Fair
Kinnaur in March
Himachal Pradesh, India
March begins thawing Kinnaur â -5 to 10°C. Snow melts on south-facing slopes. Waterfalls appear everywhere as the accumulated winter releases. The Sutlej runs high with snowmelt. The road from Shimla improves weekly. Villages emerge from winter: orchards being prepared, livestock returning to pastures. The Kinner Kailash massif still carries full snow. March is winter's last gesture and spring's first.
The March story
March Kinnaur is the transition â rewarding for those who enjoy watching a landscape change. The snowmelt creates hundreds of waterfalls pouring over the road. The Sutlej runs wild. The villages emerge: first green shoots in the orchards, first livestock on the paths, first outdoor activity after months of indoor life. The Bhimakali temple at Sarahan (accessible year-round) is particularly atmospheric in March â spring ceremonies and the ancient wooden tower-temple warming in early sun. The road from Sarahan to Sangla may open by late March. The Kalpa route from Reckong Peo is passable. March driving requires confidence â the road is wet, narrow, and shared with falling water. Budget: Rs 600-1500. The NH5 condition improves weekly through March but remains serious driving. For first-time Kinnaur visitors, March is too early â wait for April when the circuit is reliable and the orchards bloom.
Why March scores 3/5
Weather
Roads reopening, spring starting
Roads & Access
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: SDRF Himachal Pradesh. helpline: HP Tourism 0177-2652561. ambulance: 108 (slow â mountain terrain). police station: Reckong Peo Police Station. nearest hospital: Reckong Peo District Hospital
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, AIRTEL: No
Kids
Kid-friendly (2/5) â Epic road trip experience, Cultural diversity, Apple orchards
Elevation
2,500m â Moderate altitude
Who should go
- âTravelers with basic fitness
- âTransition-season lovers watching winter break into spring
- âBhimakali temple visitors at Sarahan year-round
- âWaterfall photographers â snowmelt creates hundreds of them
- âBudget mountain travellers at winter-low prices
Who should think twice
- âThose with mobility issues
- âFirst-time Kinnaur visitors â wait for April when circuit opens
- âAnyone uncomfortable with mountain driving in wet conditions
- âFamilies wanting the full circuit â not yet reliably accessible
- âVisitors expecting warm weather â still below freezing at night
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 | Cold, some roads closed |
| February | 2/5 | Winter continues |
| Marchviewing | 3/5 | Roads reopening, spring starting |
| April | 4/5 | Good driving conditions returning |
| May | 5/5 | Best month for the drive |
| June | 5/5 | Peak season, excellent conditions |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon â dangerous roads |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues |
| September | 5/5 | Post-monsoon, roads restored |
| October | 5/5 | Autumn colors along the highway |
| November | 3/5 | Late season, quiet roads |
| December | 2/5 | Winter, many roads closed |
Practical Details
How to reach
Contact local transport
Elevation
2,500m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Himachal Pradesh scoring high in March
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