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Yulla Kanda

Yulla Kanda

Steep climbs, zero network, and the highest Krishna temple in the world.

2 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹8,999

Yulla Kanda is not your average weekend getaway. Tucked away in the raw, rugged folds of the Kinnaur valley at an altitude of 12,700 feet, this trek leads to a pristine glacial lak...

Best forHardcore TrekkersSpiritual SeekersNature PhotographersOffbeat Explorers
Moderate to Difficult
|You should be able to jog 5km in under 35 minutes without losing your breath. Strong knees are an absolute must for the steep, relentless descent.
Updated 1d ago

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What to Expect

Expect a grueling 12km uphill trek starting from Yulla Khas village. The trail is raw, consisting mostly of shepherd paths through dense pine, cedar, and oak forests before opening up to vast, wind-swept meadows. Accommodation is strictly basic—traditional homestays at the base village and raw camping at the top. There are no washrooms on the trail or at the lake; you will be answering nature's call in the wild. Expect a complete digital detox as mobile networks vanish a few kilometers into the trek.

Things to Do

Karcham Wangtoo Dam Visit
1 hour·Free
Group
Kalpa Village Exploration
Half day·₹1,500 - ₹2,500 (Taxi from Tapri)
Group
Apple Orchard Walks in Urni
2 hours·Free
Group
Chitkul Day Trip
Full day·₹3,000 - ₹4,500 (Taxi)
Group
Bhaba Pass Trek
4-5 days·₹12,000+ (Guided)
Group
Rora Valley Camping
1-2 days·₹2,000 - ₹4,000
Group

Plan Your Trip

How to Reach

Take an overnight HRTC bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla, then board another bus heading towards Reckong Peo or Kaza. Get down at Tapri (roughly 7-8 hours from Shimla). From the Tapri bus stand, hire a local 4x4 shared taxi to Yulla Khas village, which takes about 45 minutes. The trek starts directly from the village.

Travel Tips
1Start your trek by 6:00 AM to reach the lake by early afternoon before the weather turns.
2Carry at least 2 liters of water from the base; water sources become scarce near the top.
3Pack out all your trash, including wet wipes and chocolate wrappers. Leave no trace.
4Spend at least one full day acclimatizing in Yulla Khas before starting the ascent.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg Friendly

Eat a massive, carb-heavy meal at your homestay in Yulla Khas before the trek. On the trail, you will survive on whatever packed parathas, boiled eggs, and trail mix you carry.

FAQs

Is Yulla Kanda trek good for beginners?
No. While it doesn't require technical mountaineering skills, gaining 4,000+ feet in a single day over a 12km steep trail is physically exhausting. You need good cardiovascular fitness.
Will I get mobile network at the lake?
Absolutely not. You will get decent Jio and BSNL coverage at Yulla Khas village, but the signal completely dies about 2-3 kms into the trek. Inform your family before you start walking.
Can we drink alcohol or party at the campsite?
Strictly NO. Yulla Kanda is a highly revered sacred site for the locals. Carrying alcohol, playing loud music, or carrying non-vegetarian food is deeply offensive and strictly prohibited.
How long does the trek take?
The ascent takes about 6 to 8 hours depending on your fitness level. The descent takes about 4 to 5 hours. It is usually done as a 2-day trek with one night of camping.
Are there food stalls or Maggi points on the trail?
No. Unlike Kheerganga or Triund, this is an untouched trail. You must carry your own packed lunch, trail mix, and sufficient water from the base village.
Can I do this trek solo?
It is possible, but not recommended unless you are highly experienced. The trail is not well-marked in the upper meadows, and thick fog can roll in quickly. Hiring a local guide from Yulla Khas is cheap and highly advised.
What is the washroom situation?
Non-existent. You will be using dry pit tents if you go with an organized group tour, or finding a rock in the wild. Bring your own toilet paper and a ziplock bag to pack out your waste.
How do I reach the base village, Yulla Khas?
Take an HRTC bus from Shimla towards Reckong Peo and get down at Tapri. From Tapri, you can hire a local shared taxi or a private 4x4 to Yulla Khas, which is about 45 minutes away.

Group Trips to Yulla Kanda

Looking for an offbeat Himalayan adventure that tests your endurance and rewards you with absolute pristine beauty? Group trips to Yulla Kanda offer exactly that. Nestled deep within Himachal's Kinnaur valley, the Yulla Kanda trek is a hidden gem that takes you to a spectacular glacial lake sitting at 12,700 feet. Unlike the crowded commercial trails of the state, a Yulla Kanda group tour guarantees raw nature, challenging ascents, and the profound spiritual experience of visiting the highest Krishna temple in the world. Starting from the quaint apple-orchard village of Yulla Khas, trekkers navigate through dense alpine forests before breaking out into massive bugyals surrounded by the mighty Kinnaur Kailash peaks. Because the logistics of reaching Tapri and finding reliable local guides can be tough, booking group tours in Himachal specifically for Yulla Kanda ensures you have safe camping gear, proper acclimatization schedules, and expert navigation on an unmarked trail. Whether you are an adventure seeker wanting to conquer steep Himalayan gradients or a spiritual traveler looking for a profound digital detox, this trek delivers an unforgettable experience away from the noise of the modern world.

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