Have you heard of this place called ‘Rakchham’ in Himachal Pradesh, India? If not, then you’re not alone. I planned the whole Spiti trip for over a month and still had no idea that such a magical place existed. It was Day 6 of our Spiti valley road trip and as per the itinerary we were supposed to take an overnight halt in Chhitkul. I had really high hopes from the famous ‘Last village of India’ but it failed to impress me. Well, not the place actually. Would you believe me if I tell you that we spent more than 3 hours searching for a decent accommodation in Chhitkul? But still couldn’t find anything satisfactory.
Spiti Valley Circuit Map
And, that led us to this serene village just 10 kms from the last inhabited village. Let me share some reasons why it’s a better idea to stay in Rakchham and not Chhitkul.
After several days of exploring the rugged beauty of Spiti Valley, we were looking for a place to unwind and soak in nature’s charm, and Rakchham did not disappoint.
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Skip Chhitkul, Stay in Rakchham – Here’s Why
Here’s why I think Rakchham is a much better place to stay, whether you’re traveling with kids, parents, or even solo.
1. Less Crowded and More Peaceful
Chhitkul is often busier due to its popularity as the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Rakchham, on the other hand, remains relatively untouched and tranquil. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway without the usual tourist buzz, Rakchham is ideal.
2. Proximity to Chhitkul
Rakchham is just about 10 km before Chhitkul. You can easily visit Chhitkul during the day and return to the more peaceful surroundings of Rakchham for the night. You get the best of both worlds, proximity to the attractions without the crowds.
3. Scenic Beauty
Rakchham is nestled between towering mountains along the Baspa River, offering breathtaking landscapes. The village provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks. And, its proximity to the river adds a unique charm that sets it apart from Chhitkul.
4. Better Accommodation Options to Stay in Rakchham
Chhitkul has limited stay options due to its remote location. Also, the ones which are really good are even lesser. Rakchham, however, offers a range of stays, including homestays, and riverside camps. The interesting thing about these stays is that these are equipped with modern amenities. I personally felt that the accommodation in Rakchham is more spacious and suitable for families, especially those traveling with kids of elderly.
Camp Stay in Rakchham
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5. Local Culture and Village Life
Rakchham provides an authentic Himachali village experience. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in local culture, interact with villagers, and experience their lifestyle. For families or those looking to explore the region’s cultural heritage, Rakchham offers a more intimate connection with local traditions.
6. Great for Leisure and Adventure
Rakchham offers a balance between relaxation and adventure. You can take leisurely walks along the Baspa River or go on short treks nearby. Rakchham offers more variety in activities compared to Chhitkul, where options are a bit limited.
7. Less Altitude Stress
Chhitkul is at a higher altitude than Rakchham, which can make it harder for some people, especially kids and seniors, to acclimatize. Rakchham is slightly lower in altitude, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It still offers stunning views and a true mountain experience.
For travelers, especially families with kids or senior citizens, Rakchham serves as a quieter, more comfortable base while allowing easy access to Chhitkul’s attractions.
Exploring Rakchham: A Hidden Gem
Rakchham may be a small village, but it is surrounded by natural beauty and offers several things to explore. It turned out to be the ideal spot to wrap up our Spiti adventure. While Spiti itself offers stark, rugged beauty, Rakchham gave us a softer, greener landscape that was easy on the eyes and soothing for the soul. After settling into our hotel, we decided to take a stroll through the village to get a feel of the local life.
The village is incredibly picturesque, with traditional wooden homes, apple orchards, and fields of mustard flowers. The cool mountain breeze, coupled with the sound of the river and the sight of towering snow-capped peaks, created a surreal environment for us to unwind.
One of the staff members at our hotel suggested a short trek to a nearby mountain. We were in the mood to explore, so we went for it. The trail wasn’t marked, but the area was open and easy to navigate. It was slightly uphill but not too difficult, even for my mom. We walked through wide fields, slowly making our way to the top. And the view from the top? Totally worth the climb! We could see the entire Rakchham village below, with the Baspa River flowing gently through it. It was one of those views that make you pause and smile.
On our way back, we took a slight detour through an open meadow. A narrow stream was flowing through it, the water coming straight from melting snow up in the mountains. It had carved a small path through the grass before joining the mighty Baspa. A few cows were grazing nearby, totally at peace. We sat there for a long time, doing nothing—just watching the water, the cows, the sky. It felt like time had slowed down.
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We spent a lot of time near the river, where Nemit enjoyed skipping stones and simply running around. It was the kind of quiet, peaceful day that was much needed after the hustle of our earlier stops in Kaza and Kalpa. My mother loved sitting by the riverside, making stone towers, admiring the scenery and soaking up the sun.
A Day Trip to Chhitkul
While we chose to stay in Rakchham, Chhitkul is just a 20-minute drive away, making it an easy day trip. The drive from Rakchham to Chhitkul is nothing short of spectacular. The road winds through lush green valleys with the Baspa River flowing alongside, and the sight of Chhitkul’s snow-capped mountains emerging in the distance is breathtaking.
Chhitkul is often referred to as the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is the highest inhabited village in the Sangla Valley. We visited the local Chhitkul Monastery, Mathi Temple and spent some time walking through the village, admiring the traditional wooden houses and the stone fences that line the streets.
One of the highlights of our day in Chhitkul was having lunch at the famous Hindustan Ka Aakhiri Dhaba. As the name suggests, it’s the last Indian restaurant on the road leading to the Indo-Tibetan border. We enjoyed a simple yet hearty meal of rajma, kadhi and chawal, which kept us warm in the cool mountain air.
You may also read: 7 Best Family Adventure Trips to Plan with your Kid!
For anyone visiting Chhitkul with kids, I’d recommend taking it slow and enjoying the natural surroundings rather than rushing through the itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Our stay in Rakchham was the perfect conclusion to our family’s road trip to Spiti Valley. It offered us a chance to slow down and reflect on the incredible journey we had just experienced. For anyone planning a trip to Spiti, I’d highly recommend adding Rakchham to your itinerary. It’s a peaceful retreat, away from the crowds, where you can connect with nature and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Whether you’re looking to explore the last village of India, Chhitkul, or just relax by the river with a cup of chai in hand, Rakchham has something to offer everyone. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve returned home.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
