Chitkul Travel Guide Distance Height How to Reach and Best Time to Visit

Chitkul is known as the last inhabited village near the Indo Tibet border on the old Hindustan Tibet Road. Located deep in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh Chitkul feels remote calm and untouched.

This village sits on the banks of the Baspa River surrounded by snow covered peaks apple orchards and wooden houses. Unlike crowded hill stations Chitkul remains quiet and slow. People visit here for landscapes clean air and a feeling of isolation.

This guide explains where Chitkul is how high it is distances from major cities how to reach it and the best time to visit with clear practical information.

Where Is Chitkul Located

Chitkul is a small village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur region situated close to the Indo Tibetan border. It lies in the Baspa Valley.

The village is around 28 km from Sangla and about 90 km from Kalpa. Chitkul remains cut off from the rest of the region during heavy winter snowfall.

Chitkul Height Altitude and Elevation

Chitkul height is approximately 3450 meters above sea level.

Chitkul altitude and Chitkul elevation both fall in the same range as it is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the region.

Due to this high altitude oxygen levels are lower and nights remain cold even in summer. Visitors should move slowly and stay hydrated especially during the first day.

About Chitkul Village

Chitkul village is small with limited population. Houses are mostly wooden built in traditional Kinnauri style. There are no luxury hotels or markets.

Electricity and mobile networks can be unstable. This is part of the experience.

The Baspa River flows right next to the village and the surrounding mountains dominate the view. There are short walking trails around the village that offer views of snow peaks and river bends.

How to Reach Chitkul

Reaching Chitkul requires road travel. There is no direct rail or air connectivity.

By Road

Most travelers reach Chitkul via Shimla or via Manali depending on route choice.

By Air

Nearest airport is Shimla Airport but flights are limited and unreliable. Chandigarh Airport is more practical.

By Train

Nearest broad gauge railway station is Chandigarh.

From Chandigarh travel continues by road.

Distance To Chitkul From Major Cities

Delhi to Chitkul Distance

Delhi to Chitkul distance is approximately 570 km.

Chitkul distance from Delhi by road usually takes 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and weather.

Chitkul to Delhi Distance

Chitkul to Delhi distance remains the same around 570 km.

Chandigarh to Chitkul Distance

Chandigarh to Chitkul distance is around 500 km.

Most travelers break the journey at Shimla or Kalpa.

Shimla to Chitkul Distance

Shimla to Chitkul distance is approximately 250 km.

Shimla to Chitkul travel time is around 8 to 10 hours depending on road conditions.

Shimla to Chitkul route goes via Rampur and Sangla.

Rampur to Chitkul Distance

Rampur to Chitkul distance is about 140 km.

Road conditions improve after Rampur but remain narrow.

Rakcham to Chitkul Distance

Rakcham to Chitkul distance is approximately 14 km.

Rakcham to Chitkul is the last stretch and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Manali to Chitkul Distance

Manali to Chitkul distance is around 250 km.

This route is seasonal and depends on whether Kinnaur roads are open.

Chitkul to Manali Distance

Chitkul to Manali distance remains about 250 km via the same route.

Chitkul to Kaza Distance

Chitkul to Kaza distance is approximately 220 km.

This route is possible only during summer when mountain passes are open.

Best Time to Visit Chitkul

May to October is best time for visit.

During this period roads remain open and weather is manageable.

Summer

May to June offers green valleys and snow peaks. Days are pleasant nights are cold.

Monsoon

July to August brings rainfall and occasional landslides. Travel needs caution.

Autumn

September to October offers clear skies and fewer tourists. Best times for photos.

Winter

From November to April Chitkul remains inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Things to Know Before Visiting Chitkul

• Limited accommodation
• No petrol pump in village
• Carry cash
• Network is weak
• Respect local culture

Chitkul is not a place for nightlife or shopping. It is for slow travel.

Conclusion

Chitkul is not a destination built for tourism. It is a living village surrounded by raw Himalayan landscapes.

Its height altitude and isolation define the experience. Distance and long travel make the journey slow but meaningful.

If you want silence clean air and authentic mountain life Chitkul offers that without distraction.Book with Tejofy

Plan carefully travel responsibly and let the place remain as it is.

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