Chitkul

Chitkul is a tiny hamlet in Kinnaur district, near the Indo-China border in Himachal Pradesh. 25 km away from Sangla, this hamlet is located at 3,450 meters above the sea level. It a 2-3 hours journey to reach Chitkul from Sangla.  This village has its own appeal with people who are living here, this is the reason it has gradually started attaining ground amongst domestic as well as foreign visitors. In this blissful place, people are composed, quiet, trustworthy and supporter of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the last inhabited village in proximity to the Indo-China border.

Native residents with an enthralling smile on their faces, tiny wooden houses, a small hoard of sheep grazing in nearby fields, and a well-nurtured shepherd dog wiggling his tail are an ever-welcoming site the visitors would come across in Chitkul. With an abundance of its vivacious cultural and pristine splendor it inherits, the village leaves the travelers spellbound.

With a sacred heritage right in the middle of the village, named Mathi Temple, Chitkul holds a divine aura in its atmosphere. Mathi Temple is the native deity of the people Chitkul. More than a village god, Mathi temple is dedicated to goddess Shri Mathi. This temple has three shrines, the main one said to have been built by an inhabitant of Garhwal.

Chitkul is known for its best quality potatoes farming in the whole world and the price of potatoes grown here is very expensive. Being the last village on the Indo-China border, this is the last place where no permit is required for traveling.

Traveler Tips:
• Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs in Chitkul.
• Carry all the required medicines and a first-aid kit, as there are no hospitals in Chitkul, one has to rush to Sangla for any medical emergencies.
• Make sure that your vehicle is full of fuel as there are no petrol pumps as well in Chitkul.
• As there is no mobile connectivity in the village, make sure you give a pre-hand update about your whereabout to your dear ones.
• Carry warm and comfortable clothes.
• Keep a pair of skit proof and comfortable footwear.
• The weather here is erratic; sometimes there is a sudden drop in temperature in summers also.


Things to Do:
• Do visit the Dhaba that holds the signboard of ‘Hindustan ka Akhri Dhaba’.
• Visit the ancient Mathi temple located in the heart of the village to seek the blessings of the local diety.
Sit by the localities, chat with them as they are very warm and welcoming.
• Sit in the balcony and enjoy the serene and tranquil surrounding sipping your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Popular Culture:
Mostly influenced by Tibetan culture, people follow both Hinduism and Buddhism and leave in harmony.

Architecture:
The village proliferates in classic Himachali architectural cottages of slate or wooden roofs.

Best Time to Visit:
Chitkul is very cold and breezy during summers and the temperature fluctuates between 5°C to 20°C. After the first snowfall in November as the temperature drops down to -20°C, the road closes and opens again at the end of March.

How to Reach?
Being 603 km away from the capital, travelers can first reach to Shimla or Kufri from Delhi and take a cab to Kinnaur district. The alternative common route is Chandigarh to Shimla or Kufri, then Sarahan, Sangla and finally Chitkul.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About:

• Chitkul is positioned just 120 km before the Indo-Tibetan border.
• Signboard with manuscript ‘Hindustan ka Akhri Dhaba’, which is an eye-catcher for the passer-by and people traveling to Kinnaur, is in Chitkul.

Nearby Attractions:

• Sangla Meadows: Gape At Snow-Clad Mountains
• Brelengi Gompa: Visit The Buddhist Monastery
• Borasu Pass Trek: Hike With Your Gang
• Tibetian Wood Carving Centre: Haven For Shoppers
• Batseri: Admire Apple Orchards
• Kamru Fort: Dive Into The History
• Akhri Dhaba: Don’t Miss Out A Lunch Here