When scouting for tourist places in and around Himachal Pradesh in India, you will come across Manali, Kasuli, Dharamshala, Shimla, Spiti Valley, etc. But did you know that there is also a hidden gem like Chitkul? Yes, located on the banks of the Baspa River, it is one of the most beautiful off-beat places and is considered the Himachal last village. In other words, it is the last point to which you can travel in India without a permit.
In this blog post, we’ve collated as much useful information as possible regarding places to visit, the best time to plan a tour, the various things to do in this amazing Chitkul, and most importantly, how to reach the place.
The top seven tourist places to visit in Chitkul
Word of caution: Do not expect modern architectural marvels and sophisticated places in this village. There are minimal attractions in Chitkul Himachal Pradesh, but trust us—they are unique and enticing!
- Chitkul Fort: Visiting this 500-year-old fort can give you breathtaking views of the nearby valley. This place also houses a small temple dedicated to the goddess that protects this village.
- Rakchham Village: This is another small village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Home-made food and homestays are famous here.
- Baspa River: Standing along the Baspa River, you can adore the gushing waters and the magnificent mountains. This is a wonderful spot for camping and stargazing.
- Chandika Devi Temple: This is one of the must-visit Chitkul tourist places. It houses the goddess Chandika, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.
- Sangla Valley: This is a valley near Chitkul that offers scenic views of the Kailash range of the great Himalayas. Pine forests and apple orchids are the two main attractions in this valley.
- Nako Village: Though this is located around 100 kilometers away from Chitkul, it is a great place to visit when touring these regions. Notably, this village is declared the highest-inhabited one in the Himalayas.
- Kalpa Town: You must try visiting this town, as it has the mesmerizing Shivling Peak and the age-old Narayan-Nagini Temple.
What is the best time to visit Chitkul?
Most tourists prefer visiting Himachal in winter to admire the snow-capped mountains. But with regards to Chitkul, winter is not a good choice. Because the whole village gets covered with heavy snowfall. So, the people of this village are forced to move to other parts of the Kinnaur district or the lower region of the hills for their livelihood.
Looking for a weekend to plan your journey? Check out these Long Weekends
Thus, the best months to visit Chitkul are May, June, September, and October. Particularly in the May and June months, you can enjoy pleasant weather, and in the September and October months, you can enjoy the colorful meadows.
What are the various things to do in Chitkul?
- Culture or Heritage Touring: Indeed, this village is known for its rich, old cultural practices and festivals. From Phagli (the winter festival) to harvesting celebrations, every one of them is unique and heartfelt.
- Enjoying the Kinnour Dance Festival: You cannot miss this one as you can submerge yourself in folk music and dances.
- Tasting the Tibetan local food: As this village is housed in the Indo-Tibetian border, the local food has huge Tibetan influences. Some of the must-try foods include thukpa, momos, and fresh trout fish.
- Short and long trekking: The Chitkul trek is quite short. If you need longer treks, you can try the nearby Lamkhaga Pass Trek.
- Leisurely walking at the landscapes: Walking or strolling is one of the must-do activities for you to entirely enjoy the rich culture, special mud houses, and the local home foods of this hidden treasure of Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach this last village?
When you’re thinking, ‘How can I go to Chitkul?’, there are different means.
- By air, you must first travel to Shimla airport and then take a road trip to Chitkul.
- If the road is your choice, Chandigarh-Narkanda-Satluj River-Karcham-Chitkul should be your route.
- If the train is your choice, Shimla or Chandigarh railway stations should be your focus.
On the other hand, by bus, you can travel from Shimla to Sangla and then from Sangla to Chitkul.
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