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SPITFIRE GAUTAM

“Live your life by a compass, not a clock” – Stephen Covey

Picture of Spitfire Gautam or Gautam Lahiri

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No comments on My 🏔️ Himachal Pradesh Diary 🌄 Chitkul – The Last Village of India 🇮🇳❄️ | A Himalayan Escape to the Edge of the World

My 🏔️ Himachal Pradesh Diary 🌄 Chitkul – The Last Village of India 🇮🇳❄️ | A Himalayan Escape to the Edge of the World

Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri

Snuggled at a height of 11,320 ft, Chitkul lies in the Sangla valley of the Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh.

Well known for being famously called the “last inhabited village of India” on the old Indo-Tibetan (Hindustan-Tibet) trade route.

Long drive Preparation 🚗

Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
We park the THAR along with others for a spot of mid-morning snacks and beverages, a mountain drive of 110 km southeast to Chitkul village, piercing Sangla and Rakchham awaited us

Spectacular Mountains🏔️

Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
Through the windshield, you can see the ribbon of a road surrounded by snow-smeared Greater Himalayan range of the Kailash-Kinnaur range, largely made of metamorphic rock, covered with coniferous forests of Silver Birch, Rhododendron, and Spruce trees
Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
We saw innumerable fast-flowing, clear water rivulets that met the main river here, the Baspa River. She is a tributary of the Sutlej River

The Chitkul Village, the final Indian spot🌿

Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
After a grueling drive, we reach the Chitkul village. From a vantage point, we saw the gurgling waters of the Baspa River. Loads of Chir Pine and Deodar Cedar trees grew in abundance around the river. Dark banded rocks here were made of Gneiss & Schist rocks

The Last Post Office🏣

Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
Beside a few popping snow-covered hills in the distance, we see a signpost “India’s Last Post Office, and the last Dhaba or food joint for the weary travelers. Beyond this point, roughly 20 meters away, the Indo-China border came up
Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
The light blue sky was a shade tainted with the dying fire of the western sun. Rolling clouds were dancing off the dark band of rocks from the nearest mountain; we were mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the place
Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
The northern flank constituted the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Zone, and due to its elevation, chilling cool winds swept in. The Chinese occupation was on the other side of this mountain.
Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
The last post office of the Indo-Tibetan border gleamed red, telling us that you can still send letters to your near and dear ones before you are consumed by Tibet. Excitement ran wild through us
Rugged terrain of Rakchham to Chutkul in Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
The locals could get access to their bank accounts from the last SBI branch on Indian soil. Generous regiments of soldiers could be seen on the Indo-Tibetan Border police, a rear end of an Indian pickup truck told us that we were still in India, as we saw the Chinese sky high above

Chitkul Locals👥

Meeting of two Himachali women with an Eastern woman at Chitkul village, Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
Two women from the state of Himachal Pradesh met a woman from Eastern India, and happiness flowed out of friendship, born out of love across different cultures
Himachali Gaddi dog at Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh by gautam lahiri
While sipping hot, sugary Himalayan tea, we were greeted by a fluffy brownish-white dog—likely a Himachali Gaddi breed, of which many could be seen strolling the Chitkul roads

As the watch ticked past 5 PM, darkness crept in swiftly heightened by the mountains.

We scanned for one final glimpse before hopping into our THAR for the 🌙 night ☺️

Inference

  • 🏞️ The Baspa Valley is a biodiversity hotspot, rich in endemic plants and wildlife, now part of conservation studies under the Great Himalayan National Park eco-region
  • 🌲 Forests around Chitkul form part of the Himalayan Temperate Forest Eco-zone — vital for climate regulation
  • 🐿️ Chitkul has a vast array of fauna – Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Ibex, Red Fox, Snow Leopard (very rare, high zones), Himalayan Monal (state bird of Himachal Pradesh), bearded Vulture, Lammergeier, and Golden Eagle can be seen if you are fortunate
  • 🌸 Wildflowers: In summer (July–Sept), alpine meadows near Chitkul explode with wildflowers — Rhododendron, Primula, Gentiana, and Edelweiss
  • 🍎🍏 Orchards: Lower slopes host apple, apricot, and walnut orchards
Journey to ChitkulJourney from Delhi takes 2 Days (About 580–600 km), another day via Rampur, Reckong Peo, and Sangla (roads narrow and prone to landslides)
Acclimatize to High AltitudeBefore ascending, spend your first night in lower spots like Shimla (2,200m) or Sangla (2,700m). Drink water, avoid alcohol
Carry Cash and EssentialsNo ATMs or Fuel Stations Here: Chitkul is cash-only (a few spots take UPI/cards); stock up in Sangla or Reckong Peo
Best TimeMay–October for Apple Orchards and Treks, IIT Delhi claims this place to have the cleanest air
Travel Tips
My 🏔️ Himachal Pradesh Diary – The Mystical Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan🛕https://wp.me/pbXnOA-42a
My 🏔️ Himachal Pradesh Diary 🌄 Road-trip Rally: Chandigarh → Rampur → Sarahan by Mahindra Thar 🚙https://wp.me/pbXnOA-3Vw
My 🏔️ Himachal Pradesh Diary 🌄 Serenity & Skyline: 🏡 Homestay Retreat in Sarahan – Gateway to the Himalayashttps://wp.me/pbXnOA-43S
My Himachal Pradesh Diary Series

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