Kinnaur in April

The April story

April is the entrance to Kinnaur's signature experience. The apricot blossoms in the Sutlej valley and apple blossoms in the Sangla and Baspa valleys create a pink-and-white landscape against snow peaks. The Bhimakali temple at Sarahan — one of Himachal's most important temples, with its dual tower structure and 800 years of accumulated sanctity — is the circuit's first major stop. Then down to Sangla valley: the road descends into a narrow valley where the Baspa river runs clear and the village of Sangla spreads across terraces with an ancient wooden fort. Chitkul (25km beyond Sangla) is the emotional climax: India's last inhabited village before the Tibetan plateau, with a wooden temple, stone houses, and the Baspa river beginning its journey. From Sangla, the circuit continues to Reckong Peo and up to Kalpa for the Kinner Kailash panorama. Total circuit from Shimla: 3-5 days recommended. Budget: Rs 1000-3000. April blossom photography against snow peaks is Kinnaur's equivalent of Japan's cherry blossom season — with Himalayan scale.