About Chitkul

Chitkul is the Last Village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh. Chitkul village is the last motorable village inhabited on the Indian boundaries. The charming town of Chitkul is a gateway to beautiful meadows, a gushing river, and majestic mountains. Chitkul Village attracts many backpackers, campers, hikers, and explorers by its divine nature. The locals here are humble and with a warm heart welcomes the tourists to witness the beauty of their hometown. According to the legends, in the prehistoric period, the residers of Chitkul Village were called Kinnaras as they were believed to be halfway between mortals and deities mainly for their homeland. The Kinnaur district was home to these supernatural people as this place makes one feel close to God while leaving in this earthly environment. The culture and tradition followed by the people of Chitkul are diverse and are influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and Animalism. Several monasteries can be found in the Chitkul. The local dialect of Chitkul is Pahadi and Tibetian yet communication with tourists is done in Hindi.

Geography of Chitkul

Chitkul Village is located in the Kinnaur Valley of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh. The Chitkul Village is situated on the banks of River Baspa. With the Baspa river flowing on one side and apple orchards on the other this tiny hamlet is an amazingly tranquil and serene experience. Chitkul is the last motorable village of India on the rim of the old  Indo-Tibetian Road. Chitkul Village is at an altitude of 3450 meters. Chitkul village has preserved its culture and heritage well exhibited through the traditions, architecture, and ethics of the villagers

Plan My Package Recommends: Places to visit in Chitkul

Mathi Temple

Mathi Temple of Chitkul ages five centuries-old dedicated to the local Goddess Shri Mathi. The statue of Goddess Mathi in the temple is of wood. The statue was carved out of Walnut wood. The statue of Goddess Mathi is decorated and ornamented with clothes made of Yak’s tail hair. According to the folklore, Mathi Devi settled in Chitkul village after a long and tiring journey, and reaching Mathi Devi in Chitkul brought prosperity to the people of Chitkul. Locals devotedly are followers of Goddess as she is believed to be their lucky charm. The temple in itself is a marvel of the wooden architecture of the Kinnauri tribe. Recently the temple has been restored, one can visibly notice the mix of stone and wood temple. Tourists can enter only till the temple compound and not inside the temple. The entry inside the temple is limited to the locals only.

Chitkul Fort

Chitkul fort was once used as a watchtower now is a prominent attraction in Chitkul Village. The three-floored fort gives you a clear view of the whole town. The marvelous wooden architecture of the Pahadi style using mountain stones as the base is worth witnessing. 

Baspa River

Baspa River is an important tributary of River Sutlej that fast flows by the Chitkul Village adding to the beauty of Chitkul Village. It is a great place for tourists for photography, fishing, and camping. The river has plenty of various and rare species of fish. One has to cross the river by sailing in the basket which is a simple yet fun activity that does attract tourists. Baspa River has a peaceful ambiance to relax sitting by the river and listening to the water currents or spending time camping on the banks of the river with a backdrop of mountain ranges. 

Places Near Chitkul

Rakcham

Rakcham is a quaint village that falls en route to Chitkul from Sangla. River Baspa passes by the Rakcham village. This little hamlet offers a clear and alluring view of the snow-capped Kinnar Kailash Peaks. The village is not less populated compared to the other villages of the region and is known for its remoteness from other villages. The region here receives severe winter that even the locals migrate to the lower regions hence avoiding the visit to Rakcham during winters is suggested. Rakcham has very limited shops with only essentials. As Rakcham is a remote village it is not a tourist hub but has serene beauty to offer. The distance from Chitkul to Rakcham is approximately 9 km.

Sangla Valley

Sangla is crowned with the tag ‘Switzerland of India’. Sangla Valley is undoubtedly a bliss for nature lovers relishing in the calmness and sterile environment of this all raw destination of Himachal Pradesh. Baspa River flowing through the Sangla Valley also carries a great Tibetan influence. Sangla is famous for the Apple orchards in Sangla. Sangla Valley is one of the most important apple-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh. Sangla Valley also abodes beautiful Apricot Orchards. One should miss a chance to feast on this region’s red juicy apples and the feel explosion of its rich flavors on the taste buds. Curiosity for the culture and tradition is a prevailing emotion while visiting a place, one can experience those by trying the local costumes, traditions ad lifestyles of the Tibetian and Hindu habitats of this region. One can also visit the local huts located in the meadows of the Sangla Valley with the spectacle of the Kinnaur Kailash Mountain Ranges. The famous festival of Sangla Valley, ‘Fulainch’ is an annual flower festival celebrated with complete enthusiasm. The main villages of the Sangla Valley are Karcham, Rakcham, Kamru, Themgarang, and Batseri.  Places that one can visit while in Sangla are Kamru Fort, Bering Nag Temple, Sangla meadow, Tibetian Wooden Carving Center, and Sangla Buddhist Monestry.

