Yulla Kanda Trek – In Search of the Highest Krishna Temple in the Himalayas

Where Every Trail Tells a Story – ShepherdTrail

High up in the remote folds of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh lies a mystical land few have heard of — Yulla Kanda. Tucked at an altitude of nearly 4,800 meters, this alpine meadow, with a sacred lake and a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, is believed to be the highest Krishna temple in the world.

A trail that merges mythology, natural grandeur, and cultural purity, the Yulla Kanda Trek is a true hidden gem in the Indian Himalayas. Unlike commercial trails, this one demands reverence and rewards the soulful seeker.

The Legend of Yulla Kanda – Where Myth Meets Mountain

The name Yulla evokes curiosity, and rightly so. Locals say Lord Krishna visited this high-altitude meadow during the Mahabharata era. Some believe he spent time meditating by the lake, making the place sacred ever since.

At the edge of this tranquil glacial lake stands a wooden temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, adorned with flags, tridents, and prayer offerings. Shepherds and locals from nearby villages still trek up here during the Krishna Janmashtami Mela, a festival that transforms this remote place into a vibrant celebration of devotion and tradition.

Adding to the mystique are the Bhojpatra trees (Himalayan Birch), the sacred tree mentioned in ancient scriptures. These trees once served as natural parchment for sages to pen down scriptures and mantras. Even today, dry Bhojpatra bark is found strewn across some patches of the trail — a silent reminder of a spiritual past.

Where is Yulla Kanda?

Yulla Kanda is located above Yulla village in the Ribba region of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from the upper parts of Purbani village, near Ribba, about 30 km from Reckong Peo. It lies beyond the popular tourist radar and is mostly frequented by locals, herders, and serious trekkers seeking solitude and spirituality.

• Altitude: ~4,800 m (15,750 ft)

• Region: Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

• Base Village: Purbani (near Ribba)

• Trek Duration: 3–4 days

• Trek Distance: Approx. 24 km round-trip

• Best Season: July to early September (during Janmashtami or just before snowfall)

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Itinerary – Walking into the Realm of the Gods

Day 1: Reach Purbani – The Last Road Head (2,700 m)

Your journey begins at Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur. From here, you take the road to Ribba, and further to Purbani, a quaint, lesser-known village nestled amidst orchards and terraced fields.

The homestays in Purbani are basic, yet warm with local hospitality. Spend time talking to locals to hear folklore about Yulla Kanda. Stock essentials — there are no shops or phone signals beyond this point.

Day 2: Trek from Purbani to Thangi Thach (3,600 m) – 6 km

The trek begins with a gradual climb through pine and oak forests. The trail then opens into a ridge-line and offers stunning views of the Sutlej River Valley. After a few hours, the terrain changes drastically — from alpine trees to bugyals (meadows) filled with wildflowers and distant views of snow-clad peaks.

You camp at Thangi Thach, a beautiful high-altitude grassland where shepherds often graze their flocks. Water sources are available through nearby streams.

Day 3: Thangi Thach to Yulla Kanda Lake & Krishna Temple (4,800 m) and back – 12 km round trip

This is the longest and most sacred stretch. The altitude gain is significant, and the path becomes steep and rocky as you climb toward Yulla Kanda.

As you ascend, you’ll notice patches of Bhojpatra trees — their delicate bark fluttering in the cold wind. These are the same ancient trees whose bark was used by sages and rishis to script Vedic texts. This is not just a trek anymore — it’s a pilgrimage through time.

After 5–6 hours of strenuous ascent, you arrive at the breathtaking Yulla Kanda lake, a crescent-shaped water body reflecting snow-covered ridgelines. On its edge stands the wooden Krishna temple, simple yet profound in presence. Prayer flags dance in the wind. A sense of deep calm surrounds you.

Spend some time meditating here. Locals believe the lake has healing properties, and many pilgrims take a dip before offering prayers.

You descend back to Thangi Thach by late evening.

