In the epic Ramcharitmanas, a line by Tulsidas suggests that divine sight is only achieved through penance: “tap kiye binu dev na milai” – without effort, the divine is not attained. This rings absolutely true when the divine presence is found nestled atop the majestic, challenging peaks of the Himalayas.
Your next great adventure awaits in the Kinnaur Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Prepare yourself for the journey to Yulla Kanda, widely celebrated as the world’s highest Krishna Temple, located at a staggering altitude of approximately 13,000 feet. This is not just a trek; it is a sacred test of endurance and faith.
The Gateway Village: Yulla
Your adventure begins on the perilous roads leading from Narkanda/Shimla—a challenging 200 km drive through the dramatic and dangerous routes of Kinnaur Valley. Your destination is Yulla village, which forms the first half of Yulla Kanda’s name. Yulla comes from the village itself, while Kanda refers to the high-altitude green meadows (Bugyals).
Yulla is a small, peaceful hamlet with barely 500 residents, and the motorable road ends around 500 meters before the actual houses. From there, you’ll continue on foot, climbing a series of stairs. The architecture around you blends traditional Kinnauri style—homes crafted with alternating layers of stone and wood—with newer concrete structures.
As you explore the village, you’ll witness the region’s beautiful religious harmony, where a Nag Devta Temple and a Monastery share the same boundary wall—something truly rare and special. You may also meet the village’s beloved “Famous Nani,” who is known for warmly welcoming visitors and even showing them around her home.
The 12-Kilometer Trek: A Test of Will
Your real journey begins from Yulla village—a demanding 12 km trek to reach Yulla Kanda. The trail unfolds in three distinct sections:
1. The Village Path (2–3 km):
A gentle start that winds through the outskirts of Yulla, giving you a taste of local life.
2. The Dense Forest (5–6 km):
A deep, silent forest stretch where the air feels cooler and the trail becomes more isolated.
3. The Kaanda/Bugyal (High Meadows):
The final leg, fully exposed, where the landscape opens into sweeping high-altitude meadows.
This route is sparsely populated, with no shops and very few fellow trekkers. It’s a challenging path marked by steep, unending stair-like climbs that demand patience and stamina. One essential tip: water sources are limited, so refill your bottle whenever you spot one.
Amidst the difficulty, the journey also offers moments of inspiration. You may even see young local children navigating this same tough mountain path every day just to reach their school—a humbling reminder of resilience.
The Final Ascent and Heavenly Views
After roughly four hours, you will reach the Base Camp, where the meadows open up and many trekkers choose to pitch tents. This is where the true test begins. The final 2 to 3 kilometers to the temple are the steepest and most challenging section of the entire pilgrimage.
As you near the top, the ascent is so vertical that sometimes, all you can see is the sky above. But push through, and the reward is absolute. At the highest points, you will gain a perspective few ever see: panoramic views of the entire valley and the pristine peaks that lie behind the initial white mountain range. It is a moment where you realize every single struggle was worth the effort.
The Sanctuary at the Summit
Your long journey culminates at the Yulla Kanda Temple. You will see the fluttering prayer flags, violently whipped by the fierce mountain wind, signaling the end of your upward climb.
- The Temple’s Majesty: Located on a small island in the center of a pristine lake, the temple’s location at 13,000 feet is extraordinary. Local legends state that the shrine was originally established by the Pandavas during their period of exile.
- A Pocketh of Peace: Despite the intense winds and harsh weather typical of such an altitude, standing in the presence of the temple offers an instant feeling of peace. The air of absolute calm and sanctity here is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
This journey is a profound reminder that true tranquility often lies at the end of the most challenging path.
How You Can Reach Yulla Khas Village
1. By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)
- Route: The road distance from Shimla to Yulla Khas is approximately 200 km, passing through major towns like Narkanda, Rampur, and Tapri.
- Taxi/Private Vehicle: Hiring a private taxi from Shimla is the most convenient option, taking about 7 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions. The final stretch to Yulla Khas is often rough and narrow, making a local driver or a 4×4 vehicle advisable.
- Renting a Bike: You can rent a motorcycle (such as a Royal Enfield Himalayan or Classic) from Shimla. This offers freedom but requires a higher level of riding experience for the demanding mountain roads of Kinnaur. Rental rates vary but typically start from around ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per day.
2. By HRTC Bus
- Route: The most budget-friendly option is using the government-operated HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses.
- The Journey: Take a bus from Shimla ISBT (Bus Stand) bound for Reckong Peo or Tapri. The journey to Tapri will take approximately 6-8 hours.
- Final Leg to Yulla: From Tapri, you can find a limited number of local buses or hire a shared/private taxi to reach Yulla Khas Village. It is highly recommended to stay overnight at a homestay in Tapri or Yulla Khas to acclimatize and start the trek early the next morning.