnaur

Among the tiny villages that sprawl the Kinnaur district, the Knaygoh or Nako Village is a very important one and is in fact a centre of Buddhism. Knaygoh, meaning “Gateway to the Holy Place’ is one of the important stops on the pilgrim path to Kailash. Located at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this little village has more to offer to the tourist attraction and a keen mind than any other place in Kinnaur.

Knaygoh Kinner Camps | Image Resource : cntraveller.in

Day seven in Kinnaur and we are already filled to the brim with Kinnaur history, culture, customs, traditions and activities. So what more to do than visit its most vital aspect as a divine land?  The towering Reo Purgyal Peak stands off on the sides like a titanic pillar around the camp reflecting the true spirit of the Himalayan range. A completely eco-friendly camp, they arrange all kinds of trek plans and other entertainment programs for the visitors, narrating the history of the district and its culture.

The Knaygoh Camp and My Family

At least 7 temples occupy the lands of the Knaygoh camp, offering their customs over different periods.  A complex on the western edge of the camp consists of four temples that preserve the earliest of its artistic heritage. The main attraction is the footprint of the Saint Padmasambhava and a scenic lake around which the entire village has been built.

Knaygoh Kinner Camps Kinnaur | Image Resource : knaygohkinnercamps.com

With quality accommodation and luxury tents that have attached bathrooms and four guest rooms is the only place to stay in the village. The tents have been equipped with western restrooms, running water and completely furnished to give the visitors the warmth and comfort they require.

My kids have a completely new understanding of trekking and have started to like the idea of trekking as a hobby to. I sincerely thank The Knaygoh Kinner Camps for this outcome.

Kinner Camps | Image Resoure : triphimalayas.com

We had a good time skating on their frozen lake, walked up to the Chortens in the mountains that gave us a stunning view. We were the spectators of the Lamas Dancing – Chham / Mask Dance/ They put on a good dance show depicting the defeat of the evil forces. All in All, this trip has indeed served a whole lot of purposes.

Image of the Week : Hotel Apple Pie Rakchham

Hotel Apple Pie Rakchham| Image Resource : bcmtouring.com

Description : Just like I fell in love with Himachal and its share of the mighty mountains, the hotel was not an exception…….it was a great pleasure to have been served by the best of staff. A homely feel did spring up. The location under the supreme wing of Mother Nature was enticingly calling me for another trip.

At Chitkul, A Charming Village!

You all must be wondering at the heading I have given for this place. Yes! It is the first village in the Baspa valley and the last village of the Hindustan border. It is the last point in India one can travel without permit. It is so remote and comes under the tribal zones of Himachal Pradesh. My family was real enthusiastic to see this border.

The Bapsa Valley is also known as Sangla valley. It stretches to a distance of 95 kilometers. The initial stretch of the valley is as far as up to around 18 kilometers; is narrow and trees like cedar, chilgoza pine and bhojpatra cover the slopes on either side. At Kupa, the valley opens up and widens into an exquisite vale, dotted with picture perfect villages, right up to Chitkul.

Beyond this, habitation is almost close to nil. Being a remote area has preserved the virginity and spectacular beauty of this place. The scenic view is breathtaking with snow-clad mountains, lush green forests and the river Baspa gushing crystal clear water. During winter the roads are closed, as accessibility is very difficult due to snow.

Beautiful houses in Chitkul!

My children became very excited seeing the houses in this village. They had roofs made of slate or wooden planks. But the High School and the Army barracks had tin roofs on their buildings.

Kagyupa Temple Chitkul | Image Resource : thinkingparticle.com

Another place of interest that we were asked not to miss is the Kagyupa Temple. This temple has a highly valued old image of Shakyamuni Buddha, a Wheel of Life Mandala and four directional Kings on either side of the doors. The local goddess is considered very powerful and the only non – Buddha deity. It is mandatory for Parikrama pilgrims to pay their respects to the local goddess.

Snow covered Chitkul Village | Image Resource : himachal.gov.in

We had a leisurely drive back as we wanted to capture the scenic beauty of the place through our camera and camcorder. A caution of advise for future tourists, as there are no ATMs or Petro bunks, come prepared with sufficient cash and also a fully filled tank.

Image of the Week : Nako Lake Kinnaur

Nako Lake Kinnaur | Image Resource : devilonwheels.com

Description : This demographically- perfect lake is higher in altitude and also in magic. The very view put me to rest. With parted villages on both sides, the lake is a major tourist attraction and I knew it why when I saw it. The summer winds are cool to enjoy the place.

