Chitkul Travel Guide

Chitkul is a small village in the Kinnaur valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh In India. On the Indo-Tibet border the inhibited place that comes at the end is known as Chitkul. It is also the highest point in the Indian border located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. This is place where finishes the Indian roads. In fact the Tibetan traces are well visible here, in the facial structure of the people. The jewelry they wear also carries huge resemblance to them. Travelling to Chitkul gives one the feeling as if he has reached the edge of civilization.

The winters here are intense, leading Chitkul to be completely snowcapped and completely vacant as the dwellers move to the lower altitudes. Baspa Valley’s the first village is Chitkul. The end point in the old Tibetian trade route is also Chitkul. The Baspa river flows just by the hamlet. Another importance of Chitkul is that it is the last point of India where one can travel without permit.

10 degrees is the temperature here in summers which can rise to a max of 20 degrees. Though it is pleasant in the summers, but the temperature may suddenly fall in the night. In the winters, which are extremely long, below freezing point is what the temperature generally remains. It is advisable to visit this place during the summers but light winter clothing is a must. The summer months are usually June to September.

A Buddhist temple adorns the town of Chitkul. The slate or wooden plank houses is another attraction. There is also a small tower.

Chitkul is world-famous for its potatoes, which are very high in both quality and price.

 In Chitkul there are three important temples dedicated to local Goddess Mathi. One of the temple is said to be 500 years old and was built by an inhabitant of Gharwal.  The main attraction of these temples are the square ark of Goddess Mathi; built with walnut wood while the clothing is made out of tuft of yak’s tail. There is mouthpiece to the Goddess.  The natural scenery all around with snowcapped mountains is charming and picturesque.

On the way from Sarang to Chitkul, which is about an hour to the South, the journey happens to be very breath-taking. Along the road through the densely green hillsides, through the alpine meadows and finally through the rugged and arid mountains numerous rivulets are found criss-crossing the way. The path itself is a memory of a lifetime.

The next adventurous surprise awaits 4 km from there at Khargola. Here the vehicles have to pass a wooden bridge to pass a shallow stream. The tourists here are required to get done their vehicles and travel on their foot. One has to plunge into the water to pass the stream and wait for their transport. The waters of the stream kissing the barefoot of the tourists itself feels like heaven.

A hugely popular picnic spot lies in MAstrang, about 1 km from Khargola.