Best Time and Season to Visit Kinnaur

Months: October to March.

During this time of the year, the entire region experiences extreme snowfall and harsh cold. The temperature can drop as low as -5 degrees Celsius. Because the sub-zero temperature levels, freeze the water, tourists face a number of problems with basic necessities such as running water in hotels, toilets, etc.

However, you can still have a good time in Kinnaur in early winter, especially if you wish to see the snow and want a peaceful holiday when you can relax cozily indoors.

Things to Do:

Visiting Kinnaur in winter is certainly not for the faint heart. During this time of the year, it is perfect for those looking for extreme adventures in the cold, snow-laden region. You can go off on exciting treks to the hills and mountains and feel the rush of exploring the vast wilderness.

One of the things to do when you are in Kinnaur is travel to Sangla Valley. This area is surrounded by snow-clad peaks, mountain slopes, and evergreen forests. Sangla Valley has a number of stunning attractions for you to see, including majestic forts, superb temples, and alluring villages.

While you can visit the valley any time of the year, winter is a great time to explore it as it gives you a glimpse of how the people in the various villages live and survive in winter. Plus, Sangla Valley has some excellent spots where adventure lovers can enjoy their favorite activities and have a lot of fun.

Nestled at roughly 3,745 meters above sea level, the small village of Ribba is a must-visit when you are in Kinnaur in winter. Also known as Rirang, the village has an abundance of pine nuts, which is actually how it got its name. Dotted with fruit orchards and vineyards, this area is well known for grape alcohol. You should definitely sample some, especially if you want to get a little heat into your body during your tour.

If you are seeking adventure on your Kinnaur trip, you should go on a hike or trek through the Borasu Pass. This is a popular route among tourists who want an adrenaline rush while exploring the region. Many of them trek through the pass during the winter.

Acting as a link between the Himalayas of Uttarakhand and Himachal, Borasu Pass takes you through ancient trade routes and gives you unforgettable vistas of breathtaking landscapes as well as remote villages like Dhatmir, Saur, Osla, Gangar Har Ki Dun and Sankri.

Months: April to June.

You can enjoy pleasant weather during this season, which is why it is considered the best time to visit Kinnaur. It is the peak season so there will be indeed heavy tourist traffic.

The temperature in this region ranges from 8 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius in summer. Because this is the peak season, all attractions are open and the pleasant weather makes it an enjoyable experience to go sightseeing. This is a great time of year to plan your Kinnaur holiday, especially if you want to get away from the heat in other parts of the country.

Before you confirm your plans to travel to Kinnaur, it is important to note that over the years, this place has been experiencing pre-monsoon rains in June. The weather gets quite unpredictable during these months, so you should make it a point to check weather updates for the region before embarking on your journey.

Things to Do: 

As mentioned earlier, sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Kinnaur during the summer season. You are sure to have an epic time exploring the natural wonders that surround this destination. Some of the famous places to visit include Rupin Pass, Nako Lake, Baspa River, Sangla Valley, Sarhan and Kalpa, to name a few.

Hiking and trekking are popular activities among tourists who visit Kinnaur. Rupin Pass is one of India’s most popular trekking routes, so adventure lovers should not miss going on this trek that takes them to the inner regions of the Himalayas on the way to the pass.

The Rupin River is one of the major attractions here and a perfect stop for those who want a little solitude during their vacation. If you are looking for some adenaline rush be sure to set out on the Kinner Kailash Circuit Trek.

This is a superb trekking route that will take you to some of the most breathtaking sites in the region, including snow-clad mountains, gorgeous lush green valleys, and gushing rivers. If you go on this trek, be sure to visit the holy Shivling of Lord Shiva, which is nestled on the Kailash range.

Himachal Pradesh has a rich and diverse history and culture, so visiting its temples and monuments is a must for any visitor. When you are in Kinnaur, make sure to include Bhimakali Temple, Nag Temple, Gue Mummy Temple, Kamru Fort, Kalpa Fort, Padam Palace, Nako Gompa and Footprint of Padmasambhava in your list of sights to see.

Months: July to September.

Although many people stay away from this destination during this time of the year, there are still plenty of things to see and do if you travel to Kinnaur in the monsoon season. However, before you decide on traveling to this destination during monsoon, there are a few things you should bear in mind. Firstly, the chances of rainfall are extremely high, so outdoor activities may need to take a backseat.

Additionally, during this time of the year, cloudbursts and landslides often occur in the region, making it quite dangerous. Plus, the roads tend to be in poor condition when compared to other seasons. However, some of the benefits of visiting Kinnaur in monsoon is that you do not have to worry about tourist crowds or spending a lot of money on accommodation, food, etc.

Things to Do:

If you visit Kinnaur in August, which is the middle of the monsoon season, you will be just in time for apple season. You will find red and golden apples everywhere you look! One of the best things to do if you are in Kinnaur during the monsoon is to shop for delicious apples to take home.

One of the things you can enjoy during your monsoon trip to Kinnaur is the festivals. Kinnaur Valley, as well as Spiti, celebrates several local festivals. This gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the culture. You can witness a Dev Milan ceremony in Kinnaur and get an up-close-and-personal look at the locals participating in it.

You should also make it a point to see the monks in the region performing various other rituals performed during monsoon. If the weather permits, you should travel to Spiti to witness the Cham dance in one of the many Buddhist monasteries that dot the valley. This is a unique experience that will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip.

Making sure that you wear and carry the right gear for protection, you should definitely go on a hike to see the huge change that the monsoon season brings into the landscape of already gorgeous terrain. You will also find the famous Hindustan-Tibet Road transformed into an eye-catching shade of green

Another must-do when you visit Kinnaur in monsoon is a stop and admire the waterfalls that cascade down from almost every turn you make while traveling on the road.