To the Ancients, Kamru Fort – Sangla, Kinnaur

Every City has its own history and definitely some standing remains or relics of what the city has faced in its past. Seeing something that belongs to generations before our time is something very special to me as it talks about the value of a city or of its people and how it came to be. I thought this might be one trip that could teach my kids about the value of things in life. And that’s how folks, began our day to Kamru Fort at Sangla.

Kamru Fort | Image Resource : theoktravel.com

It was a pretty steep walk to the fort but completely worth every step. The fort is built atop the valley and as you reach the top point you get this absolutely breathtaking view of the entire of Sangla. We were able to see the high quality wooden carvings that were part of the fort too. The Kamru fort is a work of art, unlike the other traditional forts we have come to see. The architecture and the workmanship of art is something to praise.

Kamru Fort Sangla | Image Resource : panoramio.com

En Route to Kamru Fort

Built atop a hill, it takes almost an hour to trek to the top. And pack your bags well, as there are no shops along the way. The fort itself is a little complex with a temple and scenic greenery for a backdrop. The path gives you lovely apple and apricot gardens to walk through as you trek to the top. The fort’s main gate bears an exotic image of Lord Buddha and that of Kamkhya Devi, which supposedly was brought from Assam and restored in the third floor of the fort.

One of the significant artifacts at the fort is a 15th century shrine of Lord Badrinath, which hosts a spark of light once in three years. Placed at a stunning altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level, it is surrounded on either sides by high snow-clad mountains and thick lush forests of Deodar Trees and fruit orchards.

Shrine at Base of Entrance to Kamru Fort | Image Resource : theoktravel.com

This five storied fort that rests on a 55 square feet stone platform is a must visit for all those history and archaeology lovers. Check out the pictures I clicked for you to see.

The Path to Gods Own Village: Rarang Monastery, Kinnaur!

So I wanted to take my kids to some culture and Religion. Be it any religion, I wanted them to understand the importance of having faith and belief in an omnipotent power. The Rarang Monastery is one of the recent monasteries in Kinnaur. Constructed under care of Tashi Choeling, The Rarang Monastery is definitely worth the visit.

Rarang Monastery Kinnaur | Image Resource : travelevening.com

Constructed post Tibetan Influences of the Drugpa Sect since 1960, this monastery is built on the Thopan side. There are several older dwellings and temples that merge into the rubbled rocky side of the mountain. Archaeologists have traced these dwellings and structures to the Nyingmapa adherents.

There is much that my kids have learnt on our trip to the monastery; obedience, respect and much more. Trust me, this trip is more than its worth in money. This is one trip everyone must make at least once in his or her life.

Rarang Monastery | Image Resource : ebharat.in

Rarang of Kinnaur

There was much hustle and bustle as we entered the Rarang region of the Kinnaur Valley. It is a very popular site and the Rarang Monastery is very well known and is a prominent attraction of the whole package. It is said that your trip is incomplete unless you visit the Rarang Monastery.

Budhha at Rarang Monastery | Image Resource : staticflickr.com

Located on the Thopan side, the monastery is a beauty to be marveled at and one so sacred to the minds eye too. Being a new monument to the existing holy sites of Kinnaur, the Rarang Monastery adds an overall aesthetic value to the place. Its association with the typical Tashi Choeling of the locality makes it quite a bit significant to the natives as well as the visitors in the locality, as these temples date back to the old ancient days.

Routes of travel are available to Rarang Monastery from Reckong Peo, the administrative HQ of Kinnaur valley by bus transport. Beware; the bus travels only three times a day, as the distance is almost 25 kilometers. You may also take up Taxi services from the Reckong Peo zone as frequently as you wish for an average fee of 500 Rupees. You will be taken from Reckong Peo via Thopan and Ribba Akpa or through another old HT Road via the Pangi Village, Thopan and Swaden.

Image of the Week : Jarkanden Peak Kinnaur

Jarkanden Peak Kinnaur | Image Resource : Image Resource : flickr.com

Description : Renting a bungalow for an anniversary- promised family vacation brought us to the district of Kinnaur. Our balcony view from Kalpa, I must say was the first thing we wanted to see every morning and the only thing we dreamt of at night. A sight spelled with such beauty and radiance…..we felt bad in drawing down our drapes……..had a wonderful time there!

