Himachal Pradesh holds beautiful secrets that remain undiscovered by the most! In the soothing Kinnaur district lies the hidden gem of Chitkul. Known to be the last inhabited village, it is located on the Indo-Tibetan border. Beyond Chitkul, travelling is prohibited as the region is under the Indo-Tibet Border Police. You must be wondering about the extraordinary serenity that Chitkul holds! To your surprise, it is home to magical elements of nature.
From snow-clad hills and secluded pathways to gushing streams, Chitkul, just like villages in Himachal Pradesh, melts your heart in every way! While most people travel to the popular tourist places, this is for the ones looking for an offbeat experience. Chitkul, Kinnaur takes you away from the urban hustle and deep into the cultural heritage of villagers. So, let’s discover everything for a trip to Chitkul.
Chitkul and Nearby Villages: Are They a Geographical Family?
As confusing as it may sound, the history of Chitkul is different for every villager. While some trace the village to Buddhist traditions, others connect it with Lord Krishna. Interestingly, villages in and around have developed their personalised rituals and practices.
Each village has a distinctive deity who protects the area. Moreover, the rituals also differ from one village to another. According to one of the legends, Chitkul village is dedicated to Goddess Mathi, while the neighbouring Kamru is home to Lord Badrinath.
As per certain beliefs, Goddesses Mathi and Lord Badrinath are believed to be husband and wife. Similarly, Sangla is home to Bering Nag temple and Rakcham is known to be the place of Samasher Devta. Here Nag Devta and Samasher Devta are believed to be the nephews.
What a pleasure to learn something beyond the ordinary. Do you know what the real thrill is? It is to hear more narratives from the locals!
Chitkul Village: Glimpse into the Everyday Living
When you travel to a place, you are certain to come across distinctive traditions and ways of life. Being the last inhabited village, Chitkul, Kinnaur is definitely a place to be! It is because of the slow life that you get to experience here.
Imagine the solace where you don’t rush to get into trains, you don’t walk miles to reach the office and you don’t come home tired!
The village is all about wooden houses, which are probably made by the people themselves. Every house is non-identical, along with the techniques and design. As the village experiences heavy snowfall, these wooden houses are strong and resilient. Villagers mostly engage in agricultural activities and animal husbandry as the source of their living. That’s exactly why you get a lot of dishes made with potatoes in Chitkul village.
As they say, you only get to experience reality when you step on the idyllic landscapes. For what is experienced transcends words!
9 Places to Visit in and around Chitkul: Offbeat Experiences and Expeditions
1. Mathi Temple
When in Chitkul, you cannot miss visiting the famous and revered Mathi temple. It is dedicated to the goddess Mathi, who is believed to be the protector of Chitkul village. The Kinnauri style architecture is home to a walnut wooden ark and a unique tuft of yak tail. It is a sacred place of beauty, so it is important to respect the local customs.
Additionally, the doors of the temple are closed and only open on Sundays. Moreover, villagers take part in a special ritual when the temple is open. Selected villagers carry goddess Mathi outside the temple to offer prayers. They then perform a few rituals wherein tourists are instructed to be away.
You can definitely pray from a suitable distance and it is best to experience something beyond the ordinary! Later, villagers discuss their grievances and requests to the goddess. This is the time when tourists are not allowed inside the temple.
Location: 9C2P+M99, Sangla-Chitkul Rd, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109
Amazing, isn’t it? Discovering the unseen and unheard customs of the last village, Chitkul!
2. Gupt Raj Temple
The word gupt literally means hidden! That’s exactly why you shall not find too much information about this temple. Gupt Raj temple is located close to the Buddhist temple and sure has secrets! It remains closed and has a different vibe. You can easily spot the wooden architecture. It is best to check with locals to discover the unheard stories of this temple in Chitkul village.
Location: 9C3P+769, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109
3. Aakhri Dhaba
The word aakhri means last and the name is given for all the right reasons. Aakhri Dhaba is a famous eatery situated in Chitkul (the last village). The place attracts hundreds of travellers with warmth and loving people serving food. It is the rustic charm of the dhaba that invites adventure enthusiasts, travellers and even celebrities!
