Before you start reading this article, I am requesting you to watch this beautiful video on Chitkul village. Believe me, it is a treat of eyes.
I hope you are amazed by the beauty of the village, Chitkul! Now if you are not visited this place or want to visit in future, then you are in the right place. Within a few minutes of reading this article, you can get ideas about why every traveler must visit Chitkul village, how to reach this place, what are the attraction of Chitkul etc.
So let’s start with a brief history of Chitkul
Chitkul is a small village near Indo-China border in the Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Baspa river is the main source of water for this small village. The village is 25 km away from Sangla, it takes 2 – 3 hours to reach Chitkul. It is situated at 3,450 meters above the sea level. This village has its own charm with people who are living here. In this heavenly place, people are calm, quiet, honest and believer of both Hinduism and Buddhism. In the ancient mythology, the people of Chitkul were known as Kinnaras means the halfway between Gods and Humans.
How to reach Chitkul Village in Himachal Pradesh?
Chitkul village is 603 km away from Delhi. One can drive to Shimla or Kufri from Delhi and take a cab to Kinnaur district. They can visit Chitkul directly from Kufri or can stay at Sarahan, Sangla and then come to this village.
Another popular route is Chandigarh to Shimla or Kufri, then Sarahan, Sangla and finally Chitkul.
What is the best time to visit Chitkul village?
There are two best times to visit Chitkul – One is in the Summer months from April to June and another is in the pre-winter season from September to October. Chitkul is very cold and also windy during Summertime and the temperature ranging between 5°C to 20°C. The road closes from November after the first snowfall with the temperature as low as -20°C. The road opens again at the end of March.
Now coming to the main part, why Chitkul village is a must visit for every travelers?
There is no doubt about the beauty of this place and there are many other things which will grow your interest to visit Chitkul definitely.
Here are 15 interesting facts for which you should visit Chitkul Village
1. Organic potatoes are grown at Chitkul and it is one of the best in the World and very costly.
2. Chitkul is practically the last point of the famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama.
3. Chitkul village is the starting and end point of many popular treks like Lamkhaga pass trek, Borasu pass trek, Kinnaur Kailash Trek.
4. There is a Helipad in the village just near the Baspa River.
5. Beautiful Mathi temple situated in the middle of the village is about 500 years old.
6. The statue of Goddess Ganga in the Mathi temple used to be taken to Gangotri through shortcuts by the local in the ancient times. It was called “Snaan Yatra”.
7. The people of Chitkul are the believer of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
8. From Chitkul one can access three high altitude passes – Charang Pass, Lamkhaga pass, and Borasu pass.
9. Uttarakhand border is just 20 km from Chitkul village.
10. The last ITBP camp toward the Indo-Tibetan border is just 1.5 km from the village.
11. There is a functional water-powered flour mill in the village.
12. There is a Kagyupa temple which has a highly valued old image of the Shakyamuni Buddha, four Directional Kings on either side of the door and a wheel of Life mandala.
13. The population of this small village is 852.
14. This village has no clinic, hospital and a single ATM
15. There are two schools in Chitkul village, a primary school, and a secondary school.
So, these are few interesting facts for which you should visit this gem of India, Chitkul. I hope you can also get to know more interesting untold facts when you will visit this beautiful place. Do share those with us after your visit. Well, hope you enjoy reading this blog on Chitkul. If you have any query regarding Chitkul visit, Chitkul stay or contacts, drop a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Till then travel, share and inspire.
