A small, beautiful village, Kalpa, snuggles at the base of the white, snowy Kinnaur Kailash ranges of the Great Himalayas. It is situated in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh, in the Sutlej river valley. At an elevation of 9,711 feet, this village has the Sutlej River flowing below through the profound gorges and the hilly roads curving through the Chilgoza forests. Apart from its view of mountains, it is also a large cultivator of apples, making it known as the Apple Orchard. There are endless things to do in Kalpa and beautiful things to see.
10 Things to Do in Kalpa
Here is a guide for things to do in Kalpa so your exploration never falls short. These places and activities are full of exciting adventures.
1. Kinnaur Kailash Shivling
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The trek to Kinnaur Kailash Shivling Peak is a journey to a height of above 4500m. The trek is an opportunity to see not just the grandeur of nature but also the diversity of cultures. The tour of this place offers a view of the Kinnaur Kailash peak along with its surrounding view of Raldang and Jorkhaden. This is situated on the Indo-Tibetan border, which amalgamates both cultures. The route to the Kinnaur Kailash Shivling goes through small villages, apple orchards, and vast vineyards.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Jispa On Your Next Himachal Trip
2. Kamru Fort
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Kamru Fort is an ancient fort built at an elevation of 2600 meters with an astounding view of the Great Himalayas. The Kamru Fort stands 5 stories tall with a wooden tower-like structure resting on a stone platform. The Kamru Fort is the witness of the Bushahr Kingdom and its prosperous times. The coronation of the king was done from this fort, which still stands tall to depict the rich history. On the third floor is enshrined the Hindu Deity Kamakhya Devi or Kamakshi Devi.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 2 Kms from Sangla Valley
3. Rakchham Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sanyam Bahga / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This sanctuary is located at an elevation of 5500 meters between the Sangla Valley and Chitkul. The sanctuary is home to majorly dry deciduous forest sheltering wildlife such as Blue Sheep, Leopard, Musk Deer, Goral, Black Bears, and Himalayan Bears. The Rakchham Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the dry zone and thus does not experience a prominent monsoon season making it ideal to be visited any time of the year.
Duration: 4-5 Hrs
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Narkanda On Your Next Vacation In The Hills
4. Kothi
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Kothi is a small village that showcases its traditional Kinnauri architecture with wooden houses adorning intricate wooden carvings. Kothi is known for its scenic view and cultural legacy. The village is surrounded by diverse nature, including lush greenery, grand mountains, and serene rivers. This place is also home to various ancient monasteries and temples reflecting the influence of both Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Kothi is a part of some major trekking routes that give the trekkers a breathtaking view.
5. Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery
Photo: GangaHanspal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This monastery is situated at an elevation of almost 3500 meters. This monastery has a deep-rooted significance to the Tibetan community and their heritage. Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery has served as a place to pray, learn, meditate, and preserve their culture. The prayer halls, meditation chambers, and science dedicated to the Buddhist state are all open for visitors to explore. The architecture of this monastery includes vibrant mural art on net prayer wheels and delicate wood carvings.
Timing: 7AM – 10 AM, 4 PM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Palampur For A Fun Vacation Amid The Hills
6. Trekking To Chakka
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The trail begins at the Kulpa-Roghi road leading to the Chaka meadows, which are situated at an elevation of 3,800 metres. The journey is about exploring nature while nurturing a sense of friendship among the trekkers. During the trek, the trekkers also get a beautiful view of the Kalpa village below. The trail is a 3 km hike passing through forests and lush green meadows. During winters, the ambience is elevated in serenity due to the snow-covered peaks and clear skies.
7. Sapni Fort
Photo: CJ242 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This Sapni fort is situated near a village named Sapni which is a very small and beautiful village near Kalpa. The Sapni Fort was built by Raja Padam Singh of Rampur and is constructed with wooden structures with details and delicate carvings. The front part of the fort has experienced severe damage to woodwork due to harsh weather conditions. However, the beautiful carvings remain. A Kali temple is situated on the fifth floor of this seven-story building and showcases beautiful wooden door frames, window frames, and woodwork.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Chitkul For Unforgettable Memories
8. Narayan Nagini Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Narayan Nagini temple of Kinnaur district is believed to be almost 5000 years old and has a significant role in the story of Mahabharata. The Narayan Nagini temple is situated in very close proximity to Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery, which takes about 5 mins to walk to. For a great amount of time in Kinnaur, Buddhists and Hindus coexisted, and somehow, their cultures merged in these villages, creating a unique living and heritage.
9. Roghi Village
Photo: Rahulraees / Wikimedia Commons
Roghi Village is situated 8 km away from Kalpa, trailing through a dangerous cliff road hugging the road from Kalpa. This might seem like an impossible journey for some visitors, but it is a delight for adventure-loving visitors. Roghi is a small village snuggling in the wintry beauty of the hills, with local heritage showcased all around. Roghi is home to vast gardens and apple orchards, temples, monasteries, and ethnic houses adorning beautiful architecture.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Himachal In September To Make Your Trip Memorable
10. Batseri Village
Photo: Timothy Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated on the left side of the beautiful Baspa River. Batseri village is home to the temple dedicated to lord buddha. This small hill village is known for its handicrafts and traditional architecture. The valley of Batseri is surrounded by enchanting giant palm trees, which makes it a perfect delight for photographers. The village is also famed for its Kinnauri Caps and various artefacts. it is one of the best tourist places that can be easily covered during the Himachal Tour.
The Kalpa village is a place with a peaceful ambience, a rich cultural history, and unfathomable natural beauty. The village provides the best of nature with steep snowy peaks standing high, a calm river flowing through the mountains, and lush green forests covering everything around. So, plan your next trip to Kalpa with TripXL and make great memories along the way.
Cover Photo: Carlos Adampol Galindo / Wikimedia Commons