Day 4: Return to Purbani and Drive Back

Retrace your steps back to Purbani, descending through forests and meadows. If time permits, explore the beautiful village of Ribba, known for its orchards and the locally brewed Angoori wine.

Why Yulla Kanda Should Be on Every Trekker’s Radar

1. Untouched and Uncommercialised

Unlike famous treks like Hampta Pass or Kedarkantha, Yulla Kanda remains a true Himalayan secret. No crowds, no campsites littered with trash, just you and the mountains.

2. Mythology and Spiritual Depth

With its ancient Krishna temple, legends of Mahabharata, and sacred Bhojpatra groves, this trek speaks to the soul. It’s not just about reaching a destination but about experiencing devotion in the wild. Please note that any non-veg item or liquor is strictly prohibited on this trek.

3. Raw Himalayan Beauty

The trail unfolds like poetry — thick deodar forests, highland meadows, snowy ridges, and glacial streams. The final lake itself is spellbinding — especially during sunrise when the peaks bathe in gold.

Things to Know Before You Go

• No Network Beyond Ribba: Inform family and friends in advance. Carry offline maps and GPS devices.

• Guides are Essential: The trail is not marked, and locals are your best bet. ShepherdTrail can connect you with local experts.

• Carry Essentials: No shops beyond Purbani. Pack light but smart — warm layers, windproof jackets, high-calorie snacks, and basic medical kits.

• Camping Gear Required: No homestays beyond base village. Carry your own tent or go with organized trek operators.

• Weather is Unpredictable: Afternoon showers and temperature dips are common. Start early and stay weather-aware.

Spiritual Insights – Bhojpatra, Solitude, and Silence

There’s something about this trail that quiets the mind.

The sight of Bhojpatra leaves — delicate, ivory-hued — feels like a spiritual relic, a message left behind by sages. Holding one in your hand, high above the world, surrounded by silence — it reminds you of how ancient and sacred these spaces are.

The Krishna temple isn’t grand in architecture but is immense in energy. Chanting here — even a single “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” — resonates louder in your chest. You feel watched, not by people, but by the wind, the trees, and the silence.

When is the Best Time to Trek to Yulla Kanda?

• Mid-July to Early September: This is when the trail is mostly snow-free and the Krishna Janmashtami Mela happens at the temple.

• Avoid Monsoon Peak (Late July-Aug): Though the terrain is semi-arid beyond Purbani, occasional rains can cause landslides on approach roads.

How to Reach the Base Village – Purbani

• By Road: Reach Reckong Peo from Shimla (225 km). Take a local/shared taxi to Ribba, and then to Purbani.

• By Bus: Regular HRTC buses ply to Reckong Peo. From there, local transport to Ribba is available.

• Nearest Major Hub: Shimla or Chandigarh

• Nearest Railway Station: Shimla (Toy Train + Road)

• Nearest Airport: Shimla or Bhuntar

Trek Responsibly – Leave No Trace

Yulla Kanda is pristine, and it deserves to stay that way.

• Do not litter. Carry waste back.

• Avoid plastic where possible.

• Do not disturb Bhojpatra bark — let the sacred trees live.

• Respect the temple and local customs.

• Support local guides and stay in homestays where possible.

Book Your Trek with ShepherdTrail

Want to experience Yulla Kanda with experienced local guides? Let ShepherdTrail take care of the logistics while you immerse in the magic.

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Conclusion – A Trek That Transforms You

The Yulla Kanda Trek isn’t for everyone. It’s not an Instagram trail. It doesn’t boast long lines of tents or fancy gear rentals. It’s raw. It’s soulful. It’s sacred.

But if you’re someone who walks not just to reach the summit but to hear the stories that mountains whisper, Yulla Kanda will stay with you forever.

It’s where the highest Krishna temple watches over a sacred lake. Where Bhojpatra trees rustle with forgotten mantras. Where every step feels like a prayer.

Welcome to Yulla Kanda — where every trail tells a story.