Chitkul, the last village in the Baspa valley, is a birdwatchers’ paradise. It is one of the few places in the western Himalayas that are higher than 3000m and are still accessible by road. To top it all, it is located in the Raksham-Chitkul wildlife sanctuary.

I have spent a lot of time birding in the areas around Chitkul. The Pink-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus rodochrous) is a common but very beautiful bird of this region. I have spent hours observing this bird in and around Chitkul. This painting is inspired by a sighting of a male on a dry bush. In this painting I have tried to capture the experience of seeing such a beautiful bird while alone in the wilderness of the Himalayas. Hope you enjoy it.

The Pink-browed Rosefinch : A Painting

Acrylic on canvas  19″ x 23″

Closeups of some details of this painting.

If you want to know more about birding in the Raksham-Chitkul wildlife sanctuary, do have a look at my article “Birding in the Raksham Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, Baspa Valley, Kinnaur” .