Rakcham

Rakchham lies in the Sangla (Baspa) valley of Kinnaur district. It is at roughly 3,050 m and about 14 km from each of Sangla and Chitkul. The village is spread along the Baspa river. It has fields of barley, apple and apricot, traditional wooden houses and a backdrop of snow peaks and pine. Climbers like it for its granite boulders. So do travellers who want a quieter night than Sangla or Chitkul offer. You will find only homestays, a few guesthouses and tented camps, so carry cash and warm clothing. The altitude is above 3,000 m. Keep a gentle pace on the first day and watch for signs of altitude sickness. The Sangla valley road is normally open from spring through autumn. It can close in winter after heavy snow. Rakchham fits easily into a Kinnaur circuit that includes Kalpa, Sangla and Chitkul.