Why visit Kalpa, which is a haven of natural beauty?

Visit Kalpa, which is a magnificent paradise.

As the curtain comes back, nestled behind a blanket, a dreamy opening of the eyelids happens. In a word, the majestic Kinnaur Kailash mountain range in Himachal Pradesh is stunning! A white sheet of snow encased the mountain range like a fairy-tale realm. As the sun rose from behind the mountains, caressing their summits, its rays cast a magnificent spell over the little settlement of Kalpa, nestled in nature and surrounded by hills. One can excuse themselves from assuming beautiful nature had embraced and nurtured the little Kalpa's natural beauty. The enchanting village of Kalpa locates on National Highway-22, the Hindustan-Tibet Road, in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district. Kalpa is well-known for its apple orchards, a haven of natural beauty. Kalpa hamlet is not a famous tourist attraction, preserving its natural charm.

A place to visit in Kalpa

 

The trek from Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, to Kalpa is not for the faint of heart. It's undoubtedly one of the state's most hazardous routes. Nature will astound you with its stunning splendour if you disregard the sturdy landslide-prone terrain and soak in the pine and spruce trees, the peaceful Baspa river, and the massive Himalayan snow-covered range. The voyage is frantic and physically exhausting. The natural beauty whose gaze lures passersby to the bus windows is Kalpa. The peaceful stillness of the valley and its natural beauty invigorate one the moment one arrives in Kalpa, transporting you to an imaginative universe far from your hectic daily agenda. 

Kalpa is a magnificent paradise

• Why does Kalpa visit in the winter?

Kalpa is an out-of-the-way resort ideal for anyone seeking peace in the highlands, surrounded by nature and with a laid-back feel. The town is for individuals who enjoy sitting back, relaxing, and rejuvenating. All of this implies one thing: there will be less foot traffic here. It's no surprise that Kalpa was a popular summer vacation for Britishers under the British Raj. In the winter, the village transforms into a beautiful white wonderland with the freshest snow.

The Chakka trip is suitable for individuals searching for modest adventurous activities. This hiking trek will take about 2-3 hours to complete. You can treat it to some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain peaks, the settlement, and the valley below. Try to tear yourself away from the gorgeous scenery along the way and return to the village before the sun sets. Kalpa deserves to be on the tourist map, but tourists must respect the calm and quiet of this charming town and avoid turning it into one of the loud and packed tourist hotspots. 

• Why does a full-day trek to Kalpa revitalise your mind?

The morning in Kalpa begins with chants from a Buddhist monastery and Buddhist flags waving while cool air whistles through the pine and spruce trees, creating a wind symphony. This town is one of the largest communities in the Kinnaur area, surrounded by lush vegetation and the snow-capped Kinnaur Kailash mountains. There are several apple orchards where apples are the primary products sold to residents. The Kailash shivling, which changes colour during the day, may be seen here. Eleven kilometres from Kalpa is a temple dedicated to the goddess Chandika. This temple is one of Himachal's best-kept secrets.

Apple orchards, a haven of natural beauty

Although there are no tourist attractions, the village's exuberant appeal and unfettered vibe will captivate you. A short walk across the hamlet covers it all in a single day. While walking along the area's narrow hilly lanes, the dead maple leaves crunched beneath my feet, and the lines of Robert Frost's poem "The Mountain" came to mind: "The mountain stood there to be pointed at; pasture ran up the side a little way; and then there was a wall of trees with trunks; and after that, only the tops of trees and cliffs."

Kalpa village is home to both Hindu and Buddhist populations. Make time to visit the Buddhist Hu-Bu-Lan-Khar monastery or the Hindu Durga temple for consolation. Kalpa is also a fantastic option for Tibetan cuisine. Taste some traditional Tibetan food at eateries owned by locals; slurp thukpas; munch on mutton momos and noodles; sip hot tea on a cold and snowy evening; gather apples from orchards; explore Roghi village—and the day is gone! 

As the sun sets behind one of the hills, it leaves to follow a magnificent vista of the Kinnaur Kailash range, perhaps one of its most gorgeous looks. The sky takes on a crimson colour, and the snow-capped peaks are adorned in scarlet, paving the way for a moonlit night. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Kalpa is a pure scenic paradise that you can never forget.

• What is the best time of year to visit Kalpa?

Kalpa is stunning all year, but September to October is the best time to visit since you can pick the apples. This time of year when apple orchards are at their peak.

• How to visit Kalpa by air route or train?

By Air

The Shimla airport at Jubbarhatti is the closest airport to Kalpa. After Shimla, the next airport is Bhuntar, located between Chandigarh and Manali. These are, however, minor airports with few flights to each location. The nearest major airport is Chandigarh, which serves by several flights from around the country.

By Train

Shimla is the nearest railway station to the settlement (244 km). It is a station that connects numerous prime cities, including Delhi. From here, take a cab or a bus to Kalpa. You may also take a shared taxi that is often on this route. These are easily accessible from Shimla to Rampur, Reckong Peo, and Kalpa. If money is not an issue, you may rent a private cab in Shimla for roughly Rs. 4000 - 5000 for a drop to Kalpa.

We can suggest three of the best restaurants in Kalpa based on their popularity, 

• Three best restaurants in Kalpa,

• Kalpa Retreat Restaurant: Kalpa Retreat Restaurant is a popular restaurant in the heart of Kalpa. The restaurant serves many Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine and is known for its North Indian dishes. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.

• Cafe 360 Degrees: Cafe 360 Degrees is a charming little cafe in the Kalpa market. The restaurant serves delicious sandwiches, pastries, and coffee and is the best for a quick snack or a leisurely meal. It has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere and offers outdoor seating with beautiful views of the mountains.

• Hotel Kinner Kailash Restaurant: We can locate Hotel Kinner Kailash Restaurant in Kalpa, one of the oldest and most reputed hotels in Kalpa. The restaurant serves a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine and is known for its North Indian and Himachali dishes. The restaurant has a spacious dining area with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.