Kinnaur Valley Apple Orchards & Border Roads
7 Days • Chitkul Frontier, Kalpa Views & Himalayan Villages Download ItineraryThis 7-day Himalayan loop takes you deep into the heart of Kinnaur, where pine forests give way to plunging river gorges, and apple orchards stretch beneath snow-capped peaks. From the quiet charm of Sangla to the frontier village of Chitkul and the sacred ridges of Kalpa, this circuit is a blend of culture, altitude, and raw mountain beauty — all wrapped into one unforgettable drive.
Trip Overview
Duration→7 Days
Best Season→April to mid-November (Chitkul accessible; apple season peaks Aug–Oct)
Total Distance→~850–900 km
Vehicle Type→SUV / High Clearance
Difficulty→Moderate (narrow roads, cliff sections, altitude gain)
Permits→No permits required for Indian nationals; foreign nationals need ILP for Chitkul (can be arranged in Reckong Peo)
Mobile Network→Jio, Airtel, BSNL in towns; patchy or no signal in Sangla–Chitkul stretch
Fuel Planning→Reliable pumps in Shimla, Rampur, Peo; top up before Sangla–Chitkul leg
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur
- Distance/Time: ~130 km 5–6 hrs
- Highlights: Hatu Peak detour, apple orchards, Satluj river views
- Adventure: Short hike to Hatu Peak (3,400 m)
- Stay: Rampur or Jeori
- Tip: Start early to enjoy Narkanda’s morning light
Day 2: Rampur → Karcham → Sangla
- Distance/Time: ~100 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights: Cliff-hugging roads, Baspa river valley, Karcham dam
- Adventure: Riverside walk in Sangla; trout fishing (seasonal)
- Stay: Sangla (2,600 m)
- Caution: Narrow roads; drive slow near Karcham gorge
Day 3: Sangla → Chitkul → return Sangla
- Distance/Time: ~40 km round trip 2–3 hrs
- Highlights: Chitkul — last village before Indo-Tibet border; wooden homes, river meadows
- Adventure: Walk along the Baspa river trail; visit ITBP checkpoint (if permitted)
- Stay: Sangla
- Tip: Carry snacks; limited food options in Chitkul
Day 4: Sangla → Reckong Peo → Kalpa
- Distance/Time: ~50 km 2–3 hrs
- Highlights: Kinnaur Kailash views, Kalpa monastery, Roghi cliff viewpoint
- Adventure: Sunset walk to suicide point (Roghi ridge)
- Stay: Kalpa (2,960 m)
- Tip: Best views are early morning and golden hour
Day 5: Kalpa exploration
- Highlights: Kalpa village walk, apple orchards, Narayan Nagini temple
- Adventure: Short hike to Chaka Meadows (moderate, 2–3 hrs round trip)
- Stay: Kalpa
- Tip: Try local Himachali siddu and chutney
Day 6: Kalpa → Sarahan
- Distance/Time: ~100 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights: Bhimakali Temple, bird sanctuary, pine forests
- Adventure: Temple architecture walk; birdwatching (seasonal)
- Stay: Sarahan (2,300 m)
- Tip: Temple entry requires modest attire
Day 7: Sarahan → Shimla
- Distance/Time: ~170 km 6–7 hrs
- Highlights: Satluj valley descent, apple belt views
- Adventure: Optional detour to Rampur hot springs
- Stay: Shimla (trip end)
- Tip: Reach by evening for sunset at The Ridge
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Karcham → Sangla → Chitkul → Sangla → Reckong Peo → Kalpa → Sarahan → Shimla
Essentials to Carry
- Documents: DL, RC, insurance, ID proofs; ILP for foreign nationals (Chitkul)
- Clothing: Warm layers, windproof jacket, rain gear (monsoon season)
- Footwear: Trekking shoes, sandals for riverside walks
- Health: Basic meds, altitude sickness tablets (if sensitive), ORS
- Gear: Power banks, torch, offline maps, camera, snacks
- Misc: Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm, reusable water bottle
Insider Tip:
- Best season: August–October for apple harvest; April–June for clear skies
- Photography: Chitkul’s wooden homes and Kalpa’s sunrise ridge are unbeatable
- Local eats: Try rajma-chawal in Sangla and siddu in Kalpa
- Eco-ethic: No littering in river zones; avoid plastic bottles
- Road caution: Karcham–Sangla stretch is narrow and cliff-bound — drive slow and steady
Permits, fuel and checkpoints
- Permits:
- Indian nationals: No permits required
- Foreign nationals: ILP needed for Chitkul (apply in Reckong Peo)
- Fuel:
- Reliable pumps: Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo
- Top up before Sangla–Chitkul leg
- Checkpoints:
- ITBP post near Chitkul (entry may be restricted)
- Local police checks near Peo and Sarahan
- Timing Tips:
- Start early for Sangla–Chitkul to avoid afternoon traffic
- Avoid driving after dark between Karcham and Sangla
