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