Kalpa, Kinnaur

Kalpa is a small picturesque town located in the Kinnaur district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an elevation of 2,960 meters (9,711 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and apple orchards. Kalpa is known for its stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range, which includes peaks such as Jorkanden and Raldang. The town is also known for its traditional Kinnauri architecture, which features wooden houses with slate roofs. 

One of the main attractions in Kalpa is the Narayan-Nagini temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his serpent wife Nagini. The temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is built in the typical Kinnauri style. Kalpa is also a popular starting point for treks to the nearby villages of Roghi, Chitkul, and Sangla. The Sangla Valley, in particular, is known for its beautiful landscapes and is often referred to as the "Baspa Valley."

The best time to visit Kalpa is between April and June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to August) as landslides and roadblocks are common during this time.

Kalpa is a peaceful and scenic destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Kinnaur district while also providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Kalpa is a beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh and It is famous for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, and ancient temples. Here are some of the points of interest in Kalpa:

1. Kinnaur Kailash: It is a famous peak situated in the Kinnaur district and is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Kinnaur Kailash is a challenging trek and is popular among adventure enthusiasts.
2. Chitkul: Chitkul is a small village located 28 km from Kalpa. It is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is known for its natural beauty and serene environment.
3. Roghi Village: Roghi village is famous for its traditional Kinnauri houses with wooden carvings and architecture. It also has a temple dedicated to the local deity, Lord Badri Nath.
4. Suicide Point: Suicide Point is a viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the Sutlej River and the valley below. The point is located on the way to Kalpa from Reckong Peo.
5. Narayan-Nagini Temple: It is an ancient temple located in Kalpa that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Nagini. The temple is known for its beautiful creations by the ancient architectures.
6. Sapni Fort: Sapni Fort is a historical monument located in Sapni village near Kalpa. The fort is said to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.
7. Batseri Village: Batseri is a small village located 8 km from Kalpa. The village is known for its traditional Kinnauri houses, apple orchards, and beautiful landscape.
8. Kamru Fort: Kamru Fort is an ancient fort located in the Sangla Valley, 2 km from Sangla. The fort is dedicated to the local deity, Kamakhya Devi, and is known for its unique architecture.
9. Buddhist Monasteries: Kalpa is also home to several Buddhist monasteries that are known for their beautiful architecture, ancient manuscripts, and peaceful environment. Some of the popular monasteries include the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery and the Rinchen Zangpo Monastery.
10. Trekking: Kalpa is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. Some of the popular trekking routes include the Kinnaur Kailash Circuit Trek, the Sangla Valley Trek, and the Parvati Valley Trek.

The best time to visit Kalpa in Kinnaur district is during the summer months of April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C. During this time, the skies are clear and the views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks are stunning.

However, if you are interested in witnessing the snowfall, then the winter months of December to February can also be a good time to visit Kalpa. During this time, the temperature drops below freezing point, and the entire region gets covered in a blanket of snow, creating a picturesque landscape.

It is advisable to avoid visiting Kalpa during the monsoon season (July to August) as the region experiences heavy rainfall, and landslides can occur, which can disrupt your travel plans.