Fun Chitkul Camping by the Baspa River: A Night Under the Stars
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, far away from the noise and haste of city life, lies the tiny hamlet of Chitkul. The last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border, Chitkul is a place that time forgot — where wooden houses dot the valley, and snow-capped peaks touch the sky. But what truly sets this village apart is the crystal-clear Baspa River that flows through it, offering one of the most surreal camping experiences in India. Chitkul camping is one of the best in the whole country.
I had heard stories of Chitkul Camping — of its untouched beauty, bone-chilling nights, and starlit skies that seem closer than anywhere else on earth. But nothing prepares you for the magic of actually being there.
Chitkul Camping
The Journey to Chitkul camping : A Road Less Traveled
Reaching Chitkul is an adventure in itself. The journey begins from Shimla, winding through the scenic roads of Sangla Valley, past apple orchards and rugged cliffs, to the charming village. The further you travel, the more civilization seems to peel away, leaving behind nothing but raw, unfiltered nature.
The road tests your patience and endurance, but rewards you with vistas so breathtaking that you forget every bump and turn. By the time we reached Chitkul, the sun was dipping low, casting golden light across the valley. The Baspa River shimmered like a ribbon of silver under the twilight.
Setting Up Camp by the Baspa
We chose a quiet spot by the riverbank, just a little downstream from the village. There are a few campsites managed by locals, offering tents with basic amenities — nothing too fancy, but just enough to keep the chill at bay. Some even offer warm home-cooked food, complete with hot chai and Maggi — the unofficial meal of every mountain traveler.
As the night began to fall, the stars emerged — one by one, then all at once. There’s no light pollution here. Just the sky, as it was meant to be seen. A celestial blanket stretched across the heavens, mirrored by the shimmering flow of the Baspa.
A Night to Remember
It’s hard to describe what it feels like to sit by a campfire, wrapped in woolen layers, sipping hot tea while the Baspa River whispers beside you. The only sounds are the crackle of the fire, the gurgle of the river, and the occasional howl of the wind through pine trees.
With temperatures dropping to near freezing, we huddled into our tents, but not before stepping out for one last look at the sky. There it was — the Milky Way in all its glory, an ethereal river of stars arching overhead. It made you feel small, yes, but also incredibly lucky to witness something so profound.
Morning Magic
Waking up in Chitkul is like being reborn. The first rays of sun hit the snow peaks, painting them in soft hues of pink and gold. The river, still misty from the cold night, flows with a gentle murmur, carrying with it the dreams of the night before.
We brewed some coffee over a portable stove and sat in silence, letting the serenity of the place seep into our bones. There’s something about the mountains — they quiet your mind without you even realizing it.
Why Chitkul camping Stays With You
Camping by the Baspa River isn’t just about spending a night in a tent. It’s about disconnecting from the chaos of life and reconnecting with something much older, deeper — nature in its purest form.
Chitkul leaves a mark on your soul. Maybe it’s the warmth of the locals, or the humbling beauty of the Himalayas, or the simple joy of doing nothing but watching a river flow. But once you’ve been there, a part of you never quite leaves.
Travel Tips for Chitkul Camping
- Best Time to Visit: May to October. Winters are harsh and the road is often closed due to snow.
- Altitude: ~11,320 ft — acclimatize properly and take it slow.
- Essentials: Warm clothing, power bank, headlamp, basic first-aid, and water purification tablets.
- Getting There: Drive or take a bus to Sangla, then onward to Chitkul. Hiring a local taxi is a good option for the last stretch.
- Leave No Trace: Carry back all trash, respect the environment and local customs.
If you’re searching for a slice of heaven on Earth, pack your bags and head to Chitkul. Spend a night by the Baspa River. Let the stars tell you their stories. And when you return, you’ll carry a piece of that night forever.
