Chitkul in Himachal: The Samurai Way

Chitkul Himachal

Hidden in the lap of the Himalayas, Chitkul is the most scenic place in India. Chitkul is mainly known for its mesmerizing beauty and picturesque location. The scenic beauty of the place is what draws travelers toward it. Chitkul is located on the bank of the Baspa River in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The village is a perfect retreat for travelers who are looking for a break from crowds and the hustle-bustle of daily life. The village remains almost covered with snow during the winter season. The main attractions of Chitkul are its houses which have slate or wooden plank roofs. It also houses a small Buddhist Temple and A monastery known as Kagyupa Temple where an age-old image of Shakyamuni Buddha is worshipped.

Chitkul Himachal is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border and the last point in India where one can travel without a permit. All civilian movement beyond Chitkul is prohibited. This is the reason why Chitkul is known as the last village in India. The area lying beyond Chitkul village is under the control of the Indo-Tibet border police. Chitkul is an ideal place for adventure lovers and trekkers, located at an altitude of about 3450 meters, making it a bit difficult to reach. With Kinner Kailash in the backdrop, Chitkul consists of spectacular beauty on the banks of the Baspa River. When you think of Chitkul, the first thing that comes to mind is Chitkul is nothing but a small village in the Himalayas with just a few houses but One thing that attracts visitors here in abundance is peace. Tourists come to Chitkul to enjoy nature’s beauty and spend some time away from the man-made world. A recent study reveals that Chitkul air quality has the cleanest in India.

Chitkul is surrounded by Garhwal on the south and Tibet on the east. While the north side is surrounded by Spiti Valley and the west by Kullu. The nearest settlement of Sangla Valley is at a distance of 28 km. The midway between Chitkul and Sangla Valley is Rakcham village. Taking a drive from Rakcham village to Chitkul is s great experience.

Chitkul Himachal Attractions

Nako

Nako is an unspoiled, serene, and picturesque village located in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh at a height of around 3600m. Nako is found at the east end of Kinnaur Valley and is the last attraction on the way to Malling Nullah. Malling Nullah is located between Kinnaur and Spiti Valley and is one of the most famous travel destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Nako lies in the region close to Tibetan Border and visitors thus required Inner line permits are required for foreign nationals for overnight stays in any part of the village of Nako. The major tourist attraction of Nako Village is the Nako Lake which is located amidst extremely hilly terrains. Visitors can see four Buddhist monasteries and a huge footlike impression close to the lake.

Rakcham

Rakcham is located at a height of around 2900m. it is on the way to Chitkul via Sangla.  A sparse population of around 800 people inhabits the village. While moving Sangla to Chitkul, the town is found on the left side of the main road and the river Baspa flows on the right. During winter the village remains under thick snow coverings, The village has two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.

Kamru Fort

Kamru Fort is a historic tourist attraction around 2 km from the beautiful Sangla Valley. Set in front of a scenic background, the fort is surrounded by stunning views of the magnificent Himalayas. The fort encloses a 15th-century shrine of Lord Badrinath. The wooden balcony of the fort is a great ideal point to witness the grandeur of the Himalayan landscape. On the third floor of the fort, there is an idol of Goddess Kamakhya. It is believed to be brought from Guwahati, Assam. A famous fair is arranged once in three years in this place. During this fair, the deity of the temple is taken to Gangotri, the origin of the river Ganga.

Nichar

Nichar is one of the scenic places to see in Kinnaur district, situated at an altitude of 2150m, Nichar is one of the three administrative areas in Kinnaur district and is situated between Taranda and Wangtu on the left bank of River Satluj. Blessed with rich flora and fauna, the upper region of Nichar is home to wildlife species like Ghoral, antelopes, and black and red bears.

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Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary

Lipa Asrang Sanctuary is a must-see tourist destination for nature lovers. The sanctuary is spread over an area of around 30.89 sq km. at the height of 4,000 to 5,022 m. The variety of flora and fauna found in this sanctuary includes dry coniferous forest, dry alpine scrub, western Himalayan temperate forest, coniferous forest, Yak, Leopard, Goral, Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Himalayan black Beer, and Musk Deer.

Chitkul Himachal Trekking

Trekking is a great adventure activity in Chitkul. Trekking on some of the most famous routes in Chitkul, one can find both moderate and hard trekking routes out here. Some of the best and most popular trekking routes in Chitkul are:

Nagari ITBP-It is an easier trekking option and best suited for beginners.

Rani Kanda Meadows’s trekking route- It started from Chitkul and is truly mesmerizing. This 10 km trek includes both medium and difficult paths. The beautiful views of the valleys will make visitors truly mesmerized.

Borasu Pass trek-It is at a height of 5449 meters and is the most difficult route in the region. The path includes 90-degree slopes, narrow ridges, and boulders. If you wish to experience a lifetime memory then the Borasu Pass trek is an option for you.

Lamkhaga Pass trek-It is said to be the toughest trekking route near Chitkul. It will take you at least 15 days to complete the trek. The best time to cover this trek is mid-May to June or after the monsoon months.

How To Reach Chitkul Himachal

Chitkul is nearly 586 km from Delhi. The most beautiful part of the Delhi to Chitkul trip is the 40km stretch starting from Karcham. The ultimate scenery route is consist-Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla-Karcham-Chitkul. There are two ways to reach Chitkul. The easier and short route is via Shimla and the longer route is via Manali. The closest railhead is the Shimla railway station. This is a small railway station that is connected to Kalka. One can also reach Shimla airport which is the nearest airport.