The abode of the Kinnaras and the Gandharvas

Snow capped peaks

Kinnaur surrounded by the Tibet to the east, in the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh, about 235 kms from Shimla is a tremendously beautiful district having the three high mountains ranges that is the Zanskar, Greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar, enclosing valleys of Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries.

Kinnar Kailash

 In the ancient mythology the people of Kinnaur are known as Kinners, the halfway between men and gods. Kinnaras and gandharvas are given a Demi god status. Mythology consists of Devas, Kinnars, Gandharvas, Rakshashas, Asuras. A Shivalinga appears on the peak and this area is compared to Kailash the abode of Shiva. The Kinnar Kailash trek is considered as a holy yatra for the hindus.Ancient Kinnar village houses, it is believed the original Kinnaras where short people and the house entrances are small, this is a two storied building. Mandara mountain is said to be the abode of the Kinnaras.

Light and Shadow play

Rock faces

Rock faces

There is a mountain called Mandara adorned with cloud-like peaks. It is covered all over with intertwining herbs. There countless birds pour forth their melodies, and beasts of prey roam about. The epic Mahabharata also mentions the Kinnaras as beings who were half-man and half-horse like the Centaurs of Greek Mythology. The regions north of the Himalayas are described as the abode of Kinnaras in the epics. Interestingly the district Kinnaur has a village called Kalpa, Which means a Yuga or an era. Monastries and temples coexist in this area with the Buddhists and Hindus living in perfect harmony. The people are friendly and amiable.It leaves one in a feeling of awe in an era where mythical creatures roamed the himalayas. The approach to Kinnaur are one of the most difficult terrain in the world, considered some of the most difficult motor able roads in the world. Riddled with Rock faces and beautiful play of shadow and light with the snow clad peaks caressing the clouds. Kinnaur remains mystical to all. Beauty of the Himalayas are unparalleled. 

View of the Snow covered peaks

A bus going through the rock cut roads