Kinnaur (Baspa Valley): Sangla, Batseri, Rakcham, Chitkul

From Kalpa our next destination was Batseri in what is commonly known as the Sangla Valley area along the banks of Baspa River. Sangla is an overcrowded place with ugly constructions. Hence, we decided to stay at Batseri, which is a few Kms ahead of proper Sangla town. Before arriving at Batseri we visited the famous tower-fort at Kamru, an ancient architectural marvel built in Himachal's traditional Kath-Kuni architectural style. In Batseri we went for a walk in the village, which has preserved much of its old world charm and architecture, and spent time beside Baspa River.
Rakcham (pronounced as: रक्षम) is easily the prettiest place in the region. Here, too, we went exploring the village and spent hours on the banks of Baspa River. During the months of August-September, thanks to the flowering, the place gets draped in sheets of various colours. It is a sight for which we will have to, someday, visit again.
Chitkul (pronounced as: छितकुल) is located close to the Indo-China border and is said to be the last inhabited village in this part of the Himalaya (an ITBP officer we met there confirmed this claim). A walk, along the banks of Baspa River, to the ITBP camp at Nagasthi (beyond which civilians aren't permitted to go) is a must for the breathtaking vistas it affords.
Apart from these places, one can spend time enjoying the sight of numerous apple and plum orchards, go for hikes to glacier points (we couldn't because of bad weather) and explore many hamlets which still have houses built of wood and stones in the Kath-kuni style.
Throughout our three day stay, we got clear blue skies for a total of only a few hours - it was either raining or snowing. But it was lot of fun and made for wonderful memories. For some spots, we got three sets of pictures - one with clear blue sky, another with rain / mist and then with snow. Could one ask for more?
Lastly, whenever you visit Sangla Valley, don't forget to have Paranthas at Pappu da Dhaba in Taapri town - those were the best I've ever had.
All the images in this gallery were taken during 10th - 13th April, 2018.

Baspa River. Rakcham. What a beautiful sight.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Baspa River. Rakcham. What a beautiful sight.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Baspa River. Rakcham. What a beautiful sight.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Mist begins to rise. Baspa River, Rakcham.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope mybioscope
Mist gradually envelopes the white mountains. Baspa River, Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Mist gradually envelopes the white mountains. Baspa River, Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Mist, floating forward. Baspa River, Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Landscapes Landscape Photography mybioscope
Baspa River, Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Baspa River, Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Mist's all set to veil the whole of Rakcham.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Mist's all set to veil the whole of Rakcham.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
We had had our fill of photographs. We decided to head back. Rakcham.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Baspa River, Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Mist floating through the Deodars. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Raksham valley view.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Time for some cricket with the locals in Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India Indian Culture People People of India Portrait Portraits portraiture Street Photography
He sure took a liking to camera. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Indian Culture People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait mybioscope
He sure took a liking to camera. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
Howdy? Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Indian Culture People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait mybioscope
Back to cricket. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Indian Culture People People of India Portrait Portraits portraiture Street Photography mybioscope
Back to cricket. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Friends. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
Cricket in Rakcham with the locals
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Happy to bat. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Golden hour. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Pretty Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Indian Culture People People of India Portrait Portraits portraiture Street Photography mybioscope
Sun begins its descent. Rakcham valley view.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Sunset. Rakcham valley view.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Landscapes Landscape Photography mybioscope
Sunset. Rakcham valley view.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Sunset. Rakcham valley view.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Landscapes Landscape Photography
Sunset. Rakcham valley view.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India My Bioscope Landscapes Landscape Photography
Next morning. Rakcham's master-blaster's headed to school.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
As he waits for the transport, he's happy to pose. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
The wait's getting longer. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
Longer still. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
Plum blossoms. Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Rakcham Rakchham Mastrang
We are heading back to Batseri for a village walk.
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
A glimpse of Batseri through tree tops
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
Premises of Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
A genial local who narrated the history of the temple to us later. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
Exquisite carvings in wood. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
Friendly locals. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
He decided to show us some dance moves when he learnt we were from Mumbai. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
He decided to show us some dance moves when he learnt we were from Mumbai. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri Incredible India Indian Culture My Bioscope People portraiture Street Photography Portraits People of India Portrait
He decided to show us some dance moves when he learnt we were from Mumbai. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
He decided to show us some dance moves when he learnt we were from Mumbai. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri
He decided to show us some dance moves when he learnt we were from Mumbai. Badrinarayan temple, Batseri
Himachal Pradesh Maneesh Goal 2018 India Kinnaur Himalayas Baspa River Sangla Batseri

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Kinnaur (Baspa Valley): Sangla, Batseri, Rakcham, Chitkul

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