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Yulla Kanda Himalayan peaks and Krishna temple trek trail
🕉️ World's Highest Lord Krishna Temple · 12,778 ft

Yulla Kanda Trek A Sacred Himalayan Journey

Trek through alpine meadows and ancient forests to reach the world's highest Lord Krishna temple in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. 11–12 km of breathtaking Himalayan beauty awaits.

12,778 ft

Temple Altitude

11–12 km

Trek Distance

Moderate

Difficulty Level

May–Oct

Best Season

About Yulla Kanda

The World's Highest Krishna Temple in the Himalayas

Yulla Kanda is a sacred Himalayan destination in the Rora Valley of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh. Nestled at an altitude of 3,895 metres (12,778 feet), it is home to a revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna - believed to be the highest Krishna temple in the world.

The trek begins from Yulla Khas village (Nichar Tehsil, Kinnaur) and winds through dense forests, crossing crystal-clear streams and open alpine meadows before reaching the sacred lake and temple at the summit. The views of the Kinner Kailash range and surrounding Himalayan peaks are extraordinary.

The temple is especially revered during Janmashtami when thousands of pilgrims undertake the trek. The nearby Rora Kanda meadow offers trekkers a serene high-altitude camping experience just beyond the Yulla Kanda trail.

Himalayan temple in alpine meadow - Yulla Kanda trek landscape

Trek Rating

4.8 / 5.0

Trekker Reviews

Why Trek Here

What Makes Yulla Kanda Special

🛕

World's Highest Krishna Temple

Visit the revered Lord Krishna temple at 12,778 ft in Kinnaur - believed to be the highest Krishna temple in the world, with a deity said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).

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Panoramic Himalayan Views

From the summit, enjoy 360° views of towering Himalayan peaks including Shrikhand Mahadev, Deo Tibba, and the Great Himalayan Range.

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Rhododendron Forests

Trek through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and silver fir. In spring, the entire trail is blanketed with vibrant red and pink rhododendron blooms.

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Rora Kanda Meadow

Explore the serene Rora Kanda - a beautiful high-altitude meadow in the Rora Valley of Kinnaur, perfect for camping and panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash range.

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Camping Under the Stars

Experience high-altitude camping at Yulla Kanda meadows. Clear skies offer spectacular stargazing far from light pollution.

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Accessible from Delhi

Yulla Kanda is reachable via an overnight drive from Delhi (~600 km via Shimla–Narkanda–Rampur–Tapri). The trek is perfect for a 3–4 day getaway from Delhi or Chandigarh.

Seasonal Guide

Best Time to Visit Yulla Kanda

🌸 Recommended

Spring

Apr – Jun

Rhododendrons in full bloom. Pleasant temperatures of 10–20°C. Best for photography and clear views.

🌧️ Avoid

Monsoon

Jul – Aug

Heavy rainfall makes trails slippery and dangerous. Leeches common. Not recommended for trekking.

🍂 Best Season

Autumn

Sep – Oct

Clear post-monsoon skies with stunning visibility. Golden foliage and comfortable 5–15°C temperatures.

❄️ Closed

Winter

Nov – Mar

Temple closed. Heavy snowfall covers the trail. Only for experienced winter trekkers with proper gear.

Ready to Trek Yulla Kanda?

Our expert-guided trek packages include everything - transport from Delhi/Chandigarh/Shimla, accommodation, meals, guide, permits, and camping gear. All you need to do is show up!

  • Pick-up from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla
  • Certified mountain guide
  • All meals during trek
  • Quality camping equipment
  • Forest & temple permits
  • Emergency support & first aid

Quick Enquiry

Getting There

How to Reach Yulla Kanda

Yulla Kanda is accessible from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla via NH-5. The trek starts from Yulla Khas village in Nichar Tehsil, Kinnaur district.

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From Delhi

~600 km · 12–14 hrs

Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Tapri → Yulla Khas

Via NH-5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road)
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From Chandigarh

~450 km · 10–12 hrs

Chandigarh → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Tapri → Yulla Khas

HRTC buses to Shimla, then taxi
🏔️

From Shimla

~200 km · 7–8 hrs

Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Tapri → Yulla Khas

Via NH-5, scenic Kinnaur highway
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Yulla Kanda trek?
The Yulla Kanda trek is approximately 11–12 km (one way) from Yulla Khas village, Kinnaur. The full return trek covers about 22–24 km. Most trekkers complete it in 6–8 hours, making it ideal as a day trek or an overnight camping experience.
Is Yulla Kanda trek difficult?
Yulla Kanda is rated as an easy-to-moderate trek. The trail involves steady ascents through dense forests and alpine meadows. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. The final stretch to the temple can be steep.
Is Yulla Kanda worth visiting?
Absolutely. Yulla Kanda offers a rare combination of spiritual significance (world's highest Lord Krishna temple), stunning Himalayan vistas, dense forests, and alpine meadows in the remote Rora Valley of Kinnaur. The relative lack of crowds makes it an outstanding offbeat destination.
What is the story of Yulla Kanda Temple?
The Yulla Kanda temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to be the highest Krishna temple in the world, situated at approximately 12,778 ft (3,895 m) in Kinnaur district. Local legend holds that the deity here is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and the site was visited by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple is particularly significant during Janmashtami when thousands of devotees make the trek.
What is the altitude of Yulla Kanda?
Yulla Kanda sits at an altitude of approximately 3,895 metres (12,778 feet) above sea level. The trek begins from Yulla Khas village in Kinnaur district, and the elevation gain during the trek is around 500–600 metres.
When is the best time to visit Yulla Kanda?
The best time to visit Yulla Kanda is from mid-May to mid-October. The summer months offer clear skies and comfortable trekking temperatures. Monsoon (July–August) makes the trail slippery. The temple is generally closed in winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.