Summer escape to Chitkul, the last inhabited village of India
Indo-Tibetan border
in Himachal Pradesh, lies a scenic hamlet that feels like a world untouched by time —
Chitkul
. Also known as the
last inhabited village of India
, Chitkul quietly sits along the Baspa River at an altitude of over 11,000 feet.
With its snow-capped peaks, charming wooden houses, and unfiltered natural beauty, the place is an offbeat paradise, especially perfect for a summer escape. Here are five compelling reasons why Chitkul must be on your travel list this summer.
No heat and no crowds
As most cities swelter under intense summer heat, Chitkul offers a cool and crisp climate that's refreshingly pleasant. Even in June and July, temperatures stay mild during the day and drop to a comfortable chill at night.
Unlike popular hill stations that get overcrowded in summer, Chitkul remains relatively untouched, giving you the peace and quiet you need to truly unwind. Whether you're reading a book by the river or sipping tea on a wooden balcony, the calm here is unmatched.
Scenic views
Chitkul's landscapes are the kind that leave you breathless — think vast meadows carpeted in wildflowers, forests of pine, and dramatic Himalayan peaks.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
The Baspa River cuts through the valley, adding to the village's picturesque charm. The air is pure, the skies are star-studded at night, and the natural silence is soothing. For nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a reconnection with the earth, Chitkul is a dream.
Adventure hub
For the more adventurous, Chitkul offers numerous trekking trails and outdoor activities. It serves as the starting point for the popular Lamkhaga Pass trek, one of the highest and most challenging routes in the region.
There are also gentler hikes through nearby forests and villages, perfect for beginners. Camping by the river or simply walking along the Baspa Valley trail gives you an immersive mountain experience.
Authentic culture
The village is inhabited by the Kinnauri people, known for their warm hospitality and distinct culture. Traditional wooden houses, vibrant local dress, and sacred temples give Chitkul a unique character.
A visit to the centuries-old Mathi Devi temple, believed to be the village protector, is a spiritual experience in itself. Interacting with locals offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that values simplicity, sustainability, and community.
Offbeat experience
What sets Chitkul apart from other destinations is how untouched it still feels. No chain hotels, no commercial shops — just homestays, family-run guesthouses, and pure mountain living. You'll find no mobile network here, making it the perfect digital detox. It's one of those rare places where time slows down and nature takes over.
So, this summer, skip the usual tourist traps and head to Chitkul. It's not just a destination — it's a reminder of how beautiful the world can be when we let it be.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Venezuelan little league team blocked from US tournament by Donald Trump's travel ban
Venezuelan little league team blocked from US tournament by Donald Trump's travel ban (Image via Getty) The Cacique Mara Little League team from Maracaibo, Venezuela, will miss the 2024 Senior League Baseball World Series in South Carolina. The team was denied US visas just days before the tournament starts on July 27. These young players had earned their spot by winning the Latin American championship, but now their dreams are crushed. The reason? A travel ban linked to US President Donald Trump's immigration policy. Donald Trump blocked Venezuelan team from US tournament just days before it begins The Cacique Mara Little League baseball team from Maracaibo, Venezuela won't be allowed to participate in the 2024 Senior League Baseball World Series in South Carolina. The contest kicks off Saturday, July 27. Why? The players were turned down visas to visit the United States. Little League International said on Friday that the team's visa application was turned down. Having won the Latin American title in Mexico and qualified to represent the region at the global competition, the young players, ages 13 and 16, They are, however, compelled to hang back now. They had traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, two weeks ago to apply for their US visas. But all their hopes ended when they were told the paperwork wouldn't go through. The team shared a statement, saying: 'It is a mockery to keep us in Bogotá with hope. What do we do with the pain caused to our children?' Donald Trump's travel ban stops young Venezuelan athletes from playing in US The team's visa denial is part of a larger issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your donations can help this little boy see again clearly Donate For Health Donate Now Undo US President Donald Trump has reintroduced a travel ban that blocks people from 13 countries from entering the United States. Venezuela is one of them. Trump claims these bans are necessary for national security. Kendrick Gutiérrez, president of the Venezuelan Little League, said on Friday, 'They told us Venezuela is on a list because Trump says we are a threat. But these are children. They earned their place by winning.' The White House said in June that athletes traveling for major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup would be allowed under special rules. But it seems youth baseball is not included. Also Read: Jannik Sinner Coaching Rumors Spark Drama As Brad Gilbert Slams 'Fake News' Before US Open 2025 Last week, the Cuban women's volleyball team also couldn't travel to Puerto Rico for their tournament due to visa issues. That decision also sparked outrage. In place of the Venezuelan team, the Santa Maria de Aguayo team from Tamaulipas, Mexico, will now join the Senior League World Series. They were runners-up at the Latin American championship. Gutiérrez added, 'We don't understand why Venezuela was dropped and Mexico added. This is the first time something like this has happened. It's not fair to the children.' Little League International called the visa denial 'extremely disappointing,' especially for the young players who had worked so hard to reach this stage. FAQs 1. Why was the Venezuelan Little League team denied US visas? The team was denied visas due to Donald Trump's renewed travel ban on Venezuela. 2. Which country replaced Venezuela in the Senior League Baseball World Series 2024? Mexico's Santa Maria de Aguayo team replaced Venezuela in the tournament. 3. Is Venezuela included in Donald Trump's travel ban list? Yes, Venezuela is one of the countries affected by Trump's travel restrictions. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Tea-loving Nepal is warming up to coffee
