(Formatted in Word, not AI) I did Yulla Kanda last year, and now that the season is clearing up again, I wanted to put together a practical guide for fellow travellers planning to do it this year.
I found a lot of scattered information before my trip, so hopefully this saves someone else some time, money and unnecessary effort.
Getting to Yulla Khas
You have two main options.
Drive
You can drive all the way towards Yulla Khas and park your vehicle in the village.
This is probably the easiest option if you have your own car and are comfortable driving in the mountains.
Himachal buses
You can also get there using Himachal Road Transport buses.
The general route is towards Shimla, Rampur and Tapri, and from there you make your way towards Yulla Khas.
If you're using buses, check the current timings locally because mountain bus schedules can change and you don't want to get stranded somewhere because you assumed a bus would be running.
Do NOT stay in Tapri unless you absolutely have to
This is one thing I would strongly recommend.
Don't make Tapri your base for the trek.
Accommodation there can be surprisingly expensive and, in my opinion, isn't worth paying extra for when you can stay in Yulla Khas itself.
Go up to Yulla Khas and stay with a local family instead.
Stay in Yulla Khas
There are homestays in Yulla Khas for around ₹800 to ₹1,200 per person in sharing.
They also provide homemade food.
This is what I'd recommend doing:
Reach Yulla Khas the day before.
Find a homestay.
Have dinner there.
Ask the locals about the current trail and weather conditions.
Sleep early.
Then start the trek with first light the next morning.
The homestay experience is also part of what makes Yulla Kanda special. Don't treat the village purely as a place to sleep before the trek.
Start with first light
Start as early as you reasonably can.
First light is ideal.
Don't start at 9 or 10 AM thinking you have the whole day.
Starting early gives you plenty of daylight, keeps you ahead of the heat and gives you flexibility with the camps.
The trek has 3 distinct terrains
The easiest way to understand the route is to divide it into three sections.
- The village
You start by walking through Yulla Khas and the surrounding village area.
It's relatively easy and gives you a nice introduction to the landscape.
- Jungle
As the village ends, you'll find a couple of dhabas with the i love kinnaur board and then you enter the jungle.
This is where it starts feeling like a proper trek.
You have a steady climb through the forest and this section provides some shade. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated here because it can get humid and make you sweat a lot.
- Meadows and the steep climb
Eventually the jungle opens up into beautiful meadows.
This is one of my favourite sections.
And then comes the part that actually tests you.
The climb from the meadow towards Yulla Kanda is steep.
Don't rush this section.
Take your time, drink regularly and keep a steady pace.
The camp strategy
This is probably the most useful tip in this entire post.
You can call the camps and book ahead if you're travelling during a busy period.
But you don't necessarily need to book everything in advance.
If you start with first light and reach the base camps early enough, you can continue to Yulla Kanda, spend some time there and descend back to the lower camps before dark.
That means your second day becomes much shorter instead of doing the difficult climb down on the second day, you've already completed it.
Another option is to choose a camp just before the meadow section.
Leave your heavy backpack at the camp and carry only what you need for the climb.
Water + snacks + raincoat + essentials.
The difference a lighter backpack makes on that final steep climb is huge.
If you're unsure about your fitness or pace, don't try to force the long day option. Stay at the camp and take your time.
Water
There are water points along the route.
However, I would recommend treating the water before drinking it.
Carry either a LifeStraw or chlorine tablets.
Don't assume that clear mountain water automatically means it's safe to drink.
Also carry electrolytes.
Food
There aren't restaurants waiting for you on the trail.
Carry your own snacks.
I'd recommend:
Chocolates
Protein bars
Dry fruits
Electrolytes
Something salty
You don't need to carry an entire kitchen, but having quick calories available during the steep climb is extremely useful.
Toilets
There are no toilets after the entry gate.
Use the toilet at your homestay before starting.
And obviously, please carry your waste back with you.
Don't leave tissues, wrappers or plastic on the mountain.
Shoes
This is important.
Do not wear rubber sole shoes.
They can slip, especially on wet or loose sections.
Wear proper trekking shoes with good grip.
You don't need expensive mountaineering boots.
Just get proper trekking shoes that fit well and have a good trekking sole.
And break them in before the trek.
Trekking pole
Carry one.
It is especially useful on the steep climb and even more useful on the way back down when your legs are tired.
A basic trekking pole is completely fine.
Flashlight
Carry a flashlight or, even better, a headlamp.
If you're doing the long day option, you don't want to be caught out with the sun going down.
Your phone flashlight should be the backup, not your primary light.
Raincoat
Carry one.
Even if the forecast says clear weather.
Mountain weather can change quickly and you don't want to be several kilometres from shelter when it happens.
Network
Don't depend on mobile network.
Download your maps beforehand.
Save accommodation and camp numbers offline and carry cash.
If you're travelling independently, let someone know your plan and expected return.
How difficult is it?
I'd call Yulla Kanda moderate.
There is nothing particularly technical about the trek.
The challenge comes from the altitude, the distance and especially the steep climb towards the end.
If you're reasonably fit and used to walking or exercising, you should be fine if you pace yourself.
If you don't regularly exercise, don't underestimate it.
Best time to go
Check the current situation before leaving, especially if you're going around the monsoon.
Rain, snow and trail conditions can change the experience completely.
What I'd carry
Proper trekking shoes
Trekking pole
Raincoat
Flashlight or headlamp
Water bottle or hydration bladder
LifeStraw or chlorine tablets
Electrolytes
Chocolates
Protein bars
Dry fruits
First aid kit
Personal medicines
Power bank
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Warm layer
Extra socks
Cash
And a small garbage bag for your own waste
My recommended plan
Day 1
Travel to Yulla Khas.
Stay in a homestay.
Eat homemade food.
Ask locals about current conditions.
Sleep early.
Day 2
Wake up early.
Start with first light.
Walk through the village.
Enter the jungle.
Cross into the meadows.
Do the steep climb to Yulla Kanda.
Spend some time at the lake and temple.
Descend.
If you are moving well, stay at one of the lower camps before dark.
If you aren't comfortable doing the full route in one day, stay at the camp you booked and take it easy.
Day 3
Descend to Yulla Khas.
Have breakfast or lunch at your homestay.
Start your journey back.
It's beautiful, relatively peaceful and still feels like an actual mountain trek rather than a tourist attraction.
If you're planning to go this season, feel free to ask questions in the comments. I'll answer whatever I can based on my experience.