Mountain Ranges, Blue Everywhere- Heaven Is Right Here!

Ah! After that pleasant flight and having collected our luggage, we were all eager to reach our hotel. Having sat through for those almost 7 hours in the flight and about 8 hours on road, it felt very good to stretch our legs a little. A beautiful journey to Kinnaur, I must say. Surrounded all over by mountains, the cool mountain breeze, all have had a mystic effect on us. As we pull up to the hotel, my kids start to scream with excitement.

Hotel Kinner Villa | Image Resource : cleartrip.com

Covered in snow, the Hotel Kinner Villa looks more like a Mansion off a classic book. Majestic stone architecture, chiseled away beautifully appealing to the eye as well as the mind, Hotel Kinner Villa is a dream come true for every tourist.

Toasting up to the Luxury of the Villa

Kinnaur couldn’t be treating us any better than with the lovely Hotel Kinner Villa. Placed at the Kalpa district, this part of Kinnaur is known for its Monasteries and a panoramic view of the mountains enveloping the entire landscape. The hotel is luxury indeed. Filled with a multitude of amenities that include full and strong connection to WIFI and the choicest Indian, local as well as continental cuisine served at the Hotel’s in door restaurant.

Hotel Kinner Villa Rooms

I chose the attic room, giving my kids the chance to have the best view they could from our hotel. The rooms are worth their tariff and provide us only the best service. Appealing décor and centralized heating kept us toasty warm throughout our trip. Our room had a balcony giving us a splendid view and allowed us to enjoy some of the best moments with my family.

Kinner Villa Hotel | Image Resource : cleartrip.com

Kinner Villa had an abundance of tradition to share with us and my kids have absorbed quite some culture too. We were provided a bonfire to gather around at night and were also the spectators of lovely entertainment shows. There were several families at the hotel and made us feel right at home in the plush rooms and warm environment. Off we go on our tour now.

Image of the Week : Durga Temple Kinnaur

Durga Temple Kinnaur |Image Respurce : pinimg.com

Description : With pilgrims and patrons bustling the streets and courtyards, the temple shelters hundreds of them every day along with its myth and historical placements. Set against the backdrop of a dreamy hill scenic epitome, the temple offers a peace of mind for troubled hearts.

Peace and Tranquility in the monasteries of Reckong Peo, Kinnaur!

Our first day in the Kinner Valley and we have a long agenda at hand for our trip. So we decided to visit the district headquarters of Kinnaur, Reckong Peo. Locally known as Peo, is situated at a peaking altitude of 2670 meters from sea level. The Kailash or Kinnaur Kailash as it is ardently known, is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Reckong Peo gives us a breathtaking view of the mountains and offers several activity options too.

View on the way to Reckong Peo | Image Resource : experiencedesertholidays.com

The ‘Land of the Gods’ as Reckong Peo is also known as, this little district came into existence in 1960 on the 1st of May. Our guide says that it is believed this district was formerly called Kannaura or Kinnaura. Several legends spin around the district, adding myths and stories to their history. What was once a part of the Tibetan Plateau under the rule of the Guge Kingdom, over time has come to become the Sat Knund, into seven parts.

Rekong Peo | Image Resource : jnvkinnaur.com

To the Monks and Sanctuaries

This particular district of the Kinnaur valley is rich in Buddhist Monasteries. Several temples and monasteries are seen all around the place. Peo is also the host of one of the four Buddha Mahotsava festivals, which is organized to pomp by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Buddhist Monasteries | Image Resource : fullstopindia.com

I am told that the most famous attractions that can be found in the Reckong Peo District are the Lipa Asrang Sanctuary, Rupi- Bhaba Sanctuary and the Rakchham-Chhitkul Sanctuary.

Unlike the usual wild life sanctuaries we come across in all cities, Peo prides the display of the Yak, Leopard, Ibex, Blue Sheep, Goral, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear and more. Located at an altitude ranging from 4000~5,022 meters and a temperature varying between -10° and 15°C. The sanctuary has been constructed to suit the normal lifestyles of all the animals and a large part of the closure is left a barren desert.

Snowfall at Reckong Peo Kinnaur | Image Resource : flickr.com

Having enjoyed the cherished attractions of the Reckong Peo Valley of the Kinnaur District, we headed back to our hotel room. I hope my descriptions that I have shared with you give you more inspiration to join the wonderful venture I have had at Reckong Peo.