Historically, there is very little knowledge about the history. Moreover, the early history of the district is not so clear. Natives of the district believe that earlier it was well-known as Kanaurra or Kinnaura. The region was ruled by the Magadha kingdom, Mauryan Empire (6th century) and Guge kingdom of Tibet (9th and 12th century). At the very beginning of the 14th century the whole place of Kinnaur was divided into seven different parts, which locally called as sat khund. During the medieval era, some of the hilly places namely Kangra, Chamba and Sirmaur were continuously attacked by the Mughals. Later, it was divided into seven parts named Sat Khand. After sometime numerous small chiefdoms emerged as the result of conflicts in the region. Labrang, Moorang, and Kamru are some of the forts which tell the history of this part. The Kinnaur valley (Chini Tehsil) also had played an influential role. After that, it was merged in the Mahasu district. The region has a tribal culture.

Geographically, the district has a total 6,401 sq km. area and occupies the rank 3rd in State and 153rd in India on the bases of this size. It lies at 31°65'N latitude, 78°48'E longitude and 2758 m Altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 10.08% forest area of total geographical area. The district has long winters. But the climate of this place remains pleasant throughout the year. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 713.9 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administrative wise, the district is divided into 6 sub-districts and 660 villages. There is no town in the district. Hindi is its official language. In the state of Himachal Pradesh with an allotted district code of 34 the district of Kinnaur came into existence on the 1st May, 1960. Its district headquarters is located at Reckong Peo which is situated at a distance of 223 km. from the State Capital.

Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total number of 19,535 households with a total population of 84,121 comprising 46,249 are males and 37,872 are females which causing it to rank 11th in the state and 619th in India. The density of population of the district is 13 persons per sq km. The sex ratio is pegged at 819 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 963 (females per 1000 males). The population growth rate during 2001-2011 was 7.39% including 9.66% were males and 4.73% were females. As per 2011 census the major religions in the district are Hindu and Buddhist with 76.95% and 21.50%. As per 2011 census the principal languages in the district are Kinnauri and Hindi with 72.05% and 16.65%. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 251 out of which 127 were males and 124 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 205 out of which 129 were males and 76 were females.

Economically, agriculture is the prime source of income for the people of the district. In the year 2015-2016 the gross domestic product in the district was Rs. 2,34,268 lakh at current price in the year 2011-2012. In the year 2015-16 the net domestic product in the district was Rs. 1,90,922 lakh at current price in the year 2011-2012. In the year 2015-2016 the Per Capita Income was in Rs. 2,17,993 at Current Price in the year 2011-2012.

Education wise, according to the 2011 census, the literacy rate is 80% including 87.27% are males and 70.96% are females. The total literate population of the district is 60,699 out of which 36,697 are males and 24,002 are females. The district has several educational institutes including schools and colleges.

Jagat Singh Negi was born on 2nd February, 1957. He is the Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kinnaur, India. He is the Deputy Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He is an Indian politician and a member of Indian National Congress.

The district has a numerous famous historical and religious places to visit. These places are Kalpa, Reckong Peo, Sangla, Chango, Chhitkul, Kothi, Leo, Lippa, Moorang, Nichar, Nako, Namgya, Pooh, Rakchham, Ribba, Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary, Rakchham-Chhitkul Sanctuary, Rupi-Bhaba Sanctuary, Chandika Temple Kothi, Rarang Monastery. It is famous for the Kailash Mountain which is close to the Tibetan border. In the year 2021, there were 59,961 domestic tourists and 109 foreign tourists who visited the above places. Kalpa is a small town which is situated in the Sutlej river valley. It is famous for appple orchards. Lipa-Asrang sanctuary has different species such as the Yak, Ibex, Leopard, Goral, Blue Sheep, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan black Beer, etc. It was notified in the year 1962 and re-notified on 27th March 1974. It also includes dry alpine scrub, dry coniferous forest, dwarf juniper scrub, western Himalayan temperate forest, dry broad leaved and coniferous forest. Rakchham Chhitkul sanctuary is situated nearby town Reckong Peo. Leopard, blue Sheep, Himalayan black Bear, brown Bear, musk Deer and Goral etc species are found here. Rupi Bhabha sanctuary is located on the left bank of the Sutlej River. The species found in this sanctuary are blue sheep, red fox, musk deer, goral, ibex, Leopard, snow leopard, brown bear, Himalayan black bear, etc are found in this sanctuary.