Kinner Kailash Trekking Adventure: The Most Difficult Shiv Yatra

Kinner Kailash Trekking or The Kinnaur Kailash Trek is one of those few treks in India which you can do only if you have immense mental and physical strength to undergo this spiritual challenge. The enigmatic Kinnaur Kailash Shivling is not just another trek in the Himalayas, it’s a journey that takes your body and soul to its limits and further. I distinctly remember standing at the foot of Kinnaur Kailash Shivling, the 79 feet tall rock formation that looks just like “Lord Shiva in meditation” and feeling deep spiritual connection to the divine energy around me. This is the trek to undertake if you are prepared to push yourself and set foot on what people call as the most difficult trek in India.

A Trek to Test the Spirit and Body

Picture yourself surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas, cold air tickling your cheeks while every bone in your body is sore after hours of ascents and declines, but you feel on top of the world. This is how the Kinnaur Kailash Trek goes. This trek is not for faint-hearted passing through an altitude of 19,850 feet. It is renowned as one of the top 10 toughest treks in India and a journey that will test your physical strength, mental toughness, and spiritual endurance. Every step is a pilgrimage to Kinnaur mahadev, the winter resting place of Lord Shiva.

History and Significance of Kinnaur Kailash

Kinner Kailash Story->Kinnaur Kailash is not just about natural beauty. It is a place of myth and mystical patronage. The Shivling Kinner Kailash is a place where the local worship and believe that it is here where Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati reside, it is an important place for both Hindu’s and Buddhist. Kinnaur Kailash Mahadev trek: This is not only a trail but the journey of purity for whom need blessings from gods.

The origin of the word “Kinner” dates back to ancient texts referring to the people of Kinnaur as Kinners, who were believed to be celestial beings with beautiful voices and used to sing and dance in the royal court of Lord Kuber. They have lived in these mountains for years maintaining their own unique culture, tradition and high regards for spiritual principles of worship.

The Three Routes to Reach Kinner Kailash Shivling

There are three primary routes to reach the Kinnaur Kailash Shivling:

1. The Tangling Route – This is the most popular and the toughest route. It starts from Tangling Village to Maling Khata Meadows to Gufa to Parvati Kund to Kinner Kailash and takes you through dense forests, rocky paths, and steep climbs.
2. Ribba village to Bato Kanda meadows to Parvati Kund and last lap is Kinner Kailash is a shorter and less (than Tangling-Gufa route) demanding. The trail gradually ascents from Ribba village and meets the Tangling-Gufa trail near Parvati Kund.
3. Purbani village  to  Purbani Kanda to Parvati Kund and finally Kinner Kailash this route is not used by trekkers. It is used mostly by shepherds.
4. The Poo Route – This is the longest route, often taken by those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the entire Kinnaur region before reaching the apex.
5. The Morang Route – This is slightly longer but less steep, offering a more gradual ascent. It is preferred by trekkers looking for a less challenging climb.

Best Time to Visit Kinnaur Kailash

August to September is the most suitable time to try this difficult trek. The schedule of this Yatra has been released by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The months of August to September when the snow melts and trekking weather comes alive. I visited at the end of August, and we had everything from precipitations to sunshine (a very odd Finnish weather situation!) which made travelling difficult but manageable.

Trekking Registration and Quota Limits

You are required to register online at the Government of Himachal Pradesh web site https://hpkinnaur.nic.in/ before starting the trek. This process is available online as well as offline. The zone is ecologically sensitive and thus cannot hold a lot of visitors at the same time due to which there is a daily cap for trekkers. If you are thinking of going on this trek, make sure you reserve your spot in advance. I remember the thrill running through me as my trekking group was logged in; we had our seatbelts on, and it felt like being issued with a pass to one of the holiest pilgrimages-cum-expeditions of my life.

Physical Fitness (Must do things before trekking)

• Start cardio exercise to improve your lung and heart capacity
• Do some jogging or fast walking in the morning to fine tune your muscles
• Don’t smoke and drink while planning for a trek.
• Prepare yourself mentally fit to accept the challenging conditions in high altitude.
• Do some yoga and try to control your breath.

