Image Source: jenish kachhadia
About Rackham meadow
Nestled between Sangla and Chitkul , Rackham meadow is one of the unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh’s Baspa valley. Situated Above Rackham village, the meadow is one of the most fascinating ecological spots for nature lovers.
Rakcham sits as a transition zone between the Great Himalayan Range and the Dhauladhar Range. The unique combination gives rise to a rare blend of flora and fauna — a combination not usually found together. The meadows bloom with alpine wildflowers, and the surrounding forests are dense with cedar, pine, and deodar. This natural convergence makes Rakcham a hotspot for biodiversity, though it remains largely undocumented in formal ecological surveys.
Rakcham’s secluded meadows and adjoining forests act as a wildlife corridor. Locals often report sightings of blue sheep (bharal) , Himalayan red fox , musk deer , and even snow leopards.
Trekkers walking quietly at dawn may be lucky enough to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
The Name and Its Cultural Roots
In the local dialect, the word “Rak”means stone and “Cham” refers to a bridge or a pass. it refer to the rocky outcrops and natural stone formations that dominate the area. The village and meadow sit in Sangla and Chitkul and are called the middle village of Baspa valley.
A Unique Blend of Spiritual Traditions
One unique aspect about the Rackham village is that the village does not have a permanent temple and the villagers conduct religious rituals in the open. It underlines the belief that the entire valley is scared. At the village you will see a blend of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism worship that is often reflected back in festivals.
Summer Grazing Grounds for Nomads
During summer months, Gujjar nomads and local shepherds (Gaddis) turn to these green, lush pastures. They migrate with flocks of sheep, goats, and yaks, setting up seasonal camps using wooden huts called dhanis. Meadow ecosystem plays a crucial role and symbol of the lifestyle of these nomads that remained unchanged for generations. It signifies a living example of sustainable, symbiotic co-existence with nature.
Trails Less Travelled
Rakcham serves as a starting point for secret shepherd trails. Today these trails are converted into treks like pass trek that connects Kinnaur to Har Ki Dun in Uttarakhand. Before the hiking phenomenon, these paths were used for barter trade — and allegedly by smugglers navigating across the rugged Indo-Tibetan terrain.
Storehouse of Medicinal Herbs
Himalayan medicinal plants have often been in demand from the ancient past. They are in Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine. Region around the meadows is rich in such plants; for example kutki , atish , and nag chhatri.
Many trekkers who pass along the trails where herbs grow often pass by without recognising the value. For generations, local healers used them for everything from digestive issues to respiratory problems.