There are some places in India that make you pause and wonder — “How can something be this beautiful?” For me, that moment came the day I reached Chitkul which is also known as the last village of India, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled deep in the Kinnaur district, Chitkul isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling — of serenity, of untouched beauty, and of being truly alive in the mountains.
This blog is about my unforgettable road trip from Delhi to Chitkul, the scenic drive, cozy stays, warm locals, and everything you need to plan your own trip to India’s last village.
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My Journey from Delhi to Chitkul by Car
The journey began from Delhi early in the morning, around 4:30 AM, with a car full of excitement and bags full of snacks. The route we followed was:
Delhi → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Sangla → Chitkul
The total distance is roughly 560 km, and it took us two days to reach. The drive from Delhi to Narkanda was smooth, with well-maintained roads and pine-scented air as we crossed Kufri. We stayed the first night in Narkanda, waking up to snow-capped peaks right outside the window.
Also Read: Kalpa – The most beautiful village of Himachal
The next morning, the real adventure began. As we drove toward Rampur and Karcham, the scenery kept changing — green valleys turned into rugged cliffs, and the road narrowed as the Baspa River started accompanying us on one side. The stretch from Karcham to Sangla was breathtaking, quite literally. The steep, winding mountain road carved into cliffs tested both our nerves and the car’s engine.
And then came Chitkul — a quiet paradise at the end of the road. The first sight of the village, surrounded by snow-clad peaks, a flowing Baspa River, and wooden houses with slate roofs, left me speechless.
The Beauty of Chitkul — Heaven at 11,000 Feet
Chitkul sits at an altitude of around 11,320 feet, and as soon as you step out of the car, the crisp mountain air hits differently. The village is small — maybe 40-50 houses — but every corner feels like it belongs on a postcard. The Baspa River flows right beside the village, and wooden bridges connect tiny trails leading to pine forests.
Standing near the river with icy water brushing my feet, I couldn’t help but think — how lucky we are to have such untouched places in India. The sky was clearer than anywhere I’ve seen, and the locals, always smiling, made you feel like you were part of their home.
Scenic Stops Enroute to Chitkul – The Last Village of India
On our drive to Chitkul, we came across several gems that made the journey as beautiful as the destination itself:
1. Narkanda: Known for its apple orchards and skiing slopes, this is a great first stop from Delhi. Don’t miss the sunrise from Hatu Peak.
2. Rampur Bushahr: Once the capital of the Bushahr kingdom, this town is famous for its old temples and views of the Sutlej River.
3. Sangla Valley: Just 22 km before Chitkul, this valley is pure beauty. It’s greener, slightly warmer, and surrounded by pine forests. If you have time, stop at Batseri Village, one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen.
4. Rakcham Village: On the way from Sangla to Chitkul, this little village is a hidden paradise. Many travelers actually prefer staying here because it’s quieter and surrounded by golden fields.
Best Time to Visit Chitkul
The best time to visit Chitkul is from April to June and again from September to October.
- April to June: The weather is pleasant, snow starts melting, and the valley turns lush green with blooming flowers.
- September to October: The autumn colors take over, painting the valley golden and orange.
- November to March: The region receives heavy snowfall, and roads to Chitkul usually close after October-end due to snow.
I visited in May, and it was just perfect — snow on the mountains, warm sun during the day, and chilly winds at night.
Where to Stay in Chitkul
Chitkul might be small, but it has some cozy and charming stays with stunning views of the Baspa River and mountains. I stayed at Zostel Chitkul, a beautiful hostel perched right on the cliff with insane sunrise views. The vibe there is lively — travelers sharing stories, bonfires at night, and that perfect mix of comfort and community.
Other good places to stay in Chitkul include:
- The Wanderer’s Nest: Wooden cottages with valley views, perfect for couples or families (₹2500–₹4000/night).
- NotOnMap – The Last Village: A sustainable stay that feels like home, offering traditional Himachali food (₹2000–₹3500/night).
- The Eagle Nest Homestay: Run by a local family, simple yet cozy rooms and authentic local meals (₹1200–₹2000/night).
If you want more comfort, you can stay in Sangla, which has better connectivity and more stay options like Banjara Camps & Retreats or Hotel Batseri.
Where to Eat in Chitkul
There aren’t many restaurants, but the local cafes are pure bliss. I tried Hindustan Café, which is also famous for its signboard saying “Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba.” Sitting there with a plate of Maggi and tea while watching the river flow is an experience you can’t describe in words.
Other places worth checking out are:
- The Little Chef Café: Serves delicious momos and thukpa.
- Café Chitkul Heights: Perfect for coffee lovers with panoramic views.
- Baspa Valley Café: Known for homely Himachali food and parathas.
The food scene here is simple but soulful. Everything tastes better when the mountain air is your seasoning!
Places to Visit in and Around Chitkul
Though the village is small, there’s plenty to see and experience:
1. Mathi Temple: A 500-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Mathi, believed to protect the valley. The wooden carvings and peaceful vibe make it worth visiting.
2. Baspa River: You can walk down from the main road and spend hours by the riverbank, skipping stones or just soaking in the silence.
3. Rakcham Village: Only 10 km from Chitkul, this village is perfect for slow travelers. Surrounded by golden fields, it feels like a movie set.
4. Sangla Meadow: Near Sangla, this is a huge green patch surrounded by snow-capped mountains — perfect for a picnic.
5. Kamru Fort: Located near Sangla, it’s an ancient wooden fort that used to be the residence of the former rulers of Bushahr.
If you have time, you can extend your trip to Kalpa or Kinnaur Kailash, both nearby and equally mesmerizing.
Trip Budget from Delhi to Chitkul (5 Days for One Person)
Here’s what my trip roughly cost:
- Fuel (Delhi–Chitkul–Delhi): ₹8,000
- Stay (4 nights): ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 (depending on stay type)
- Food: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
- Miscellaneous (permits, snacks, tolls): ₹2,000
Total Budget: Around ₹18,000 – ₹21,000 for 5 days per person.
If you travel by bus instead of a personal car, it can cost even less — around ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 total.
Stole My 5-Day Itinerary from Delhi to Chitkul
Day 1: Delhi to Narkanda (9–10 hours drive) – Stay overnight.
Day 2: Narkanda to Chitkul (7–8 hours via Rampur, Karcham, and Sangla).
Day 3: Explore Chitkul – Visit Mathi Temple, Baspa River, and enjoy the cafes.
Day 4: Visit Rakcham and Sangla Valley – return to Chitkul or stay in Sangla.
Day 5: Drive back to Delhi with a heart full of mountain memories.
My Final Thoughts on Chitkul
Chitkul is one of those rare places that still feels untouched by mass tourism. The simplicity of the locals, the beauty of the mountains, and the peace of being disconnected from the world make it unforgettable. Standing by the river, with prayer flags fluttering and the Himalayas watching over you, you realize — this is what pure happiness feels like.
So, if you ever dream of finding a place where time slows down and nature speaks louder than your phone, head to Chitkul – the last village of India. It’s not just a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of Himachal’s beauty.
