The trek to Yulla Kanda is located in Rora Valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. It starts from Yulla Khas Village, Tehsil Nichar. The trek takes 4-6 hours to complete and is approximately 12 km long one way. Yulla Kanda Trek is a moderately difficult trail leading to one of the highest Krishna’s temple in the world, located at Yulla Lake.

During the Janmashtami festival, residents of Kinnaur and other parts of Himachal Pradesh visit this sacred lake to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. This trek offers a blend of snow-covered mountains and forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees. It is also renowned for its spiritual significance.

History & Significance Of The World’s Highest Krishna Temple

Lord Krishna Temple In World
Lord Krishna Temple In World

Currently, there is no focused book on the Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple. Still, according to local residents and Himalayan travel guides, the Pandava’s made this sacred lake during their time in the Himalayas. This lake later became the site of a temple, which was built by the local dwellers. Over the years, the site has become a significant spiritual destination, appealing to both devotees and trekkers.

The temple is particularly important during the Janmashtami festival, which is known for Lord Krishna’s birth. Raja Kehri Singh started Janmashtami fair at the Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple, which is the highest Krishna temple in the world. Many devotees come from several areas every single year, and trek to Yulla Kanda to take part in the celebration.

A unique local tradition involves floating of inverted Kinnauri cap in the lake near the temple. It is believed that if the cap reaches the other side without sinking, the person will experience peace and happiness in the coming year; if it sinks, challenges may lie ahead.

Yulla Kanda has now become a revered site and the Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple is now a symbol of the villes rich cultural heritage and deep sense of spiritual devotion.

Yulla Kanda Trek Itinerary 

Yulla Kanda Height
Yulla Kanda Height

This itinerary includes a 3-night stay-2 nights in a hotel and 1 night in a camp. Travel from Delhi and back will be an overnight journey in a semi-sleeper Volvo.

With this itinerary, you will get to witness Shimla, Kufri, Kagu, Theog, Narkanda, Rampur, and Tapri along the way.

Day 0: Delhi to Shimla (Overnight) 

On this day, you will board your Volvo bus from Delhi to Shimla, where you will join your other group members. The journey will take approximately 8-9 hours, and you will arrive in Shimla the next morning.

Day 1: Shimla to Tapri/Yulla Khas Village

After arriving in Shimla, you will travel to Yulla Khas Village, which is approximately 200 km away and takes around 5-6 hours.

During the journey, you will pass through Kufri, Fagu, Theog, Naldehra, Rampur, and Tapri.

By the afternoon, you will reach the beautiful village of Yulla Khas, a small scenic settlement located on the slopes of the hills in Nichar Tehsil, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Overnight stay and dinner at Local Homestay. 

Day 2: Trek from Yulla Khas to Base Camp

The next morning, after breakfast, get ready for a 10 km hike. The trek is moderately challenging—not too easy, but not too tough either.

As you trek with your guide, enjoy the stunning views of snow-covered mountains, wildflowers, and forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees.

Have a packed lunch on the way, and by late afternoon, reach the base camp. Learn and help pitch your tent, adding to the adventure.

In the evening, enjoy dinner under the stars with a bonfire. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3: Basecamp to Yulla Kanda & Return Yulla Khas/Tapri

The next morning, start early. After breakfast, begin your journey to Yulla Kanda Temple and Lake, which is about a 1-hour trek from the base camp.

Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and visit the world’s highest Krishna temple, Yulla Kanda Temple. Spend about 2 hours exploring the area before starting your return journey to Yulla Khas Village.

Have light snacks as lunch while trekking back. By evening, arrive at Yulla Khas Village, enjoy a delicious dinner, and stay overnight at a homestay.

Day 4: Tapri to Shimla and Overnight Delhi

The next morning, after breakfast, drive back to Shimla, carrying wonderful memories of the Yulla Kanda trek and Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple.

By evening, arrive in Shimla and board the Volvo bus to Delhi. Enjoy an overnight journey back to Delhi.

Yulla Kanda Trek Itinerary for weekend Travellers (Friday – Saturday – Sunday)

Yulla Kanda Trek Distance
Yulla Kanda Trek Distance

This itinerary is specifically for those who have limited time and are comfortable with a hectic schedule. If you choose this itinerary, you will skip Shimla and Kufri as it includes an overnight journey. It is not recommended for everyone since you will be trekking right after a long journey of approximately 13-14 hours. 

Day 0 Friday : Delhi to Rampur (Overnight Journey)

Take a bus from Delhi to Rampur, but note that there are limited options available on this route, so it’s better to book in advance.

The overnight journey takes around 13-14 hours. Keep in mind that only one government Volvo bus operates on this route, while the rest are ordinary buses, which are also very few.

Alternatively, you can travel from Delhi to Shimla or Chandigarh and then take a bus from there to Rampur or Tapri.

Day 1 Saturday : Rampur to Base Camp via Yulla Khas Village 

After reaching Rampur, have breakfast and take a taxi to Yulla Khas Village. Meet your guide there and begin your trek to the base camp, which will take around 5 hours.

