There are treks that challenge your endurance, and then there are treks that quietly touch your soul. The Yulla Kanda trek belongs to the latter. Hidden in the heart of Kinnaur, this offbeat Himalayan trail leads to a high-altitude lake that locals believe is blessed by Lord Krishna. Sitting gracefully at more than 12,000 feet, the lake often appears as if it’s floating above the clouds, surrounded by meadows and snow peaks.
Unlike popular treks where you’re constantly sharing the trail with dozens of others, Yulla Kanda remains peaceful and untouched. Here, you walk past traditional villages, cross ridges where silence dominates, and finally reach a lake so serene that it feels like time has paused. It’s not just a trek; it’s a reminder of how beautiful and spiritual the mountains can be when left in their pure form.
Why Yulla Kanda is One of Himachal’s Most Underrated Treks
Himachal is full of famous trekking trails—Hampta Pass, Triund, Kheerganga—but every once in a while, you come across a hidden gem that feels untouched by the rush of tourism. Yulla Kanda is one such place.
What makes this trek so underrated is not just its remote location but also the mix of natural beauty and cultural depth it carries. At the heart of the journey lies the Yulla Kanda Lake, a sacred spot for locals who believe it has ties to Lord Krishna. For travelers, it’s not just another mountain lake—it’s a place where mythology and nature come together in the most surreal way.
The trek itself is short compared to many others in Himachal, yet it packs in everything: quiet villages, alpine meadows, snow-capped ridges, and finally, the lake resting calmly at over 12,000 feet. Because it’s lesser-known, you won’t find crowds or bustling campsites here. Instead, you’ll find silence, starry skies, and landscapes that feel almost personal.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering a trail where you can feel both adventurous and spiritually connected, Yulla Kanda is that kind of journey.
Trek Overview
Yulla Kanda is a relatively short but rewarding trek tucked away in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. The journey takes you from the charming village of Yulla, not far from Kalpa and Reckong Peo, all the way up to a pristine alpine lake at an altitude of about 12,000 feet.
Most trekkers complete this trail in two to three days, which makes it perfect for those who want a quick Himalayan escape without committing to a long expedition. The trail is moderate in difficulty—steep in certain sections but not overwhelmingly technical. If you have basic fitness and some prior trekking experience, you’ll enjoy the challenge.
What sets this trek apart is the variety packed into such a short distance. You start with apple orchards and traditional wooden homes in the village, move through pine and deodar forests, then climb across grassy ridges before finally reaching the high-altitude lake surrounded by dramatic snow peaks.
Since the trek isn’t heavily commercialized, the vibe remains authentic and peaceful. It’s one of those rare trails where you feel more like an explorer than a tourist.
Mythology and Significance of Yulla Kanda Lake
Every Himalayan lake has a story, and Yulla Kanda is no exception. For the people of Kinnaur, this lake isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s a sacred place deeply connected with local faith.
According to legend, the lake is associated with Lord Krishna. Locals believe that Krishna himself once visited this place, and ever since, the lake has been worshipped as holy ground. Even today, villagers trek up to the lake during special occasions to offer prayers, carrying their traditions through generations.
Standing on its banks, you can sense why the lake holds such reverence. The still water reflects the sky like a mirror, often surrounded by clouds drifting slowly across the ridges. Shepherds often bring their flocks here, and you’ll sometimes see small offerings placed by locals, a quiet reminder of how nature and spirituality are inseparable in the Himalayas.
For trekkers, this adds another dimension to the journey. You’re not just climbing to a viewpoint—you’re walking along a trail that has been part of local belief for centuries. It’s a rare feeling, where adventure and devotion meet on the same path.
Best Time to Do Yulla Kanda Trek
The experience of Yulla Kanda changes completely with the seasons, and choosing the right time to go can make your journey unforgettable. Since the lake sits high up in Kinnaur, the weather can be unpredictable, but here’s what each season feels like:
Summer (May – June):
This is the most comfortable time to trek. The snow begins to melt, the meadows turn lush and green, and the lake looks crystal clear under the bright sky. Days are pleasant, though evenings can still be chilly.
Monsoon (July – September):
The valleys look fresh and alive during the rains, but the trails can become slippery. Landslides on the roads are also common in Kinnaur during this period. If you plan a monsoon trek, be prepared for delays and always check weather updates.
Autumn (October – November):
This is one of the most beautiful times to visit. The skies are clear, the air feels crisp, and the lake mirrors the surrounding snow peaks perfectly. The crowds are almost non-existent, making it peaceful. Nights start getting very cold though, so pack extra layers.
Winter (December onwards):
This is when the trek turns into a completely different adventure. Snow blankets the trail, the lake often freezes, and the whole landscape feels otherworldly. But it also becomes more challenging—temperatures drop well below zero, and trekking in snow requires experience and preparation. For seasoned trekkers, it’s magical. For beginners, it can be tough.
In short:
- For comfort → Summer and Autumn are ideal.
- For adventure → Winter offers the thrill of snow and solitude.
How to Reach the Base Village
Reaching the starting point of the trek is a journey that takes you through some of the most scenic corners of Himachal. The base village is Yulla, a small settlement tucked above Reckong Peo and Kalpa in Kinnaur. Here’s how you can get there:
By Road:
Most travelers begin from Shimla. The drive from Shimla to Reckong Peo is around 230 km and takes 8–9 hours depending on road conditions. From Reckong Peo, Kalpa is just a short drive uphill. To reach Yulla village, you can hire a taxi or take local shared jeeps that connect nearby villages. The roads are narrow but full of apple orchards, pine forests, and stunning valley views.
By Bus:
Himachal Road Transport buses operate regularly between Shimla and Reckong Peo. From there, smaller buses or jeeps can take you towards Kalpa and eventually Yulla. While it’s a slower option, it’s budget-friendly and gives you a real taste of local travel.
By Train or Air:
The closest railway station is Kalka, from where most travelers take the toy train or a cab to Shimla before continuing the journey by road. The nearest airport is at Shimla, though flights can be limited. A more reliable option is Chandigarh airport, followed by a road trip of 10–12 hours to Kalpa.
Once you arrive at Yulla village, the trail begins. It’s a quiet little hamlet with traditional wooden homes and terraced fields, where the trek kicks off with a mix of rustic charm and warm village hospitality.
Conclusion – Why Yulla Kanda Trek Deserves a Place on Your Bucket List
The Yulla Kanda trek is more than just a walk through the mountains—it’s a journey into the heart of Kinnaur’s untouched beauty and living traditions. The trail may be short, but it has everything a Himalayan adventure should: quiet villages, grassy ridges, crisp mountain air, and a high-altitude lake that feels sacred in every sense of the word.
What makes it truly special is its balance. It’s challenging enough to give you the thrill of achievement, yet peaceful enough to let you soak in the silence of nature. Whether you go in the green summers, the colorful autumns, or take on the frozen challenge of December, each season reveals a different face of this hidden gem.
If you’re searching for an offbeat Himalayan trek that offers solitude, cultural depth, and landscapes straight out of a dream, Yulla Kanda is waiting for you. Sometimes the most unforgettable journeys are not the ones everyone talks about, but the ones that still remain a secret.
