Chiktan , still waiting for tourists.

After diverting away  from the National Highway (NH1), Chiktan block of district Kargil in Ladakh region  is situated at a stretched strip of over 30 kms along the  Kanji Nalah. The whole population  of the Chiktan Valley  is dependent, directly or indirectly , on this River. This beautiful river originates from The Famous Kanji Glacier which is in Leh District  of Ladakh region .

Though Chiktan hasn't got a mention on the Tourism Map of Ladakh but believe me, there is much  more for the tourists than whole of the Ladakh has.
Chiktan has had an interesting history , one can not forget the famous carpenter from Baltistan , Shinkhann Tsandan , who is responsible for crafting the world famous CHIKTAN CITADEL(Chiktan Khar). This is a must visit for the tourists . The lovely craftsmanship leaves one' s tongue hanging .

The second tourism attraction must be The NINDUM peak. It is the highest mountain of the region. The ignorance of the administration can be guessed from the fact that we do not its height. The locals visit this mountain very often and after reaching  the top  they offer Salah (prayers). There is that interesting plane strip for this purpose . NINDUM  actually means "Nearer to The Sun" . Whole of the Ladakh Region can be seen from the top of this mountain in which the duo of NUN and KUN mountains in Zanskar are worth mentioning .

Ladakh is known for the world famous Pangong Lake but  Chiktan has got its own Pangong  popularly known as Shashi Tso. After crossing the Sandow Village , one can experience this beautiful sister of Pangong Lake  situated at the famous Shashi La.

This block has a majority of Shia Muslims but there are two or three buddhist villages who are known for their unity. The famous Photang At Boddhkharbu is yet another a tourist attraction for those who keep an interest in exploring Buddhism around the world. There are many other forts which have almost disappeared but the place where they are situated are astonishing. Samrah Khar, Stakchey Khar  and one on top of a peak  at Boddhkharbu are included in it.

We all know Ladakh has a very harsh climatic condition. The above said  destinations are almost impossible to explore during winter but for the winter dose, the folks have this everyone's favourite Ice-hockey. The rink at Pargue Village is the first Ice-Hockey rink of Kargil district.

Ladakh is also known for this World Famous Apricot   and you can enjoy it there at Sanjak Village in Chiktan during Summer. Remember , Sanjak is also Known as "Chhota Jammu" by the locals.

There is no facility for tourist guides is Chiktan itself but if you ask for the Locals to come as volunteers, they all are at your service , anytime. Hope you will have a good time in Chiktan this summer , Good Luck!!

Pic: Stunning view of the ruins of Stakchey Khar (photo credit : Syed Jani )