A meal at "Hindustan-ki-Akhri-Dhaba" - CHITKUL!
Updated: Jun 6, 2021
Most of us have tagged Kashmir as the Paradise of India. I do not disagree, in fact I feel the same. But there are also some hidden pockets in India which equally feels like a paradise.
I was lucky enough to discover one such place in the lap of Himalayas - Chitkul!
Nestled in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh this little hamlet is one of the most unexplored bounteousness. Kinnaur is said to be the land between earth and paradise. Tucked at some corner of the Himalayas, lies this beauty in paradise.
The more I was nearing Chitkul the more I was getting mesmerized by the spectacular view this place was already offering to me. The chills of the wind occasionally blew my hair off from the half opened window through which my sparkling eyes were constantly gaping at the landscape outside, only wanting to see further and more.
The view of the undulating pea-green Sangla Valley, cut but tiny slithering streams and meadows dotted with white patches of snow, was an eternal delight to the eyes!
The supreme most feeling was when I had stepped out of my car. The view was breathtaking!
I could only find myself surrounded by lush green valleys all around, snow clad mountain peaks, butterflies fluttering their wings to glory and if I looked up more then the blue sky with cotton-like clouds would never fail to enthrall me more. With Kinnaur Kailash at the backdrop, the gurgling sound of the Baspa river and twittering of the birds, couldn’t help but offer me the best background music ever. Both banks of Baspa have different beauties to offer. The right bank offers the panoramic view of the valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks while the left bank has few wooden houses and an expanse of orchards for which Chitkul can also boast itself of catering to the world’s most finest golden apples.
Chitkul is surrounded by the Spiti Valley in the north, Kullu on the west and Tibet on the east.
Besides being a natural bliss for travelers this village is also the last inhabited village right before the Indo-Tibet border starts which is just 90 kms away. Civilian movement beyond Chitkul is prohibited. Hence the name “Hindustan ki akhri gaon” is justified. This village is sparsely populated having barely 50 houses in total but the villagers are very welcoming. Although their lifestyle is very simple and ordinary but they live in amazingly carved wooden houses. And you know the most interesting thing about these houses is that none of the wooden carvings of the houses are same. while you will be taking a stroll across the village you would easily spot some stacks of wood piled up both at the sides of the paved out walk-way. probably the locals have kept it for building new wooden houses or for their personal use. Isn't it an unique place in itself?
Being a small place Chitkul doesn't have much exciting things to set forth apart from letting you indulge your soul into the peacefulness of this place which is available in plenitude.
Nonetheless, if you are a trekker then my friend Chitkul is the place for you! There are a few routes that are quite popular among the trekkers. The Nagashi ITBP post which is just 4 km away, then also the Lamkhaga Pass can be a good trekker’s paradise.
But if you are a person who loves to soak in the scenic view then you can enjoy that too by placidly resting in the meadows. with the sun shining high and the breeze whizzing by leaving behind the aromas of the grasses and leaves, this experience of lazily resting in the meadows can be absolutely exotic.
Choice is yours!
Well I am a person who falls in the second category. Al though I went around strolling to nearby tourist places, which I would love to share with you all sometime soon, but I also laid back and enjoyed in the meadows.
Places of attraction in Chitkul:
Mathi Devi Temple
After a scenic tour a little bit of spiritual tour makes a trip worth it!
Excitement starts brimming up when you know you are visiting a temple which was built 5 centuries ago. “Goddess Mathi is said to be the local deity of Chitkul. She visited this village and wanted to reside here and soon after she did the village started prospering”. This information was parted to me by a lady who was making some “puri” with other ladies of the village at the back side of the temple.
This temple is made up of walnut wood covered with some clothes and a tuft of yak tail. The intricacy of wood carvings is sure to please you.
Chitkul Tower
This is just the highest wooden structure of Chitkul which the locals have named as the "Chitkul tower". This tower-like structure over looks the entire Chitkul and gives a better view of the valley. Nothing too special but definitely no harm in checking out.
A walk by the river Baspa
Now once you are done with moving around Chitkul then you may hike down by the river side and enjoy the view of the fast flowing river. The clear glacial water rolling down the hills will definitely allure you to at least sit and dip your feet. But you will surely feel the pinching cold! If you are lucky enough, you may spot some trout as well. The valley has been named after the river Baspa and is mostly covered with Oak and Pine forest.
“Hindustan-Ki-Akhri-Dhaba”
Now that you have almost explored all of Chitkul, (assuming so) its time for some food. A historic meal which would be remembered life long at the last food stop of India before the border starts!
Honestly this is one of the main attractions to come to Chitkul beside the unmatchable views it brags for.
I was super excited to have my meal here. I quickly grabbed some tea ordered for some “aloo-paranthas” , dragged a chair at the edge for a better view and nicely settled down. Cold, simmering tea and nature! Crazy combination ever. Soon that I was lost in the bewitching beauty of what lay in front of me, the hot paranthas arrived. The softness and crispiness of the hot paranthas with some “aachar” (pickle) complimented to my contemplation of exploring Chitkul. If you are coming to Chitkul then a meal here at “Hindustan-ki-akhri-dhaba” is a must. Of course it was one of the most memorable meals of my life!
There are a lot of tourist places near Chitkul like the Beijing Nag temple, Kamru Fort and Betseri Village. If you have few more days in your hand then you can plan to visit these places accordingly.
So guys! Here presenting “Chitkul” before you- the little explored paradise of the Himachals.
If you want to sneak out to drug yourself with some tranquility then let me assure you Chitkul can never disappoint you. Also a meal at “Hindustan-ki-akhri-dhaba” can create unforgettable memories of your life. So when are you booking your tickets?
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THANK YOU MY DEAR READERS ! :)
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