Chitkul and Kalpa – The Last Place in India
Do you want to see where the road ends and the mountains start their conversation with the clouds? In the Kinnaur District of India, there are two very special places at the end of the road. These two places are called Chitkul and Kalpa, which are referred to as the “Last Village of India” by travellers. This area has beautiful rugged mountains and valleys, Tibetan-Hindu culture from ancient times and peace that you can only find at very high altitudes.
At Voyagers’ Beat, we think some trips are life-changing experiences. Our Chitkul-Kalpa trip will show you a side of India that most visitors never see. You will experience the beauty and tranquillity of one of the most amazing apple-growing areas of India – the "Apple District".
Reasons For Including Chitkul and Kalpa On Your Travel Plans For 2026
The crowds are at the malls in Shimla and the coffee houses in Manali, but the Kinnaur Valley is still a beautiful, unspoiled place for people wanting to see nature.
You can see the last place people live before you get to the border of India and China if you visit Chitkul, which is located at a height of about 3,450 metres (11,320 feet). In addition, when you are at Kalpa, you are able to look out at the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range and watch as the peaks change colours with the sun during the day.
Things to Experience in Chitkul: The Last Edge of India
1. A Bite out of India at Hindustan's Last Dhaba
The famous "Last Dhaba of India" is the only true experience of coming to the border and trying Indian food. Is it time now to enjoy a plate of rajma and chaval or just a cup of chai from the local mountains? The moment is much more enjoyable than seeing the Hindus smile along the banks of the Baspa River from the same view of India.
2. A Devotional Experience in the 500-Year-Old Mathi Temple.
This Mathi temple is an architectural masterpiece that was built 550 years ago. This temple has beautiful intricate wooden carvings of the Mahdi Devi. This place is very quiet, & the reverence towards the way Mahdi Devi commands faith and worldly wisdom inspires awe, particularly from locals who respect this temple due to its association with the unique Kinnauri culture.
3. Take a Walk Near the Baspa River
The Baspa River is a major source of life in the valley, so take a day hike along the banks of the river. The terrain is flat and easy to walk on and is filled with an abundance of pine forests and streams that are fed by melting glaciers. If you are fortunate, you will encounter some of the many fish that frequent the clear waters of the Baspa River.
Visiting the Town of Kalpa: The Home of the Lord Shiva
1. See Kinnaur Kailash at Sunrise
Kalpa has some of the best panoramic views of Kinner Kailash. This mountain rises to an elevation of 6050 metres and is sacred to the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Seeing the first light of day hit the Kinner Kailash and turn it into melted gold is a well-deserved reward for your time at Kalpa
The Roghi Village and Suicide Point:
The name "Suicide Point" might make you a little apprehensive. But it's distinctively one of Himachal's most wonderful viewpoints. The steep, vertically inclined edges that give you stunning views across the valley are what make it so well-known.
There's a lovely walk from Kalpa to Roghi Village, which gives you a real insight into the Himachali way of life and the beautiful apple orchards you will see all the way through.
Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery:
This ancient monastery was created by Rinchen Zangpo and, like many other Buddhist influences throughout the area, reflects this history nicely. This newly rebuilt monastery is an excellent place for quiet reflection and to view the Tibetan murals placed on the walls.
When to Go to the Chitkul and Kalpa Plateaus
The best times to go to this high plateau during the year are as follows:
April through June (spring) – This is the best time for sightseeing when the weather is nice (10-20 degrees). The roads are also open at this time of year.
September through October (fall) – The fall months are the best time to see apple orchards that are full of fruit and enjoy the fall colours of the valleys.
December through March (winter) – Winter is not for the faint of heart! There are usually several inches of snow on the ground, with temperatures at or below freezing, and you will not be able to see anything outside of your window! You will need to be a highly skilled winter traveller to make it through winter here.
Kinnaur Travel Tips
Connectivity: BSNL and Jio serve you best. However, don't be surprised by how many times you lose your service. Use this as an opportunity to disconnect!
Acclimatisation: Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water per day. Due to the thin air at this altitude, you may develop acute mountain sickness (AMS) if you're not careful.
Cash is king: There is no ATM service at Chitkul; therefore, please obtain enough cash to last your entire stay at Reckong Peo or Sangla.
Eco-Travel: Chitkul is a protected area. When visiting, please take a reusable water bottle and leave no trash (including plastic) behind!
What are the two travelling with the Voyagers’ Beat?
Travelling to "the Cliffhangers of Kinnaur" can be dangerous if not done properly. Our group tours have been designed with a heavy emphasis on safety and a high level of "vibe". We do everything for you, including picking you up at Majnu Ka Tila, Delhi, and we will use our experienced trip coordinators to take you to all the off-the-beaten-path locations to photograph your favourite sceneries. The only thing left for you to do will be to take in the beautiful surroundings.
Are you ready to be on the edge of the country? The mountains are beckoning you! Contact us to book your 2026 HIMACHAL ADVENTURE!
