Butootah

When monsoon droplets parch the Earth, if you are one of those travelers whose wanderlust just cannot be satiated with defined trekking packages in majestic Himalayas, here is a place cut out from the world, as it seems. Let go of those crowded getaways and thrill yourself by experiencing raw nature. And if you are lucky enough you might get to face a marginal escape on the notorious NH22 (Old Hindustan Tibet Road) as well. Your driving route is here.

Kinnaur is a less talked about district and lies in the south-east of Himachal Pradesh. Start from Delhi early in the day so you reach Shimla before darkness falls and stay the night. The next day start early morning, if possible as the dawn breaks. As you reach Karcham, take the road diverting right – Sangla-Chitkul Road to reach the pristine Sangla valley. Lodge in any of the small cottages or take a home-stay. People are extremely friendly and welcoming. The chef of our lodge even allowed us in the kitchen and still a ladle in one of the cooking pots. At least one complete day has to be dedicated to this very beautiful valley so you can breathe in oxygen and relax.

Your next and final destination is Chitkul, the last village on Old Hindustan Tibet Road. Dwelling alongside swollen Baspa river, the village resides close to Indo-Tibetan border. On way to Chitkul, you will encounter gigantic streams, sweet apple gardens and scenic view to please your soul that got wounded by all those concrete jungles where you've worked relentlessly. You shall easily reach Chitkul around noon if you start immediately after breakfast from Sangla.

Chitkul will rejuvenate your mind and fill you with peace. Lodge into one of the cottages. Chitkul is little visited by tourists are the cottages there are seldom inhabited. Only desperate wanderlust travelers seeking solace reach such far fetched places to hide themselves from the world. Go explore the terrain, trek, and romance the wilderness to the fullest. Such faraway destinations you do not get to visit often, so you would want to make the most of it. The small restaurants will serve you best with whatever possibly available, You wouldn't have a chance to complaint about the hospitality of these people with such beautiful heart.

Try to avoid monsoon or the rainy season for a vacation or a trip in this belt as the NH22 (Old Hindustan Tibet Road) is prone to landslides. You might get stuck for days if a major landslide occurs if there's incessant rainfall. Carry an umbrella or a raincoat best when visiting or exploring Sangla valley. Kinnaur has many more beautiful small villages that may be explored. Despite being overwhelmed by spectacular sceneries of Sangla and Chitkul, you would want to visit this place again!