Sai Ropa
Sai Ropa is the base and has a tourist complex for the Great Himalayan National Park. It lies between Banjar and Gushaini. There are many potions around but the Forest Rest House (FRH) in Sai Ropa complex is a convenient option, it is difficult to get an instant booking.
There are cottages that can be used for staying upon payment of a fee. Budget travellers and solo backpackers have the affordable option of staying in the dormitory of the Forest Rest House, which is set among dense pine trees and a variety of plants and trees. Contact us for pricing.
It is an Ecozone Tourist Community Center that is 5 km away from Banjar and 5 km before Gushaini village. It is also the headquarters of Tirthan Wildlife Range Office (a GNHP staff facility) at which entrance tickets to the park and permits for treks (if any) can be bought.
Information about GHNP and brochures can be obtained at Sai Ropa.
Another place for tourists to access and find more information is the Larji Information Centre, which is located outside the park and near the confluence of Sainj and Tirthan rivers in Larji village.
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Jibhi Ghiyagi
Jibhi 7 KMS asway from Banjar and is hardly a 2 hours away from Aut tunnel on the Delhi-Manali Highway. There are mesmerizing green pine forests with a virgin waterfall in Jibhi. Story book kind magnificence of this place is soul soothing and is very hard to explain. Besides beauty, Jibhi is perfect for numerous short and picturesque hikes close by. Fantastic mountain views, sound of river, very friendly people, safe environment for families are some of the things it offers. There are few guest houses and quite a few other places to stay in Jibhi and accommodation ranges from cottages to huts, to cheap homestays. We can help you in finding best places to stay here.
Ghiyagi is a small settlement located 4 kms further up from Jibhi on the way to Shoja/Sojha. You will most likely to miss it if you traveling up to Shoja. It is by the creek and have few places to stay.
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Shoja/Sojha
Sojha is 7 km from Jibhi and is a beautiful hamlet located at an elevation of 2600 m. The village is slightly below the main road, while there are two general stores that double up as homestays on the main road. Sojha has mesmerising views of the valley. It is located only 5 km before Jalori Pass.
Sojha is a timeless village with colourful wooden houses set among apple orchards and an endless view of the valley. As it is close to Jalori Pass, sometimes clouds float happily and fog envelops the entire surroundings making it feel like a fairytale. Nature lovers are bound to have a good time here. There are numerous possibilities for strolling around, hiking in the meadows and heading for treks close to Jalori Pass. The snow clad peaks rise from beyond the tree line and the aroma of nature is a joy to be in. The charm of Shoja is in the panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan ranges in the distance.
It is a perfect place to perfect the art of La Dolce Far Niente for the city folks and a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. There are many options to stay in Shoja.
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Jalori Jot (pass)
Jalori pass connects inner and outer Seraj valleys and Shimla-Kullu region and is situated at 3221 m. It offers fantastic views of the Dhauladhar and Kinnaur range. Although the altitude is not very high, it is one of the steepest passes in terms of road ascendancy.
Jalori Pass is approx 12 km from Jibhi. The road till Sojha is in a good condition but thereafter, the road is terrible because snowfall deteriorates it every year. The road is pretty bad and slippery and makes for a full adventure ride. Shoja is very pretty and the climb hereafter is pretty steep.
Jalori Pass is only 5 km from Shoja, but it feels like a never-ending climb while the views among the forests are spectacular. There is a temple on top of the pass and a few dhabas on the main road. Most dhabas in the region serve rajma chawal (kidney beans and rice), something that you should not skip while here. The beans used are locally grown and have a lingering flavour.
The pass is normally open from April to November each year and is connected by buses that ply from Banjar to Anni and Rampur to Banjar (on the return journey). In summer season, there are camps set up by forest department and private operators to enable nature lovers to stay in beautiful meadows just behind the temple.
If you happen to be at Jalori Pass in winter, there is a possibility of seeing snowfall at the top of the pass and the entire valley covered in a blanket of white!
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Saryolsar Lake
Saryolsar (also Serolsar) is a prettily-located small lake, accessed by a 6 km trek through beautiful oak and cedar forests from Jalori Pass. The waters of the lake are crystal clear and there is an old temple too near the lake. The temple is of goddess Buddhi Nagin is highly revered by the locals. It is a great way to get initiated in the world of hiking for beginners and camp in the midst of nature at comfortable altitudes.
The trail to Saryolsar Lake begins just behind the temple at Jalori Pass. In the summer season, there are camping options to stay and a dhaba to serve travellers and hikers. It’s a 2-3 hour hike away from Jalori Jot.
A worthy add on to Saryolsar Lake is a hike to the nearby Raghupur Fort that offers 360 degree valley views that stretch as far as the Dhauladhar ranges. Raghupur Fort, also known as Raghupur Garh, is approximately a 3 km trek from Jalori Pass and is a ruined fort with hardly a few walls standing. The walk to Raghupur Fort passes through a lovely forest and has spectacular views of the mountains.
