Kinner Kailash Shivling
Also known as Kinnaur Kailash, Kinner Kailash Shivlingam, Kinnaur Kailash Peak
Kinner Kailash Shivling in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is one of Hinduism's five sacred Kailash peaks, a major Shaivite trekking pilgrimage site.
Photos of Kinner Kailash Shivling

Kinner Kailash Shivling at a Glance
| Location | Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Shiva |
| Established | Natural rock formation, considered sacred since antiquity per Hindu and Buddhist tradition |
| Architecture | A naturally formed monolithic rock pillar roughly 79 feet high resembling a Shiva lingam, at over 4,800 m elevation on the Kinner Kailash massif; no man-made structure, though it visibly changes colour through the day |
| Timings | Accessible only via a multi-day trek during the summer trekking season (typically July-September), subject to yatra permission and route conditions in a given year |
| Address | Dhar Panah, Himachal Pradesh 172107 |
History of Kinner Kailash Shivling
According to Hindu mythology, Kinner Kailash is where Lord Shiva held discourse with sages and is considered his winter abode along with Parvati, with legend holding the two deities first met here. The natural lingam-shaped rock pillar faces toward Reckong Peo and Kalpa and is the focal point of an arduous multi-day pilgrimage trek, commonly via Tangling, the Maling Khata meadows, and Parvati Kund. The Kinner Kailash Yatra has at times been suspended by the district administration following hazard assessments of glacier movement and unstable boulders on the route, so intending pilgrims should confirm current yatra status before planning a trek.
Festivals Celebrated at Kinner Kailash Shivling
- Kinner Kailash Yatra (annual pilgrimage trek)
How to Reach Kinner Kailash Shivling
Nearest airport: Shimla, ~250 km, or Chandigarh, ~280 km. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 from Shimla via Rampur-Karcham to Reckong Peo, then to the Tangling/Kailash trek base near Dhar Panah — the summit rock itself is reached only by trek.
Temples Near Kinner Kailash Shivling
- Parkashankres Temple, PowariHimachal Pradesh · about 6 km in a straight line
- Ram Temple, TanglingHimachal Pradesh · about 6 km in a straight line
- Shri Kasu Raj Ji Temple, RibbaHimachal Pradesh · about 6 km in a straight line
- Khawangi MandirHimachal Pradesh · about 7 km in a straight line
- Maa Chandike Durga Ji Temple, KothiHimachal Pradesh · about 7 km in a straight line
- Pandav Kund and Bhairav Temple, KothiHimachal Pradesh · about 7 km in a straight line
More Shiva Temples to Visit
- Shree Maheshwar Ji Temple, MebarHimachal Pradesh
- Shiv Mandir, Sangla-Chhitkul RoadHimachal Pradesh
- Mamleshwar Mahadev TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Shiv Mandir, ManikaranHimachal Pradesh
- Churdhar Mahadev TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Shri Basheshwar Mahadev Temple (Bishweshwar Temple)Himachal Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Kinner Kailash Shivling
Where is Kinner Kailash Shivling located?
- Kinner Kailash Shivling is located at Dhar Panah, Himachal Pradesh 172107, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Kinner Kailash Shivling?
- The presiding deity at Kinner Kailash Shivling is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Kinner Kailash Shivling?
- Kinner Kailash Shivling is generally open Accessible only via a multi-day trek during the summer trekking season (typically July-September), subject to yatra permission and route conditions in a given year. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Kinner Kailash Shivling built?
- Kinner Kailash Shivling was established Natural rock formation, considered sacred since antiquity per Hindu and Buddhist tradition. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Kinner Kailash Shivling?
- Kinner Kailash Shivling is built in the A naturally formed monolithic rock pillar roughly 79 feet high resembling a Shiva lingam, at over 4,800 m elevation on the Kinner Kailash massif; no man-made structure, though it visibly changes colour through the day style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Kinner Kailash Shivling?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Kinner Kailash Shivling include Kinner Kailash Yatra (annual pilgrimage trek). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Kinner Kailash Shivling?
- Nearest airport: Shimla, ~250 km, or Chandigarh, ~280 km. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 from Shimla via Rampur-Karcham to Reckong Peo, then to the Tangling/Kailash trek base near Dhar Panah — the summit rock itself is reached only by trek.
Why is Kinner Kailash Shivling significant?
- Kinner Kailash Shivling in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is one of Hinduism's five sacred Kailash peaks, a major Shaivite trekking pilgrimage site.