Kinnaur Holi in Sangla

Meet the Mountains
The district of Shimla “Summer Capital of British” and its villages attract one to visit and get a chance to travel with a local and travel like a local. Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh lies north east of the state capital, Shimla. An area long renowned for its natural beauty and a local legend maintains that Kinnaur with all its charms fell from the heavens as a gift from the Gods. The district is criss crossed by several rivers and streams the fast flowing Sutlej being the main one and Spiti being the other. At the height just over 3000 mts above sea level. The Sutlej enters in India from Tibet near the village Namgiya and divides Kinnaur into roughly two equal parts. Kinnaur also have beautiful side valleys like the Sangla, Bhava, Ropa and Hango backed
by the snow covered peaks whose height varies between 5,180 mts to 6000 mts.

History & Culture
Ancient Indian text like: Puranas placed the people of Kinnaur as halfway between men and Gods. Kinnaur was a part of princely state of Bushehar. It is not surprising that there are strong cultural and religious link with The Tibet.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

• Day 01- Shimla to Sangla
• Day 02- Sangla (Holi Celebration)
• Day 03- Sangla to Chitkul and stay at Kalpa
• Day 04- Kalpa to Narkanda
• Day 05- Narkanda to Shimla

ITINERARY

DAY 01: Shimla to Sangla
| 220 kms | 6-8 hrs | 2621 mts |
Sangla is a town situated in the right bank of Baspa river in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The town lies on the Indo Tibet border road. will start our journey from Shimla, a scenec drive through the forests, on the hills then we enter in the Sutlej valley and finally in Baspa valley. You will see a diversification in the terrains and flora in a same day drive.

• Since it is going to be a bit long drive we are at our place now.
• Check in to your rooms overlooking the mystic Baspa valley in front of you.
• The town will be lit up for Holi festival under the snow laded peaks of the valley.
• Enjoy the vibes while having the hot and delecious dinner.
• Go to sleep as we there is a celebration on next day which we will make the most out from the day

Day 02 –Sangla Holi Celebration
| 2621 mts |
Kinnaur is one of the regions that is famous for celebrating Holi in its unique style. Although Baspa Valley is Surrounded by high Himalayas and known for temples and monuments. But very few people know about this place’s Holi celebrations. During this festival, the whole valley is lit with colors. Unlike other places, Holi here is celebrated as a part of Faguli festival.
Faugli festival is celebrated for four days. Holi is celebrated on the third day of the festival. The festival here is celebrated with lots of music, local wine, street plays and dancing. A whole parade is organised wherein these skits are performed and as a part of this procession, special wine called Phasur is distributed freely. Residents also prepare a special meal that includes local bread called Chilta. The highlight of this day is people playing Holi with snow and dry colours. People indulge in folk
dance and sing as they paint the whole valley with colors. People get dressed up in their traditional attires and dance around with the three local deities. Holi Celebrations at Sangla Valley lift the spirits of the whole of Kinnaur

• Get freshen up and we will go to celebrate this festivals of colors after breakfast
  
• Will go for the Holi celebration at Bhairing Naag temple in Sangla.
  
• People gets decked up in their traditional attire for the post Holi celebrations.
• Enjoy them performing the Kinnauri nati in front of their deities.
• Back to the hotel in the evening and relax.

Day 03 – Sangla to Kalpa
| 94 kms | 4-6 hrs | 2960mts |
Keep your stuff packed in the morning itself we will start our journey to Chitkul which is the last village of Baspa valley will be our next destination. Take a village and a river side walk in this beautifull village. Will go back to Sangla again for join the locals for lunch. There would be local dance performed on this day too along with local meal. A day excursion to Chitkul which is the las village on Indo – Tibet border

• Will have traditional meal for the lunch at Bhairing Naag Temple in Sangla
• After lunch we take a drive back in the valley and reach our next destination which is again a
beauty of Kinnaur District Kalpa
• Check in to the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking view of mighty Kinner Kailash
• Evening to leisure with hot served meal
O/n Kalpa

Day 04 – Kalpa to Narkanda
 | 155 kms | 6-8 hrs | 2407mts |
Narkanda in Shimla hills, a small snow town with Ski slope and full with apple estates is just 70 kms from Shimla and is still unexplored. The snow covered valley, house and farms make it a good place for acclimatize for Spiti trip. Its virginity intrigued us and hence we have introduced a camping experience in snow covered Mountains and pine trees.

• Kalpa is known for a beautiful sunrise which can be directly seen from the room, just slide the curtain a bit and it is there.
• Will visit to Roghi cliff and Monastery and temple (which is in a same complex) after Roghi cliff.
• Once you arrive in Narkanda, check in to your cozy tents overlooking the Baspa and dhauladhar mountain range.
• Evening will be lit within house bonfire and delicious homely cooked dinner.

O/n Narkanda

DAY 05: Drop to Shimla
| 71 kms | 2-4 hrs |

• It is the day when we take the good memories and experiences with us from these mountains.
• Will start driving back to Shimla after breakfast

TRIP SPECS
 Per Head Cost: INR 16,800 /-

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation – Hotel/Home Stays/Camps
• Meal – Breakfast and Dinner
• Transportation – Shimla to Shimla
• All permit and passes.
• Experienced tour leader from the community
• Positive Vibes

EXCLUSIONS

• Anything which is not mentioned above.
• Personal expenses.
• Enjoy yourself with responsibility
• Do not mix Drinking & Driving
• Leave nothing but footprints
• Take nothing but a vivid experience & positive vibes.

 CONTACT
 Western Himalaya
 +91 9418653983/8219696922
 Email adds: – [email protected]