As you reach the meadows where the fort is located, there are unbelievable views that stretch as far as your eyes can see. Origin and building year of the fort is not known. It is possible to camp at this meadow in summers if you are travelling in a group and can hire tents, guides and porters at Banjar, Jibhi, Sojha or Jalori Pass.
Both these places are easily accessible and do not require the services of a guide if you do not plan for a night stay. It is recommended to eat food at the dhaba, carry lots of water and packed food with you on the hike.
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Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP)
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) was included in the very prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014. The park is dense with pine and oak trees and encompasses around 90000 hectares of land and mountains ranging from 1500 m altitude to 6000 m high peaks. GHNP was originally established in 1984 and is a 750 sq km area.
It is also known as a part of the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and includes 25 flora types along with a variety of fauna species, several of which are threatened. Among the birds and animal wildlife that can be spotted is Western tragopan, chir pheasant, snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan tahr and blue sheep.
Villages such as Gushaini, Sainj, Neuli, Pekhri lying inside Tirthan Valley can be considered as the gateway to GHNP. Entry permit to enter GHNP can be obtained from the office at Sai Ropa. There are a variety of hikes possible inside GHNP.
Eco-zone: There are various villages lying within the eco-zone of GHNP and no permit is required to trek in the eco-zone. It is possible to walk and arrange a homestay at the villages of Tinder, Ropa, Shalinga, Talinga, Pekhri and more.
There are options for multi-day treks ranging from two days to a week, including Rangthar Top & Marahni, Rolla & Shilt Hut, Rangthar Trek, Raktisar Trek and more.
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Lambri Jot via Sarchi
Sarchi is a pretty village located high up (approx 2200 m) in the mountains and is a base for the climb to Lambri Top. A dirt road goes to the village of Sarchi, which is 19 km from Gushaini. The road to Sarchi begins at the base of the valley, a right turn on a bridge before Gushaini and climbs through beautiful deodar forests. The road offers great views of the valley below and the Great Himalayan National Park mountain range. Sarchi village is set amidst apple orchards and is a traditional village with local architecture and houses made of wood.
Lambri Top is a ridge that connects Tirthan Valley and Seraj Valley. The hike reaches the first village of Jamala a steep one hour climb from Sarchi village. Jamala village has 100-200 year old wooden houses, architectural marvels of sort. There is a meadow near Jamala, where it is possible to camp among the wildflowers. Lambri Top has mesmerising views of the entire Tirthan Valley. It is a lovely place to camp with uninterrupted sights of greenery, pine forests flanked by snowy peaks.
The trail climbs higher from Jamala and you will have 360 degree panoramic views from Lambri Top. It is also possible to move farther to Jalori Pass; from Lambri Ridge it is a day’s hike away. Himachali delicacies made by locals are an added attraction of coming to this offbeat location of Sarchi, as this destination is untouched by commercial tourist operators.
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Chaini Kothi
The road goes around 4 km from Jibhi towards Banjar, it bifurcates to an uphill turn to Shringa Rishi Bagi temple. There are two routes from here to reach the temple; you can either take the stairs through the forest or a steep narrow dirt road of around two km. It is a lovely walk among the pines along with local devotees carrying flowers to be offered at the Shringa Rishi Temple.
The temple is immensely beautiful, surrounded by apple orchards and traditional wooden houses. It is a three storey temple with views of the valley. The insides of the temple are entirely made of wood and the deities are kept on the top floor. Shringa Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley.
Chaini (also Chehni) Kothi is a huge tower-like structure located in Chaini village. This village is accessible by a 2 km uphill walk from Shringa Rishi Bagi temple. The village is perched at an altitude of approx 2000 m and there are breathtaking views of Tirthan Valley. Chaini Fort is supposed to have been originally built in 17th century as a defensive structure and garrisoning structure.
Chaini Kothi was originally a 7-storey tower structure but got damaged in the earthquake of 1905 and its top two towers fell off. This is one of the tallest structures built in the traditional local architecture in entire Himachal Pradesh. Chaini Kothi is still more than 45 m tall. Outsiders are not allowed inside the temple for the fear of their falling off the steep hanging staircase.
It is said that locals of Chaini Village restored the temple and saved it from further damage. The village is delightfully pretty with wheat fields and women working on traditional shawl making machines. There are a few homestays too, if you want to soak in the tranquil atmosphere too.
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Gushaini
Gushaini is a small village in Tirthan Valley. It is prettily located on the banks of the pristine Tirthan River and has lots of greenery. The village has a happy vibe with rustic wooden buildings and smiling kids running in its bylanes. Gushaini is the gateway for treks in Tirthan Valley and is hardly 10 km away from Banjar. The confluence of Tirthan and Flachan river is a sight worth visiting and is quite close to Gushaini.
Gushaini is approximately 10 km before the entrance to the GHNP and is the preferred place to stay for most enthusiasts heading to the park. For city dwellers, the sweet sound of Tirthan river is like music to ears. There are peach, pomegranate, apple, pear and apricot orchards in and around Gushaini. A secret waterfall near Gahidar awaits travellers in Gushaini.
