10 Powerful Tips for Yulla Kanda Trek: World Highest Krishna Temple

Welcome to your guide to one of Himachal Pradesh’s hidden gems—Yulla Kanda. Nestled at an altitude of 12,500 feet in the Kinnaur district, Yulla Kanda is home to the world’s highest Krishna temple. Believed to have been built during the Pandavas’ exile, this sacred temple sits beside a tranquil lake, offering breathtaking views and spiritual serenity.

In this guide, we’ll share tips on:

• How to reach Yulla Kanda
• Budget-friendly travel tips
• Accommodation options
• Step-by-step trekking details
• Important dos and don’ts for the trek

How to Reach Yulla Kanda

1. First Stop: Shimla
   • Reach Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
   • From Shimla, head to the New ISBT Bus Stand to catch a direct bus to Reckong Peo (the district headquarters of Kinnaur).
2. Shimla to Reckong Peo Bus
   • The bus route passes through Narkanda, Rampur, Sarahan, and Tapri.
   • If you cannot find a direct bus, take one to Rampur, and from there, take another to Tapri.
3. From Tapri to Yulla Village
   • HRTC buses to Yulla Khas Village depart from Tapri at 8:00 AM and 8:45 AM.
   • If you miss the bus, hire a taxi (₹1500–₹2000) or wait for a lift from locals traveling in the same direction.
   • The bus drops you 1 km before Yulla Khas village, and from there, you walk to the village.

Accommodation options in Yulla Village

• Yulla Khas Village has homestays run by locals, providing affordable and cozy accommodations.
• Recommended: Sakar Homestay
  • Room Cost: ₹1000 (suitable for 2–3 people)
  • Food: Homemade meals available at ₹150 per person.
• Tip: For an even tighter budget, talk to locals about staying in their homes, which costs around ₹1000 for stay and meals.

Step-by-step guide for trekking to Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple

• Starting Point: Yulla Khas Village
• Trek Distance: ~12 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to Tough
• Trek Duration: 5–6 hours one way

Trekking Route Overview

1. Initial Village Trail (2–3 km)
   • Walk through Yulla Khas village, passing wooden houses and fields.
   • Small waterfalls along the way make for great rest stops.
   • Pro Tip: Fill your water bottle here, as the next water source is far ahead.
2. Dense Forest Trail (4 km)
   • Enter a beautiful deodar forest. The path is straightforward, but watch for diversions.
   • Mobile Network: Patchy but available for Jio and Airtel users.
3. Open Meadows and Steep Ascent (5–6 km)
   • After the forest, the trail opens into vast meadows. Here begins the steep climb to Yulla Kanda.
   • Landmark: A gate with a sign welcoming you to Yulla Kanda.
   • Follow the left path at every diversion until the final steep climb where you take a right turn.
4. Reaching the Temple
   • The final stretch takes you to the sacred Krishna Temple, perched next to a pristine lake. The views are nothing short of heavenly.

Important Tips for the Trek

• Essentials to Pack:
  • Warm jacket and raincoat
  • Water bottle and light snacks
  • Comfortable trekking shoes
• Camping: If you love camping, carry your gear or rent it locally for ₹700–₹1000 per person (includes meals).

Cultural significance of Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple

• Janmashtami Celebrations: A must-see festival where locals gather to perform traditional dances and sing folk songs.
• The temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas, is a site of great spiritual and historical importance.

Responsible Trekking

• Leave No Trace: Carry all your waste back to Yulla village and dispose of it properly.
• Respect Nature and Locals: Preserve the beauty of the region by following local customs and not disturbing wildlife.

Read also: Complete travel guide to Srinagar Kashmir 2025: for an Unforgettable Trip

Closing Notes

The trek to Yulla Kanda is a journey of spiritual fulfillment and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn by the legend of the Pandavas or the allure of high-altitude trekking, this trip promises memories of a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, lace up your trekking boots, and set out to explore this hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh.

Pro Tip: Start your trek early to ensure you return to Yulla village before sunset.

Happy trekking! 😊