Things to Carry for the Kinnaur Kailash Trek– Shiv Yatra

Preparation is key for a successful Kinner kailash yatra. Here’s what I found essential for the trek:

• Sturdy trekking shoes: These will be your best friends on the rocky trails. Also don’t forget to pack 4-5 pair of socks.
• Layered clothing: Temperatures drop dramatically, so pack warm clothes, but be ready to strip down during the day.
• Backpack with rain cover: You need to protect your gear from the unpredictable mountain weather.
• Trekking poles: These are lifesavers, especially on steep ascents and descents.
• Energy snacks and enough water: Staying hydrated and energized is crucial, especially at higher altitudes. Glucose is the best option. You can take it without water and instant energy provider.
• First aid kit, including Diamox for altitude sickness.
• Fitness certificate: It is required by authority while registering for trekking. And the original copy is a must on the day you start trekking. Medical certificate should not be old more than 15 days and signed stamped by registered medical practitioner.

Medicines You Should Carry

Altitude sickness is a serious concern in these high mountains. During the trek, I felt dizzy and short of breath at times, but being prepared with the right medicines saved me from a more severe experience. Here’s what you should carry:

• Diamox for altitude sickness
• Painkillers for muscle aches
• Bandages and antiseptics for blisters
• ORS packets to stay hydrated you can also
• Paracetamol for fevers

How to Reach Kinnaur Kailash

By Road – The most popular route is by road from Delhi to Kinnaur Kailash, a journey of about 590 km. You can either drive or take a bus to Reckong Peo, the nearest town to the starting point of the trek. The drive is breathtaking, with towering mountains, deep valleys, and the occasional sight of snow-capped peaks.

By Air – The nearest airport is in Shimla, about 267 km from Reckong Peo. From there, you can either hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the trek’s starting point.

By Rail – The nearest railway station is Kalka, around 320 km from Reckong Peo. You can catch a train from Delhi to Kalka, and then travel by road to Kinnaur. The journey, although long, is full of scenic vistas and vibrant landscapes.

Itinerary for the Kinnaur Kailash Trek

Let me take you through the detailed itinerary of my Kinnaur kailash yatra or Kinner kailash mandir, which was both a physical challenge and an emotional journey. Kinner kailash trek distance or kinnaur Kailash trek distance is 38 KM round trip and Kinner kailash height is 6,050 meters (19,850 feet). Kinnaur kailash shivling height is 79-foot vertical rock situated at 4,650 meters (15,256 feet) on the trek route.

Day 1: Trek from Tangling Village to Ganesh Park Campsite

• Height: 11,811 feet
• Trekking Distance: 9 km
  We started off early in the morning from Tangling Village. The climb is rigorous on day one and passes through thick forests and rocky sections. On the way, we crossed the Karcham Dam, which is a testament to human engineering amidst unadulterated nature. The eventual appearance of Ganesh Park, a quiet space framed by alpine walls was a more than inviting sight at the close of the day.

Day 2: Ganesh Park to Kinnaur Kailash Shivling and Back to Ganesh Park

• Height: Kinnaur kailash height is 6,050 meters (19,850 feet).
• Trekking Distance: 12 km
  The hardest day in every aspect [sleep deprivation | physical | mental]! As we reached closer to the Kinnaur Kailash Shivling, the trail gradually started getting steeper. I could look down beyond the edge of the lake–Parvati Kund. Legend has it that the water here is sacred, and pilgrims pause to make prayers. And when I reached the Shivling Kinner Kailash, a sense of peace engulfed me, and satisfaction set in. We took small break & moved again to Ganesh Park.

Day 3: Ganesh Park to Gufa Campsite

• Height: 12,467 feet
• Trekking Distance: 10 km
  The third day was better, but by that point we were pretty wiped, and it felt like FOREVER. Winding our way along meadows filled with wildflowers and small streams until we reached the Gufa Campsite, a peaceful area that sheltered us from then wind and provided a great place to rest and ponder.

Day 4: Gufa Campsite to Tangling Village

• Trekking Distance: 7 km
  Today was the last day of our trek and it was a long, downhill hike. My legs were tired but how badly I wanted to finish the trek resulted in adrenaline kicking back up again. When we arrived at Tangling Village, our hearts soared with pride and happiness.

Conclusion: A Life-Changing Experience

Kinnaur Kailash Trek is not only a trial of stamina, but it turns out to be an otherworldly expedition which changes something inside you. Standing there in front of the Kinnaur Kailash Shivling, having trekked all the way from Tangling village for days, I felt a great sense of achievement. All the difficulties, all the troubles that had plagued me over the years — everything dissolved in a moment, leaving only serenity. If you have a desire to test your limits and experience an unforgettable expedition, then Kinnaur Kailash Trek is calling out for you.

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