Kalpa is one of Himachal Pradesh’s best-kept secrets. It’s a stunning town nestled in the Himalayas and is home to the Kinnauri people. Overlooking Mount Kinnaur Kailash, Kalpa is the perfect balance for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful location.

This tranquil town allows you to escape into silence and seek your soul. There will be some travelers to keep you company when you need a break from all the searching. As a result, this is an ideal location for finding inner calm.

We all have heard the famous adage- “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, Kalpa will give you all the reasons to keep the doctor miles away from you.

Guess why?

Because Kalpa has bountiful apples to offer as apples are the major cash crop of this region. Among all other apple orchards in India, Kalpa apple orchards are well known and can be found all over the area. The rows of apple trees and pine forests stretch all the way from Rekong Peo to the top of Kalpa. You might even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Jorkanden peak, which towers at 6,473 meters.
History of Kalpa

The ancient land of Kalpa has always been steeped in mystery. Its ties to the kingdom of Magadha and the subsequent annexation by the Mauryans are still shrouded in secrecy.

Later, Kinnaur was passed into the hands of the Mughals with Akbar’s conquest of the region, but after their fall, it became part of the Mahasu district for administration. In 1960 it was re-organized and gained its present-day identity.

Places of Interest

Hu-Ba-Lan-Kar Monastry: A serene and traditional monastery in the beautiful Kalpa valley.

Narayan-Nagini Temple: A traditional and beautiful temple in the Kath Kuni style, with significant importance to the Indian mythology of the Mahabharata.

Sapni Fort: A traditional fort in the Kinnaur valley, built in the Kath Kuni style.

Chakka trek: A famous hiking trail that starts in Kalpa, with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas are well worth the effort

Recong Peo: It is a small village located 240 km from Shimla, 7 km from Powari, and 13 km from Kalpa. It is the headquarters of district Kinnaur.

Kothi: It is just 3 km from Recong Peo. With the majestic mountains in the backdrop, Kothi has a temple dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi. The temple has an unusual architectural style and enshrines the goddess in its sanctum.

Sangla Valley: If a landscape could perform spells, the Sangla valley would be a master. It’s a place that, once seen, you’ll never forget. Even the flowing waters of the Baspa river seem to slow down to soak in the beauty of the valley.

How to reach?

Shimla has the nearest airport (267 km) and railway station (244 km). The route follows NH – 22 (The Hindustan Tibet Road) from Powari to Kalpa. Shimla and Rampur have bus and taxi services. You can reach Kalpa through the Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzam Pass – Kaza route (400 km).
Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kalpa is from September to the end of October when the apples are ripening. You can enjoy the view of the Kalpa apple orchards and might get a chance to pluck and savor those delicious juicy apples.
Last Thoughts

So, if you are planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh soon, do not forget to put Kalpa on your list. I bet you would not regret it.