Chitkul
Human-reviewedSangla (Baspa) Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude
- ~3,450 m
- Position
- Last village on the Indo-Tibet road
- Valley
- Sangla / Baspa
- From Sangla
- ~24 km
- Stay
- Guesthouses, campsites
About
Chitkul sits at the head of the Sangla (Baspa) valley in Kinnaur, and is often described as the last village before the Tibet border on this route. Traditional houses of stone and timber cluster around a Mathi Devi temple, and potato fields and meadows run down to the Baspa river. There are guesthouses and campsites, a small market, and short walks along the river. Beyond Chitkul the track towards the border is restricted.
How to reach
- Reach Sangla via Karcham on NH5; Chitkul is a further ~24 km up the valley.
- Nearest airport is Shimla (small) or Chandigarh; there is no rail in Kinnaur.
- HRTC buses run from Reckong Peo and Sangla; shared taxis also operate.
Best time to visit
May to October. The valley is cold and can be snowbound in winter, and the road may close after heavy snow or landslides.
Things to know
- Acclimatise — Chitkul is above 3,400 m and some people feel the altitude.
- Carry cash; card and network coverage are unreliable.
- Do not attempt to walk towards the border beyond the permitted point.
FAQ
Is Chitkul the last village on the Indo-Tibet road?
It is generally described as the last inhabited village accessible to visitors on this route; the track beyond it towards the border is restricted.
Do you need a permit for Chitkul?
Indian nationals do not need a special permit for Chitkul itself. Inner Line Permits apply further east in Kinnaur towards the border areas.
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