Reckong Peo: Discover Kinnaur's Majestic Gateway

Introduction

Often overlooked by tourists rushing to Kalpa or Sangla, Reckong Peo (locally called Peo) is more than just a transit town. It is the cultural, spiritual, and administrative heart of Kinnaur district — a blend of Tibetan traditions, bustling markets, apple trade, and unparalleled views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range.

Welcome to Reckong Peo — where the Himalayas meet heritage, and every street whispers a story.

Where is Reckong Peo?

Located in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 2,290 meters (7,513 ft)
7–8 hours from Shimla by road
Just 7 km below Kalpa, 40 km from Sangla

✅ Acts as the entry point to most destinations in upper Kinnaur

What Makes Reckong Peo Worth Visiting?

Majestic views of Kinnaur Kailash Shivling
Known for apple trade and Buddhist culture
Base for treks and religious yatras
Bustling town with markets, eateries, and local life
Peaceful monasteries and Hindu temples coexist here

Must-Visit Places in and Around Reckong Peo

🔹 Kinnaur Kailash Viewpoint

Visible right from the town on a clear day
Sacred peak believed to be Lord Shiva’s winter abode
Glows golden at sunrise/sunset — a photographer’s delight

🔹 Brelengi Monastery

Founded by Dalai Lama in 1992
Large Buddha statue and peaceful prayer halls
Hosts local Tibetan festivals and meditation camps

🔹 Kothi Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Chandika, a fierce avatar of Durga
Unique Himachali-Tibetan wooden architecture
Situated in scenic Kothi village, 3 km from Peo

Explore the Local Bazaar

Market Lane	What to Find
Main Peo Bazaar	Woolen wear, Kinnauri shawls, local tools
Upper Market Area	Tibetan jewellery, handicrafts, incense
Apple Mandi Area	Apple crates, jams, dry fruits, cider

✅ Great for buying souvenirs and Kinnauri handicrafts

Where to Stay in Reckong Peo

Hotel / Stay Name	Type	Features
Hotel Ashwin	Budget	Clean, central, good food
The Grand Shambala	Mid-range	Beautiful views, Tibetan interiors
HPTDC Kinner Kailash	Govt-run	Ideal base with mountain-facing rooms
Local Homestays	Family-run	Cultural experience, home-cooked meals

✅ Most hotels offer views of the Kinnaur Kailash peak

What to Eat in Peo

Siddu – steamed local bread
Madra – yogurt-based Himachali curry
Tibetan Thukpa & momos – widely available
Rajma-Chawal – made from native red beans
Local apple pie or dried fruit cakes

✅ Visit Tenzin Restaurant or Himalayan Café for tasty and affordable meals

Reckong Peo as a Base Camp

Kalpa: Just 7 km uphill, perfect for sunrise photography
Sangla Valley & Chitkul: Day trip or overnight journey
Charang–La Trek & Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama: Begins from here
Shivling Trek: For pilgrims and adventure seekers (permit needed)

Best Time to Visit

Season	Highlights
April–June	Blooming orchards, pleasant weather
Sept–Oct	Apple season, festivals, clear skies
Nov–Feb	Cold & snowy; avoid if not winter-prepared
July–Aug	Risk of landslides due to rains

✅ Best time: April to June or September to October

How to Reach Reckong Peo

By Road: From Shimla via NH-5 → Rampur → Wangtu → Peo
By Bus: Daily HRTC buses from Shimla, Rampur, and Sangla
By Air: Nearest airport: Shimla (244 km)
By Train: Kalka → Shimla (toy train), then road journey

📌 It’s the main transport hub for Upper Kinnaur travel

Insider Tips

ATMs are available, but carry cash for interior villages
Mobile networks work (BSNL, Airtel best)
Visit the local monastery early morning for peace and chanting
Buy apples or juice directly from local cooperative stores
Respect local customs — it’s a deeply spiritual town

Summary

Reckong Peo is more than a pitstop — it’s the heartbeat of Kinnaur, where spirituality, local culture, and Himalayan views come together. Whether you’re a trekker, pilgrim, or quiet traveler, Peo will gift you stories and sights that stay with you long after you descend the hills.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Kinnaur District.