Journey to the Last Indian Village in Himachal – Chitkul

Located in the heart of Kinnaur Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Chitkul is a little station which gives you the sentiment of having gone far away from civilization. The village lies on the Indo-Tibetan trade route, therefore being the last village of India which can be visited without a permit. Bearing a distance of about 600 kilometers from Delhi and 28 kilometers from Sangla Valley, Chitkul is handsomely based at a height of 3450m and excites travelers with its enchanting beauty. 

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There are two routes to reach Chitkul and the drive is purely a delightful treat both ways. You can start off for Chandigarh from Delhi via bus. From Chandigarh, board a state bus or HRTC and reach Reckong Peo in about 10-12 hours. Chitkul lies 60 kilometers ahead of Reckong Peo. Another transit bus will drop you at Chitkul within 3 hours.

Alternatively, you may travel to Shimla from Delhi, stay a night there and board an early morning bus to Sangla and reach there in around 7 hours. In another 2 hours, you will reach Chitkul via Rakcham. Sangla Valley is a wonderful creation of God which offers enthralling scenic views for nature lovers.

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The small hamlet of Chitkul is situated on the banks of Baspa River that hold crystal clear blue green waters. Around 600 people reside in the village and traces of Indo-Tibetan connection can still be seen in the region. On the left bank of Baspa River lies the snowcapped mountains while on the right bank, the whole tail is flooded with apple orchids. Chitkul is an amazing destination for Himalayan Trekking. It is a perfect place to go for long walks, long and short treks as well as night camping. It is a gateway to Lamkhaga Pass Trek, Rupin Pass Trek & Borasu Pass Trek. Just a few kilometers away from the village is the Nagasthi ITPB post, the last Indian outpost on the border. Ranikanda meadows is a 10 kilometer beautiful trek from Chitkul. The small pretty village is also famous for trout fishing and adventure sports such as mountain biking, bouldering, slackling etc. Mathi temple is a must visit place. The temple is said to be 500 years old and is well known for its art and architecture.

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There are roadside dhabas and few teashops that serve tasty Tibetan style food like momos and thukpa (noodle soup). Bright colored Kinnaur shawals and woolen stuff make a lovely gift to carry back. Also, look up for attractive silver jewellery embedded with turquoise, coral and rare Tibetan pearls. The delicious golden apples and peaches can be bought from there at cheap prices than on the plains. 

Best time to visit the place is from May to October. During these months, you can explore mountains, wide grasslands, apple orchids and swirling river currents. However, the village is closed from November to February due to heavy snowfall. Chitkul, being away from civilization, is an ideal holiday spot for travelers and peace seekers. The mini land of Chitkul is blessed with splendid mountain sights and wonderful natural bliss.

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Best Weekend Treks Near Delhi

The week has just begun and my mind is lost in thoughts about the ways I can get away with the week long hectic routines that are to be followed before another weekend sees a ray of hope.... Are my thoughts echoing with yours too? Are you on a hunt for that perfect short-break that rejuvenates you and preps you to bear with the upcoming week? Well, then we are on the same track and the following lines are meant for you... These words will act like a magic to your quotidian life.

When it comes to a weekend trek near Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it forms a perfect match to our needs. Luckily, these states are filled with abundant of options to choose from and spend an enthralling weekend with friends, family or even solo. So here’s a comprehensive list of trekking options near Delhi -

1. Parashar Lake Trek 
Probably one of the most famed weekend treks...famed not only for its easy to approach, but also the immense beauty it is filled with. The Parashar Lake trek starts from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This 11 km long trail forms a perfect getaway for 2 days. The best time to get lost in its tranquillity is the winter months starting December and running until late March.

2. Nag Tibba Trek 

Situated close to Mussorie, Uttarakhand, the trek to Nag Tibba (Serpent’s Peak) takes you to a height of up to 3000 meters. Have an extended weekend coming up? Then Nag Tibba makes for an ideal and easy trek taking you up to the highest peak of the Nag Tibba range of Garhwal Himalayas. Passing through the thick Oak and Deodar forests reaching atop the peak, you will be welcomed by picturesque views of the ‘Swargarohini Peak’, ‘Bandarpunch Peak’, ‘Kedar Nath Peak’, ‘Kala Nag Peak’ and ‘Gangotri’ group of peaks.

3. Hatu Peak trek 

Ascending up to a height of 3300 meters, this 16 km of trek from Shimla is an ideal way to spend your weekend. Walking under a continuous shade of under the cover of conifer, deodar, fir, spruce and moru; you reach half way up the ridge to find a small pond. Stop by to freshen up your face and capture the moments in your lenses before you proceed further. From the top you get to savour 360 degree views of snow-capped peaks, sprawling valleys and rustic villages perching in the hills. Un-noticed the time will flow and soon you will have to head back home, but you will be taking this view back home that’s gonna live with you forever. 

Image Credits: www.nikhilchandra.in

4. Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek 

Accessible round the year, the 28 km treks attains a maximum height of 4000m and is a best choice to make for a long weekend. Deoriatal Chandrashila trek commences from Sari village and passes through Deoria Tal, Chopta and Tungnath to reach the summit of Chandrashila (4000m). Reaching the top, you are offered with panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayas. Take endowments at this highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and enjoy the view of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nandadevi and Trishul peaks. The weekend couldn’t get better than this.

5. Triund Trek
Triund is a gem of all treks when it comes to weekend treks from Delhi. Starting from the town of Tibetans, Mcleodganj, this short 16 km trek takes you through a trail lined up with pines, deodars and rhododendrons on both sides. Beside this, your soul is blessed with stunningly sky rising peaks of Mun, Rifle Horn, Arthur’s Seat and Slab. The best and most memorable part of the trek would be panoramic vistas of Kangra valley and a night under million stars.

6. Lansdowne Trek
When I say 'Lansdowne', a thought would pass across your mind and you will question yourself like SERIOUSLY! Lansdowne has a trek too? Well, the answer is yes. Lansdowne is not just a place loved by Britishers in the past but has kept its nature’s legacy even today. On offer are a plenty of trails to choose from, like a walking up to the Tiffin Top for a magical views of Himalayas. A walk on the town streets itself will give you a feel of trekking amidst thick pines as cool air caresses your hair and the view of Mt. Chaukhamba and Trishul leaves an imprint on your mind.

Image Credits : www.traveltriangle.com

So with these six chosen treks though the list won’t never end, you weekends are well sorted...Open almost all through the year the above mentioned treks will suit your spontaneous plans. Guess what? You won’t even feel tiresome on returning home as they are all graded as easy level treks and some are even perfect for family hike too...So what’s the wait for? Set on the enthralling adventure that will set you up for weeks to follow until you head out on another one.

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