Introduction

Intrduction of Kinnaur is one of the most scenic but less known districts of Himachal Pradesh. Located on the Indo-Tibetan border, it is surrounded by Tibet to the east, Garhwal Himalaya to the south Spiti Valley to the north and Kullu to the west. The Sutlej river, which rises on the southern slopes of Kailash Parbat near Mansarover in Tibet, flows through the Kinnaur valley. Because the valley is situated at a high altitude, the summers are short and the winters are long. In winter some of the inhabitants migrate to the lower areas, taking with them their goats and sheeps. Most of the land consists of rugged barren mountains it receives little rainfall and the desolate countryside can be compared to that of the Ladakh region. Due to the proximity of Kinnaur to Tibet, the lifestyle and religion of its inhabitants have been influenced by Buddhism, though the majority of the people practice Hinduism. Buddhism is prevalent in the northen and central regions of Kinnaur. Almost every village has a gompa or a temple. There are imposing monasteries at Morang (31 36'N, 78 27'E); these contain beautiful sculptures and wood carvings. The people are god-fearing and honest. The custom of polyandry helps in keeping the population within limits. Kinnaur is a land of legends and mythology. The most ancient inhabitants of this land were Kinner and legendary Kinners, as a 73 distinct race, some where between human beings and birds or with a human body and the head of a horse or vice versa. The epics describe them as heavenly musicians or celestial choisters. Such creatures are supposed to inhabit a semi-celestial region high in the Himalayas where earthly saints who have attained perfection consort with super-humen beings. They are great singers and dancers and they depict sorrows of their hard life in singing and dancing. More than hundred festivals are celebrated in a year. These tribes are also referred to as "Gandharvas" in Vedic literature. About 2000 B.C. a branch of Aryans, called Khashas, penetrated the Himalayas from Central Asia through Kashgar and Kashmir and dominated this whole area. Later, in 13th and 14th centuries, the Bhotias came from Tibet to this region. It is believed that the Pandavas spent some time during exile in Kinnaur and from here they moved towards Kailash Parvat. Kinnaur is an enchanting land about which travellers have left valuable accounts. Notable among them were Capt. Alexander Gerard, Andrew Wilson, James Baillie Fraser and the great Indian scholar, Rahul Sankritayan. Nature's work here is awe-inspiring. From the moment the Sutlej river enters India from Tibet near Shipki La (5669 M), above Namgia, it cuts its way through the great Himalayan Range and passes through spectacular gorges carved by its strong currents. The Spiti river, flowing down from the north, joins the Sutlej at Khab and the Baspa river, coming from the east joins it at Karchham (31 29'N, 79 11'E). The old Hindustan - Tibet road, which was the main trade route from Tibet, passes through the Kinnaur valley. A walk along what remains of the road is fascinating. After passing through the ancient villages of Sarahan, Sungra, Wangtu, Pangi, Sangnam and Puh, Situated along the bank of the Sutlej, the road finally enters Tibet at Shipki-La. The main peaks of this region include: Leo Pargial - 6791 M (31 54'N, 78 44'E), Kinner Kailash -6050 M (31 31'n, 78 32'E) with Jorkaden - (6473 M) to the immediate south, and Raldang-(5499 M) (31 28'N, 78 18'E) and Phawarang (6349 M). The twin peaks of Gushu- 5607 M and Pishu - (5672 M) (31 42'N, 77 45'E) are situated between Sarahn and the Pin-Parbati Pass (31 48'N, 77 51'E).