If you are looking for an authentic dining experience transcending the ordinary, Aakhri Dhaba is the place to be! You can enjoy rajma (Indian curry with beans) or kadhi (Indian curry) with rice. Considering the remote location, you cannot miss enjoying the Pahadon wali Maggi here.
What’s more? Food with a majestic view! This place has a decent seating arrangement facing the magnificent mountains. You get to see the snow-capped peaks and lush greenery right when you dine. It is also affordable for a quick meal with lovely locals.
Location: Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109
4. Chitkul Bridge
Let us all agree on the fact that pictures are super important in the journey! Especially when you are in Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh, you need to have Instagram-worthy shots. After all, the beauty of pictures is that you can always go back to the memories of your trip.
Chitkul Bridge is one of the best places to visit during your Spiti Valley trip. As you stand on the bridge and witness the Baspa river flowing beneath, you are certain to fall in love with the hills! Whether you love adventure or not, this place is sure to give you chills.
Magnificent views with the utmost silence so loud that you hear your inner thoughts. Walk by the bridge and get ready for a wild journey ahead. Adorned by prayer flags, it is the perfect place to shoot videos, watch snowcapped views and experience solace.
Location: Baspa River, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109
5. Kagyupa Buddhist Temple
Chitkul village basically follows different traditions and that’s how you find unique places here. Kagyupa Buddhist Temple is one of the best places to visit in Chitkul for a soothing time. Tourists are not allowed inside; however, you can witness the stunning architecture.
As you walk around the temple, you can see vibrant colours and Buddhist-inspired exteriors. What makes it special is the Lama family that lives next to it. They mostly take care of the temple, meditate and take active participation in its maintenance.
Location: 9C3P+83X, Unnamed Road, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109
6. Baspa River Front View
What is better than being near a water source that gently flows through the valley? Chitkul, Kinnaur is home to the majestic Baspa River. If you are looking for a peaceful retreat, this is the place to be.
You must have seen how avid travellers prepare maggi or tea by the riverside. If that is something that interests you, this might be your turn to do so (obviously in the most responsible way without littering). Massive rocks on the bank allow you to sit for a while and gaze at the open skies.
If you love adventure, check out the best camping places in Himachal Pradesh that offer riverside views and stargazing options.
Location: Baspa River Camp, Sangla-Chitkul Rd, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109
Aren’t vacations all about exploring the unknown? What a blessing to witness water, sun, rocks and rugged terrain all together in Chitkul!
7. Kamru Fort
You must have seen a plethora of forts across India; however, Kamru Fort is different! Unlike other structures, this one is made from wood, standing tall in grace. While you cannot witness the interiors, it is still a great place to visit near Chitkul village.
It is important to know that you need to climb many steps before reaching the final destination. However, the view from the top is indeed breathtaking. It allows you to see Kinnauri settlements and lush landscapes.
What’s more? You compulsorily need to wear a Kinnauri cap and tie a cloth around your waist before entering the fort. Villagers offer both at no cost at the entrance. It is best to not travel with leather belts, shoes, wallets or bags, as these are not allowed inside. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the architectural glamour of the Kamru fort.
Location: C7P5+J6W, Kamru, Himachal Pradesh 172106
8. Bering Nag Temple
Most temples in and around the village are closed due to the local traditions and beliefs. They remain open during specific days and times only in the presence of locals. The same is the case with the Bering Nag temple. Located around Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh, it is dedicated to Nag devta (snake).
As you enter the temple, you can experience a sense of fulfilment! It is the solace that travellers love to talk about. Fulaich Fair is a popular festival that brings together villagers in the temple. It is indeed a great place to see the fusion of Buddhist and Kinnauri architectural styles. While you cannot go inside, you can still witness the structure, offer prayers and meditate in the calmness.
