Rakcham Village: Base in the Meadow, Day-Trip to the Famous Names

Sangla and Chitkul in Himachal are quite common among tourists who have been here or have been looking for tourist attractions but there is another stop, Rakcham Village in Spiti Valley, which is worth considering. 

Sitting on the lap of Baspa Valley, Rakcham is wrapped around beautiful meadows, mountain slopes and the Baspa river. It is one of those places where you can spend time walking, relaxing and just soaking in the view, without rushing from one place to another. 

You can find a simple accommodation setting, and limited facilities as compared to other popular hill stations but the part that makes this village appealing is that not many people are aware of it, so it will be less crowded. 

Rakcham at a Glance

• Location: Baspa Valley, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 3000 meters above sea level
• Known for: Open meadows, village setting, mountain views
• Duration: 1-2 nights
• Accommodation type: Homestays and guest houses with basic facilities
• Best time to visit: April to June, and September to November

Why Choose Rakcham?

Most of the time, the traveller’s attention goes to Chitkul or Sangla because they are more popular and heard of, so why should one go for Rakcham in the first place? Let’s face the truth Sangla has more facilities than Rakcham and Chitkul appeals to its visitors with its surreal mountain backdrops and its reputation as the last inhabited village located near the Indo-Tibetan border. 

Rakcham offers a completely different reason to stay, the biggest draw being the surreal landscape, open land stretches, and the surrounding peaks, all of them gives you plenty of reasons to stay without having to follow a packed itinerary. You can relax, take pictures to flex on your Insta feed. 

The best part about Rakcham is that you don’t need to miss out on Sangla and Chitkul, the location is quite practical, and you can very easily plan a day trip to Chitkul, head towards Sangla, then return to your accommodation without having to change hotels almost every night. 

But please note that if you are looking for plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, then Rakcham may not be the place for you. Its secluded quiet setting is what makes it what it is, an absolute beauty. However, if you are planning to leave the chaos behind and just have a moment for yourself and not worry about anything else, then Rakcham is exactly the kind of place you want. 

What Is Rakcham Village Like?

If you are imagining Rakcham as just another scenic stop on the way to Chitkul, then you could not be more wrong. It is a mountain village where the everyday life continues along with the arrival of travellers, especially during the tourist season. 

It’s quite common to see traditional timber and stone buildings, cultivated land and plenty of open space around the settlement. The wide valley allows locals to earn their living through farming. 

The landscape changes from one season to another, during summers it turns absolutely green, while the colder months cover it with a thick sheet of snow.

The village is surely as beautiful as it can get, but remember that people live here, and one should respect boundaries. Always ask for permission before entering or capturing private land, avoid disturbing livestock, and make sure the locals are not bothered. 

Day Walks in Rakcham

Travelers who enjoy short walks in peace, amidst the meadows, Rakcham works well for them. 

Riverside Walks and Baspa River Meadows

The Baspa river meadows are one of the reasons to stay in Rakcham, instead of treating it as a quick stop while you are on the Sangla to Chitkul road. The open landscape, views of the river and the backdrop of the mountains, make it a suitable area for relaxed walks. 

The overall experience depends on the weather as well, warmer weathers have greener surroundings, while autumn and spring season can be a little cold and more exposed. 

Chitkul: The Last Inhabited Village

Even those who haven’t been to Chitkul, know that it is the last inhabited village at the Indo-China border. Besides that, it is among the easiest excursions that you can plan from Rakcham. 

Located just 10-12 km away, the overall journey takes 30-40 minutes, totally depending upon the condition of the road. 

Once you have reached Chitkul, you can enjoy the surrounding mountains. If you are visiting Chitkul for the Baspa Valley, do keep in mind that it gets really crowded during the tourist season and holidays. 

Batseri Village: A Stop On The Way

While you are exploring Sangla Valley, Batseri Village is another spot that you check out, while you are there. Known for its traditional architecture and local culture, it offers a completely different perspective of Kinnaur village life. 

If you wish to buy local crafts or products, then you can buy from the Batseri Village. You can buy directly from the makers and make your contribution to the community. 

Where To Stay In Rakcham?

Here’s some truth, Rakcham homestay and guest houses may not be as pleasant as you may find in other popular hill town areas but the experience is also something you may never get anywhere else. Why? 

Well, the accommodations here are absolutely simple, just like the simplicity of this place. 

Homestays and guesthouses are your only options, where you can have basic facilities. It is advisable to call and ask about the facilities, rather than booking directly. Also check if the room has an attached bathroom, if that is something that would bother you. Also check, if hot water is available and heating arrangements are there or not. 

Food is also something that you need to confirm because some properties provide home cooked meals, while some have limited arrangements. Meanwhile, if you don't want the fuss of calling so many people and checking and banging your head against the wall, then just choose one of our Spiti Tour Packages, and let us take it from there. 

You cannot assume that restaurants and shops will remain open till late night like we have in cities. Mobile and internet access may also be limited due to poor network connectivity of the region.

Best Time To Visit Rakcham

April to June

The months between April to June can be a good time to visit as it falls between late spring and early summer, offering a greener landscape. However, the conditions can still be cold, especially in the mornings and late evenings. Some routes may also be affected by snow. 

September to November

September and November are generally more practical for exploring the Rakcham village, taking leisurely strolls, and also taking a day trip to Chitkul. The weather may be a little unpredictable with rain, landslides and road closures can become a cause of disruption, so check the conditions before you head there. 

December to March

Rakcham in winters is not for the weak hearted, it needs a lot of planning and a completely healthy and strong body inside out. Not everyone can withstand winters here with temperatures dropping to -5°C to -15°C. You may also come across plenty of road closures, so be prepared for that as well. If you want to add a colourful touch to your visit, you can attend the popular Sangla Holi with Sanga Tour Packages.

Whatever season you choose, carry suitable footwear and leave some flexibility in your plans. Mountain weather can change quickly, and a little extra time can make the trip far less stressful.

How To Reach Spiti From Shimla?

The best way to reach Spiti Valley from Shimla is by road via Kinnaur. The route takes you through Narkanda, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Nako and Tabo before reaching Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley.

The journey is around 410-430 km and usually takes 2 days, depending on road conditions and overnight stops. You can refer to our guide on how to reach Spiti Valley from Shimla and Manali for a better understanding.

Conclusion 

Rakcham is worth considering if you want to explore the Baspa Valley without rushing between its better-known stops. Its open meadows, mountain views and location between Sangla and Chitkul make it a practical base for short walks and day trips. Accommodation is simple, and seasonal road conditions need some planning, but the quieter setting can be a welcome change from a packed itinerary.