Chitkul: The beautiful Snow-clad mountains dotted with pine trees, a topaz blue sheet spread across the sky and the churlish winter wind almost piercing through the bones all this mesmerizing scenario can be experienced in Chiktul.
The last village on India’s border with China in Himachal Pradesh. Here everything seems white as it is covered with the snow .When the sun bask in its full glory and its sharp reflections on the snow seemed too much for the eyes to take it but still it remains freezing cold.
Located in one of the remotest areas of Himachal Pradesh, Chitkul lies in Kinnaur district at a height of 11,320 feet above sea level.The tiny village is surrounded by hills and the Baspa river flows through it. The sight looked no less than an artist’s painting.
Mornings are bliss in the hills the pleasure of watching the sun rising from behind the peaks and the snow catching the first rays is a joyous experience.
The roofs of the tiny huts in this area are covered with a thick layer of snow while the barren land remained buried deep beneath it. In between Sangla and Chitkul, there comes another tiny village-Rakchham. The Temples and houses built in pagoda style in this region make it an interesting place to halt.
The people visiting Chitkul gets awestruck by the beauty of the place unspoiled and untouched. The mountain range stood erect, covered from tip to toe in snow and so were the village lanes.
In valley Mother Nature’s creation left everyone hypnotized and spellbound. The nights in the hills can be strange and at times cause despair in the urban visitor.
Here temperature in winter is extremely harsh in, Summer is pleasant but avoid the monsoon due to bad road conditions.
How to reach: Sangla from Delhi takes around 16 hours. Buses are available from Shimla and Rampur.
Where to stay: There are many hotels and home stays which remain closed during winters.
What to eat: With a mixed culture of Tibetan and Kinnauri, Indian as well as Tibetan food is available.
