Chitkul: The Himalayan Hamlet That Captured Anand Mahindra’s Heart

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has attracted a gush of admiration on the internet after posting a stunning photo of Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh. Taken by photographer Divya L Chaitanya, the photo depicts the blue Baspa River running between snow-clad peaks, leading Mahindra to remark on nature's unsurpassed art.

 

Key aspects of Chitkul's beauty:

 

- Located at 3,450 meters above sea level in Kinnaur district, Chitkul is the last civilian settlement before the Indo-Tibet border.

 

- The village is renowned for its pure air, alpine grasslands, and apple and barley terraced fields.

 

- The Baspa River, being the core of the village's ecosystem, adds to its otherworldly beauty and supports local agriculture.

 

Sustainability and culture

 

- Chitkul's inhabitants practice ecologically, with the locals advocating for organic cultivation and reforestation.

 

- Plastic usage is discouraged, and indigenous tree planting is frequent to help maintain biodiversity.

 

- The village serves as a gateway to the sacred Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama trek, a favorite among spiritual tourists and trekkers.

 

Social media supporters:

 

- Mahindra's tweet went viral, with people enjoying the unblemished beauty of Chitkul and posting their own accounts of visiting the destination.

 

- All of them emphasized that technology can replicate images but is incapable of understanding the beauty of such natural wonders.

 

Chitkul's mix of unspoiled beauty, cultural richness, and environmental awareness has obviously resonated—far and wide, not only with Mahindra, but with nature enthusiasts everywhere.

 

Sources: Economic Times, Incredible India, TravelTriangle, Outlook India.