Peak Season
Kinnaur in May
Himachal Pradesh, India
May opens Kinnaur fully. Temperatures at 8-24°C are comfortable. The circuit from Shimla through Sarahan, down to Sangla valley, up to Chitkul, and across to Kalpa is India's most scenic mountain road trip. Every village has its ancient temple, every valley has its apple orchard, and the Kinner Kailash provides the backdrop. Tourist numbers build but Kinnaur's remoteness limits crowds.
The May story
May is the accessible Kinnaur. The full circuit (Shimla-Sarahan-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Reckong Peo and return) is drivable in 4-5 days with comfortable stops. Every village on the circuit offers something: Sarahan (Bhimakali temple), Sangla (wooden fort, Baspa valley), Chitkul (last village, ancient temple), Kalpa (Kinner Kailash views, monastery). The apple orchards are in full leaf with small fruit forming. The ancient temples — each one different, each one a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural traditions found nowhere else — reward unhurried visits. The Suicide Point road section is passable but will test anyone with vertigo: a single-lane road carved into a cliff face above a 500m drop to the Sutlej, with regular truck traffic coming the other way. Budget: Rs 1200-3500. Book Kalpa and Chitkul accommodation ahead for May weekends. The drive from Shimla is 8-10 hours to Sarahan, then the circuit loops. The food improves in May: fresh local vegetables, apricots, and the Kinnauri speciality of siddu (steamed wheat bread) with ghee.
Why May scores 5/5
Weather
Best month for the drive
Roads & Access
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: SDRF Himachal Pradesh. helpline: HP Tourism 0177-2652561. ambulance: 108 (slow — 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) — Epic road trip experience, Cultural diversity, Apple orchards
Elevation
2,500m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Road-trip enthusiasts wanting India's most scenic mountain circuit
- ✓Temple and culture travellers doing the full Kinnaur loop
- ✓Families with older kids who can handle mountain driving
- ✓Food travellers wanting fresh Kinnauri cuisine
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Vertigo sufferers — Suicide Point road doesn't get easier
- ✗Visitors who want blossom season — that was April
- ✗Weekend visitors without advance bookings for Kalpa/Chitkul
- ✗Anyone expecting Shimla-level infrastructure — Kinnaur is remote
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 | Cold, some roads closed |
| February | 2/5 | Winter continues |
| March | 3/5 | Roads reopening, spring starting |
| April | 4/5 | Good driving conditions returning |
| Mayviewing | 5/5 | Best month for the drive |
| June | 5/5 | Peak season, excellent conditions |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon — 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 May
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