Rakcham Village

Rakcham Village

Rakcham is a scenic village in Baspa Valley (Sangla Valley), Kinnaur district, located at an altitude of 3,050 meters (10,000 ft). Nestled between Sangla (12 km) and Chitkul (12 km), it is often referred to as the “Switzerland of India” for its alpine meadows, pine forests, and snow-covered peaks.

The village is named after “Rakcham,” meaning “stone bridge,” and is surrounded by fields of buckwheat, potatoes, and apple orchards. With the Baspa River flowing alongside, Rakcham offers the perfect mix of raw natural beauty and peaceful Himalayan life.

Best Time to Visit Rakcham

  • April – June: Pleasant weather, blooming orchards, and snow still visible on mountains.

  • July – September: Green meadows and wildflowers (monsoon may cause landslides).

  • October – November: Crisp skies, autumn colors, and clear mountain views.

  • December – March: Heavy snowfall; the village turns into a winter wonderland, but roads may be blocked.

Why Visit Rakcham

  • To enjoy the charm of the “Switzerland of India.”

  • To walk along the Baspa River and the meadows.

  • To experience the traditional Kinnauri lifestyle and wooden houses.

  • To trek and camp in one of Himachal’s most beautiful valleys.

  • To use it as a quiet base for Chitkul and Sangla.

Things to Do in & Around Rakcham

In Rakcham:

  • Baspa Riverside Walks – Peaceful trails with river views.

  • Village Walks – Explore wooden houses and interact with locals.

  • Photography – Meadows, forests, and snow peaks.

  • Birdwatching & Nature Walks – Spot Himalayan birds and enjoy the tranquillity.

  • Stay in a Homestay – Experience authentic Kinnauri hospitality.

Nearby Attractions:

  1. Chitkul (12 km) – The Last inhabited village of India near Tibet.

  2. Batseri (6 km) – Famous for wooden temples and apple orchards.

  3. Sangla (12 km) – Kamru Fort, apple farms, and valley hub.

  4. Kalpa (75 km) – Views of Kinnaur Kailash range.

  5. Karcham (25 km) – Confluence of the Sutlej and the Baspa rivers.

How to Reach Rakcham

  • From Sangla (12 km, 30 mins) – By taxi, shared cab, or bike.

  • From Shimla (245 km, 9–10 hrs) – Via Rampur and Karcham.

  • From Reckong Peo (65 km, 3 hrs) – Nearest town with facilities.

Foods & Facilities at Rakcham

  • Food – Homestays and small cafes serve Himachali and Tibetan dishes (rajma-rice, siddu, momos, thukpa).

  • Stay – Homestays, guesthouses, and a few small hotels are available.

  • Shops & ATMs – Minimal; nearest in Sangla and Reckong Peo.

  • Network – Limited; BSNL works best; other networks may fluctuate.

Travel Tips for Rakcham Visitors

  • Stay at least 1 night to soak in the peaceful charm.

  • Carry cash – no ATMs in the village.

  • If visiting in winter, check road conditions due to snowfall.

  • Combine Rakcham with Sangla, Batseri, and Chitkul for a valley tour.

  • Carry warm clothing – evenings are cold throughout the year.

Responsible Travel & Local Etiquette

  • Respect the quiet charm of the village – avoid loud music or noise.

  • Don’t litter – keep the riverbanks and meadows clean.

  • Support locals – stay in homestays and buy Kinnauri handicrafts.

  • Ask permission before photographing locals.

  • Be eco-conscious – conserve water and avoid single-use plastics.