Special Places to Visit in Chitkul — Hidden Gems & Must-See Spots

lesser-known spots of Chitkul: Beyond the Last Village

Chitkul, India's last inhabited village at 3,450m, is famous for its "last village" status, but the deeper you explore, the more magical it becomes.

The Baspa River Trail

Follow the Baspa River upstream from the village for 3 km to reach a stunning valley of wildflowers and shepherd meadows that few tourists see. In late spring and summer, the meadow erupts with blue Himalayan poppy, edelweiss, and wild iris. The trail ends at a military check post, but the walk itself — with the snow-capped peaks reflecting in the river pools — is among the most beautiful in the Indian Himalayas.

The Ancient Wooden Temple

Chitkul's main temple, dedicated to Mathi (a local goddess), is an architectural treasure. The pagoda-style structure features intricate wood carvings of animals, deities, and geometric patterns created by Kinnauri craftsmen over 500 years ago. The woodcarving tradition here is distinct from other Himalayan regions — the use of deodar wood and the specific knotwork patterns are unique to remote Kinnaur villages.

The Apple Orchards Observatory Point

Climb above the village's terraced apple orchards to reach a viewpoint at approximately 3,700m. From here, you can see the entire Baspa Valley stretching towards the Indo-Tibetan border, with Chitkul's wooden houses looking like a miniature village model below. This is also one of the best stargazing spots in Himachal — at this altitude with zero light pollution, the Milky Way is vivid enough to cast shadows.

The Potato Field Cultural Walk

Chitkul is famous for its high-altitude potatoes and peas. A walk through the terraced fields with a local farmer reveals an entire agricultural system adapted to 3,450m — from the traditional irrigation channels fed by glacial melt to the ancient seed varieties that thrive in this harsh climate. The Chitkul potato, grown in mineral-rich soil at extreme altitude, has a flavor and texture that's distinctly different from lowland varieties.

The Bridge to Nowhere

Just past the ITBP check post, a wooden footbridge crosses the Baspa River to the Indo-Tibetan border area. Beyond it lies territory that was once part of the traditional Kinnauri trade route to Tibet. The bridge is as far as civilians can go, but standing on it with the restricted mountains ahead gives you a palpable sense of being at the edge of the known world. On clear days, you can see Tibetan peaks in the distance.

*Pro tip: Stay at least two nights. Chitkul reveals itself slowly — the first day you see the village, the second day the village sees you. Homestays offer the best experience: home-cooked Kinnauri food, stories by the wood fire, and mornings where you wake to the sound of yak bells.*