Chitkul

Chitkul, a tiny village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur area, is referred to as the “Last Village of India.” At 11,320 feet above sea level, this charming town is the final inhabited settlement on the border between India and Tibet. Encircled by picturesque valleys, cascading rivers, and snow-capped mountains, the village is an ideal location for those seeking adventure and a love of the natural world.

The village’s distinct appeal, which makes it stand out from other tourist spots, is one of the key reasons it has grown in popularity with tourists. Despite being subjected to industrialization, this isolated town has managed to preserve its traditional way of life and cultural legacy. Visitors can get an insight into the basic yet intriguing lives of the kind and accommodating residents.

Chitkul is becoming more and more well-liked among adventurous travelers since it provides a tranquil haven from the bustle of the big cities. Because there isn’t much in the way of tourism infrastructure, the village retains its rustic beauty and is a great place for people to get away from it all.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summertime is the ideal season to come, particularly from April to June and September to October. The ultimate adventure with just the right amount of safety is provided by the exhilarating roads of the India-Tibet Highway that lead up to Chitkul and the brilliant blue skies.

But August through September is apple harvest time, and it’s a sight to behold, with the entire landscape changing to colors that accentuate the land’s fertility. This is not a viable choice because it is uninhabitable throughout the winter.

ATTRACTIONS

Visiting adjacent villages like Rakchham and Sangla is one of the finest ways to get a peek of the native way of life. These villages provide a distinctive window into the customs, architecture, and way of life of the Himachali people. For a genuine experience, you can engage with locals, sample their home-cooked meals, and even stay in homestays.

Mathi Devi Temple: Mathi Devi is revered in three villages. The oldest dates back approximately 500 years. You can pay your respects and offer prayers to Mathi Devi by going to this temple. The temple’s surroundings are stunning. It’s important to notice the wooden architecture. Hence, if you’re going to visit Chitkul, the last village in India, be sure to stop by this ancient temple and receive blessings.

Nagari ITBP Trek : Nagari ITBP is a less difficult trekking route. This is most appropriate for novices.

Rani Kanda Meadows: The trekking route to Rani Kanda Meadows from Chitkul is quite captivating. There are both medium and challenging routes in this 10-kilometer hike. However, the breathtaking vistas of the valleys will make the hike worthwhile.

Chitkul Fort: The storied fort, which is thought to be more than 500 years old, is one of the village’s top attractions. It provides sweeping views of the valley below.

Borasu Pass: At 17880 feet high, the Borasu Pass trip is the most challenging path in the area. There are stones, steep 90-degree slopes, and tiny ridges along the route. The Borasu Pass trip is a possibility for you if you’re prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.

Lamkhaga Pass: The trip over Lamkhaga Pass is regarded as the most difficult trekking path available. The trek will take you a minimum of fifteen days to finish. Mid-May to June, or after the monsoon months, is the ideal time to do this trek route.

Where to Stay

Chitkul has a range of lodging choices to suit different types of travelers. Hostels, inexpensive homestays, respectable hotels, and camping areas are available to travelers.

HOW TO REACH

Chitkul’s distant position makes getting to it difficult at times. The different routes and modes of transportation that can be used to get to this stunning location will be covered in this section.

By Flight

The closest airport to Chitkul is Shimla Airport, which is situated in Jubbarhatti. Following that is the second nearest airport to Manali and Chandigarh, Bhuntar Airport. There aren’t many flights to these locations, so be aware of that. The main alternative available to you if you’re searching for something better than these two is the Chandigarh airport. They have connections to numerous airlines from across the nation.

By Train

For those who would rather travel by train, the Shimla railway station is the closest station. This little train station is linked to Kalka via the Kala train. You may choose to use the Chandigarh station if you’d want a better option. Trains to and from all of the nation’s major cities depart from the Chandigarh station.

By Road

If you decide to travel to Chitkul by car, you must first arrive in Chandigarh. You have to go all the way from Chandigarh to Shimla in order to continue your journey uphill to Narkanda.

You have to travel downwards to the Satluj River after arriving in Narkanda. You have to drive up the river to the village of Karcham. You must cross the dam from Karcham and then turn onto the Sangla road. Karcham and Chitkul are around 40 kilometers apart.