After being at home for 2-3 months, it was finally time to go on another expedition or we can say a trip! This time we were looking for something that was near to us and also adventurous. So, after we researched on Google Earth we found a remote place near the Indo-Tibet border named Chitkul.
We Googled the place and didn’t think much and decided on the destination. We were only seeing an overview and didn’t really check the details like distance, place to stay and all the other things. So, let’s move on to our expedition and uncover all sorts of things we uncovered.
Travelling from Chandigarh
We started our journey from the Chandigarh bus stand in the morning around 7. It was a peaceful morning of September, the wind was warm and the sky was brimming with peaceful vibes. We took a bus from 43 sector ISBT and went straight to Shimla.
It was a 4 hour journey, and upon reaching we didn’t waste any time and straight away took a bike on rent. After refilling the fuel tank, we took off to Chitkul. We didn’t actually know how far it was, and we were expecting to reach Chitkul by 7 in the evening. But to our surprise, in the evening we had just crossed Rampur– a place on the way to Chitkul which is almost 4 hours away.
The hills of Chitkul were steep and we also didn’t know what to expect. It had already been dark and we were still nowhere near to Chitkul. So, after trying our best to cover the distance, we didn’t have any place to stay. There were no places nearby and I also didn’t know what to do.
We contacted OYO hotels, and still got no place to stay. We still contacted local hotels, but all the rooms were full. Finally, we saw a small inn for truck drivers. We talked with them and got a room for ourselves. It was an okay kind of room with two beds and blankets. We didn’t think much and got the room for ourselves; afterall we only need to spend one night.
We spent the night and with the first rays of sun, we got ready and marched towards Chitkul. We still didn’t know how far it was, and thought to just give it a shot. We started at 7 in the morning, and reached Chitkul at 12.
Before Reaching Chitkul
Chitkul is a place surrounded by large mountains, so there is hardly any network. The last network that I found was in Sangla which was 23 KM from Chitkul. The entire way to Chitkul is covered with green valleys, steep cliffs, fresh brooks,and peaceful villages.
It was the autumn season so we saw leaves of different colors and honestly, it was really amazing. The entire way was beautiful and filled with natural glamour.
Chitkul Village
The Chitkul village is a beautiful town located in the mountains of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Situated at a height of 3450 meters from sea level. It is the absolutely most amazing place to visit. There is a very weak internet connection, so it is better to carry cash with you on such trips.
The village is quite peaceful and the people living there are accustomed to the difficulties. We had a chance to converse with a local person. Somehow people can find connection with each other. I got to know that, that lady used to live near my hometown in her young adult days. Her husband was an army personnel and travelled to different places. We had some conversation and moved towards the base of the valley to get something to eat.
The entire place was built near a river, making it a popular tourist spot and a good place to hangout. Since there weren’t many food outlets in the main market, people used to come here to enjoy fast food. Surely the prices were expensive, but the food is worth it. Not because it is something special but because we were hungry. We ordered typical traveller’s food– Maggie and coffee.
Going Back
After spending some time there we headed back to Shimla. Now I want to tell you, it was so far away and we had to reach back in time because we had to give back our bikes and the shop closes at 10. So, I drove like crazy all the way to Shimla.
Bear this in mind it was 244 KM distance from Chitkul to Shimla, and considering the twists and turns it would take hell a lot of time. But that was the day when I drove like crazy to reach the final destination. After driving for hours and hours, we finally reached Shimla at sharp 10. We gave the bike back and then went to the bus stand to take a bus to Chandigarh.
Final Memories
So, we covered 700 KM distance in just two days. It was a crazy expedition and the relief I felt when I took a bus home, was otherworldly. Like finally, it’s done. But I lost many things on the way. First is food– I almost forget to eat every time, the only thing that we ate was maggie and coffee. Then my wallet, yes, I lost my wallet while rushing back to Shimla. And finally the epic moment, when I hit the bike in an SUV; cost me 5000 INR. But I gained a lot of memories that I still cherish.
Important Things
- It is always better to book a hotel before coming here. It is a touristy place without many lodging places. So, just to be safe, book a hotel before coming.
- Take frequent breaks. You can find multiple places in between where you can spend time and relax.
- Plan your trip to avoid extreme fatigue and be realistic.
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