District: Kinnaur, H.P.

Geographical location: 31.21 N, 78.25 E, Population: 615

Best period for tourist : April to June, Mid of August to Mid of October

Location : A tiny village at end of the Karcham-Sangla-Chitkul road at an altitude of 3455 M. Beyond Chitkul the enthusiasts may trek towards the high mountain walls and glaciers but with extreme cautious. The crevices covered with snow may become a threat to one's life. The Indo-China border is also not very far from Chitkul. On its south, the River Baspa flows and the high mountain with dense cover of tall pine, cedar and birch trees, stands as a wall. Yomunotri in Garhwal is on further south. The distance of Chitkul from Sangla is 28 KM and Rakcham is in between at 11 KM.

General description : All along the river Baspa flows by the side of the road. Initially it flows through the gorge and gradually comes very close to the road level. Again after gaining the altitude the river is far below the road. It remains absolutely frozen in winter near Chitkul, so extremely dangerous to move near the river even in the month of April. The river source is at Nee-La, a pass dividing India and China is also close by. A small yellow board indicates the village population (648). Some traditionally build village huts numbering about 102 exist there. The village area is almost a table land. The full moon night with clear sky is an exhilarating experience. The foreigners are not allowed beyond Chitkul. Due to its altitude and very cold wind, the visitors are suggested to plan cautiously for staying overnight there.

Safety : Safe. Roads : Motorable mountain road. Delay may occur for road blockage due to land slide in rainy season. Road traffic: Careful and slow driving in hill roads suggested. Medical support: No; Fuel Pumps: No, Nearest at Tapri and Powari; Car repairing: No; Market & Shopping Center: No; Tourist Information Center: No; Railway & Air Ticket: No; Hotels & Restaurants: A few; Sports & Game Centers: No. Cellular service: BSNL & Airtel; Car rental: No, sometimes the private cars are put into service.

Places of interest : Minimum days of stay: One. The incomparable scenic beauty of the place attracts the tourists. The temple of the Mother Goddess can be visited. Sometimes the experienced eye can identify the semi precious stones in the river bed particularly after receding water. This apart, the area is the trekkers paradise. The many adventurous trekking routes towards Kinner Kailash as well as Garhwal side start from Chitkul. An all weather motor-able road connecting Sangla valley and Chakras a ( A place closer to Deaden) is expected in near future.

Trekking Routes : (1) Karcham - Sangla via Sivaling Pass in 4 to 5 days; (2) Sangla - Harsil trek via Lamkhaga Pass (5284 M); (3) Morang - Chitkul trek via Charang Pass (5266 M) in 7 to 8 days.

Wild Life Sanctuary at Raksham- Chitkul : Sanctuary area: 304 Sq Km.; Nearest Location : Sangla; Enquiry: DFO, Wild Life, Sarahan, Main Wild life: Bharal, Musk deer, Black bear,Snow leopards, Monal bird, etc., at much higher altitude and away from locality.

Transport : There are 2 buses ply on the Sangla-Chitkul route from Kalpa via Recong Peo. One bus starts from Roghi village, 4 KM south-west of Kalpa at about 8 AM goes to Recong Peo via Kalpa touching most of the hotel gates, and then the same bus starts for Sangla-Chitkul. It reaches at about 1.00 PM. Again after waiting for 30 minutes returns to Recong Peo at about 4.30 PM by the same road. Road is not very wide and has too many sharp bends. Due to fragile geological conditions, the area may become inaccessible by vehicle. Hotels : Due to inadequate accommodation facility, the tourists mostly stay at Sangla/ Rakcham and visit Chitkul and return. Instead, The places can be well visited during a day tour from Kalpa within 8 hours without necessitating over-night stay at Sangla or Chitkul. It benefits much in photographing the mountainsides in the morning and afternoon sunlight.

Accommodation facilities:

The advance booking can be made directly or through www.arraytours.com. Please call +91 9433001192, (Phone) +91 33 24427635. The above data are indicative as provided by the respective hotel or collected from various sources. The author is not responsible for any difference with the actual.

Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 13:59