- Description

Chhitkul village has been recognized as Best Tourism Village 2023 in Bronze category.
Chhitkul, a serene village in Himachal Pradesh, India, offers a glimpse into nature's pristine beauty and the enduring spirit of the region. Situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3,450 meters (11,319 feet), it proudly claims the title of the last inhabited sanctuary before the Indo-Tibetan border

The gentle flow of the Baspa River and the towering Himalayan peaks set the stage for a captivating narrative of natural wealth and heritage. The Mathi Devi Temple, standing as a testament to centuries of devotion, adds to the village's cultural allure. Its festivals, like the Fulaich Festival and Ukharing Festival, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local culture.

Chhitkul's conservation efforts go beyond tradition, focusing on reforestation, organic farming, and eco-friendly practices. The Mahila Mahdal, a community of women, leads cleanliness and awareness campaigns.

Tourism fuels economic growth, providing employment opportunities in local businesses, while artisans find a global market for their handicrafts. Women take center stage, not only as hosts in homestays but also as trekking guides and folk performers.

- INTRODUCTION

Chhitkul is a small village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is often referred to as the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is situated at an altitude of around 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) above sea level. The village is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, serene environment, and unique cultural heritage.

The population of the village 593 in number and the village is situated in Chhitkul is situated in the Sangla Valley, which is a part of the Kinnaur region. The village is located near the Baspa River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. The annual tourist flow of the village (Domestic – 1.47 Lakh and International – 18149). There are many potential accommodation options in Chhitkul these are: Guesthouse and Homestays, Small Hotels and Lodges and Camping also. (Homestay – 20 No. and Hotels/Camps – 30 No.)

- THEME

Natural Resource (As the village is situated in Himalayas, the village has plenty of Natural attraction and the village also concentrate in promoting its natural resources and also some the religious site also.)

- NEARBY ATTRACTION

1. Sanga Valley

2. Mathi Devi Temple

3. Daspa River

4. Rakcham Village

5. Bering Nag Temple

- INITIATIVE/ EVENTS/ ACTIVITIES

1. The people of Chhitkul are skilled in various traditional crafts. You might come across handmade woolen garments, intricately woven Kinnauri shawls, and other locally produced crafts.

2. Chhitkul celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including the Fulaich Festival and the Ukharing Festival. These festivals involve rituals, dances, and other cultural activities that are deeply rooted in the local culture.

3. Planting native trees and undertaking reforestation efforts to restore degraded lands, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate erosion.

4. Encouraging organic farming practices, crop rotation, and minimal pesticide use to protect soil health and prevent water pollution.

5. Promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, minimizing plastic waste and its detrimental effects on the environment.

6. Promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as using LED lighting, reducing unnecessary energy consumption, and exploring renewable energy options and About 10 Solar Street lights are being installed in the Village.

7. The District Administration, in collaboration with the District Tourism Development Officer, is developing a QR-based information system at tourist spots.

8. Food Processing Activities such as Apple juice, Chulli juice, Black Grapes Juice, Grapes Juice etc.

9. There is one mahilaMahdal in the village that participates in cleanliness camps, health camps and other awareness camps organized in the village.

10. Various awareness camps are being organized by the District Administration and ITBP which involves Drugs awareness camps etc.

- IMPACTS

1. The local residents of the village contribute to a cleaner and healthier living space while promoting the importance of responsible waste management and sustainable practices.

2. Income generation from tourist spending money on accommodation, food, transportation, activities and souvenirs directly inject money in the local economy.

3. Employment Opportunities for locals through providing services to the tourists visiting the village such as accommodation, restaurants, tour guides, transportation, handicraft and more.

4. Tourism encourages the growth of local business, such as homestays, guesthouses, restaurants and shops.

5. Tourism also helps to promote the handicrafts and local product. Tourist often show interest in purchasing local handicrafts, textiles, agricultural products, and other locally made goods, providing and additional market for artisans and producers.

6. Most home stays in Chhitkul are run by women, Women also take other roles in interaction with guests eg Trekking guides, Folk performers.

7. Through enhancement of village employment and practices girls’ education and providing them health care is one of the major priorities.