Kalpa

KALPA 

Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India. Kalpa is mainly inhabited by the local Kinnauri people, those follow a syncretism of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Kalpa is nestled at an altitude of about 2960 meter, which is approximately around 9711 foot. Being a small village on the Kinnaur district, Kalpa was once the district head of Kinnaur. Though at present Rekong Peo is the district head which lies 12 km below Kalpa at an altitude of about 7500 ft. Kalpa is surrounded by long Pine, Fir, Juniper and Birch trees all over. Kalpa is divided into upper Kalpa and lower Kalpa. Kalpa is mainly known for its production of Green and Golden apples which are the main cash crop of this region. Apart from these, Kalpa also produces Richard, Royal, Red Delicious apples and grapes, apricot and Chilghoza. Other than Kinnaur district Chilghoza is found in Iran, botanical name is Pinus Gerardiana and locally known as Nozo. Kalpa lies on the western part of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh nestled on the lap of Himalayas. Kalpa offers 180 degree view of all the peaks of Kinnaur – Kailash range. Apart from Kinnaur Kailash range, Kalpa also offers spectacular view of Mt Jorkanden (6473 meter) and Mt. Raldang range (5499 meter). From Kalpa tourists get a clear sight of the Shiva Linga rock made of solid granite stone. With the changing position of the sun, this Shiva Linga changes its colour. The locals of Kalpa are dressed typically which is a blend of both Kinnauri and Tibetan culture. Women at Kalpa wears Dhoru, and wraps Choli on their body, on their waist they wraps Gachi. The hat they wears on head is called Tepang. The cloths wears by men are almost same, the coats they wear are known as Chubba, the lower part is known as Chumu Sutan. Most of the houses at Kalpa are mainly designed in traditional Tibetan art form, these are made of wood with stone roofs. During the winter Kalpa hosts a festival. Kalpa was earlier known by the name Chini village, which is later named as Lower Kalpa. 

Local watchable around Kalpa

Roghi Village – From Kalpa around 06 km is Roghi village. At Roghi Village tourists can visit the temple of Lord Vishnu and Narayan temple. During the month of August near the temple a festival is organized for the consecutive three days.

Pangi village – Pangi village is around 10 km from Kalpa. From Pangi around 07 km there is hydro electric project built on Kasang River, but tourists need to take permission from nearest police chowk.

Suicide point – From Kalpa on the way to Roghi village can visit ‘Suicide point’. The Suicide Point is located around 3 km away from Kalpa village and the journey to this point takes place through beautiful apple gardens. This place is famous for its thrilling trench and enchanting atmosphere that gives a wonderful experience to the visitors.

Chaka Meadows – The Chaka Meadows hike is an easy hike of 3 to 4 kilometers. The trail starts from a point on Kalpa – Roghi road. The Chaka meadow is nestled at an altitude of 3800 meter and offers splendid views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range.

Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery – Located at heart of Kalpa this monastery is a must visit for every traveler while visiting Kalpa. This ancient monastery was founded during (950 – 1055 AD) by Rinchensang – Po. Located near the market of Kalpa. The monastery is decorated with many captivating wall paintings of ancient Buddhists culture and daily buddhist chants fills the village air with a mystical calmness.

Narayan – Nagin Temple – This quaint temple with great mountain views and beautiful wood carvings is built in the traditional kathkuni style. The design and the crafting of the temple are worth remembering. This temple is supposed to be 5000 years old and carries significant importance to Indian mythology of Mahabharata. According to the local folklore, the Pandavas used to worship the deity during their exile. The route to the temple is through the steep and narrow lane of the village to be covered on feet. The beautiful wooden carvings both outside and inside are spectacular. The courtyard is spacious and has an wonderful view of the mountains.

Rekong Peo – Before entering Kalpa tourists will come across Rekong Peo nestled at an altitude of about 7500 ft. This is the district head of Kinnaur region, though once during the past Kalpa was the district head. The Mahabodhi Gumpha built in the year 1992, in the memory of famous lecture by Dalai Lama on time travel. The Chandika Temple at Kothi which is around 3 km from Rekong Peo is a must watch. The Chandika Temple lies amidst dense deodar forest overlooking the snow capped mountains.

Chini Village – From Kalpa to the downward side is Chini village, this is a small and an old village. At Chini village there is a Buddhists monastery and a small Hindu temple made of slate stone and wood. Chini Village is also known as Lower Kalpa which is much older than upper Kalpa. At Chini village there are few establishments those retain its old name Chini. But due to its close geographical proximity and similarity in pronunciation to China, the town was renamed as Kalpa.

Things to Know

At Kalpa tourists are advised not to pluck a single apple from the trees without seeking the permission from the local people.
The Shivling peak rises to a height of about 20000 ft (6000 meter) and is believed to be sacred by the locals.
Though there are very few local watchable around Kalpa, but the ecstatic charm and the scenic landscapes of the village is a heaven within itself. A short village walk is recommended for the tourists.
Enthusiasts can taste some of the authentic Tibetan cuisines those are available at Kalpa. 

How to Reach – Kalpa is around 253 km from nearest rail head Simla. The route to Kalpa is through NH 22, Indo – Tibet road also known as Hindustan – Tibet road and it takes around 10 hours. The scenic landscapes of the whole route from Simla to Kalpa are astounding. The route to Kalpa starts from Shimla and is via Jiori – Rampur – Karcham – Rekong Peo. Kalpa is around 12 km from Rekong Peo. Kalpa is around 51 km from Sangla and 110 km from Sarahan, but tourists need to reach Karcham, from there by National Highway tourists will reach at Powari. From Powari the route has divided in two directions, the right hand side route reaches at Spiti Valley and the left hand side route will reach Kalpa via Rekong Peo. Buses ply from Sangla via Rekong Peo and also from Rampur via Sangla and Rekong Peo. Again from Shimla direct buses are available upto Kalpa which is about 253 km and time takes around 10 hours. Kalpa is around 362 km from Kalka railway station.

Best time to visit – Being nestled at a high elevation, Kalpa enjoys long winters those span from October to May and short summers that range between June to September. During winter Kalpa remains covered with thick layers of snow and the temperature drops below freezing point. Tourists visiting in winter are recommended to carry thick and heavy woolen garments to escape the extreme cold.