The valleys of Kinnaur District in Himachal Pradesh are among the most captivating landscapes in the Himalayas. Carved by rivers and surrounded by towering peaks, these valleys attract global tourists, trekkers, and mountaineers. The Sutlej River flows through the heart of Kinnaur, while several side valleys open up to breathtaking views, ancient passes, and cultural heritage. The four major valleys Baspa, Tirung, Gyamthang, and Hangrang each offer unique charm and adventure.
Baspa Valley
Often regarded as The Most Beautiful of all Himalayan Valleys, Baspa Valley is famous for its lush scenery and trekking routes. Connected to Garhwal in the south, it has been traversed since ancient times through passes such as:
- Buran Ghati (Sanga to Pabar Gad)
- Rupin Ghati (Sangla to Rupin Gad)
- Khimloga Pass (Chhitkul to Supin Gad)
- Borasu Ghati (Nagasti to Har-ki-Doon)
- Lamkhaga Pass (Upper Baspa to Harsil)
The valley also connects to Tibet via Yamrang La (5570 m) and Gugairang La. For mountaineers, Baspa offers peaks rising above 6000 m, including one at 6227 m. Expeditions led by Col. Balwant Sandhu (1976) and others have explored this region. Today, a road from Karchham leads to Sangla and further to Chhitkul, making the valley accessible to visitors.
Tirung Valley (Tidong)
Located north of Baspa, Tirung Valleyconnects to Tibet through Khimokul La (Gunrang La). A road from Morang to Thangi provides access, with Charang serving as a base for treks. The valley is closely linked to the Kinnaur Kailash range, offering routes to peaks like Phawararang (6349 m). Its rugged terrain and proximity to sacred mountains make it both a spiritual and adventurous destination.
Kinnaur Kailash Range
The Kinnaur Kailash massif dominates the district with three prominent peaks:
- Kinnaur Kailash (6050 m): A Shivling-shaped pillar worshipped as a holy summit.
- Jorkanden (6473 m): The highest peak of the range, often mistaken for Kinnaur Kailash. It was first climbed in 1974 by the Indo-Tibetan Border Force (ITBF) and later by the Indian Army.
- Other peaks in the massif have been attempted multiple times, making this range a hub for mountaineering.
Gyamthang Valley (Nisang)
A relatively lesser-known valley, Gyamthanglies north of Tirung Gad and is approached from Kanam. It leads to the Raniso Pass, opening into Tibet. Peaks such as Gang-chha (6063 m) and Gang Chua (6288 m) rise here, with Gang Chua climbed by an Army team in 1974. The valley’s remoteness and pristine beauty make it a hidden gem for explorers.
Leo Pargial (Hangrang Valley)
In the Hangrang Valley, the towering peak Leo Pargial (6791 m) stands as a landmark near Shipki La on the Tibetan border. First climbed in 1933 by Marco Pallis and C. B. M. Warren, it has since been attempted by the Army and civilian teams. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police climbed it in 1971, and subsequent ascents followed in the 1970s and 1980s. Approaches are made from Nako or Chango, both offering challenging routes.
A Land of Adventure and Devotion
The valleys of Kinnaur District combine natural beauty, adventure, and spirituality. From the flower-filled meadows of Baspa to the sacred peaks of Kinnaur Kailash, each valley tells a story of human endurance and divine reverence. Trekkers, climbers, and pilgrims alike find in Kinnaur a destination that blends Himalayan grandeur with cultural depth.