Coffee hasn't always been an easy sell in Nepal. The Himalayan country is a major tea producer, as well as a major consumer. When people greet each other in the morning, they don't ask 'how are you.' They say 'have you had your tea?' Tea — usually served with as a sweet, milky beverage in a piping hot glass tumbler — is as much a part of Nepal's culture as rice, a constant presence at homes, meetings and social gatherings. But a growing number of Nepalis are warming up to coffee, as trendy cafes spring up street corners in cities and towns across the country. One cafe in the capital, Kathmandu, is widely seen as the pioneer. Gagan Pradhan began Himalayan Java as a single cafe in an alley, and it's grown to a chain with 84 locations the country. Pradhan estimates there around 7,000 cafes across the country, although so far international brands like Starbucks aren't in Nepal. 'There are lot of tea shops throughout the nation, but the kind of set up they have is still kind of old fashioned,' Pradhan said. 'I think with investors and people like us, when it comes to coffee shop we are more serious not only with machines, we are serious with everything like the lighting, the set up, the furnishings, the location.' Pradhan said tea shops usually offer just black tea or tea with milk, whereas a typical coffee menu has 10-15 hot beverages and about 10-15 cold beverages, he said. Pradhan said it's an appealing business because the initial investment to open a cafe is very low, they're clean and simple enough for a single to family to run, and customers are willing to pay more for coffee. Several of eastern Nepal's tea plantations in the mountains of east Nepal, famous for the tea, are joined by coffee plantations now. Nepal is part of a regional trend. Coffee consumption has soared across traditionally tea-drinking countries in Asia as members of growing middle classes seek out novel flavors and adopt international trends. Coffee is a premium drink in Nepal: it costs about $2 at Himalayan Java, which is enough to buy a meal at a local cafe in Kathmandu, or five cups of tea. Still, cafes bustle with officers workers on breaks and students looking for places to study. 'I think the idea of drinking coffee (in Nepal) was first triggered with people thinking it would elevate their standard of living, but then once they tasted coffee many people just liked it and continued to drink it,' said Deep Singh Bandari, a social worker who is a regular visitor to the coffee cafes. Most of the coffee drunk in Nepal is imported, but in the country's famous eastern tea-growing regions coffee plantations are springing up. According to Nepal's National Tea and Coffee Development Board, about 400 tons of coffee was produced in fiscal year 2021-22, the most recent for which data is available. That's a drop in the percolator compared to the 26,000 tons of tea produced the same year, but the board predicts rapid growth. 'Both young and old people in Nepal just love coffee, and the number of coffee drinkers is growing every day. This trend is just going to grow,' said Pradhan.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Sri Lanka to extend its visa-free travel policy for 40 countries; India also on the list
In a bid to boost tourism and recover from an economic crisis, Sri Lanka has announced plans to extend its free tourist visa policy to 40 additional countries, according to a news shared by PTI. The news was confirmed by Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath during the inauguration of the 'Hotel Show Colombo 2025'. As of now, there were only seven countries, including India which were allowed visa-free entry in Sri Lanka. The decision comes after the cabinet approved to expand the list to 40 countries. However, the Government of Sri Lanka will have to suffer an annual revenue loss of USD 66 million because of visa fee waiver, mentioned the minister. But he also said that indirect economic benefits from increased tourist footfall would be more than the loss. The initiative aims to boost tourism as part of Sri Lanka's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 financial crisis. 'We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,' the minister said. The visa waiver is one of the well-planned strategic moves to boost the economy of the country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos Boite A Scoop Undo Earlier, visa fee waivers were limited to seven countries, including China, India, and Japan. The trial phase began in March 2023 and it was deemed successful. Following the success, the Cabinet has decided to extend the policy to 40 more countries, to attract worldwide travellers. New List of countries: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Federal Republic of Germany Kingdom of the Netherlands Kingdom of Belgium Kingdom of Spain Commonwealth of Australia Republic of Poland Republic of Kazakhstan Kingdom of Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal People's Republic of China Republic of India Republic of Indonesia Russian Federation Kingdom of Thailand Federation of Malaya Japan Republic of France United States of America Canada Czech Republic (Czechia) Republic of Italy Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) Republic of Austria State of Israel Republic of Belarus Islamic Republic of Iran Kingdom of Sweden Republic of Finland Kingdom of Denmark Republic of Korea State of Qatar Sultanate of Oman Kingdom of Bahrain New Zealand State of Kuwait Kingdom of Norway Republic of Türkiye The Free Visa policy is already for 7 nations, including India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. Now, these countries are also now part of the list.
