Imagine a place where the mountains feel ancient, the air whispers secrets, and time seems to fold into the landscape. Welcome to Yulla Kanda, a high-altitude alpine lake hidden deep in the folds of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh—a sacred destination untouched by the footprints of mass tourism.
This isn’t your average Himalayan getaway. There are no cafes, no fancy stays, no network—and that’s exactly the point.
At Unseen Himalayas, we believe in places that challenge you, change you, and leave you breathless—not just from the altitude, but from the purity of experience. Yulla Kanda is one such place. Known to the locals as the abode of Lord Krishna, this lake sits quietly at 4,800 meters, cradled by windswept ridges and silent snowfields, waiting for the rare soul who dares to seek it.
Getting There: The Route to the Roof of Kinnaur
Step 1: Reach Reckong Peo (The Last Big Stop)
From Delhi or Chandigarh, take a bus or drive to Shimla.
From Shimla, hop on a local HRTC bus or shared taxi to Reckong Peo (about 8–10 hours).
Stock up here—after this, amenities become rare.
Step 2: Moorang – The Gateway to Yulla
Take a local cab or bus to Moorang, a peaceful village with views of the Sutlej River and the legendary Moorang Fort.
From Moorang, a dusty, narrow road climbs up to Yulla village, the trailhead for Yulla Kanda.
Note: The road from Moorang to Yulla may require a local 4×4 or a short uphill walk if conditions are rough.
Trek to Yulla Kanda: Into the Realm of the Sacred and Untamed
Trek Start Point: Yulla village (approx. 3,000m)
Trek Duration: 1 full day ascent + 1 day descent
Lake Altitude: 4,800m
Best Season: Mid-July to early September
Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult (steep climbs, no marked trails)
This is not a tourist trail—there are no signs. The path winds through wildflower meadows, pine forests, scree slopes, and rocky ridges. You climb fast. The terrain is raw. The silence is deep. And then suddenly—it’s there. The shimmering Yulla Kanda Lake, still and blue, surrounded by snow-dusted cliffs.
According to legend, Lord Krishna rested here during the Mahabharata era. Locals still come here on foot to offer prayers, tying red threads and walking barefoot around the lake. The sanctity is palpable.
What You’ll See on the Way
Moorang Fort – Perched high above the valley, this ancient structure blends history and myth. Perfect for a short detour.
Traditional Kinnauri Culture – Stone-and-wood homes, prayer flags, and warm smiles of mountain villagers.
Chilgoza Pine Forests – Rare and endangered, these forests give way to open meadows as you ascend.
Panoramas of Reo Purgyil – One of the highest peaks in Himachal, visible in the distance on clear days.
Wildflowers, Glacial Streams, and Grazing Yaks – A true Himalayan wilderness experience.
Survival Guide: How to “Exist” on This Journey
This trek is not just a walk in the woods—it’s a test of presence, patience, and respect.
1. Acclimatize Slowly
Spend at least a night in Yulla village before ascending. The altitude gain is sharp and can trigger AMS.
2. Hire a Local Guide
The trail is unmarked. A local guide not only keeps you safe but helps you understand the cultural significance of the place.
3. Carry Essentials
Tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear
Layers of warm clothing (weather can flip in minutes)
Dry food, ORS, energy bars
Water purification tablets
Power bank, headlamp
Basic first-aid kit
4. Respect the Sacred
This is a holy lake. No loud music, littering, or polluting the water. Walk mindfully, as a guest.
5. Be Ready to Disconnect
No signal, no WiFi, no shortcuts—only deep Himalayan stillness. Embrace the digital detox.
Route Map (Visual Overview)
🗺️ (You can embed a custom map showing: Shimla → Reckong Peo → Moorang → Yulla → Yulla Kanda Lake)
Would you like me to create and send you a visual trekking map for embedding?
Final Thought: Are You Ready to Be Humbled?
Yulla Kanda doesn’t promise comfort. It offers clarity. It won’t hand you easy selfies—but it will gift you silence, perspective, and stories to carry for a lifetime.
In a world rushing toward convenience, Unseen Himalayas invites you to pause, breathe, and earn your view. Yulla Kanda isn’t for everyone. But if it calls to you—answer.
Explore responsibly. Travel mindfully. Chase the wild.
Unseen Himalayas – Where the maps fade, and magic begins.