Himachal Kinnaur Kailash Yatra starts on Aug 1; 79-ft Shivlingam changes colour through the day

MANDI: The much-anticipated Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is set to begin on August 1 and will continue until August 26.

The decision was finalised at a meeting chaired by Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Jagat Singh Negi at the Kinnaur district headquarters in Reckong Peo. The meeting, attended by district tourism officials, panchayat heads of Purbani and Tangling Pawari, and local committee members, confirmed that this year’s pilgrimage will feature two routes, starting from both Tangling and Purbani villages.

This change aims to facilitate a smoother journey for the influx of devotees heading to the sacred Kinner Kailash Shivlingam.
Shashank Gupta, District Tourism Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kalpa, emphasised that comprehensive arrangements were being made to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.

“We are deploying personnel from the forest department, police and home guards along the route. Medical facilities will also be available throughout the yatra,” Gupta said. He said the local administration will regulate food prices at stalls along the route to prevent overcharging, and the cleanliness will be meticulously maintained under the supervision of the Block Development Officer of Kalpa.

The Kinner Kailash Shivlingam trek, revered as a sacred site in Hindu mythology, is a challenging journey reaching altitudes of up to 16,000 feet. The trek offers a stunning view of the Shivlingam, a 79-foot vertical rock that is said to change colour throughout the day, located between the towering peaks of Mt Kailash (19,850 ft) and Mt Jorkanden (21,237 ft). The trek is not recommended for beginners due to its difficulty and the risk of acute mountain sickness.

Pilgrims can start their journey from Tangling village, situated on the left bank of Sutlej river. Access to Tangling is available either by crossing the Jhoola Pul at Powari, known for its thrilling experience, or by taking the dirt road via the Shontong bridge. Guides and porters are available for hiring in both Reckong Peo and Tangling village to assist travellers.

The total distance of the trek is approximately 17-19 km (one way). Pilgrims should be prepared for varying weather conditions, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing point at night. The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Indian Himalayas.

Folklore about Kinner Kailash

According to Hindu mythology, this is a very sacred place in the Indian Himalayas as it is associated with Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. A natural pond or kund near Kinnar Kailash peak, known as Parvati Kund, is considered to be a creation of Goddess Parvati. She worshipped here for a long time. It is also the meeting place for Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. For this reason, Ganesh Park or Kailash Darshan Park is there.

Mythology states that Lord Shiva conducted a meeting of Goddesses and Gods at Kinner Kailash peak every winter. This accounts for the yatra that takes place every year during this time by devotees of Lord Shiva and local deities.