Chitkul: The Last Village in India

Chitkul is a small village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located at an altitude of 11,319 feet (3,447 meters) on the banks of the Baspa River. Chitkul is the last inhabited village on the Hindustan-Tibet border, and it is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for a remote and scenic place to visit.

History and Importance

Chitkul has a long history that dates back to the 16th century. The village was originally founded by a group of Tibetan refugees who were fleeing from the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Chitkul was an important trading post on the Hindustan-Tibet trade route, and it was also a major center to produce woolen textiles.

Today, Chitkul is a small but thriving village. The population of Chitkul is about 1,000 people, and most of the residents are Hindus. The village is home to several temples, including the Mathi Devi Temple, which is the oldest temple in Chitkul.

Geography

Chitkul is in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The village is surrounded by the Kinnaur-Garhwal Himalayan range, and it is nestled in a valley that is home to several rivers and streams. The climate in Chitkul is cold and dry, and the village experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months.

Culture

The culture of Chitkul is a blend of Tibetan and Indian cultures. Most of the residents of Chitkul are Hindus, but there is also a small Muslim minority. The village is home to several festivals, including the Phulaich Fair, which is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the springtime.

Natural Importance

Chitkul is a beautiful and pristine village that is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The village is home to several mountains, including the Thola Peak, which is the highest peak in the area. The Baspa River flows through the village, and it is a popular spot for fishing and rafting.

Tourist Spots

There are several tourist spots in Chitkul that are worth visiting. These include:

• The Mathi Devi Temple: This is the oldest temple in Chitkul, and it is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mathi Devi.
• The Baspa River: This river is a popular spot for fishing and rafting.
• The Thola Peak: This is the highest peak in the area, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• The Chitkul Village Market: This market is a great place to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.

How to Reach Chitkul

Chitkul is a remote village, and it can be difficult to reach. The best way to reach Chitkul is by road. The road to Chitkul starts from Karcham, which is about forty kilometers away. The road is in good condition, but it can be narrow and winding.

There are also a few flights that operate to the nearest airport, which is in Shimla. However, the flight is not very frequent, and it is often cancelled due to severe weather.

Things to Do in Chitkul

There are several things to do in Chitkul, including:

• Hiking and trekking: There are several hiking and trekking trails in the area, including the trail to Thola Peak.
• Camping: There are several camping spots in the area, and this is a great way to experience the beauty of the natural surroundings.
• Fishing: The Baspa River is a popular spot for fishing.
• Rafting: The Baspa River is also a popular spot for rafting.
• Visiting the local market: The Chitkul Village Market is a beautiful place to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Conclusion

Chitkul is a beautiful and remote village that is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The village is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and there are several things to do in the arseveralare looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation, then Chitkul is the perfect place for you.

Additional Information

Here are some additional information about Chitkul:

• The best time to visit Chitkul is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November).
• The average temperature in Chitkul ranges from -10°C to 30°C.
• The currency in Chitkul is the Indian rupee.
• The official language in Chitkul is Hindi.

Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh

Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya. The region is inhabited by the Kinnauri people and is known for its apple orchards, as apples are a major cash-crop for the region. The local Kinnauri follow a syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, and many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. The average literacy rate of Kalpa is around 83.75%. India's first ever voter, Shyam Saran Negi, also belongs to Kalpa.

Culture

The culture of Kalpa is a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, with a strong emphasis on nature worship. The local Kinnauri people are known for their hospitality and their love of music and dance. The main festivals celebrated in Kalpa are Shivratri, Baisakhi, and Dashain.

• Shivratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated in Kalpa with great pomp and circumstance, with people from all over the region coming to attend the festivities.
• Baisakhi is a Sikh festival that celebrates the harvest and the New Year. It is celebrated in Kalpa with a colorful fair, where people can buy traditional handicrafts and food.
• Dashain is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated in Kalpa with a series of religious ceremonies, as well as with feasting and dancing.

The Kinnauri people have a rich oral tradition, and they are known for their folktales and legends. They also have a unique language, which is a mix of Tibetan and Hindi.

Importance

Kalpa is an important tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, due to its scenic beauty and its rich cultural heritage. The village is also a popular base for trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Kinnaur region.

• Scenic beauty Kalpa is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Kinner Kailash, which is considered to be a sacred mountain by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Sutlej River flows through the Kalpa valley, providing irrigation for the apple orchards.
• Cultural heritage Kalpa has a rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its temples, monasteries, and festivals. The village is also home to a number of traditional handicrafts, such as wood carving and weaving.
• Trekking and mountaineering Kalpa is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Kinnaur region. The village is located on the way to many popular trekking destinations, such as the Kinner Kailash range and the Pin Parvati Pass.

