Vansh TiwariHimachal Pradesh has some jaw-dropping locations where landscapes come alive, and Chitkul is among those places. The rest of the other gems we’ll discover in other posts.
Chitkul in April can be daunting on one hand and excitement of witnessing the white Winterland on the other. Daunting weather because the road to Chitkul usually opens in March & April. Honestly saying it depends upon the weather too.
It’s not just the big cities that the COVID pandemic has hit, but the far apart places like Chitkul. Tourism in Chitkul doesn’t remain at its peak throughout the year.
Let me take you a little back – I visited Chitkul in April & was traveling on the bus. Upon reaching Chitkul, I got accompanied by 3-4 people, and we all ended up staying in the same hostel.
The roads opened just a few days back; the hostel surroundings remain fully covered with snow, almost half a foot – one foot to the entrance. The water was frozen, and we were shivering at night with heaters on & there were around 5-6 people in the whole hostel of 30-40 occupancy of beds.
The Delhi to Chitkul journey was indeed exciting as well.
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Road to Chitkul in April
The road conditions will not hamper your journey. However, you will be exhausted if you reach Chitkul after a long drive from Delhi.
I advise that you stay at Reckong Peo for a night before heading towards Chitkul.
So you will not face problems finding Reckong Peo to the Chitkul bus.
Upon reaching Sangla, you will get surrounded by the snow till Chitkul. The quantity of snow will increase with every foot forward & upon your arrival on Chitkul, you will find yourself landing on the snow land.
The road trip to Chitkul will bring the excitement of exploring the far apart place. It will also test your patience because you must have researched over 100 times on Chitkul. The mind will crave for the destination to arrive sooner.
You can bring your car or bike, but to travel in an HRTC will be a different experience.
Weather in Chitkul in April
The weather will play a significant role, mainly when you depend on the temperature to proceed. For example, the people residing in Chitkul re-locate themselves because of harsh weather conditions & snow covering their doors, restricting them from staying inside.
The people of Kalpa in Kinnaur call Chitkul Switzerland because of nature & the environment that inspires most tourists to visit here.
The weather during April month & especially towards the evening will become quite harsh. After all, the Chitkul stands located at a distance of approx. 11000 ft and a sudden change in the weather conditions will be natural.
So there’s a possibility that you’ll ask for heaters from the staff where you will be staying.
The chances are low that you can visit Chitkul in peak winters (Dec-Mar) because the snow will block the roads.
Things You Should Pack for Chitkul
Suppose you are planning somewhere around that April. You’ll be facing cold weather conditions, if not in the morning, by evening.
You can look at how beautiful the shot from the morning blue, an hour before the dawn looks, nature at its best.
At night the temperature would slip around -1 degrees.
1. Pack at Least Three Layers
The clothing layers will protect you from intense cold conditions throughout the day.
2. Strong Grip Boots
You must wear a pair of grip boots because the snow might be slippery & the chances of falling over it will be high. The snow will be fresh in some parts, and your foot can go beneath it. Precaution right before stepping out in the field will be required.
While going near the Baspa river, I had to pass a sheet of snow that appeared to be fresh because the foot was going beneath on stepping. Suppose I had been wearing casual shoes; the shoe would have become torn in that rugged condition.
Mountains and boots with powerful grips are directly related to each other.
You can get an idea from the image below that rugged mountain terrains & strong grip shoes are of utmost necessity.
3. Pack 2-3 Pairs of Socks
In continuation of the last point, suppose your foot has fallen into the snow & went beneath it. If you are carrying a pair of socks, that will save you from not wearing the same wet socks again and again.
The same goes with the cloth too, because you don’t want to spoil your trip by falling ill and not enjoying the conditions.
4. Safety from Winter Sunlight
There will be a relief of stay when the sun comes out. But Safety from Direct sunlight, especially at high elevations. It is as necessary as staying hydrated. You can consult your doctor for face creams & precautions against the winter sun.
You can read, How to make a 5-day Kinnaur Valley road trip under 8K
Final Words
Chitkul is amongst those places which recall how beautiful nature could turn if we try to protect it. Destroying nature will eventually lead to a conclusion that directly affects the life and the people visiting.
It will create a negative impact. For example, suppose what would happen if people didn’t welcome you in Chitkul and tell you to leave their land.
On the one hand, the excitement, enthusiasm, and energy of visiting a place & keeping nature clean should be on the other.
I hope my Chitkul in April experience will help you plan accordingly.
Let me know your experience in Chitkul and especially the month you visited?