Pictures – From my first trip to Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Back in the year 2009, I drove through one of the most dangerous roads  (History Channel says so) to reach Kinnaur. To be honest, it is not that dangerous. It was back in the old days, but now its wider then many other roads in Himachal. The district Kinnaur was opened for the outsiders in the year 1989. The inaccessibly, preserved its natural beauty for many decades. Then development knocked its door. Roads were carved out of the mountain cliffs to make way for the motorised transport.

The climatic condition was found perfect for the cultivation of Apples, so people started cultivating this delicious cash crop. In just few years,  prosperity entered the region. People were happy, but the government was not. Nor where the big industrialists. They saw a great opportunity lying unexploited. They could use the rivers to make money and the government can use them for employment and power. So the government gave a green signal to many hydro power projects in the region. Dams were built, roads were widened and rivers were controlled . The locals also generated huge amount of income by selling their land to the hydo power projects. All the while, the development kept sustainability away from it.

As you enter the valley, you are welcomed by the ugly sight of the hydro power projects, but as you drive deeper into the valley, the will experience the true untouched beauty of the Great Himalayan landscapes and its people.

I took these pictures four years ago when I had bought a new full frame camera. Hope you like them.

Cheers!