Top 10 Must-Have Experiences in Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh in 2023

Thinking of going to an offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh this vacation? If yes, Chitkul is the best destination in Himachal Pradesh for you. The village of Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh is probably the last village in India. The village is at a staggering height of 11,319 feet. This makes the travel part of this destination very interesting and adventurous. The hamlet is in Kinnaur District and on the banks of the Baspa River.

With Kinner Kailash in the background of this village, Chitkul has low connectivity, which is paired with unparalleled and untouched beauty. Shimla is the nearest railway station to Chitkul. Take a train to Shimla from Delhi or Chandigarh via the Kalka-Shimla railways, and then take a bus to Chitkul. The roads to Chitkul are a bit scary, but they are covered with so much beauty that one cannot help but get lost in the scenery. The only option to visit Chitkul is via bus. Even if you travel via flight, the nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is 224 kilometers from Chitkul.

The ideal time to visit Chitkul is during the summer, from March to May. The weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. If some daring visitors want to visit during the winter, it is advised to prepare accordingly. The winters in Chitkul Valley are extremely cold, and snowfalls occur.

Here is a list of 10 must-do things in Chitkul.

Mathi Temple

This temple is dedicated to the local goddess Shri Mathi and is believed to be five centuries old. The statue of the deity is made of walnut wood and decorated with the tail hair of a yak. As the folklore says, the goddess resided in Chitkul during her long journey, and once in the village, she blessed the villagers with luck and wealth. It is advisable for all travelers to visit this temple and pay homage to the deity. The serene and tranquil environment will lead you to experience spiritual healing. The temple is also an architectural marvel of the Kinnauri Tribe. The Mathi temple is located in the heart of the last village in India. Visiting this temple is one of the most sacred things to do in Chitkul.

Aakhri Dhaba

The desi residing in us always enjoys the food served in a dhaba. So why not have the same experience at the last dhaba in India, in Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh? The Aakhri Dhaba is the last local cafe in India. Located near the Baspa River, it serves tasty local dishes and is a perfect stop for a break from valley exploration. The masala omelet, chicken curry with lentils, and rice served with vegetables are favorites of the tourists. This dhaba makes it a worthwhile experience to visit Chitkul.

Phulaich Fair

Chitkul village is famous for its Phulaich Fair. It is attended by a number of Hindu devotees, and experiencing this fair is one of the best things to do in Chitkul. This festival is celebrated every year during August or September, which is the season for the blooming of wildflowers in the upper hills. Locally, it is known as the Ookayand Festival or Ukyam Festival.

Charang Chitkul Pass Trek

Probably the best trek in Himachal Pradesh, the Charang Chitkul Pass Trek goes on for 12 days with a stretch of 60 kilometers. It is at a height of 5,242 meters and has long, slithery slopes. Adventure enthusiasts will love this trek, as it is one of the adventure sports in Chitkul.

The trekkers can experience mountain views, meadows, vineyards, Buddhist monasteries, and apple orchards on their way. This trek also guarantees a peak at Kinner Kailash Mountain, which gives you an opportunity to visit the highest cricket pitch in Chail.

Kagyupa Temple

Similar to the Mathi temple, this temple is also made of walnut wood and has unique carvings. It has an idol of Shakyamuni Buddha. Praying here is one of the sacred things to do in Chitkul. The Kagyupa is one of the six main schools of Buddhism, and its origins trace back to the 11th century.

Baspa River

The Baspa River lies in the Baspa Valley. The source of this river is the perennial glaciers, which share the catchment area with the River Ganga. The Baspa river later joins the Yamuna river near Karcham, and enjoying the view is one of the best things to do in Chitkul. The valley of Baspa is covered with pine and oak forests, giving travelers a scenic view.

The Seven Pebbles Wish is a legend of the Himalayas. According to it, if you stack seven pebbles on each other and make a wish that is not materialistic, then it gets granted. It is a test of faith and one of the most fascinating things to do in Chitkul. It is one of the things to try on the banks of the Baspa River.

Sangla Meadows

The meadows situated in Sangla are a gift of God to Himachal Pradesh. Checking them out is probably one of the best things to do in Chitkul. With the snow-covered Himalayas in the backdrop, these meadows not only give you peace of mind but also rejuvenate your mental health.

Kamru Fort

The Kamru Fort in Chitkul attracts a number of tourists from all over the world. Situated one kilometer away from Sangla Valley, it is one of the most popular things to do in Chitkul. The fort has a number of gates before you can actually enter it. The entrance of the fort is adorned with a statue of Buddha and has a balcony that provides visitors with a beautiful view of the Himalayas. The tradition is to wear a Kinnauri cap and a gachhi around your waist at the entrance of the fort. Moreover, there is a temple of Kamakshi Devi in the middle of the fortress.

Bering Nag Temple

Another famous temple in Kinnaur, it attracts a number of visitors during August and September. The Phulaich Fair is held at this temple, and visiting this temple is one of the sacred things to do in Chitkul.

Tibetan Wood Carving Center

Learn the art of wood carving on your visit to Chitkul. It is one of the most interesting things to do in Chitkul. The wood carving center is an attraction for tourists all over the world. These carvings are mainly in the Indo-Tibetan style and are also available for sale. This Tibetan wood carving center is a must-visit in Sangla and Chitkul.

Chitkul is one of the most scenic destinations to visit in India. With snow-capped mountains, beautiful apple orchards, and green meadows, life in Chitkul is calm, soothing, and serene. We are sure you will love to visit Chitkul during these vacations. Let us know what you liked best about your trip to Chitkul.