Location: C7G7+3M3, Sangla, Himachal Pradesh 172106
9. Sangla Meadows
To be in meadows is to complete your Bollywood-inspired dreams! Sangla meadows or Sangla Kanda steals your heart with awe-inspiring valley views. In ancient times, these meadows were untouched by travellers. Only the seekers of spirituality toured across the meadows to find solace and meditate. After a while, it was exposed to extreme adventure lovers.
In today’s time, Sangla Meadows is open to the world! With an increase in tourism, you can find many homestays offering a unique stay experience. The widespread landscape is perfect for an escape from everyday life. This is the place to see the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range in the most captivating way.
Location: C79G+R7, Boning Saring, Himachal Pradesh 172106
Interesting Things to do in and around Chitkul
1. Charangi Ghat Trek
If you are an adventurous traveller, the Charangi Ghat Trek is one of the best things to do in Chitkul. It is only for seasoned trekkers considering the strenuous pathways.
Located at an altitude of 5242 meters, the trek takes you through adorable views and floral beauty. The trek is not a frequent expedition for travellers due to the dramatic ascents and descents. With many treks in Himachal Pradesh, you can definitely opt for the Charangi hike here.
2. Apple Plucking
Apple orchards are pretty popular in Chitkul village due to the climate. The golden apples elevate the beauty of this place. During the months of July to September, you can go to pluck apples. Many locals have a dedicated farm to offer this experience. It is best to communicate with villagers and take home memories of apple plucking.
3. Stay in Wooden Houses
The village is also about the wooden houses showcasing the intelligence of locals. Surviving the harsh weather, these houses are equipped with the most basic facilities. These lovely locals are more than happy to cook meals for travellers. Sharing a meal with the family is always a joyful moment in Chitkul, Kinnaur.
Did you know villagers also build a wooden storage right next to their house? The storages are built to store grains, water and essential food items. Since grains are not available in the winter season, the storage houses are great for surviving in the harsh climate.
Best Time to Visit Chitkul
Located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Chitkul is always cold with extreme temperatures. Hence, it is important to consider the weather and temperature before planning a visit. The best time to visit Chitkul is during the summer season from March to June. The temperature is anywhere between -3°C and 12°C. While snowfall is less expected, you might still be able to see snow-clad peaks.
Winter months in Chitkul are extremely cold and not recommended for tourists. Even villages are shut for tourist activities during this time. As villagers live through the harsh weather conditions, visiting during the winter months is not a good idea!
How to Reach Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh?
The village of Chitkul is a remote destination, so you need to plan your journey accordingly. It is important to consider the budget and travel mode before the trip. Check out the ways to reach this Kinnauri destination.
By Road
Chitkul is the most accessible location via road. There are many state-run buses from Delhi, Shimla and Chandigarh. Similarly, you can also hire private cabs to reach the place. Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 22) is the route that takes you to this beautiful place. It is best to hire a taxi beforehand, as the roads can be tricky in extreme weather conditions.
By Railway
The nearest railway station to Chitkul is Shimla, which is approximately 244 kilometres from the destination. It is best to stay at one of the hotels in Shimla to energise yourself for a thrilling journey ahead.
By Air
Shimla Airport is the nearest air route to visit the village, which is approximately 264 kilometres.
Things to Carry for the Chitkul, Kinnaur Trip
You sure want a great experience when travelling to this village. Being a remote location with minimal facilities, it is important to have everything in your backpack. Below are the things you must carry for a smooth time.
- Thermal wear, jackets and thick woollen sweaters
- Comfortable trekking boots/shoes
- Hats and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Valid Identity Proof
- Required permits
- GPS device (advisable)
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water purification tablets
- Power bank
- Torch
- Medicines
- Ready-to-eat food packets
- Binoculars
Your ticket to paradise!
A destination as magical as Chitkul can only be found in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. With experiences that transcend your ordinary life, book yourself a getaway into the heavenly meadows.
The village with its Kinnauri culture and traditions is sure to melt your heart. After all, travel is a dose of dopamine that energises your senses in the most soothing way!
