For any avid traveler, the last village in India, Chitkul, is definitely a worthy place. True to its essence, this could be the pinnacle of offbeat travel and is the last village on the Indo-Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh.
Last Village In India- Chitkul
Chitkul Kinnaur, lies on the banks of the Baspa River and is a postcard-perfect picture in the true sense. This is a quaint village that has over 655 villagers living here. When you are here, the best thing to do in Chitkul in Himachal is to let the crisp morning air seep in and watch the snow-capped Himalayas around!
Moreover, you will also find quality time to explore and experience the rural and traditional life of the people of Kinnaur closely. You can even visit an orchard, pluck an apple (with permission from the owner), and listen to tales of elders in Chitkul who have seen the transformation from the time when there were no roads in this region to these ultra-modern times when phones run on 5G here, making Chitkul a perfect retreat for those who are looking for a work-from-the-mountains option.
History of Chitkul Village
Chitkul village, which is the last village in India, has its mystic tale. The villagers believe that in Chitkul Himachal the resident goddess or deity of this village, Mathi Devi, made this village her home when she came back from a trek in Vrindavan. It is said that the deity deputed her husband and other relatives as guards in different areas in this region. Finally, Mathi Devi made this last village in India her home.
Chitkul in Himachal began to prosper after Mathi Devi made it her home. Her husband, Lord Badrinath, is the presiding deity of Kamru, which is a village in the vicinity. Nag Devta from Sangla and Shamshair Devta from Rackham are the nephews of Mathi Devi.
Architecture of Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh
To explore this last village in India, you need to be an avid walker. The twists and turns of Chitkul village can be explored truly when you walk around this village. The kind of pathway you will find in Chitkul Himachal Pradesh, is similar to most of the villages in this region: houses built in clusters and narrow and steep stairs that connect to houses in the village.
Not all of these pathways are made of concrete or stone; at places, it turns into a small, muddy path that can accommodate only one person at a time. The last village in India, too, is built on this analogy, and when you crisscross the path of Chitkul village, you will find it the same here, too!
Chitkul Fort
Looking upwards at the towering heights of Chitkul village, you will see Chitkul Fort. Though this is more of a fort or a quila, this is actually a shrine or temple. This is a three-story structure designed in typical Pahari style, much similar to Kathkuni architecture, which is prevalent in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh.
A unique feature of hill architecture in the last village in India and all such villages like Chitkul is that in all multi-story buildings, the base is made out of stones available locally, and the upper stories have use of stone and wood in designing of walls. In all such forts, a small shrine is present on top topmost story. In all the stories of such forts and shrines, wooden balconies cover the four sides.
Mathi Dev Temple
It is believed that the Mathi Devi temple in the last village of India is around 500 years old. It would not be wrong to say that this temple is an architectural marvel. The wood used previously in the construction of this temple has been replaced by stone. The intricate wood carvings and uniquely styled roof make the Mathi Devi temple truly unique.
The old wooden houses of Chitkul also make this village unique. If viewed closely, you will find that no two houses are similar. Each of these has its distinct mark and looks and feels distinct from the other.
Use of wood and stone have been used in the construction of roofs, which are now being replaced with tin sheets. However, the houses in Chitkul village have been designed in Kinnauri-style architecture.
Image Courtesy: Himachal Watcher
Where to stay in Chitkul
There are a lot of options to stay in Chitkul. Of these, Zostel Chitkul is one that is my personal recommendation. The Zostel is placed uniquely, and you will find amazing views of the Himalayas, the company of the Baspa River, and a vibrant ambiance that will make your stay here truly unforgettable. Zostel Chitkul also offers stay options for all, including budget travelers, in the form of a 4-bed mixed dorm for Rs 699/- per night, Alpine Swiss tents for Rs 2,799, and Deluxe Private Rooms for Rs 3,799/- per night. Nothing could be better in the last village in India than Zostel Chitkul!
Image Courtesy: Zostel Chitkul
How to reach Chitkul Village
There are different ways of reaching Chitkul village in Kinnaur. It is accessible by rail, road, and air.
Chitkul by Air
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is the nearest airport to Chitkul. From Shimla, you can travel by bus or cab to Chitkul.
Chitkul by Rail
The toy train travels up to Shimla from Kalka, which is connected to different cities in India accordingly. From Shimla, the only way is by road.
By Road
This is perhaps the best way to travel to Chitkul and experience the Himalayas in their true form. You can begin the journey by taking the Delhi to Chitkul bus, which is operated by Himachal Road Transport Corporation. The distance from Delhi to Chitkul is 584 km, while the distance from Shimla to Chitkul is 244 km.
Weather in Chitkul
The best time to visit Chitkul is from April to June and September to November. During winter, it is very difficult to reach here, as the entire region is covered with deep snow. However, bus service from Sangla to Chitkul is operational during winters too, except for days when there is heavy snowfall.
Chitkul is your doorway to heaven if you have an affinity for nature and love spending time in solitude in the Himalayas. The culture, people, and traditions of Himachal Pradesh are unique in every sense, and you will find the same in the last village in India, Chitkul!
Featured image courtesy: go4explore
