Rakchham is a serene village in the Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh, nestled between Sangla and Chitkul. Situated at around 3,100 meters, Rakchham is known for its picturesque landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and the gurgling Baspa River. The village offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and those looking for offbeat travel experiences.
How to Reach Rakchham:
Route: Shimla → Kufri → Narkanda → Rampur → Jeori → Karcham → Sangla → Rakchham
- By Air: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (233 km away). Alternatively, Chandigarh Airport is about 350 km from Rakchham. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these airports to reach Rakchham.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kalka (310 km away). From Kalka, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Rakchham via Shimla.
- By Road: Rakchham is well-connected by road. You can reach Rakchham by taking a bus or driving from Shimla (235 km), which is a popular route passing through the beautiful mountain terrain. Buses and taxis are available from Shimla, Rampur, and Sangla.
Places to Visit Nearby (within 100 km):
- Chitkul (13 km): The last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional Kinnauri houses.
- Sangla (10 km): A charming town in the Baspa Valley, famous for its apple orchards, Kamru Fort, and trekking trails.
- Kalpa (60 km): A small town offering panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range and known for its temples and monasteries.
- Reckong Peo (60 km): The district headquarters of Kinnaur, known for its vibrant markets and views of the Kinnaur Kailash.
- Sarahan (90 km): Famous for the Bhimakali Temple and its scenic surroundings, Sarahan is a peaceful retreat.
- Nako (100 km): A high-altitude village known for its lake and Buddhist monasteries.
Best Season to Visit:
- Summer (April to June): This is the best time to visit Rakchham, with pleasant weather and clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
- Monsoon (July to September): The region receives moderate to heavy rainfall, which can make travel difficult due to landslides.
- Autumn (October to November): This is another good time to visit, with the landscape turning golden and the weather remaining cool.
- Winter (December to March): Rakchham experiences heavy snowfall, making it inaccessible at times, but it''s a great time for snow lovers.
Mobility:
- Local Transport: Taxis and private cars are the most convenient modes of transport to explore Rakchham and nearby areas.
- Walking/Hiking: The village and its surroundings are best explored on foot, with several trekking routes available for nature enthusiasts.
- Buses: State-run buses connect Rakchham with major towns like Sangla, Kalpa, and Shimla, but they are less frequent
