Riverside campstay in Chitkul, Himachal
4.6· 559 stays
Getting there.
The journey to this part of Himachal Pradesh is a significant part of the experience.
By air - The most reliable airport is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC). From there, it is a long but scenic 10 to 12-hour drive into the Baspa valley. Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV) is geographically closer but serves very few flights, which are often subject to weather conditions.
By rail - The nearest major railway station is in Chandigarh, connecting it to all major Indian cities. For a slower, more scenic approach, you can take a train to Kalka and board the UNESCO-heritage toy train to Shimla. From Shimla, you will need to hire a taxi for the final 7 to 8-hour drive.
By road - The home is in Rakcham village, near Chitkul in the Kinnaur district. The drive from Shimla or Chandigarh involves navigating mountain roads. These are often single-lane with hairpin bends, and a 100km journey can take between 4 and 6 hours.
Best time to visit.
The valley changes with the seasons. The best months to visit are from March to June, when the winter snow has melted and the landscape is green with spring growth. Autumn, from September to November, offers crisp air, deep blue skies, and clear views of the snow-capped peaks. This is also the best time for stargazing.
The monsoon months of July and August bring heavy rains, which can cause landslides and road closures. Winter, from December to February, sees heavy snowfall, and the village can be cut off from the outside world for days at a time.


