Kinner Kailash Circuit over Charang La

17 days in India, 6 days trekking; level: strenuous Highest Point: 5,260m Dates: June, July, August, September, October No Inner-line Permit Required!

Highlights: Delhi - Shimla - Rekong Peo - Thangi (2,760m) - Lambar - Charang (3,500m) - Lalanti - Charang La (5,260m) - Chitkul (3,459m) - Rakcham (3,130m) - Sangla (2,680m) - Shimla - Delhi

Kinner Kailash mountain is regarded as one of the mythical homes of lord Shiva, the principle place being 80 feet high rock formation that resembles Sivalinga; this changes color as the day passes and it is visible to the bare eye on a clear day. After an all day drive from Shimla, the queen of the hill stations, we overnight in Rekong Peo. From here we set out to Thangi, the village from which we begin our Parikrama, the circumambulation of the Kinner Kailash. On the forth day we traverse the Charang La with magnificant views of the Kinner Kailash range, reaching Chitkul, the highest village in the Baspa Valley. Along our route we enjoy stunning views of Phawarang (6,349m), Jorkanden (6,473m) and Raldang (5499m), the mountain where the spirits of the dead are said to retire. After a day of rest and sightseeing of Chitkul temples and fort, we continue down to Sangla, the principal village in the Baspa Valley. From Sangla  we return to Shimla by road.