Are you tired of visiting crowded winter destinations in India like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie? Explore Kapla this winter season, an offbeat winter destination in India. Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej River valley, above Reckong Peo, the headquarters of the Kinnaur district.
This small Himalayan village is best known for its great landscapes, apple orchards, ancient architecture, snowcapped mountains, and divine adobe of Kinnaur Kailash. With the best Himachal tour packages, you can explore each popular and hidden spot of Kalpa.
In this blog, we will explore Kapla and its natural beauty. We will see how beautifully Mother Nature blessed Kalpa, making it the perfect offbeat winter destination in India.
About Kalpa
Kalpa is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its snowcapped Himalayan mountain range, finest apples, and rich Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Kalpa is also a base village/point for the Kinnaur Kailash trek, the holy pilgrim site for Hindus and Buddhists. Kalpa is approximately 570 km from Delhi which takes almost 15-16 hours to reach here. It can be a long journey but the view of Kinnaur Valley and Saltuj River make this journey scenic.
How to reach Kalpa
- Though Kalpa is among the offbeat winter destinations in India, you can reach here by multiple modes of transportation including flight, train, self-drive, or public transport.
- Please note that there is no airport in Kalpa. All you need to do is catch a flight to Delhi or Shimla.
- You can take a bus from Kashmiri Gate Delhi to Reckong Peo to reach Kalpa which is just 3 km away from Reckong Peo. The bus takes almost 19 hours and the fare is around INR 1100 per head.
- Shimla Airport is the nearest airport to Kalpa. It is approximately 275 km away. The Shimla Airport is well connected to many Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai.
- You can also self-drive to Kalpa. The road conditions are pretty good. Avoid traveling at night. It is better to take a break during the journey.
Best time to visit Kalpa
During the winter season, Kalpa experiences heavy snowfall. From January to late March, you can witness live snowfall in Kalpa. Sometimes, due to extreme weather conditions, the road to Kalpa gets blocked. So avoid visiting during the peak winter months or plan your trip according to the weather forecast. If you want to enjoy the snow without any tension, plan your Kalpa trip between late November to mid-January.
Summer is also a popular time to visit Kalpa to witness the lush green side of Kalpa. April to June is considered the ideal summer month to visit Kalpa. During this month, you can also plan your Kinnur Kalish Yatra/Trek.
10 Best Places to Visit in Kalpa
Being an offbeat winter destination in India, Kalpa offers mesmerizing views of Kinnaur Kailash Mountain ranges and a traditional experience of Kinnauri and Buddhist culture. You will find many of the best places to visit in Kalpa during winter and some of the places are mentioned below:-
- Suicide Point – Thrilling views of snow-clad valleys and steep cliffs.
- Kinnaur Kailash – Spectacular sight of the Shivling Peak and snowy ranges.
- Roghi Village – Quaint hamlet with snow-covered apple orchards.
- Chaka Meadows – Serene meadows accessible via a moderate snow trek.
- Sapni Fort – Ancient architecture enhanced by snowy surroundings.
- Kamru Fort – Heritage site amidst breathtaking winter landscapes.
- Kothi Temple – Scenic wooden temple dedicated to Chandika Devi.
- Narayan-Nagini Temple – Intricate wood carvings in a serene, snowy setting.
- Reckong Peo Market – Shop for local crafts and enjoy regional delicacies.
- Batseri Village – Charming village offering peaceful snowy trails.
Where to stay in Kalpa
Kalpa is a remote village in Himachal Pradesh and you will find major homestays here. You will also find hotels and hostels in Kalpa to stay with all the basic amenities. Here are some staying options in Kalpa for you:
- Zostel Kalpa (Kinnaur)
- Farmvilla Homestay Kalpa
- Hotel Kalpa Deshnag
- Kinner Villa
- Silk Route Homestay
- The Alpine Nest Hotel
- Fort View Homestay
- Hotel Apple Pie
- Hotel Nirvana
- The Whitecastle Kalpa
- Deepak Homestay
- Inner Tukpa
- The Shivling View
- Buro The Gate
- Wild Green Home Stay
- Hotel Blue Lotus
- Hotel Destination Kalpa
- The Monk Kalpa
- Hotel Geetanjali Sangla by Nature Nests
Things to Do in Kalpa
Kalpa is a beautiful Himachali village with stunning landscapes and some of the most deadly routes in the world. Here are some of the best things to do in Kalpa during winter:
- Experience snowfall
- Explore Roghi Village
- Visit Suicide Point Kalpa
- Relex at the Kalpa Monastery
- Taste Local Delicacies
- Visit the Narayan-Nagini Temple
- Stargazing
- Trek to Chaka Meadows
- Photography and Nature Walks
- Shop for Local Handicrafts
Useful Tips for Visiting Kalpa in Winter
Kalpa is located at an elevation of 2,960 meters (9,711 feet above sea level). Winters are extremely harsh here. It is better to follow certain tips and tricks to protect yourself from winter.
- Pack warm clothes
- Book your stay in advance
- Check weather conditions
- Check road conditions
- Keep extra days
- Pack all your essential medicines
- Keep your raincoat along with you
- Take the guide for winter treks
- Don’t walk on frozen lakes without any guide’s instructions
Conclusion
Kalpa, with its snow-covered charm and serene landscapes, stands out as an offbeat winter destination in India. Far from the bustling tourist hotspots, this quaint Himalayan village offers an unmatched sense of peace and connection with nature. Whether you’re drawn by the breathtaking views of the Kinnaur Kailash range, the enchanting snowfall, or the warmth of Himachali culture, Kalpa promises an unforgettable winter escape.
So, if you’re looking to trade the chaos of daily life for quiet mountain moments, Kalpa is the perfect winter getaway. Pack your bags, keep yourself ready to chill, and let the magic of Kalpa refresh your soul this winter season.
FAQ
You will find many wonderful winter destinations in India, where you can experience fresh snowfall:-
- Kalpa
- Chitukul
- Mcloedganj
- Nako
- Spiti Valley
- Manali
- Sissu
- Munsiyari
- Chopta Valley
- Shimla
- Narkanda
- Kufri
To reach Kalpa from Delhi, there are multiple ways to reach here. You can book a travel package from any travel agency or take an HRTC bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Reckong Peo. From here you can take any local or shared taxi to reach Kalpa.
Yes, Kalpa experiences heavy snowfall from December to March. It is one of the best winter destinations in India, widely famous for its snow-capped mountains and temples.
Kalpa is famous for its stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash range, serene apple orchards, charming wooden architecture, and tranquil vibe, making it a perfect offbeat Himalayan destination.
3 to 4 days are enough to explore Kalpa, allowing you to enjoy its scenic beauty, visit nearby attractions like Roghi Village and Chaka Meadows, and experience the serene vibe of this Himalayan gem.
