Chitkul

Chitkul glows like the diadem of Himachal Pradesh with its splendor of nature, and it is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border At 11320 feet. The village is located at a distance of 28 km from Sangla, about 600 kilometer from Delhi in the Kinnaur Valley. This village has its own charm with people who are living here. In this heavenly place, people are calm, quiet, honest and believer of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The most iconic feature of Chitkul is its old, wooden houses, which represent the finest example of the vernacular style of architecture. In the ancient mythology, the people of Chitkul were known as Kinnaras means the halfway between Gods and Humans. The village remains almost covered with snow during winter season. It is during this period of time, the local residents move to the lower Himalayan regions. The attractions nearby Chitkul are Kamru Fort, an 800 years old establishment where Kamakshi Devi(only non-Buddhist deity) Temple is situated, Mathi Temple, hydro flour mill, Rakcham Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, rejoice at Baspa River banks and the amazingly beautiful scenery around.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is the summer months especially from April to June and September – October. However, August – September is harvest season for the apples and makes for a sight to never be forgotten. Since the winter months are uninhabitable, it isn’t a viable option.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest Airport to Chitkul is Shimla (247 km). Bhuntar Airport near Manali is approximately 275 km from Chitkul.

By Train: Shimla is the nearest Railway station to Chitkul and then you need to travel by road from Shimla to Chitkul.

By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 9 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 243 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

Kalpa

Kalpa is a small town in the Satluj river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Nestled at an elevation of 2758 m above sea level, Kalpa was earlier the headquarters of the Kinnaur region. Kalpa is home to the wonderful Kinner-Kailash ranges amid picturesque Himalayan hills and serene valleys.  This is the legendary winter home of Shiva.  Kalpa came into prominence in the wake of British Governor General Lord Dalhousie’s visit in the 19th century. Kalpa and the nearby town of Reckong Peo is mostly used as the center point of the journey from Shimla to Kaza. It is not completely an unknown destination because tourism is a major part of the livelihood of the people around here. The mountain range, wrapped in a white sheet of snow, appeared no less than a fairy tale land. As the sun rose from behind the range, kissing its peaks.

Weather in Kalpa

During summer, it will be the pleasant kind of cold when the temperature during day will be between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. In winter season, it starts to snow here and temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives towards late July and remains until late August during which, it can rain here anytime. During winter season, the temperatures in Kalpa dip considerably; because of which, the months of summer from May onward can be considered as best time to visit Kalpa.

Best time to visit

 During summer, it will be the pleasant kind of cold. In winter season, it starts to snow here and temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives towards late July and remains until late August during which, it can rain here anytime. We suggest plan in summer months only.

How to reach ?

By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 9 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 267 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 267 km from Kalpa.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Shimla,267 km. from Kalpa.