History

The history of Kalpa dates back to the 7th century, when it was a major trading center on the Silk Route. The village was later ruled by the Tibetans, the Mughals, and the British. In 1947, Kalpa became part of India.

Silk Route Kalpa was an important trading center on the Silk Route, which was a network of trade routes that connected China and Europe. The village was a major stopover for merchants and travelers, who would trade goods such as silk, tea, and spices.

• Tibetan rule Kalpa was ruled by the Tibetans for a period of time, and the village still has a strong Tibetan influence. The local Kinnauri people speak a Tibetan-influenced language, and many of the village's temples are Tibetan-style.
• Mughal rule Kalpa was also ruled by the Mughals for a period of time. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled much of India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The Mughals left their mark on Kalpa, and the village still has a number of Mughal-style buildings.
• British rule Kalpa was ruled by the British for a period of time. The British were a European power that ruled much of India from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The British left their mark on Kalpa, and the village still has a number of British-style buildings.

Geographical and Natural Importance

Kalpa is located at an altitude of 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) above sea level. The village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Kinner Kailash, which is considered to be a sacred mountain by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Sutlej River flows through the Kalpa valley, providing irrigation for the apple orchards.

• Altitude Kalpa is located at a high altitude, which means that the climate is cool and refreshing. The village is a popular destination for people who want to escape the heat of the plains.
• Snow-capped mountains Kalpa is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop to the village. The mountains are also a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
• Sutlej River The Sutlej River flows through the Kalpa valley, providing irrigation for the apple orchards. The river is also a popular destination for rafting and fishing.

Places to visit 

• Kinnaur Kailash: This is a sacred mountain peak that is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 
• Trekking to Chakka: This is a moderate trek that takes you to the Chakka village, which is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The trek offers stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. 
• Suicide Point: This is a cliff located at an altitude of 3,000 meters. It offers panoramic views of the Kalpa valley and the surrounding mountains. However, the name "Suicide Point" is a misnomer, as the cliff is not a popular spot for suicides. 
• Roghi Village: This is a small village located at an altitude of 2,500 meters. It is known for its ancient temples and beautiful scenery. 
• Narayan-Nagini Temple: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Lakshmi. The temple is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the Kalpa valley. 
• Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery: This is a Buddhist monastery that was founded in the 17th century. The monastery is located in a remote location and is surrounded by pine forests. 
• Sapni Fort: This is a ruined fort that was built in the 16th century. The fort is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the Kalpa valley. 
• Kothi: This is a small town located near Kalpa. It is known for its hot springs and beautiful scenery. 
• Kamru Fort: This is a ruined fort that was built in the 17th century. The fort is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the Kalpa valley. 
• Basteri: This is a small village located near Kalpa. It is known for its apple orchards and beautiful scenery. 

I hope you enjoyed this quick tour about Kalpa. Thanks!

Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh

Today, I'm going to be talking about Sarahan, a beautiful hill town in Himachal Pradesh. Sarahan is located in the Shimla district, at an altitude of about 10,000 feet. It's surrounded by the snow-capped Kinner Kailash range, and it's known for its stunning scenery, its rich culture, and its many historical and religious sites.

Sarahan was founded by Banasur, a demon king who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The town was originally called Shonitpur, but it was renamed Sarahan after Banasur's defeat by Krishna. Sarahan was the summer capital of the Bushahr kingdom, and it's still home to a number of palaces and temples that date back to this period.

The most important religious site in Sarahan is the Bhimkali Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali. The temple is said to have been built by Banasur, and it's one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh. Other religious sites in Sarahan include the Tashi Dhirgey Ling Nagma Monastery, the Bushahr Palace, and the Queen's Palace.

In addition to its religious sites, Sarahan is also home to several natural attractions. The town is surrounded by forests, and there are several hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints. Sarahan is also home to several waterfalls, including the Baga Sarahan Waterfall and the Saach Waterfall.

Sarahan is a great place to visit if you're looking for a beautiful and historic hill town with a rich culture. The town has something to offer everyone, whether you're interested in history, religion, nature, or simply a relaxing vacation.

So, if you're looking for a new place to explore, I highly recommend checking out Sarahan. You won't be disappointed.

Here are some of the tourist spots in Sarahan:

• Bhimkali Temple 
• Tashi Dhirgey Ling Nagma Monastery
• Bushahr Palace
• Queen's Palace
• Baga Sarahan Waterfall
• Saach Waterfall
• Pheasantry

I hope you enjoyed this quick tour about Sarahan. Thanks!