When you think of Lord Krishna, you may imagine temples in Mathura or Vrindavan. But hidden high in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh in Kinnaur district lies one of the most spiritual and untouched places in India. Yulla Kanda, home to a sacred lake and the world’s highest temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, is situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet.
World Highest Krishna Temple in Himachal Pradesh
Yulla Kanda is the highest temple of Lord Krishna in the world, located in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. According to local beliefs, the beautiful lake at Yulla Kanda was formed by none other than the Pandavas during their exile (vanvas). After completing the construction of the lake, they built a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna on its banks. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of brotherhood, unity, and devotion.
What makes this temple truly unique is not just its height, but its open-hearted welcome to everyone. No matter your religion, caste, or background, you are free to offer prayers and seek blessings here. People say the mountain greets every devotee with warmth and purity.
Janmashtami Celebration at Yulla Kanda
The credit for making this remote temple known to the wider community goes to King Kehari Singh, a ruler of the Bushahr estate. It was King Kehari Singh who first introduced the grand celebration of Janmashtami at this holy place.
Even though the area remains quiet and unpopulated for most of the year, it comes alive during this festival. People from Shimla, Kinnaur, and nearby valleys gather to worship, sing bhajans, dance, and walk around the lake to ask for forgiveness for their past actions.
The Floating Cap Ritual’
One of the most fascinating traditions linked to the Yulla Kanda lake is the cap ritual. According to local legend, there is a unique tradition here where devotees place the traditional Kinnauri hat upside down in the flowing water of the lake. If the cap floats to the other side without sinking, it is believed that your year ahead will be blessed with peace, joy, and good luck.
But if the cap sinks midway, it’s taken as a sign to be cautious and mindful in the coming days. This simple yet meaningful ritual adds an emotional and spiritual layer to the entire journey.
Yulla Kanda Trek
Reaching Yulla Kanda is no easy task. It requires trekking through remote trails, crossing meadows, and embracing nature in its rawest form. But once you reach there, the view of the crystal clear lake reflecting the sky and the ancient temple of Lord Krishna standing proudly is truly worth seeing. This is not just a religious spot—it’s a place where nature and devotion meet, where stories from the Mahabharata still echo through the valleys, and where every visitor feels a sense of calm and connection with something much greater than themselves.
How to Reach Yulla Kanda Temple
At 12,000 feet, Yulla Kanda is a serene trekker’s haven in Himachal’s Kinnaur region. The distance from Shimla to Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur, is 230 km and takes 8 to 10 hours. From Shimla to Reckong Peo, you can hire a taxi or drive your vehicle. From Rekong Peo to Yulla village, you can hire a taxi or use a shared vehicle if available. Yulla village is about 20-25 km from Rekong Peo. You can also trek from Yulla village to Yulla Kanda temple, which is 10-12 km (one way) and takes about 4 to 6 hours. The rest depends on your speed. Plan your visit to Yulla Kanda from June to September for the best experience. (Avoid winters due to snowfall)
✅ Trekking Tips:
- Carry warm clothes, water, and basic medicines
- Wear good trekking shoes
- If you are not familiar with the trail, travel with a local guide
- Start the trek early in the morning to return before sunset
- Respect the local culture and nature – don’t litter 🙏
Tracing to Yulla Kanda Temple is a spiritual and adventurous journey. It is not just a trek – it is an experience filled with breathtaking views, pure mountain air, and a deep sense of peace. Whether you are a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or an adventure enthusiast, Yulla Kanda is worth every step. 🕉️🏔️