Stay options in Gushaini village are few and are mostly in the form of homestays and guesthouses. Among the few shops on the main road, there are 2-3 eateries serving thalis and tasty local food at cheap prices.
There are many options for nature lovers and adventurers in Gushaini including angling, river crossing, hiking, camping and bird watching. The village is flanked by tall pines on both sides, and the landscape appears magical when sunlight makes its way creating golden hues on the lush green growth. Gushaini is the perfect place to get lost and do nothing. There are numerous hikes around, and the one to Bandal Village is recommended; a must-visit here is the fabulous temple of Goddess Durga in Bandal.
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Bathahad
Bathahad is perched at approx 2200 m at the end of the motorable road in Tirthan Valley and is the last stop for the bus. It is only 8 km away from Gushaini and is located by the Flachan stream. Just before Batahad, there comes a bridge on the right. There is a small shop as a landmark and a downhill walk leads to a beautiful stream.
Batahad is fairly big and because of the fact that it is the last motorable village in the valley, there are many locals either going up or coming down from other hamlets that are only accessible by treks. Batahad feels like the end of the world.
Accommodation options in Batahad are limited to few homestays. There are a few dhabas as well in the village. Batahad is also believed to be the best place for angling in the entire Tirthan Valley. It is a recommended place for nature lovers looking to spend some quiet time with themselves among the beautiful apple orchards and flowers.
Traditional water mills (locally called graat) can be seen in Batahad and they are still in use. There are numerous options for hikes in and around Batahad and it is also the starting point for the trek to Bashleo Pass.
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Sainj Neuli
The road to Sainj and Neuli is forked out from Larji (1 KMS from Aut Tunnel), on the way to Banjar. Larji Dam is first thing you notice, when you diverge from Chandigarh-Manali highway (at Aut tunnel). Dam is built at the junction of three rivers, Beas, Parwati and Tirthan. Parvati River takes you to Sainj, Tirthan takes you to Bali Chowk & Banjar and Beas takes you to Kullu & Manali.
Sainj is a big town in the valley by the river and Neuli is a small village. There are many homestays and guesthouses in both places. They are part of the Great Himalayan National Park. Great hikes include a 2 day trek including villages of Shangarh and Lapah.
Shangarh has a forest rest house and two prominent temples, Shangchul Mahadev Temple and the pagoda-style Manu Rishi temple (traditional architecture with intricate wood carving). Lapah village has a forest inspection hut and lies at the base of Dhel Meadow side of GHNP. Shangarh is approx 10 km away from Neuli and has a dirt track leading to it.
You can also trek to local villages of Siund, Saran and Ghat Seri. These are small villages located in Sainj valley located near Sainj river. The hike is sometimes steep with a long climb to the ancient villages of Saran and Peshi with old houses in a distinct architectural style.
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Pekhri Village
Pekhri village lies at approx 2100 m in the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) and is accessible by a dirt road from Gushaini. It is a traditional Himachal village that appears to be hanging on a mountain amid the lush greenery.
Pekhri village was connected via a road for the first time in 2011; there is a camping ground in Pekhri for travellers and lovers of outdoors. Pekhri is also the starting point for the 2-3 day trek to Rangathar and beyond. The village is also a stopover for the villages of Tirthan Valley; the other villages you must visit around Pekhri are Tinder, Nahin, Ropa, Shalinga and Talinga.
The road from Gushaini climbs almost 15 hairpin bends to reach Pekhri. To reach the old village, there are steps that will lead you to the wooden houses. There is also a bus service to Pekhri that plies once or twice a day; reaching here is also possible by hiring a cab/taxi.
A wooden temple stands among the fields in Pekhri. Although there are no formal designated homestays, it is possible to stay in one of the locals’ home by paying a small fee.
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Banjar
Banjar is around 22 km from Aut and is the biggest town and district headquarters of Banjar Valley & Tirthan Valley. The road along the Tirthan river is very picturesque and provides a stunning view of the valley. From Banjar, the road bifurcates—one road goes to Tirthan Valley and the other to Jibhi and Jalori Pass. Banjar Valley offers peaceful walks to tranquil villages.
Gushaini is around 10 km from Banjar along the Tirthan river, while Jibhi is around 8 km from Banjar; a stream flows enroute Jibhi too. There is a big market in Banjar with all the necessities. It was the first town to be developed with guest houses and hotels. There are quite a few options for eating in Banjar.
Bus stand at Banjar is housed in a big building and has excellent connectivity with the rest of the valley and entire Himachal Pradesh. There are buses every 30 minutes to Tirthan Valley with Batahad being the last stop. Buses toward Jibhi, Sojha and onward to Jalori Pass are less frequent. Shared taxis ply toward Jalori Pass and on the other side to Anni village and there is also a taxi stand in Banjar.
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