Chitkul is a small village, nestled in the Himalayan mountains near the India-China border, in the district of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India. At 3450 metres above sea-level, Chitkul was the highest destination we visited during our March 2016 trip. 

The last Indian village before the border with China, Chitkul is situated in the valley of the Baspa River, amidst remote mountains that are stark, intense, and wildly beautiful. The road from Sangla to Chitkul via Raksham is a walker’s delight, though it’ll be faster if you drive. Every turn, every dip, every climb reveals a new canvas from nature, every whisper of the wind introduces a new tune, every trail beckons one for a new journey. The Baspa River is mesmerising, with waters from the glaciers above and the melting snow in the vicinity. A drink, a dip, and a wade in the ice-cold winters waters of March, followed by another long drink from the fresh water left me with memories so deep that I can feel the wind and taste the water even now without closing my eyes.

A few photographs from the day-long sojourn.

An array of trails and ice-falls dot the way from Raksham to Chitkul. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

The dusty-sandy trail, rocky brown mountains, deep green foliage, and blue skies make for a refreshing journey to Chitkul. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

The valley of the Baspa River on the way to Chitkul issues a call as powerful as any to explore the wilderness. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

It’s a task to keep oneself from picking a trail and wandering off into the snow-clad beyond. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Picture postcard from the Edge. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

A lone cloud sets a sail. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

It’s unbelievable how every turn brings to life a different form of the same design. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Geometry on an artscape. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

The Baspa winds its ways out of Chitkul towards Raksham. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

A path, a fall, a ladder, a river, a slide … take your pick. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

The blue-green waters of the Baspa cast a hypnotic spell that invites one to climb down to the river; Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Inspiration for many a canvas. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

First view of Chitkul village. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Postcard from Chitkul. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

The Baspa River in its winter glory. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

A wade in the Baspa in winter is worth a lifetime of refreshing memories. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Natural, mineral water at source. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

What seemed like a calm picturesque river from a distant, turns out to have quite a merry temper. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Mountain Walker Chief of Operations, Ameen Shaikh, meditates on how to shoot the Baspa. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Don’t let the afternoon sunshine fool you into thinking the water is warm. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

If I had a paddle, I would make a boat. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

View of Chitkul village as we head back towards Raksham. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

Farms and orchards in the Baspa valley near Raksham. Photo: Sanjay Mukherjee

Tall rocky inclines beckon the climber. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

And in the blink of the setting sun, appeared a Silver Route, carried by a Silver Cloud, on through to a Silver Moon. Photo: sanjay mukherjee

And when I stood upon that Rock, And held the Light in my sight, ’twas then that the turning sun revealed, The Secret Silver Stair to Night Photo: sanjay mukherjee