Hidden amidst the rugged wilderness of Kinnaur, Yula Lake—also known as Yulla Kanda—is one of the most unexplored treks in India. Tucked at a breathtaking altitude of around 4,200 meters, this high-altitude lake in Himachal offers a spiritual, scenic, and soul-stirring escape. Sacred to the locals and believed to be the site of the world’s highest temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Yula Lake isn’t just a trek—it’s an experience that fuses mythology, adventure, and alpine beauty into one unforgettable journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker searching for offbeat treks in Himachal Pradesh or a spiritual seeker drawn to sacred places in nature, the Yula Lake Kinnaur trail will leave you transformed.
Location of Yula Lake (Yulla Kanda)
Yula Lake is situated in the Upper Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, near the remote villages of Lippa, Jangi, and Yulla Khas. The lake is nestled in the Rora Valley and is revered by locals for its mythological significance, believed to be connected to the Pandavas and Lord Krishna.
Altitude: ~4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Region: Upper Kinnaur, near Lippa and Yulla Khas villages
🦶 About the Yula Trek
Duration: 3–4 days
Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Altitude Gain: From 2,600 m (Lippa) or 2,100 m (Yulla Khas) to 4,200 m (Yula Lake)
Best Time to Visit Yula Lake: Late June to mid-October
Trek Type: Self-supported, camping-based trek
Mobile Network: Not available after Lippa/Yulla Khas
Trekking Routes in Kinnaur to Yula Lake
Route 1: Lippa to Yula Lake Trek
This route begins from the village of Lippa, known for its traditional Kinnauri houses, apple orchards, and ancient monastery. This is the itinerary:-
Day 1: Shimla – Reckong Peo – Lippa (250 km, 8–10 hours). Stay in a homestay or a tent.
Day 2: Lippa – Thangi Meadows (8–10 km trek, 5–6 hours). Dense deodar forests and alpine flowers await. Camp overnight.
Day 3: Thangi – Yula Lake and back (10–12 km round trip). Explore glacier-fed Yula Lake, with its serene blue waters and towering peaks. Camp again.
Day 4: Return trek to Lippa, then drive to Kalpa.
Route 2: Yulla Khas to Yula Lake Trek
This lesser-known path starts from Yulla Khas village (~7,000 ft), leading to a meadow base camp and ultimately to the lake and temple. The itinerary:
Day 1: Reach Yulla Khas from Shimla (~200 km). Stay at Satkar Homestay.
Day 2: Trek Yulla Khas – Ladam – Base Camp (~8 km). En route: Goen Garang and Tali Garang waterfalls, apple orchards in Ladam, and rare Bhojpatra trees.
Day 3: Early morning trek to Yula Lake and Lord Krishna’s Temple (~4 km steep ascent). Witness sunrise over snow peaks and explore Kasorang Lake (Bhima Kund).
Day 4: Return to Yulla Khas.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The Yula Lake trekking guide would be incomplete without its divine heritage. At the lake lies what’s believed to be the highest Lord Krishna temple in the world, built by the Pandavas during their exile. Rainfall upon arrival at the temple is considered a divine blessing by locals.
This makes it one of the most intriguing spiritual lake treks in Himachal.
Camping and Stay
Camping near Yula Lake is essential—there are no tea houses or dhabas en route.
Suitable camping spots include:
High-altitude meadows before the lake
Yula Lake base camp (Bhagat Milap Campsite on Yulla Khas route)
Recommended stays:
Lippa: Local homestays
Yulla Khas: Satkar Homestay (basic, clean, home-cooked meals)
Kalpa/Reckong Peo: Hotels and guesthouses (ideal after trek)
What Makes Yula Lake Trek Special?
🧘♂️ Spiritual Connection: Sacred lake and Krishna temple make it a rare religious high-altitude destination.
🌳 Flora & Fauna: Encounter Bhojpatra trees, Gulabi Buransh, wildflowers, and wildlife like Himalayan ibex and vultures.
📸 Scenic Landscapes: Snow-draped peaks, reflective lakes, meadows, and waterfalls—truly a scenic trek in Himachal.
🚤 Isolation and Solitude: No crowds, no commercialisation—perfect for hidden treks in Kinnaur.
🧷 Adventure Travel in Kinnaur: Challenging terrain, icy streams, and steep climbs for those who love raw adventure.
Trekking Essentials
Waterproof tent, sleeping bag
Warm clothing (sub-zero at night)
Trekking poles and high-grip shoes
Water purification tablets, dry snacks, and packed meals
First aid kit, medication for AMS
Local guide (mandatory for remote terrain)
Power bank (no electricity post base village)
Trek Tips and Guidelines
Acclimatise at Kalpa or Reckong Peo for 1–2 days before the trek
No mobile signals or shops after Lippa/Yulla Khas
Do not litter; avoid camping close to the lake
Respect local customs: No alcohol or non-veg on the trail
Conclusion: A Himalayan Journey Beyond the Ordinary
In a world of crowded trails and commercial treks, Yula Lake and Yula Trek remain untouched, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to seek solitude, spirituality, and sublime natural beauty. From cascading waterfalls and flowering meadows to sacred legends and alpine tranquillity, this trek is a symphony of adventure and peace.
Whether you’re into adventure travel in Kinnaur, looking for a Yula Lake trek itinerary, or searching for offbeat treks in Himachal Pradesh, this journey will redefine your idea of trekking.
So pack your backpack, lace up your boots, and set your soul free—Yula Lake in Kinnaur is calling.