By evening, arrive at the base camp, enjoy a delicious dinner, and stay overnight in a camp.

Day 2 Sunday: Trek to Yulla Kanda, Return to Rampur & Delhi

This morning, you will start your trek to Yulla Kanda top early. After a 1-hour trek, reach Yulla Kanda Temple, the world’s highest Krishna temple. Enjoy the beauty of the final destination, spend around 1 hour, and then begin your journey back to Yulla Khas Village.

Arrive at the village in the afternoon, around 3-4 PM, and then drive to Rampur Bushahr to board your bus to Delhi.

On the return journey, you may not get a Volvo bus from Rampur due to the early departure time. Therefore, we recommend taking an ordinary bus to Shimla or Chandigarh, from where you can board a Volvo bus to Delhi.

The Best time to trek Yulla Kanda Temple

Yulla Kanda Temple
Yulla Kanda Temple

The best time to trek to Yulla Kanda is from mid-April to the first week of July. It is advisable to avoid trekking during the monsoon.

After the monsoon, autumn (September to October) is also a good time to visit, but camping is not recommended due to the cold weather. Traveling after October is not advised.

We have shared two types of itineraries above, and you can choose the one that suits you best.

For more details about the trek, feel free to contact us. Our professionals will help you design the best tour for you.

Essential Tips & Recommendations for Yulla Kanda Trek

Yulla Kanda Kinnaur
Yulla Kanda Kinnaur

Physical Preparation – The trek is moderately difficult, so having well built stamina is a must. Train and gain skills before the trek: hike, walk, do cardio, etc.

Packing Essentials – Trek shoes, warm clothes, ponchos, first-aid kit, torch & spare batteries. A trekking pole may aid with balance.

Hydration & Nutrition – Keep yourself hydrated and carry light snacks such as dry fruits, chocolates, and energy bars for quick energy boosts.

Acclimatize – Having a day in Yulla Khas Village before the trek to adjust the altitude and avoid altitude sickness is a must.

Respect Local Culture – The Yulla Kanda Temple is a holy ground, respect local culture & traditions Dress modestly, and adhere to local customs while in country.

Book in Advance – With limited availability for buses, homestays and campsites pre-book your accommodation & transport to avoid last minute problems.

Network & Connectivity – Mobile network weak or absent, so, tell family and friends well in advance if few connectivity issue.

Camping & Sleeping Gear – If you are camping without package, take a quality sleeping bag for nighttime body heat or take advise from your guide in advance.

Engage a Local Guide – A local guide can assist you in safely navigating the trail and share insights into the region’s history and culture.

People also ask about Yulla Kanda Trek

How long is the Yulla Kanda Trek?

Starting with Yulla Kanda Trek – located in the Nichar tehsil of the Kinnaur district, the Yulla Trek is a trek of approximately 12 km one way, starting from the Yulla Khas Village. Trekking takes about 4-6 hours to reach the top based on fitness levels, weather, and trekking pace.

Is Yulla Kanda Trek difficult?

The Yulla Kanda Trek is a moderately difficult trek recommended for trekkers with good fitness. The trail runs 12 km in one direction and features steep ascents, rocky terrain and thick forests. You may experience mild altitude sickness at 3,895 meters (12,776 feet). Trekking experience is good to have, but with preparation, even beginners can make the attempt.

How To Reach Yulla Kanda From Delhi ?

To reach Yulla Kanda, first travel to Shimla or Rampur. From there, you can take a taxi to Yulla Khas Village. The 12 km trek begins from Yulla Khas Village and takes 4-6 hours to reach Yulla Kanda Lake and Krishna Temple.

Where Is Yulla Kanda ?

The Yulla Kanda is situated in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, close to the Yulla Khas Village under the Nichar tehsil. At 3,895 meters (12,776 feet) high, it is important for its sacred lake and the world’s highest Krishna Temple. Yulla Kanda has a stunning view of snow-peaked.

How difficult is the trek to Yulla Kanda in Himachal Pradesh?

The Yulla Kanda Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty and involves some challenging ascents, as well as rocky trails and high-altitude terrain. The trek of 12 km (one way) takes 4-6 hours requiring good stamina and endurance. If you are going on your first trek, we recommend having basic trekking experience.

Are there any restrictions on the trek to Yulla Kanda?

The Yulla Kanda Trek does not have any formal restrictions but should not be done in monsoon or winter due to harsh weather. Permits are not needed, but a local guide is advised for safety. Keep the pilgrimage site clean, trek responsibly and with good fitness level, as the trek is of moderate difficulty with few steep climbs and is at a high altitude.

What are the accommodation options during the yulla kanda trek?

While on the Yulla Kanda Trek, accommodation is basic and camping will be at the base camp or in the trail. For a local experience, trekkers can also spend the night in homestays at Yulla Khas Village. Rampur or Shimla have hotels for better facilities before or after the trek.