HIMACHAL AND LADAKH ADVENTURE PART 4 KALPA

Our journey continued, and today on 5th day we were heading to Kalpa. Kalpa is a quaint village located at the bank of Sutlej River, where the entire area is covered with apple trees. Unfortunately for us,it was just fruiting and harvest is only in September. At an altitude of 9710ft, the view was simply breathtaking. 

As much as Himachal Pradesh is an all year round tourist destination, the same cannot be said about Kalpa; a hidden gem that receives little tourists. Except for bikers, we did not see any Tempo load of tourists. So we had Kalpa village pretty much to ourselves. 

The Road To Kalpa

A Typical Village Home

First stop was visiting the Narayan Nagini Temple, which is located right smack in the middle of the village. This temple is built with the Tibetan Architecture motive, which typically expounds the Kinnauri craftmanship.  

At The Entrance to To The Narayan Nagini Temple

Narayan Nagini Temple Architecture

The Kathaunni Architecture At Best

A Single Wood Block Resembling A Crocodile

Temple Roof With Himalayas on The Backdrop

Another Single Wood Block Carved Resembling a Tiger

Nagini Wood Carving Adorning The Temple Wall

The Narayan Nagini temple is said to be more than 5000 years old and has its significance rooted in the Mahabharatha. Interestingly the women of Kinnaur district have been practicing  polyandry from time immemorial. Doesn't it ring a bell? The resemblance of the story of Draupadi who shared the 5 Pandava brothers in the Mahabharatha. 

The Gathering of Women of Kalpa

So happen on the day we were there, the local women had their "Panchayat" (village council) meeting. You guys must be wondering where are all the men, well .... this is a matriarchal society, hence its womens power. It all adds up now don't you think?

The Ladies insisted I Pose With Them

But Greeja Got A Hug From Them

Next stop was the Chandika Devi Temple, which has it's own history. Legend has it Chandika Devi is the daughter of the mighty Asura Banasura, She is considered to be a powerful Goddess the protector of the Kinnaur Valley. 

The Chandika Devi Temple Entrance

Kalpa Village at The Backdrop of the Temple

Chandika Devi Temple Pond

The Main Tower of The Chandika Devi Temple

The arhcitecture of the temple uses the shikara concept where the superstructure is made of slated stone in an inverted cone fashion. This temple also houses a chariot that has a gold deity of Maa Chandika Devi. Locals also address the Goddess as Shuvang Chandika. The Dakreini Festival is considered to be the second most important fair in the Kinnaur Valley, which is dedicated to Goddess Chandika Devi. In early days this temple also witnessed animal sacrifice, which has been banned since. The temple priest welcomed us and performed a simple pooja and we obtained the blessing of Maa Chandika Devi before leaving the temple complex.

Hu Ba Lan Kar Monastery

The last stop for the day was the Hu Ban Lan Kar Monastery. It was a daunting walk to the monastery, since the distance to the monastery was from where the above photograph was taken. However the walk was interesting as we had to meandre through the quaint village, occasionally bumping into friendly villagers. This monastery was founded by Rinchensang Po between 950 AD - 1055 AD.

A Closer Look at The Monastery

Greeja Spinning The Prayer Wheel 

A Stupa at the Monastery

Along came the post box

We were not able to go into the monastery as it is closed to visitors after their morning prayer . But the walkabout itself was very enlightening.

The Way To The Monastery

A Buddha Shrine Along The Way

A doorway To A Village Home

Stones are the basic Foundation of all Buildings

A Homestay In The Midst of the Village

An Alley

A Smaller Wooden Dwelling

It was one tiring day, perhaps the total distance walked would have been at least 15km. Walking in a high altitude was no easy feat, but everything we experienced that day was new to us, hence the exitement overwhelmed our state of mind, downplaying our physical discomfort. 

At a Local Chai Stall

Nothing like a hot Ginger tea after an exhilerating day. On the way back to our hotel, we stopped by at chai stall to sooth our dry throat, and give warmth to our already chilling body. Back to the hotel, had a scrumptious dinner, where we were accompanied by a large group of bikers from Delhi. 

Head hit on the pillow and the next thing I remember waking up to the sunshine on our face, it was 5.30am, looking forward to another exciting day........ to TABO our next destination.    

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