Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)
Also known as World's Highest Krishna Temple, Yulla Kanda Krishna Mandir, Yulla Kanda Lake Temple
Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple beside a glacial lake in Kinnaur's remote Rora valley is believed to be the world's highest Krishna shrine, busy at Janmashtami.
Photos of Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)
- Presiding Deity
- Krishna
- Established
- Not precisely recorded (ancient/legendary — associated with the Pandavas' exile)
- Architecture
- Simple stone-built shrine in traditional regional style, beside a high-altitude glacial lake at roughly 3,895 m
- Address
- Yulla Khas, Rora Kanda, Himachal Pradesh 172104
- Timings
- Accessible only in season (May-October, weather permitting); open daily, dawn to dusk during the trekking season
History of Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)
Local legend holds the Krishna murti here is swayambhu (self-manifested) and that the Pandavas visited the site during their exile, placing Yulla Kanda within the wider Mahabharata-associated sacred geography found across Kinnaur, echoing similar Pandava legends at Kinner Kailash. The temple is reached only via a demanding roughly 12 km trek from Yulla Khas village through the Rora valley, which limits it to a seasonal pilgrimage from May to October. A distinctive local ritual has devotees float their Kinnauri caps upside-down on the lake surface as a personal omen for the coming year.
Festivals Celebrated at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)
- Janmashtami
How to Reach Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)
Nearest airport: Shimla or Chandigarh. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 to the Nichar/Rora area then to Yulla Khas village, followed by a roughly 12 km trek — no vehicle access to the temple itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)
Where is Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) located?
- Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) is located at Yulla Khas, Rora Kanda, Himachal Pradesh 172104, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- The presiding deity at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) is Krishna (also known as Gopala, Govinda), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) is generally open Accessible only in season (May-October, weather permitting); open daily, dawn to dusk during the trekking season. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) built?
- Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) was established Not precisely recorded (ancient/legendary — associated with the Pandavas' exile). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) is built in the Simple stone-built shrine in traditional regional style, beside a high-altitude glacial lake at roughly 3,895 m style, characteristic of Krishna shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) include Janmashtami. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- Nearest airport: Shimla or Chandigarh. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 to the Nichar/Rora area then to Yulla Khas village, followed by a roughly 12 km trek — no vehicle access to the temple itself.
Why is Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) significant?
- Yulla Kanda Krishna Temple beside a glacial lake in Kinnaur's remote Rora valley is believed to be the world's highest Krishna shrine, busy at Janmashtami.
Is there an entry fee at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- Entry to the main shrine of Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)?
- Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple) follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.