chhitkul in winter

Chhitkul-The last village (Winter)


Trip Code:
Duration: 6 days, Chandigarh to Chandigarh
Distance: 771 km
Daily Distance: 130 km (average)
Skill Level: High

Best time to travel: Oct to Mar
Max Altitude: 11,320 ft
Temperature: -20℃ To 5℃
Culture: Hindu and Buddhist

Dates and Availability:

Book Trip
Highlights:
Route Map
(Click on the map to enlarge)

chhitkul route map

About Chhitkul


Chhitkul is the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border and also the highest village of the Baspa valley. As a result during the winter months of November to March, it is completely coverred in snow and sometimes cut-off from the rest of the region by heavy snowfall. Most people prefer to leave the village during the winter months and shift to some lower area near Sangla. The sleepy village dorns an even sleepier look and becomes and heaven for adventure activities.

Chhitkul is also famous for potato farming and trout fishing during the summer. It is a nature lover paradise all throughout the year. The white cover during the winter, stretching from the montain peaks to the valley below is a mesmerising scenery.

The only non-Buddhist deity here is the powerful goddess of Chhitkul to whom even the Parikrama pilgrims pay their respect. The local deity is believed to be related to the Deity of Gangotri, and locals carry the Deity to Gangotri on foot over high mountain passes.

Discovery Channel has rated this as one of the 'deadliest roads' in the world. Add to that the slipperyness caused by the snow during winters. An ideal place for an adventure motorcyclist and for people seeking short adventure trips. The landscape in this tour is stunning with snow covered mountains all round, challenges at every bend and river Sutlej and river Baspa to give you company throughout the journey. Visit to some old Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples completes the soulful experience.

Notice


Tour Price Includes:
  • Royal Enfield motorcycle
  • Accomodation on twin-sharing(double-occupancy) basis
  • Breakfast and dinner (set menu) on all days
  • All tolls / entry fees that are part of the tour
  • Experienced English-speaking road captain
  • Experienced Mechanic throughout the tour
  • Spare parts for breakdowns of our motorcycles
  • Support vehicle for carrying extra luggage and other essentials
Tour Price does not Include:
  • Fuel for the ride
  • Government Taxes as per actual
  • Lunch and any kind of snacks on all days
  • Any beverages like bottled water, juice, tea, coffee etc.
  • Any other item of personal nature like room service, laundry, tips, porterage, phone calls etc.
  • Any tolls / entry fees that are not part of the tour or are optional
  • Your travel to the start location and away from the end location
  • Refundable security deposit for the motorcycle
  • Anything not exclusively mentioned in the Includes section.
Please Note:
  • Nomad Bikers terms and conditions will apply
  • Accomodations will be non-luxury or similar
  • All destinations and sightseeing is subject to weather conditions and political conditions in the destination and on the way
  • Nomad Bikers cannot be held liable in case the tour is affected because of weather, political, or any other conditions. Any additional expenses incurred due to the same would be borne by the participants.
  • In case of any increase in prices due to increase in government taxes, entrance fees, intra or inter state taxes etc, the tour price will be revised.
  • It is mandatory to carry a valid photo identity card (Passport / Driving License / Voter ID card / AAdhar card) with its photocopies and some passport sized photos
  • Road Captain can change anytime during the course of the tour
  • In case of any mishap, if the Road Captain is unable to ride then the mechanic would take his place, as he is also an experienced rider.

Itinerary and Highlights of the Route


The itinerary lists the places we will be covering during the trip. Where we stay and how much we travel in a day is just indicative and is subject to change depending on weather condition.

Chandigarh
Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a city and a union territory of India that serves as the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh was one of the early planned cities in the post-independence India. Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Sivalik range of the Himalayas in northwest India.
You will receive a warm welcome on arrival at Chandigarh. Check in to hotel. Meet the team. Local sightseeing. Overnight stay in hotel.

Kotgarh
Kotgarh (6,500 ft)

Kotgarh, situated 82 km from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road, is also lovingly called the apple bowl of India. It is famous for its apples and acres of apple orchards. Samual Evan Stokes is said to have planted the first apple trees in India here. There is an interesting story about how he got apple to India. Kotgarh is a quaint scenic place. The picturesque terraced fields dotted with apple trees and bungalows is feast for the eyes. Hattu temple and peak is a popular trekking trail, and offers a panaromic view of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges from the top. The elliptical shaped Tanu Jubbar Taal is a scenic location and has the famous Naag Devta temple built along its sides. The beautiful wooden St. Mary's Church, with its old graveyard stands as a reminder of the bygone era. Milan Devta Temple (Chatur Mukh), with its beautiful architecture constructed in Shikhar style, is dedicated to diety Deo or Deota. There are interesting accounts by blogger about this mandir. Stay at hotel.

Sarahan
Sarahan(7,590 ft)

Sarahan is small picturesque temple town in the Sutlej valley and is the Gateway to Kinnaur. Located half way up a high mountain side, the road to Srahan winds past flowering pine trees that give way to stately oaks. Encircling the Bashal peak are trees of smooth birch and variety of wild flowers and rare medicinal herbs. Adventure seekers can take a one day trek to the Bashal peak and enjoy the charming view of partially snow-coverred mountains beyond the green grassy hills. Deep down the alley flows the Satluj river and across lies the snow-clad Shrikhand peak. This sparcely populated region has many ancient legends and here is the famous Bhimakali Mandir regarded as the Fifth most scared Saktipeeths. The temple with its wealth of carvings is an example of Himachal's indegineous form of architecture known as the 'Kathkuni' style, prevalent in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur and Kullu. It is believed to be at least 800 years old. The centuries old temple is now locked and in the newly built temple the goddess Bhimakali is portrayed as a maiden. This temple complex includes other temples such as Narsingh shrine of Bhairon and Lord Raghunath. Other attraction is the nearby Jeori hot water springs.

Chhitkul
Chhitkul(11,320 ft)

Chhitkul is a small serene village beside the Baspa river in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the last inhabited village in the Baspa valley on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. To best enjoy the local beauty and culture of this place you should stay in camps or home stay.

Sangla
Sangla

Sangla Valley or the Baspa Valley starts at Karcham and ends at Chhitkul. The Bapsa river joins the bigger Sutlej River at Karcham. Sangla is the major town in this valley. The valley is surrounded by forested slopes and offers picturesque views of the high mountains. It is surrounded by many apple orchards. Situated just 2 km away from Sangla, is the wonderful tower-like Kamru fort, one of the oldest forts in Himachal. There are lots of trails in the apple orchards while you stay in Baspa valley. A hike to Glacier Point can be arranged if you fancy some snow play.

Narkand
Narkand(8,890 ft)

Narkanda is a peaceful town in the Shimla district, away from the maddening crowd. It offers a gorgeous view of snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges along with tall pines, spruce, maple and aspen trees. The Hatu peak is a major attraction in Narkanda. Thanedar, about 14 km from Narkanda, also known as the hub of apple cultivation, is famous for its apple wines and jams. Narkanda is also a popular winter sport destination in Himachal. Stay at hotel.

Chandigarh
Chandigarh

End of trip. You go back with loads of memories.