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> Spiti: Adventures in the Trans-Himalaya
> Exploring Kinnaur & Spiti in the Trans-Himalaya
> Across Peaks & Passes in Himachal Pradesh
> Guide to Trekking in Himachal: Over 65 Treks and 100 Destinations
> Travels to Highlands of Himachal
> Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
> Myths, Rituals and Beliefs in Himachal Pradesh

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Kinnaur and Spiti are two of the most fascinating regions of India fringing the Tibetan plateau. The general state of knowledge about these regions, occupying the northeastern quarter of Himachal Pradesh, is scanty. Their geographical inaccessibility has resulted in their attracting the sporadic attention of only the most tenacious of travellers. The proximity to the frontier resulted in the two regions being categorized as restricted areas in the 1950s, and the mystique of the forbidden has added to the aura of the unknown.

Spiti, "the middle kingdom," is one of the last undisturbed enclaves of Tibetan Buddhism on Indian soil. Its traditional lifestyle and famous monasteries have had only limited exposure to outside eyes. For the adventurous, there remain superb climbs still to be attempted, unexplored high valleys rich in wildlife and first time possibilities in hang gliding and white water rafting.

Kinnaur is a curious amalgam of sub-cultures, strung out along 150 odd km of the Satluj valley. Traditional caste-based divisions and village deities rule life lower down the valley, with barely a hint of Buddhist influence. Yet, language, dress and features already distinguish the Kinnaura from the neighbouring hill people. Gradually, the lush greenery begins thinning out, the mountains grow taller, rain clouds begin to lose courage and Buddhism gathers. In the arid, deep valleys of upper Kinnaur, Buddhism finally takes complete hold and only the ubiquitous Kinnaur cap distinguishes the inhabitants from their Tibetan neighbours. Wood carved temples, ancient monasteries, gay and riotous festivals full of colour, drink and dance are among the most striking features of Kinnaur. Like Spiti, Kinnaur presents enchanting possibilities for the adventurous.

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"God's Own Kingdom--This book is meant for those of us inflicted with the travel bug and lust for the wild and unknown. Exploring Kinnaur & Spiti is definitely meant for all those who are even faintly interested in the region.
"A Bible for those intending to visit this little-known place--That the authors savoured the lifestyle of the people of this region from close quarters is evident by the various festivals, rituals and customs, which find mention here. This, along with the history and geography of the region and it's present day manifestation, is well capsuled and an excellent acclimatiser for the travellers.
"A surfwire way to set readers backpacking--The documentation is liberally interspersed with thirty-five maps, detailing routes and areas of interest to the traveller. Elementary charts denoting useful local words are thoroughly included. Various treks, routes, equipment, food, accommodation available, tariff cards, and permits required, if any, are tabulated and act as an invaluable ready reckoner, clearly surpassing all material that is currently available on the region.
"An authentic, well-researched travelogue?All in all, the book is going to wing up as being an authentic, well-researched travelogue, coveted by those enamored with the Himalayas and beyond."
— The Hindustan Times

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