Yulla Kanda Trek Distance from Chandigarh, Delhi & Shimla
Planning your journey? Here are the total distances to the Yulla Kanda trailhead (Yulla Khas village) from major cities:
- Delhi to Yulla Kanda: ~600 km (12–14 hrs drive). Overnight drive recommended, departing Delhi at 8–9 PM.
- Chandigarh to Yulla Kanda: ~450 km (10–12 hrs drive via Shimla–NH5).
- Shimla to Yulla Kanda: ~200 km (7–8 hrs via NH-5, Narkanda, Rampur, Tapri).
- Kinnaur (Tapri) to Yulla Kanda: ~20 km road + 11–12 km trek.
See our complete How to Reach Yulla Kanda guide for step-by-step routes, bus options, and local taxi tips.
Yulla Kanda Trek Distance & Duration
The Yulla Kanda trek is 11–12 km one way from Yulla Khas village (Kinnaur), making the full return journey approximately 22–24 km. Most fit trekkers complete the day-trek version in 6–8 hours, including time at the temple and for rest stops.
If you opt for the overnight camping version, you can take it at a more leisurely pace - ascending on Day 1 and descending on Day 2. This allows time to watch the sunrise from the temple, which is an unforgettable experience.
Yulla Kanda Trek Height & Altitude Profile
The Yulla Kanda height (temple and lake altitude) is 3,895 metres (12,778 feet) above sea level. The trek begins from Yulla Khas village in Kinnaur district. The total altitude gain is approximately 500–600 m over 11–12 km.
The ascent is gradual for the first 6–7 km through forest trails, then steepens in the final 4–5 km as you enter alpine meadow terrain. Acclimatization should be considered as the trek reaches nearly 4,000 m at its peak.
Trek Route - From the trailhead to Yulla Kanda
The trail begins at Yulla Khas village (Kinnaur). Here is the route breakdown:
- Yulla Khas Village (0 km) - The trek begins here. Register at the forest check-post. The trail enters dense oak and rhododendron forests immediately.
- Forest Campsite (4–5 km) - A good rest point roughly halfway through the forested section. Clear streams and shade.
- Tree Line End (7–8 km) - The forest gives way to open alpine meadows. Views of surrounding Kinnaur peaks open up dramatically.
- Yulla Kanda Lake & Temple (11–12 km) - The sacred glacial lake and the ancient Lord Krishna temple at the summit. The panorama of the Kinner Kailash range here is spectacular.
Yulla Kanda Trek Difficulty Level – Easy or Difficult?
The Yulla Kanda trek is rated easy-to-moderate. Key factors:
- No technical climbing or rope sections required
- Well-defined trail throughout
- Gradual ascent for most of the route
- Steep section in the last 3 km before the temple
- Starting altitude of 10,236 ft means some trekkers may feel mild altitude effects
Recommended fitness: You should be comfortable walking 20+ km in a day or doing 2–3 hours of exercise regularly. No prior high-altitude trekking experience is required.
Yulla Kanda Trek Time - Day-by-Day Itinerary
Option 1: Day Trek (1 Day)
- 5:00 AM - Start from the trailhead at dawn
- 5:00–8:00 AM - Trek through forest to Khanag (5 km, 3 hours)
- 8:00–11:00 AM - Continue to Yulla Kanda temple (6–7 km, 3 hours)
- 11:00 AM–12:00 PM - Temple visit and lunch at meadow
- 12:00–4:00 PM - Return descent to the trailhead (3.5–4 hours)
- Optional: Explore Rora Kanda meadow on the way down for views of the Kinner Kailash range
Option 2: Overnight Trek (2 Days / 1 Night)
- Day 1: Trek from the trailhead → Yulla Kanda meadow. Camp overnight. Explore temple and surroundings (4–5 hours).
- Day 2: Sunrise at the temple. After breakfast, descend via Rora Kanda meadow back to Yulla Khas village (5–6 hours).
Yulla Kanda Trek Map & Navigation
The trail to Yulla Kanda is well-marked throughout. At the trailhead, the forest department has signboards indicating the route. The trail follows a clear ridge and valley path through the forest. Beyond the tree line, the meadow route is visible and straightforward.
GPS coordinates of Yulla Kanda: Approximately 31.59°N, 78.14°E. We recommend downloading the offline map from Maps.me or AllTrails before starting as mobile connectivity is limited beyond Yulla Khas village.
What to Pack for the Yulla Kanda Trek
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with ankle support
- Clothing: Layered clothing - t-shirt, fleece jacket, and waterproof outer shell
- Backpack: 30–40 litre daypack
- Food: 3–4 litres of water, energy bars, trail mix, lunch
- Safety: First aid kit, headtorch, whistle, emergency foil blanket
- Documentation: Government ID for forest check-post registration
- Extras: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, trekking poles
Trek Permits & Entry Fees
Trekkers must register at the forest check-post at the trailhead. There is a nominal entry fee (typically ₹50–100 per person). Camping at Yulla Kanda meadows requires a separate camping permit from the Forest Department.
Yulla Kanda Camping – Campsites & Tips
Yulla Kanda is an excellent destination for high-altitude camping, with two main camping areas:
- Forest Campsite (4–5 km): A sheltered spot mid-trail in dense forest, close to a stream. Ideal for beginners and as an overnight base for a slow ascent. Cool, shaded, and water available.
- Yulla Kanda Meadow Campsite (at the top): Camp right next to the sacred lake and temple at 3,895 m. Wake up to sunrise over the Kinner Kailash range. This is the most rewarding option — the stargazing here is extraordinary.
Camping essentials: Carry a 3-season sleeping bag (temperatures drop below 0°C at night even in summer), a tent with good wind protection, and a camping stove. Water can be collected from the streams (purify before drinking). A separate camping permit is required from the Forest Department at the trailhead check-post.
Our guided trek packages include all camping equipment — tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, and meals.
Yulla Kanda Trek Map
The trail starts at Yulla Khas village (GPS: ~31.55°N, 78.18°E) and ends at Yulla Kanda temple and lake (GPS: ~31.59°N, 78.14°E). The well-marked forest trail heads northwest from the village, climbing steadily through oak and rhododendron forest before opening onto alpine meadows.
Download offline maps on Maps.me or AllTrails before starting — mobile signal disappears beyond Yulla Khas village. The full route is approximately 11–12 km in a single direction.