Best Time to Visit Chitkul

Winters in Chitkul ( October - February)

Chitkul in winters remains for six months with the given reason of heavy snowfall. Chitkul remains closed from October to February. The locals of the village migrate to the lower regions in winters as the region is extremely cold. The average temperature of Chitkul during winters is -21℃ to 3℃. 

Summers in Chitkul (March - June)

Chitkul in summers is the best time to visit Chitkul with pleasant weather where the sun shines pass through the cloud and the breeze sways the trees in its rhythm. The summers in Chitkul are cold rather than hot. So one has the opportunity to explore the village to its fullest. The season is perfect for trekking and camping here. The early months of Summer have chances of snowfall. The average temperature of Chitkul in Summers is -3℃ to 12℃. 

Monsoons in Chitkul (July-September)

Chitkul in monsoons receives heavy rainfall. The risk of landslides and roads getting blocked is high in Chitkul during monsoons. It is not recommended to visit Chitkul in monsoons as accidents happen frequently in this season. On the positive side, the flora is at its fullest bloom. The mountains look freshly painted in green. The average temperature of Chitkul in Monsoon is 1℃ to 20℃. Know More...

How to reach Chitkul

Chitkul by Air

The nearest airport to Chitkul is Shimla Airport in Jubbarhatti at a distance of 264 km flights from major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, etc. Apart from that, another nearest airport to Chitkul is Bhuntar Airport at a distance of 265 km. Later the journey can be recommenced by local transport like taxis and buses.

Chitkul by Rail

The nearest Railway station to Chitkul is Kalka Railway Station as there is no reach of railways in Chitkul. Later bus or taxi can be taken to for further journey. The railway station is well connected by many cities of India. Frequent trains are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, etc. Trains from Delhi to Kalka are:

• New-Delhi Kalka Shatabdi Special
• Netaji SF Special (PT)
• Sainagar Shirdi -Kalka SF Special 

Chitkul by Road

Chitkul by road is accessible by Shimla or Manali. Many buses of HRTC(Himachal Road Transport Corporation) run regularly from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. The roads have a terrain due to the elevation of the valley, but the beautiful scenery of lush green forests and blue skies make it enjoyable even with the tough roads. Also, private buses run from Chandigarh to Sangla, and further local transports are available from there.

Places to Stay in Chitkul

Rohit Homestay 

Rohit Homestay provides a homely stay with a warm ambiance to its guests. The property is located in Chitkul and offers an amazing view of the mountains encased around. A free parking facility is provided by them. The mornings are greeted along with Asian breakfast. The hosts here are sweet and of a warm heart. 
Check-in time of Rohit Homestay: 12 am
Check-out time of Rohit Homestay: 12:30 pm

Samma Resorts 

Samma Resorts is a 3-Star Hotel. Rooms are available with full valley view, semi- valley view, and no valley view. The amenities provided by the Samma resorts are extra-beds and room heaters are available on request, attached bathrooms with geysers, free parking, a garden place facing the valley and bonfire, and in-house restaurants. 
Check-in Time of Samma Resorts: 12 pm 
Check-out Time of Samma Resorts: 10 am

Travelers Homestay

Travelers Homestay is a budget-friendly homestay with a double room and a Deluxe Double room with a balcony. The property serves amazing warm food prepared in their kitchen. The amenities offered by them are free wifi and parking facilities. Room heaters are available on request and attached bathrooms with hot and cold water are available. Early check-in or late check-out are can be managed on availability.
Checkin Time of Travelers Homestay: 8 am
Checkout Time of Travelers Homestay: 12 pm

Rattan Guesthouse

Rattan Guesthouse, located in Chitkul has Family suites and Deluxe Double Rooms to accommodate guests. Rooms have attached bathroom and balcony. The property has a beautiful garden to linger around. The Asian breakfast served in the mornings is simple yet never disappoints in taste. Free private parking is in service. It also offers airport shuttle services. Rattan Guesthouse offers a peaceful and pleasant stay to its guests.
Checkin Time of Rattan Guesthouse: 12 pm
Checkout Time of Rattan Guesthouse: 10 am

Places to Eat in Chitkul

Last Dhaba of India

The Last Dhaba of India or Hindustan ka Akhiri Dhaba offers a splendid view of the gushing river Baspa. It is declared with pride on a banner near the Dhaba. The Dhaba serves only 3 items Maggi, Paratha, and Rajma Chawal which are equally appetizing.
Timings of Last Dhaba of India: 9 am to 7:30 pm

Pincode of Chitkul: The Pincode of Chitkul is 502307.