Kinnaur (Baspa Valley): Sangla, Batseri, Rakcham, Chitkul
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.
Incisions in the mountain. Roads near Sangla.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSangla
Kamru Village seen through an orchard.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaKamru FortKamru
Old woman outside a heritage Himachali house, Kamru Village
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaKamru FortKamru
Old woman outside a heritage Himachali house, Kamru Village
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Lady caretaker opening the door to the premises where Kamru Fort is located.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaKamru FortKamru
Kamru Fort, an ancient tower-fort built in traditional Himachali architectural style. No one is allowed entry inside the tower.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaKamru FortKamru
Door to the tower-fort. Kamru
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaKamru FortKamru
Resident of Kamru village whom we encountered while descending from Kamru
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaKamru FortKamruIncredible IndiaMy BioscopeIndian CulturePeopleportraitureStreet PhotographyPortraitsPeople of IndiaPortraitmybioscope
Baspa River in the evening. Batseri.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaBatseri
Baspa River in the evening. Batseri.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaBatseri
Baspa River at the blue-hour. Batseri. (Long exposure shot)
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaBatseriIncredible IndiaMy BioscopeLandscapesLandscape Photography
Banjara Camps, Batseri property at the blue-hour.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaBatseriIncredible IndiaMy BioscopeLandscapesLandscape Photography
It was raining all morning on the second day of our stay in Batseri.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaBatseri
Batseri village seen through the floating mist.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaBatseri
It was snowing in the upper reaches when we reached Rakcham.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
We were greeted by this sight when we reached Hotel Apple Pie at Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Pretty green boxes. Since it had stopped raining, we set out for a stroll. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
As we were strolling, came a bend in the road, a small bridge with a stream flowing underneath it. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
As we were strolling, came a bend in the road and a small bridge with a stream flowing underneath it. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
As we were strolling, came a bend in the road and a small bridge with a stream flowing underneath it. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
A while later it began to snow. Plum & apple orchard in Rakcham.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaMy Bioscopemybioscope
An hour later it stopped snowing and we set out for a stroll again.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Pretty green box. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Even the cattle thought it wise to opt for a stroll. Rakcham.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
What a swell sight it was. Rakcham.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaMy Bioscopemybioscope
We came back to the bridge for few more clicks. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaMy Bioscopemybioscope
We came back to the bridge for few more clicks. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaIndian CulturePeoplePeople of IndiaPortraitPortraitsportraitureStreet Photography
Back from school. Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaIndian CulturePeoplePeople of IndiaPortraitPortraitsportraitureStreet Photography
Very pretty Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaMy Bioscopemybioscope
Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaIndian CulturePeoplePeople of IndiaPortraitPortraitsportraitureStreet Photography
Pretty Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaIndian CulturePeoplePeople of IndiaPortraitPortraitsportraitureStreet Photography
Back from school, so happy to pose. Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaIndian CultureMy BioscopePeopleportraitureStreet PhotographyPortraitsPeople of IndiaPortrait
Back from school, so happy to pose. Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Rakcham village. Most of the houses here are built in traditional Himachali style.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
The Bridge Over the River Baspa. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Colourful sight. Baspa River. Rakcham
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
Western part of the sky had mostly cleared up by the time we reached the banks of Baspa River. Rakcham.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrangIncredible IndiaIndian CulturePeoplePeople of IndiaPortraitPortraitsportraitureStreet Photography
Western part of the sky had mostly cleared up by the time we reached the banks of Baspa River. Rakcham.
Himachal PradeshManeesh Goal2018IndiaKinnaurHimalayasBaspa RiverSanglaRakchamRakchhamMastrang
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