Brief Geography of District Kinnaur | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

District Kinnaur is situated in the North-Eastern part of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse mountain ranges, and unique geographical features. Here's a detailed overview of Kinnaur, highlighting its location, boundaries, features, and resources.

Geographical Coordinates and Location

• Longitude and Latitude: Kinnaur lies between 77°45' and 79°00'35" East Longitude, and 31°55'50" and 32°05'15" North Latitude.
• Regional Position: It is located in the North-Eastern region of Himachal Pradesh, bordering Tibet and Zanskar to the East. The international boundary starts at a location known as Parechhu and extends to the Chor Gad valley via the Shipkila pass.

Boundaries and Neighboring Regions

• Eastern Border: Kinnaur shares its eastern border with Tibet and the Zanskar mountains.
• Southern and South-Eastern Borders: It is bordered by Uttarakhand.
• Western Border: The Shimla district lies to the west of Kinnaur.
• North and North-West Borders: Lahaul and Spiti, along with Kullu, lie on the north and north-western sides.

Administrative Headquarters

• Headquarters: The administrative center of Kinnaur is Recong Peo.
• Altitude: The altitude of Recong Peo is approximately 2769 meters above sea level.

Languages Spoken

• Local Languages: The district is home to various languages including Kinnauri (also known as Hamskad), Sangnaur, Jangiam, and Shumecho.

Mountain Ranges

• Zanskar Range: Located to the east of Kinnaur.
• Great Himalaya: Extends from the north-west to the south-east of the district.
• Dhauladhar Range: Forms the southern boundary of Kinnaur.

Mountain Peaks

• Leo Pargial: The highest peak in Kinnaur, standing at 6816 meters.
• Other Peaks: Includes Raldang, Gushu, Pishu, Phawarang, Jorkaden, Kinner Kailash, Parasal, and Shilpki.
• Peak Locations: Leo Phargil, Shilla, and Parasal are located in the Zanskar range, while Raldang and Kinner Kailash are part of the Great Himalayas.

Glaciers

• Western Kinnaur (Greater Himalaya): Features glaciers such as Sankarishul, Mana Dani, Drimiling, Phuldhang, and Zangsu.
• Dhauladhar Range: Home to Hania and Bilare Glaciers.
• Eastern Kinnaur (Greater Himalaya): Includes Saro, Gara, and Lambar glaciers, situated in the southern part of this region.

Important Valleys

• Satluj Valley: The largest valley in Kinnaur, drained by the Satluj River.
• Hangrang Valley (Spiti Valley): Drained by the Spiti or Lee River, joining the Satluj Valley near Khab village. The lower part of this valley lies in Kinnaur, while the upper part is in Lahaul Spiti.
• Baspa Valley (Sangla Valley): Drained by the Baspa River, named after Sangla village. It is connected to Uttarkhand’s Garhwal region via several passes, including Barus Pass, Kimlya Pass, Borsu Pass, and Lamkhanga Pass.
• Chittkul Village: The highest and last village in the Baspa Valley, situated near the Indo-Tibet border. Known for its exceptional potatoes, Chittkul is a point in India that can be visited without a permit.
• Poo: Also known as Spuwa, this small town is notable for its Tibetan-influenced language and its ancient Shakyamuni (Buddha) temple.

Other Notable Valleys

• Yula Valley
• Mulgaon Valley
• Ropa or Shyaso or Sunam Valley
• Tidong Valley: Known for its dramatic scenery.
• Wangpoo or Bhaba Valley
• Gyathing or Nesang Valley
• Pejur or Lippa Valley
• Kashang Valley
• Ribba Valley: Famous for its grape cultivation.

River System

• Satluj River: Divides Kinnaur into two parts.
• Tributaries of Satluj:
  • Spiti River: Originates in Spiti and joins the Satluj at Khab village.
  • Baspa River: Another major tributary.
  • Ropa River: Starts between Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and merges with the Satluj near Shashow.
  • Other Tributaries: Include Pejur, Taiti, and Yula.

Lakes

• Nako Lake: Located in Hangrang Tehsil.
• Sorang Lake: Situated above Jani and Ramni villages in Nichar Tehsil.
• Temcho/Them-Tso Lake: Likely in Poo Tehsil.

Springs

• Nathpa
• Tapri
• Joktiaring

Additional Information

• Bhabha Village: The largest village in Kinnaur.
• Tidong Valley: Renowned for its rugged, dramatic landscape.
• Ribba Valley: Noted for its grape production.

Natural Vegetation

• Wet Zone Forests: Found on the left side of the Satluj Valley, featuring Kail, Spruce, Fir, Chestnut, Maple, Bird Cherry, and Walnut trees.
• Dry Zone Forests: Stretching from Nichar to Chini, with Deodar, Blue Pine, Spruce, and Silver Fir. Neoza pines, which produce edible nuts, are unique to this zone in India.
• Arid Zone Forests: Located along the Tibetan border, characterized by Rose Dog and Dwarf bushes.

Minerals

• Copper: Found near Ranwar and Ropa.
• Silver: Located near Chhagaon.
• Gypsum: Found in Shailkhar and Chhagaon.
• Rough Slate: Found in Sangla Valley.
• China Clay: Located in Asrang and Lippa.
• Mica: Present in Tangling Khad.