Himachal Pradesh is one of the prized possession of India. Anytime of the year, the beauty in its varied forms is breathtaking. Himachal Pradesh can provide you with joy to your very core. But there is another side to this, certain parts of Himachal Pradesh become too crowded during season time and you might not be able to find the peace that you expected. Hence Kalpa! I can assure, you will be giving yourself a treat visiting this place.
Towards Kalpa
Kalpa is almost 200kms from Shimla and is a 6hours plus journey. My advice would be to start early for Kalpa around 8 in the morning. As the road would not always be pleasant, the visuals along the journey would have your attention. During the winters the glacial streams are serene. The low jingles made by river Baspa along with the mild heat of the sun and the cold breeze is one of the best fusion one can experience on a journey. So if you are travelling during winters be brave to open your window shield when the sun faces you :-) And if you want a cherry on top of the cake have a playlist of melodious songs.
Kalpa has rich apple orchards but the best part of the blossoms are during October and November. Try booking rooms with balconies facing mountains.
Early morning with a cup of a hot beverage when you will see the sun rays slowly brightening up the snow clad mountains and lengthening the shadows of the orchards, you will feel that time has paused and believe me you will want it to stay paused. A day or two before or after a full moon night the mountains of Kalpa are as majestic under the moon as under the sun.
I would only say this, whenever you visit, feel Kalpa, it is very soothing along with hypnotic scenery.
From Kalpa to Chitkul
General Knowledge alert... Chitkul is said to be the last village of India. It take around 3 hours from Kalpa to visit Chitkul. Just a small advice to enthusiastic travelers, prefer not to self drive to this place as the roads are true to the reputation of a mountain road. Chitkul is reached via Sangla. One can prefer to stay at Chitkul but a day's visit is sufficient. Temperature here during winters will be around -10degree Celsius. And it goes without saying that this little place has its own beauty.
Once you reach Chitkul it will be around a walk of 200-300 meters to reach the edge of the river. Here you can have fun and mischief in the snow and fulfill all that you have planned, from snow fights to attempt to make a snowman :) Embrace yourself in joy!
The snow here sometimes can be treacherous so better follow previous footmarks else you might find yourself either knee deep in snow or rolling down in the snow. And if you are with a group of friends then rest assured you will be made to become the snowman first, that you wished to build or a number of photos will be clicked and then you will be helped :D
The above panorama image is a small observation by me at Chitkul. Both the mountains you see are at the same altitude and at the very same place yet one is covered with snow and the other is completely rugged. I do not have an answer for this, maybe you guys can let me know in the comments!
As I always say in my blogs, words will always fall short of, the experience will be liberating and enchanting.
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