“Where the Baspa sings, the orchards bloom, and the trail leads to the edge of the map.”
📖 Overview
The Sangla–Chitkul Trail is a 16 km riverside walk that follows the Baspa River from Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border, to Sangla, the orchard-laced heart of Kinnaur. This trail is a gentle descent through pine forests, buckwheat fields, and wooden villages, with the Kinner Kailash range towering above. Ideal for a 1–2 day hike, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and photographic drama.
🧭 Trail Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Chitkul village (3,450 m)
Endpoint
Sangla (2,700 m)
Distance
~16 km (one way)
Duration
6–8 hours (or split over 2 days)
Grade
Easy to Moderate
Best Season
May–June & September–October
Route Type
Point-to-point (can be reversed)
🥾 Trail Highlights
Chitkul Village: Start at the “Last Village of India”, with its wooden houses, Kagyupa monastery, and Bharat ka Aakhri Dhaba.
Baspa River Views: Walk alongside the glacial-fed Baspa, crossing log bridges, rocky gorges, and meadow-lined banks.
Rakcham Hamlet: Midway stop with Kinnauri temples, buckwheat fields, and camping options. Great for overnight stays.
Batseri Village: Known for its Devta temple, stone-paved lanes, and apple orchards—a living museum of Kinnauri architecture.
Sangla Arrival: End at the Sangla meadows, with views of Kinner Kailash, Kamru Fort, and the Baspa valley’s cultural core.
🛕 Cultural & Ecological Touchpoints
Kinnauri Architecture: Intricately carved wooden homes, slate roofs, and multi-tiered temples in Batseri and Rakcham.
Flora & Fauna: Spot Himalayan monals, redstarts, and wild buckwheat blooms. The valley is also home to blue pine, deodar, and birch.
Local Life: Interact with Kinnauri shepherds, apple farmers, and weavers—especially during harvest season.
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Trekking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Clothing
Layered (mornings cool, afternoons warm)
Food & Water
Carry snacks; refill from village taps or streams
Stay Options
Homestays in Chitkul, Rakcham, Batseri, and Sangla
Safety
Trail is well-marked; local guide optional but enriching
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Shimla ➝ Rampur ➝ Karcham ➝ Sangla ➝ Chitkul (~230 km from Shimla)
Shared taxis and buses available from Reckong Peo
By Train: Nearest railhead: Shimla (via Kalka)
By Air:
Shimla Airport: ~230 km
Chandigarh Airport: ~350 km
🏞️ Add-On Adventures
Kamru Fort: A short hike from Sangla to this ancient fort with a wooden pagoda temple and panoramic views.
Charang–Chitkul Parikrama: For seasoned trekkers, this 5–6 day pilgrimage circuit around Kinner Kailash ends at Chitkul.
Baspa River Fishing & Camping: Trout fishing and riverside camping options near Rakcham and Batseri.
