Located in the isolated yet beautiful Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, the Yulla Kanda trek is a non-touristy Himalayan journey that offers unparalleled vistas, spiritual comfort, and exposure to vibrant local culture. The trek ends at the holy Yulla Kanda Lake, which houses the world’s highest Lord Krishna temple at an unimaginable height of around 3,895 meters (12,778 feet).
Why Hike to Yulla Kanda? The Secret Revealed
The Yulla Kanda hike is not merely about getting to the endpoint; it’s about the experience itself. Here are reasons why it is a must-take for hikers and spiritual travelers alike:
World’s Highest Krishna Temple: The main attraction is undoubtedly the ancient Lord Krishna temple located on the tranquil Yulla Kanda Lake. It is said to have been constructed by the Pandavas while they were in exile, and thus it is a place of great mythological and religious importance. The temple comes alive during Janmashtami celebrations.
Untouched Natural Beauty: In contrast to more populated trails, Yulla Kanda is a serene and unspoiled landscape. You’ll walk through thick pine forests, green pastures, and meandering brooks, all amidst the imposing backdrop of the Himalayan mountain range, including views of the Kinner Kailash range.
Cultural Immersion: The trek usually begins at Yulla Khas village, a quaint Kinnauri town. You will be able to experience warm Himachali hospitality and familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the place.
Moderate Difficulty: Though having steep ups and mixed terrain, the Yulla Kanda trek in general is moderate in nature. Therefore, it is suitable for beginners who are in fair shape, as well as experienced trekkers looking for a welcome change.
Photographer’s Delight: Right from the wide mountain views to colorful wildflowers and the temple’s distinctive architecture, the trail has turn after turn of photographic delights.
Spiritual Encounter: The trek is not only a physical experience but a deeply spiritual one. The tranquil environment of Yulla Kanda Lake and the temple provide for reflection and contemplation.
Best Time to Go on the Yulla Kanda Trek
The best window for the Yulla Kanda trek is from mid-May to mid-October. This is when the weather is usually relatively good and the trails are open.
- May to June: The trails start opening up. You will see melting snow, fresh greens, and some snow around the lake. Day temperatures are between 10°C to 18°C and night temperatures 2°C to 8°C.
- July to August: Monsoon time, with green meadows and flowering wildflowers. Although spotty rain may have trails slippery, the rich natural colors are at their best. Day temperatures are usually 12°C to 20°C, nights between 5°C to 10°C.
- September to Mid-October: Provides clear skies, fresh air, golden meadows, and breathtaking views of mountains. This time is great for people looking for isolation and agreesive views. The daytime temperature is 8°C to 16°C, while nighttime is 0°C to 6°C.
- Stay away during winter (October to April) since the temple and trekking trails are in heavy snow cover, hence difficult and risky to access.
Yulla Kanda Trek: Common Itinerary (3-4 Days)
Itineraries may differ, but the following is a typical arrangement for the Yulla Kanda trek:
- Day 0: Base City Arrival (Shimla/Tapri)
- Arrive in Shimla, which is easily accessible by road from big cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
- Drive to Tapri in Kinnaur district (about 8 hours). Several trekking packages provide overnight drives from Delhi to Tapri.
- Overnight stay at a camp or homestay in Tapri to acclimatize.
- Day 1: Drive from Tapri to Yulla Khas Village and trek to Yulla Base Camp
- Drive from Tapri after breakfast to Yulla Khas Village, which is the trekking starting point, roughly 3 km above Urni.
- Start your trek for the Yulla Base Camp, which is normally a 10-12 km trek of 4-6 hours.
- The trek goes through lovely apple orchards, forests, and tiny streams.
- Pitch your tents at Yulla Base Camp and have dinner in the night sky.
- Day 2: Trek to Yulla Kanda Lake and Krishna Temple, Descent to Yulla Village
- Early start after breakfast for the day’s highlight – trek to Yulla Kanda Lake and the Krishna Temple. The steepest part is the 2-3 km trek to the temple.
- Visit the sacred temple, bask in the spiritual atmosphere, and take in the panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan mountain peaks rising in the distance. Do not miss witnessing the local custom of floating a Kinnauri cap on the lake – said to show your fate!
- Having visited the temple, start your return journey downward towards Yulla Village. Some tours may include lunch at a campsite lower than the temple before starting down.
- Overnight stay in a homestay in Yulla Village or drive back to Tapri.
- Day 3: Leaving Yulla Village/Tapri
- Have a refreshing morning in the Himalayas.
- Breakfast and leave Yulla Village/Tapri for your onward journey back to Shimla or Delhi, with memories of the Yulla Kanda trek to cherish.
Essential Packing List for Yulla Kanda
In order to have a comfortable and safe trek, pack well:
- Clothing:
- 3-4 warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece jackets, padded jacket with hood)
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, preferably zippered cut-offs)
- Synthetic socks (3-4 pairs) and 1 pair of woolen socks
- Woolen cap, gloves, and a muffler/scarf
- Footwear:
- Sturdy trekking shoes with good ankle support and grip
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops for camps
- Gear:
- 30-40L backpack with rain cover
- Headlamp or torch with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle (2 liters) or hydration bladder
- Power bank
- Sunglasses (wrap-around, UV protection)
- Sun cap
- Wet wipes and quick-dry towel
- Small personal first-aid kit with standard medicines (antiseptic, painkillers, band-aids, etc.)
- Insect repellent
- Tiffin box with a spoon (compulsory for certain organized treks)
- Poncho/rain cover
- Electrolyte/ORS packets
- Personal Essentials:
- Toiletries (biodegradable and eco-friendly)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Key Considerations for Your Yulla Kanda Trek
- Fitness Level: Moderate, but a reasonable level of fitness is essential. Preparatory cardiovascular exercises (such as running or cycling) and strength training for a minimum of 2 months in advance are strongly advised. Try to run 5km in less than 30 minutes.
- Acclimatization: The altitude is high and can be a challenge. Proper acclimatization is important, which is why all itineraries involve a night of rest at a lower elevation prior to the actual trek. Drink plenty of water and don’t overdo it.
- Guide and Permits: Taking a local guide is advisable for routes, safety, and cultural knowledge. Look for any local permits needed in Reckong Peo or Yulla Village prior to your trek.
- Food and Water: Take high-calorie snacks such as dry fruits, energy bars, and chocolates. Provide access to safe drinking water; opt for a water purifier or purification tablets.
- Leave No Trace: Trekking responsibly. Pack out all your trash, do not litter, and avoid disturbing the delicate mountain environment.
- Respect Local Culture: Be sensitive to local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting the temple.
- Getting There: Yulla Khas Village is accessible only by trekking.
- By Air: The closest airport is Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport, but with restricted connectivity. Chandigarh Airport is a better bet.
- By Train: The closest major railway station is Shimla (SML).
By Road: - From Chandigarh/Delhi: Drive or take an overnight bus to Shimla. From Shimla, proceed to Tapri in Kinnaur district (around 8 hours). Yulla Khas village is around half an hour’s drive from Tapri. The entire drive from Delhi to Yulla Khas through Tapri is approximately 600 km and takes around 14-15 hours.
- From Reckong Peo/Kalpa: Yulla Village is approximately 15-20 km from Reckong Peo and Kalpa, and shared cabs or local buses are easily accessible.
Yulla Kanda trek is not just a test of your physical strength; it is a soul-enriching journey blending adventure and spiritual exploration amidst the depths of the Himalayas. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.