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ToggleDiscover Chitkul Kinnaur, The Last Indian Village on the Indo-Tibetan Border
Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, Chitkul is one of the most picturesque and idyllic villages you will ever see. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and lush green meadows, this quaint village is situated at a staggering altitude of 3450m above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. It is also known as ‘The Last Indian Village’ because it is the last inhabited village in India before entering into Tibet. Let’s take a look at why Chitkul Kinnaur should be your next destination!
- Natural Beauty: Chitkul is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike! The breathtaking views of the Baspa Valley, lush green meadows, snow-covered mountains and the calm sound of flowing waters make this place an ideal destination for those looking to experience some peace and tranquility.
- Adventure Activities: From river rafting in the Sutlej River to mountain biking, trekking and camping in the nearby peaks of Kinnaur valley, Chitkul offers plenty of activities for adventure seekers. You can also enjoy paragliding or zorbing in the area if you’re looking for something more thrilling!
- Local Cuisine: Chitkul is home to some of the best local delicacies of Himachal Pradesh. The village is known for its delectable momos and thukpa, as well as traditional Himachali dishes like dham, aam ka achar, bhang jalebi and more.
- Ancient Monuments: There are several ancient monuments in Chitkul which makes it an interesting place to explore. Some of these include the Bheemakali Temple and the Kalpa Valley Temple which are both centuries old and have beautiful architecture.
- Shopping: Chitkul offers plenty of shopping opportunities such as Tibetan carpets, shawls, wood carvings and other souvenirs that you can take home to remind you of your time in this beautiful village.
Tradition and Culture of Chitkul Kinnaur
The locals of Chitkul follow the ancient tradition and culture of Himachal Pradesh. They are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. The people in the village also practice Buddhism and celebrate traditional festivals such as Losar, Diwali and Sair with great fanfare.
Overall, Chitkul Kinnaur is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience a mix of adventure, cultural activities and natural beauty all at once! So if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind or explore something new, then this remote village should be your next stop. With its unique setting on the Indo-Tibetan border, Chitkul Kinnaur is sure to make your visit a memorable one!
Chitkul is an ancient village that has been inhabited for centuries. It was once a popular trading post between India and Tibet as well as an entry point to enter Tibet from India. Its traditional culture and heritage are still very much intact even today. Every street corner showcases old stone houses with wood carvings, wooden windows, sloping roofs made from slate stones, and doors with intricate patterns. The locals here are mostly farmers who cultivate wheat and barley in their terraced fields. They also grow apricots and apples for their own consumption as well as for sale in nearby townships like Sangla.
Activities to do when Traveling to Chitkul Kinnaur
If you’re looking for adventure activities then you can go trekking on trails that lead to some breathtakingly beautiful peaks like Kinner Kailash (6190m), Jorkanden (6090m), or Raldang (6250m). You can also explore nearby glaciers such as Chau Chau Kang Nelda or trek along the Baspa river valley which is surrounded by dense forests full of Himalayan birds like Monal Pheasant and Himalayan Griffon Vulture. If you’re feeling more relaxed then take a stroll through the village streets or enjoy the view around while sipping tea at a local café. Other things to do include visiting Bering Nag temple dedicated to Lord Shiva or purchase souvenirs crafted by local artisans like carpets made of wool or yak hair shawls with intricate embroidery work on them.
Chitkul Kinnaur has something special for everyone; whether it be adventure seekers looking for thrilling experiences or those looking to appreciate its culture and history while taking leisurely strolls through its streets lined with stone houses carved with traditional motifs . So pack your bags now and head towards this magical land where time stands still! Get ready to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Chitkul Kinnaur!
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Tour Plan and Itenary
Chitkul is nestled in the Baspa Valley (also known as Sangla Valley) of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. It's special because it's the last inhabited village on the Indian side near the Indo-Tibetan border that civilians are allowed to visit without a special permit. Beyond Chitkul, the area is controlled by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Its pristine natural beauty, traditional wooden architecture, and the flowing Baspa River make it a truly unique destination.
Chitkul is located at an altitude of approximately 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) above sea level.
The best time to visit Chitkul is typically from May to June and September to October.
- May-June: Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and lush greenery.
- September-October: Clear skies, crisp air, and stunning autumn foliage, making it ideal for photography.
- Avoid July-August: This is the monsoon season, which can bring heavy rainfall and increased risks of landslides.
- Winter (November-April): Chitkul experiences heavy snowfall and becomes largely inaccessible due to road closures. Most locals also migrate to lower altitudes during this period.
Chitkul is primarily accessible by road.
- From Shimla: The most common route is via the Hindustan-Tibet Highway (NH5). You would pass through Narkanda, Rampur, Karcham, Sangla, Rakcham, and finally reach Chitkul. HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses and shared taxis are available from Shimla or Reckong Peo (the district headquarters of Kinnaur).
- From Manali/Spiti: If you're coming from the Spiti Valley side, you would cross Kunzum Pass and enter Kinnaur via Nako and Pooh before heading towards Sangla Valley.
Yes, despite its remote location, Chitkul offers a range of accommodation options:
- Homestays: These are very popular and offer an authentic local experience, along with traditional Kinnauri food.
- Guesthouses: Several basic guesthouses are available.
- Campsites: Many operators set up temporary camps, especially near the Baspa River, providing tented accommodation.
- Hotels/Camps: A few small hotels and camps like Zostel Chitkul, Nargu Camp & Adventure, and The ALAR Camps & Cafe provide more structured stays.
No special permits are generally required for Indian citizens to visit Chitkul. However, it's always advisable to carry valid photo identification. Foreign nationals may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), as Chitkul is close to the Indo-Tibet border. It's crucial for foreign tourists to check the latest regulations with the local authorities or their travel agent before planning the trip.
- The Baspa River: Flows alongside the village, offering stunning views and a serene ambiance.
- Mathi Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to the local goddess, Mathi Devi, known for its intricate wooden carvings.
- The Last Indian Village Signboard: A popular spot for photographs, marking it as the last inhabited village on the border.
- Charang La Pass (Trek): For serious trekkers, Chitkul is the starting or ending point for the arduous Charang La Pass trek.
- Nagasti ITBP Post: Located a few kilometers beyond Chitkul along the Baspa River. This is the last point civilians can visit.
- Rakcham Village: A beautiful village situated between Sangla and Chitkul, known for its meadows and traditional houses.
Mobile network connectivity in Chitkul is limited and unreliable. BSNL and Jio might offer intermittent signals, but other major carriers usually have no coverage. It's best to inform your family/friends about limited connectivity before your trip and plan for communication accordingly.
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