Kinnaur is one of the twelve administrative districts of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It can also be said to be the most visited district of Himachal Pradesh which is visited by a large number of tourists. The administrative headquarters of the district is at Reckong Peo. There are six tehsils in Kinnaur. It is the second least populous district of Himachal Pradesh after Lahaul and Spiti. The rivers and mountains here make this district even more beautiful. Kinnaur is said to be the second richest district of Himachal Pradesh in terms of per capita income after Solan. You can read the complete history of Kinnaur on this website.
About Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh
Kinnaur is about 235 km from Shimla. Before Kinnaur became a separate district on 1 May 1960, Kinnaur was a northeastern part of the then princely state of Bushahr. The cultural affinities of Kinnaur are similar to the Tibetan culture. Baspa, Sutlej and Spiti are tributaries. The peak of Kinnaur Kailash mountain and the peak of Shrikhand Mahadev is in Kinnaur only. The old Hindustan-Tibet route passes through the Kinnaur Valley along the Sutlej River and finally enters Tibet at the Shipki La pass. You can read the complete history of Kinnaur on this website.
Area: 6,401 km2 (2,471 sq mi)
Population (2011): 84,121
Headquarters: Reckong Peo
Tehsils: Kalpa, Pooh, Sangla, Moorang, Hangrang, Bhaba Nagar.
Languages: Jangshung, Kinnauri, Bhoti, Chitkuli, Lohari, Pahari, Shumcho, Sunam, Tukpa, Hindi.
Rivers: Satluj, Spiti, Baspa.
Travel Destination:
Kinnaur Kailash, Shreekhand Mahadev, Sangla, Kalpa, Chitkul, Batseri, Nako lake, Reckong Peo, Rakchham River and nature, Pooh, Nichar, Batseri, Chandika Mandir Kothi, Mathi Temple, Maheshwar Temple, Chango Temple, Brelengi Gompa, Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary, Rakcham-Chitkul Sanctuary, and Rupi-Bhaba Sanctuary.
Demographics:
As of the 2011 India census, Kinnaur district has a population of 84,121.3 and a literacy rate of 80%. Kinnauri is spoken by 72% of the district’s population, and the rest of the spoken languages are Hindi and English.
Geography:
Kinnaur’s altitude ranges from 2,320 to 6,816 m, Kinnaur is the second least populous district of Himachal after Lahaul Spiti district in terms of population. It is adjacent to the Chinese border. Here is the peak of Kinnaur Kailash and the holy mountain of Hindus Shrikhand Mahadev, where people come from all over India. Kinnaur’s cultural affinity is similar to Tibetan culture.
Climate:
A Delhi study established that Kinnaur district has the cleanest air in the country. It is cold from October to May, and slightly warmer during the day from June to September. A lot of snow falls in winter, due to which all roads and routes are closed. Baspa Valley receives maximum rainfall in the month of July.
Flora and Fauna:
The vegetation here is sparse and mainly consists of hard grasses. Alpine species such as juniper, pine, fir, cypress, and rhododendron can be found mainly in central Kinnaur at altitudes between 3,500 and 5,000 meters. Temperate-climate trees are found at lower elevations, including oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia, apple, and apricot. Yaks and joes are reared in the highlands by local farmers. Scattered populations of Himalayan black bear and small pony can also be found.
Tradition and Culture:
Some festivals are celebrated in Kinnaur. Festivals of Kinnaur: Sajo – January, Phagul or Holi – March, Bish – April, Dakhriyan – July, and Ukhyang – September. The extended family system is still prevalent in the Kinnaur region. And there is a unique tradition here if the land is not divided, two brothers are married to the same girl. Or 2 brothers will marry 2 real sisters. But with time this tradition is disappearing. Now people do not believe in such tradition.
Clothing Essentials:
Most of the parts of Kinnaur are generally very cold due to the wind throughout the year, so people mostly wear woolen clothes. It gets colder and colder in the evening.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport which is connected to all major cities.
By Train: Rail Shimla can be reached which is connected by a narrow-gauge railway line from Kalka.
By Road: Kinnaur is easily accessible via Shimla, connected by National Highway 05. Buses run by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation ply from Shimla to different parts of Kinnaur.
