Taking the usual route from Delhi I reached Shimla to be welcomed by a chilly morning. Flexing my muscles I thought “man, that was a tiring journey”. Little did I know I was to be proven so wrong the same day. The journey to my next stop, Reckong Peo took about 12 hours. When using public transport to Reckong, remember that there are only 2 buses in a day and be ready to be crammed up. Nevertheless the scenes surrounding were pretty enchanting. From the rough dusty roads you will climb up to the more tranquil Reckong Peo. The ferocious flow of the Satluj will make you head go dizzy. A flow so strong that it has cut down rocks.
Chitkul, from far away.
It's difficult to look away from this beauty.
Tired because of the journey, I decided to stay in first hotel I saw. The next morning I left for Chitkul which is again pretty far out. Don’t forget the handy rule, 2 buses a day. The view keeps getting better with the height. You meet the calmer sister of Satluj, the Baspa river. The moment I stepped down the bus, I could not stop smiling. The mountains were so close as if I could reach out my hand to them. The humming sound of the Baspa river. I was engrossed in this atmosphere that I forget the most important rule, 2 buses remember. Inevitably I missed the bus and I am glad I did.
Chitkul is better known as the last village of India. Yes, beyond it you would go into Tibet. The village has just over 30 houses. The people are very friendly; everybody you meet will greet you with a smile. Mostly people live here on agriculture and the hotels and homestays they run. Almost in every house you will find a place to stay and that too at cheap rates. The view around is amazing. Running away from the crowd and rush of Delhi, Chitkul is the perfect haven.
The mesmerizing view of the mountains.
The yellow fields you see everywhere in Chitkul.
Another view of Chitkul Village
I remember asking for a water bottle at the shop nearby and he said just fill yours from the stream
As you walk down the lanes, you look at the beautiful flora around.
Some more flowers.
As the sun was setting the scenery got even more beautiful. Beneath the golden sky I sat down sipping my feet in the water.
The flaring sunset near the Baspa River.
As the sun settled in, it was the perfect time to take the long exposure shot. Wish I had a tripod.
A friend I met near the riverside, taking the regular selfie
There was group of local who were partying near the river; curious to see me alone they invited me. The local were kind enough to share their beer and told me all about Chitkul. They even invited me to a wedding that night. Overall I would say that if you visiting Himachal, don't miss Chitkul. The journey on a bus might be a drag, but it is worth it.
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