Kinnaur Kailash — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Kinnaur Kailash

Kinnaur Kailash, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a revered mountain with significant religious, cultural, and trekking importance. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance in Hinduism.

Key Points:

Location: Situated in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, in the northeastern part of India. Lies within the more excellent Himalayan range, near the Indo-Tibetan border.

Elevation: The Kinnaur Kailash peak is approximately 6,050 meters (19,849 feet).

Religious Significance: Kinnaur Kailash is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. The peak is associated with Lord Shiva, who is believed to reside here. It is also known as the "Winter Abode of Lord Shiva." A prominent feature is the Kinnaur Kailash Shivling, a 79-foot tall rock formation that resembles a Shiva lingam, which changes colour throughout the day.

Pilgrimage and Trekking: The Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama Trek is a famous pilgrimage route for devotees and trekkers. The trek involves circumambulating the Kinnaur Kailash peak. The trek is challenging, with rugged terrain, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions, attracting experienced trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Route and Key Points: The trek typically starts from the village of Thangi and passes through scenic locations such as Charang La Pass, Lamber, and Chitkul. Charang La Pass, at an elevation of 5,248 meters (17,218 feet), is one of the highest points on the trek and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Natural Beauty: The region is known for its picturesque landscapes, including lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and vibrant flora and fauna. The Sutlej River, one of the major rivers in Himachal Pradesh, flows through the Kinnaur valley, adding to the scenic beauty.

Cultural Heritage: Kinnaur is home to a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. The local Kinnauri people have rich traditions, colourful festivals, and distinct architectural styles. Traditional Kinnauri villages like Kalpa and Sangla offer insights into the local culture and way of life.

Travel and Access: The nearest central town is Reckong Peo, which serves as the district headquarters of Kinnaur. It is well-connected by road to Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. The best time to visit or undertake the trek is during the summer months (May to October) when the weather is relatively stable.

Summary

Kinnaur Kailash, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a revered mountain known for its religious significance, stunning natural beauty, and challenging trekking routes. Standing at 6,050 meters, it is considered the "Winter Abode of Lord Shiva" and attracts pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts. The Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama Trek offers breathtaking views and passes through scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks, reflecting the unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions in the region. The area is accessible from Reckong Peo, with the best trekking season from...

Kinner Kailash: The History and Mythology

Kinner Kailash is derived from the name of Kinnaur, the region where it is located in Himachal Pradesh, India, and Kailash, the Sanskrit word for crystal or jewel. It is one of the five Kailash mountains that represent the five elements of nature (earth, water, fire, air, and space) according to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The other four are Mount Kailash in Tibet (space), Manimahesh Kailash in Himachal Pradesh (air), Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand (fire), and Shrikhand Mahadev in Himachal Pradesh (water).

Kinner Kailash is considered as the winter home of Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism, and his consort Goddess Parvati, the mother goddess. According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati met at Kinner Kailash for the first time and fell in love. They created Parvati Kund, a sacred lake near the peak that is believed to have healing powers. It is said that Lord Shiva organizes a meeting of gods and goddesses at Kinner Kailash every winter, and during this time, the Kinner Kailash Shivling, a natural rock formation that resembles a Shiva lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva’s energy and power), changes colors throughout the day.

Kinner Kailash is also a sacred place for Buddhists, who believe that it is one of the 24 places where Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated and attained enlightenment. Padmasambhava is also known as Guru Rinpoche or the Second Buddha. He is credited with spreading Buddhism in Tibet and other parts of Asia. He is said to have left his footprints on a rock near...

Kinner Kailash is the exact point where the gods reside. Considered as one of the most challenging treks, the path leading to this mountain is certainly not an easy one and not everyone’s cup of tea. The Kinner Kailash range in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is located in proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border at a height of 17200 ft above sea level. It is also among the remotest and the less explored regions of Himachal which is breathtakingly scenic.

Religious significance of Kinner Kailash

For the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, Kinnaur holds utmost religious significance as the place is home to a 79 ft tall shivalinga, which changes colours every second. It is basically a rock pillar neatly balanced on rock slab and also resembles a trident. Close by is Parvati Kund, which is located at an altitude of 14900 ft above sea level.

As per the popular belief, the kund was created by Goddess Parvati herself. Also, it was the meeting point of Lord Shiva and the goddess, so it was also known as ‘Aashiqi Park’. As per another mythological belief, every winter, Lord Shiva used to conduct a meeting of gods and goddesses here at...