Kalpa

Kalpa is a small Kinnauri village at about 2,960 m, above Reckong Peo, the district headquarters. It looks across the Sutlej valley to the Kinner Kailash range. Its apple orchards, wooden houses and temples show the local mix of Hinduism and Buddhism. The Narayan Nagini and Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar temple complexes are worth a walk. Both faiths hold Kinner Kailash sacred. At dawn and dusk the snow ridge turns pink or gold, which is why most visitors come. Kalpa is also known as the home of India's first voter, Shyam Saran Negi. It is a gentler place to acclimatise than Chitkul or Spiti. It has good homestays and easy walks to Roghi village. Reckong Peo has the ATMs, fuel and permit-related services that Kalpa lacks. Apple blossom in spring and fruit in September to October are the best seasons to visit. Winter snow can bring road delays.