Introduction:
Contents
- Location: Sangla Valley, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Distance: Approximately 250 km from Shimla.
- Significance: Chitkul is the last village on the Hindustan-Tibet Road before the Tibetan border.
Journey to Chitkul:
- Remote Location: Chitkul is one of the most remote and beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh.
- Altitude: Situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet.
- End of India: The village is known as India’s last village on the Indo-Tibetan border.
The Purest Air in India:
- Air Quality: Research from IIT Delhi reveals Chitkul has the cleanest air in India.
- Comparison: The air quality is 30 times better than that of Delhi.
- Reason: The remoteness of the area and the dense forests of Pine and Deodar.
Traditional Wooden Houses:
- Construction: Most houses in Chitkul are made from locally sourced wood, particularly from Pine (referred to as “Cayal” by locals).
- Design: Houses feature wooden walls and slate roofs, contributing to their traditional and unique appearance.
- Modern Elements: Despite the traditional materials, many houses are equipped with modern amenities like solar panels and satellite dishes.
Chitkul Fort:
- Historical Structure: A prominent wooden fort stands in the center of Chitkul village.
- Cultural Significance: The fort is a key landmark and reflects the village’s rich heritage.
Traditional Water Mill (Gharat):
- Function: The water mill, or Gharat, is used for grinding flour.
- Operation: It operates using the natural flow of diverted mountain water to power a turbine, which in turn grinds wheat into flour.
- Sustainability: The entire structure is made from wood and stone, requires no electricity, and has been a sustainable practice for generations.
Interaction with the Locals:
- Village Life: The village has a small population of around 800 people.
- Traditional Practices: Locals store food and grains in wooden huts, and cattle fodder is carried to homes using handmade ropes.
- Language: Many elderly villagers speak little to no Hindi, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural traditions of the area.
The Impact of Winter:
- Winter Challenges: During winter, Chitkul becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, and the road is blocked for several months.
- Migration: Villagers often move to lower altitudes, such as Rakcham, another village in Sangla Valley.
Rakcham Village:
- Location: 10 km from Chitkul, along the Baspa River in Sangla Valley.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by Deodar trees, farmlands, and sharp-edged mountains.
- Rakcham Bridge: A sturdy iron bridge connects both sides of the valley, replacing the older, less stable cable bridges.
Traditional Farming and Rope Making:
- Agriculture: Locals cultivate potatoes, beans, and other crops in the fertile fields around Rakcham.
- Rope Making: Villagers skillfully craft ropes from goat hair, showcasing their ability to utilize natural resources efficiently.
Conclusion:
- Harmony with Nature: The villagers of Chitkul and Rakcham live in harmony with their natural environment, utilizing what nature provides to sustain their traditional lifestyle.
- Inspiration: Their way of life is a testament to resilience, self-sufficiency, and the beauty of simplicity.
- Reflection: While their lives may seem difficult, the connection to nature makes it fulfilling, in contrast to the often stressful life in cities.
