Bewitching Chitkul disappoints tourists

Bhanu P Lohumi

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The existing and emerging tourist destinations in rural and remote areas of the state are facing neglect and lack basic facilities. This is happening at a time when the Himachal Government is giving high priority to tourism and exploring virgin destinations in its development agenda.

Some hitherto unexplored tourist resorts have found place in the itinerary of travel agencies and tour operators but tourists visiting these places are facing harassment and inconvenience. They have to fend for themselves as there are no planned efforts to make their stay comfortable and hassle-free.  

Chitkul in the splendid Sangla valley of Kinnaur district is one such place which is becoming a craze for tourists. With snow-clad mountains, pristine gurgling rivers, beautiful temples, and traditional Kinnauri-style slate-roofed houses, Chitkul hypnotises visitors with its untouched beauty. The Baspa river adds to the feel, and mountains, forests, meadows and apple orchards — this hidden gem has everything. However, visiting the place is a “forced adventure” for tourists.

“I had to relieve myself but there were only two toilets that too at a far off place in Chitkul. The e-toilets were unhygienic and stinking and it was impossible to use them. The government should construct more toilets as a large number of tourists visit the last village of Chitkul in high mountains, which is connected by a motorable road,” says Gargi, a tourist from Solan. The authorities concerned should at least ensure toilets are clean and in a usable condition, he adds.

“We requested restaurant owners to allow us to use their toilets but most of them said that they do not have conveniences. Hotel owners said that toilets are attached with rooms, which were already occupied and they could not allow visitors to use them,” says Neena from Shimla, who visited Chitkul on Dashera.

The unhygienic condition of toilets will compel people to relieve themselves in the open, defeating the campaign for an “open defecation-free” Himachal.

The construction of dams for hydropower projects has spoiled the natural beauty of the Sangla valley and tourists miss the free flowing Baspa river and the confluence of the Baspa and the Sutlej at Karchham. Still the valley has not lost its entire charm and tourists, especially trekkers, are attracted to virgin spots such as Chitkul and the Pin valley. The government should play an active role in providing better facilities at these places, says a tourist, who is a regular visitor to tribal areas.

The government should also issue a weather advisory for people visiting these areas and keep them updated about the road conditions, say tourists.