The first time I heard about Yulla Kanda, I couldn’t believe a trek this beautiful existed with so little crowds. An 11–12 km trail through rhododendron forests in the remote Rora Valley of Kinnaur, ending at a Lord Krishna temple sitting at nearly 12,778 feet - and barely anyone talking about it. This guide covers everything I wished I’d known before my first visit.
Why Yulla Kanda is Special
The Yulla Kanda trek isn’t just a hike - it’s a journey through layers of Himalayan landscape. You start in dense oak and rhododendron forests at Yulla Khas village (~3,300 m) in Kinnaur district, climb through increasingly open terrain, and emerge onto sweeping alpine meadows with jaw-dropping views of the Kinner Kailash range.
At the top: a small but deeply sacred Krishna temple, reportedly the highest in the world, at 12,778 feet (3,895 m) beside a pristine glacial lake.
The Trail Experience
The first few kilometres from Yulla Khas village are forested - a pleasant warm-up through dense oak and rhododendron. The trail is clear throughout and well-marked by the forest department.
Between km 4 and km 7, the forest thickens. In April and May, rhododendrons explode in red and pink. Streams along the way provide fresh water.
After passing the forest campsite area (~km 5), the trail begins to climb more seriously. The trees thin out. By km 7–8 you’re above the tree line, walking through open meadows with the Himalayan panorama unfolding on every side.
The final 3–4 km to the temple crosses grassland and sometimes snow (early season). The sacred Yulla Kanda lake appears first - the temple sits just above it. Small, colourful, impossibly high.
Practical Tips
Start early. Leave Yulla Khas village no later than 5–6 AM for a day trek. The weather deteriorates in the afternoon, and you want to be descending by 1–2 PM.
Carry more water than you think. There are streams on the route but carry at least 3 litres as a backup.
The altitude is real. Yulla Kanda reaches nearly 4,000 m. If you’ve just arrived from the plains, spend a night in Tapri or Rampur to acclimatise before pushing to Yulla Khas.
Footwear matters. The trail has roots, rocks, and muddy sections. Good ankle-support trekking shoes are essential - not trail runners.
The Temple Visit
The temple compound at Yulla Kanda is simple and peaceful. A small stone structure houses the Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Lord Krishna. There’s usually a priest present during the season who can share the temple’s history.
Remove your shoes before entering. If you’re visiting on a regular day, the atmosphere is calm and meditative. If you’re visiting during Janmashtami (August), brace yourself - thousands of pilgrims make this trek overnight.
The Return
Most people descend faster than they expect. Allow 3.5–4 hours for the return. If you have energy, detour to the Rora Kanda meadow - it offers stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range and is a great spot to rest before the final descent.
Ready to experience Yulla Kanda in 2026? Check our guided trek packages - transport from Delhi/Chandigarh included.