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Kinnaur is one of the most gorgeous valleys in the Himalayas. One of Himachal Pradesh's 12 districts, it is noted for its excellent apples, vernacular architecture, lush alpine meadows, and pine woods. The valley has several enchanting trekking routes. One of them is the Yulla Kanda trek, which offers exquisite vistas of the Kinnaur mountains. Yulla Kanda (3,895m) is located in Rora Valley in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district. You walk along pathways studded with wildflowers and waterfalls, try outstanding local cuisine, and take in the breathtaking vistas of majestic mountains with snow-capped summits. This location provides a stunning perspective of the Himalayan ranges and passes such as Buran Ghati, Listigarang Pass, and Kashang Pass.
Yulla Kanda is home to the highest Krishna temple in the world. Hence, it is also recognised as a spiritual trek, in addition to one where you can experience some truly spectacular mountain scenery. This holy lake, located at an elevation of 12,000 feet above sea level, is believed to have been created by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple's most prominent characteristic is its elevation, which makes it the highest Krishna temple in the world. Locals believe that swimming in the lake will clear the mind and body of all negativity.
Yulla Kanda hosts an annual fair during Janmashtami. The Bushahr king Kehari Singh is said to have started the festivities, celebrated with joy throughout the region. People from adjacent districts congregate in great numbers every year to honour Lord Krishna's birthday. Some travel from nearby Pangi and Kalpa villages to Yulla Kanda over the Kashang Pass (4,800m). The devotees circle the lake to atone for their sins and wrongdoings.
Local traditions hold that if you take a traditional Kinnaur cap and try floating it inverted in the lake along the temple, you will discover your destiny. If the cap reaches the opposite side of the river without sinking, you will find peace and joy in the future. If the cap does sink, your year ahead may not be promising.
The trek is of moderate difficulty and of short duration. It winds through lush forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees before entering meadows. It begins at Yulla Khas, a village on the crest of a hill famous for Kinnauri apples and located around 3 kilometres from Urni, the nearest village to the base camp. The overall distance travelled is around 12 km. You can come here via Shimla. Make an overnight stop at Yulla Khas, then head out to Yulla Kanda lake the next day. The best time for the Yulla Kanda trek is from mid-May to mid-October.
An hour's hike from Yulla Kanda to the northeast will get you to Rora Kanda, where you may camp overnight and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding passes. Listigarang Pass (4,680m) is located northwest of Yulla Kanda and connects to Kafnu hamlet, Bhabha Valley, and Bhabha Pass via Muling. On a clear sunny day, the Buran Pass may be seen from Yulla Kanda.
Apart from the breathtaking vistas of the mountains and valleys, there is plenty to do here. Wander around and discover mountain villages. Get yourself a Kinnauri topi (cap). Try some Kinnaur apples. They are produced at altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet and are known for their robust flavour and exquisite crunchiness. Kinnauri apple varietals include Royal, Golden, Red Golden, Red Delicious, and Scarlet Spur. If you're lucky, you might come across Kinnauri gaddis, nomadic shepherds who travel the mountains, frequently covering hundreds of km on their rounds.
