Alpine Village · 3,050m
The hidden gem between Sangla and Chitkul — traditional water mill, ancient Kinnauri architecture, and apple orchards most travellers never see.
About Rakcham Village
Rakcham sits 17 kilometres from Sangla on the road to Chitkul — which means everyone passes it. Hardly anyone stops. The dark timber houses stack up the hillside above the Baspa River, surrounded by orchard terraces and stands of blue pine, presenting one of the most photogenic village compositions in the Baspa Valley.
It is a working agricultural village of around a hundred families, unchanged in its essential rhythms despite the slow trickle of tourism up the valley. What distinguishes Rakcham from other Kinnauri villages is the density and quality of its traditional architecture, the presence of a traditional gharat water mill still in occasional use, and an atmosphere of authentic village life that is increasingly rare in the more heavily visited parts of the valley.
Rakcham has no hotels, guesthouses, or formal tourist infrastructure. It is a day-visit destination — but those 45 minutes to 2 hours spent walking its lanes are among the most rewarding of any Kinnaur itinerary.
What to See
Local Cuisine
Getting There
Drive upstream on the Sangla–Chitkul road. The village appears on the right as you approach 17km from Sangla town. Tell your driver in advance — the turn-off is easy to miss.
Rakcham is only 9 km from Chitkul on the return drive — combine both in a single day trip from Sangla. Stop on the way up for morning light, and again on the return for afternoon light.
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