Tirthan Valley wasn’t our planned birthday destination—it found us. Stumbling upon a charming cottage surrounded by nature’s grandeur, we instantly knew we had to experience this paradise. Living in Bangalore, the journey to reach it was quite an adventure.
The journey to Tirthan Valley was a visual treat, with the stunning Himalayan range making the long road trip worthwhile. Despite challenging road conditions, the beauty of the landscape compensated for it. We crossed significant rivers, including Beas, Sutlej, and finally the Tirthan River, before reaching our destination.
Route to Tirthan Valley
- To reach Tirthan Valley from Bangalore, the most convenient route is by road from Chandigarh, either in your vehicle or a rented one. We took a flight to Chandigarh and then traveled to Tirthan Valley by road, opting for a rented Mahindra Thar 4×4 SUV.
- The best way to reach Tirthan Valley is to fly to Chandigarh and then drive to Tirthan Valley via Sundernagar and Mandi.
- That is the fastest suggested route unless you also plan to visit Shimla.
- The road may not be that great until you enter the Great Himalayan National Park region.
What to see in Tirthan Valley: Itenary
- DAY 1: Explored surroundings, enjoyed a peaceful stream-side picnic and took a short hike in the mountains. Wandered through the village, had a delicious lunch, and spent a cold but entertaining evening with newfound friends.
- DAY 2: We set out for the remote village, Sharchi, a 45-minute drive from our stay. Despite losing our way initially due to poor GPS, the scenic drive turned out to be beautiful. The narrow, adventurous road led us to Sharchi, a small village with gorgeous houses. We enjoyed coffee and lunch at a corner café, strolled through the village, and chatted with friendly villagers. The fresh, pure air in February made the experience unforgettable. We reached the end of the road, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and spent a cozy hour admiring the majestic view. It was a day well-spent, immersed in a romantic tryst with nature.
- DAY 3: We planned to visit Chehni Kothi, a 1500-year-old fort, just a 45-minute drive from our stay and a fortified residence of King Raja Rana Dhadhia. The fort was partially damaged during an earthquake in 1905. At present the fort is 60 feet high. Unfortunately, the road was blocked by snow, so we had to skip it. Instead, we enjoyed an aimless drive, appreciating the journey over the destination. We explored, witnessed a beautiful view, and ended the day with chit chat and fun with new friends. The next two days were spent lazing in the cafeteria due to rain and cold weather, but we’ll share more about other places to visit in Tirthan Valley.
Hidden Gem in Tirthan Valley and nearby
- JALORI PASS: Visit Jalori Pass between April to November, but beware of harsh winters when the pass is inaccessible. The snow-covered landscape offers a day of playful delight, making it a haven for trekkers and bikers during the season. The scenery at Jalori Pass is simply breathtaking.
- SEROLSAR LAKE: Serolsar Lake, a paradise for trek lovers, is a must-do activity with a 5 km trek from Jalori Pass, the highest point connecting Kullu Valley and Shimla Valley. The trail takes you through dense pine and deodar forests, culminating at the lake, guarded by tall pine trees. Besides its natural beauty, the lake holds religious significance with the Budhi Nagin temple situated nearby, making it a pilgrimage site for locals. The best season for the Serolsar Lake Trek is from March to November.
- CHHOIE WATERFALL: For hiking lovers, you can hike up to the Chhoie waterfall. It is a short trek of 3 km that begins from Village Nagini and supposedly takes about 1 hour. The waterfall is named after the local deity Chhoi Mata and locals come to worship the goddess at one of the trees before the waterfall. Bathing in Chhoie waterfall is not allowed because of its religious significance. The waterfall falls in a sparkling clear pond.
- THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK: While in Tirthan Valley, a remarkable experience is trekking to the Great Himalayan National Park. One can opt for a day trek or obtain a permit to camp inside with a guide, porters, and camping equipment. Established in 1984, the park is a haven for diverse flora. Recognized by UNESCO in June 2014, it holds “outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation.” Visit the Great Himalayan National Park between March-June and mid-September-November. Obtain a permit from Shamshi’s head office or zonal offices at Shairopa and Ropa. Indian visitors pay INR 100/day, while foreign nationals pay INR 400/day.
Food and Accommodation in Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley offers a moderate crowd, providing various accommodation options, including homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to fit your budget. Opting for a unique and memorable stay, we chose GONE FISHING COTTAGES, shaping our decision to explore Tirthan Valley.
- GFC (Gone Fishing Cottages)
Our stay at Gone Fishing Cottages was a delight. Spread across a large area with three cottages, a café, a spacious dining hall, and a beautiful garden alongside a charming stream, the atmosphere was vibrant with colorful flowers and lush greenery. Furry friends made the experience even more special, claiming their spot on the couch. The place was not only aesthetically pleasing but also perfect in every aspect. The dedicated staff ensured our comfort and the local chef prepared delicious meals filled with love. Every dish, including authentic Himachal cuisine and unique creations, was a heavenly treat. Try Siddu, a local dish when in Himachal Pradesh.
Evenings were the most awaited time of the day when all the guests of GFC would gather at the cafeteria and end up bonding over conversations, food, beverages, and lots of laughter.
Best Time To Visit Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley falls in the protected Great Himalayan National Park. Hence it is still very less commercialized. The best time to visit Tirthan Valley is between March to June, especially if you’re looking for a trekking expedition. But we chose to explore Tirthan Valley around February end to celebrate a special occasion.
Necessary things to Pack :
- In high mountain zones, pack warm clothes even in the summer.
- Be ready for sudden rain, and carry an umbrella.
- Keep nature pristine by carrying trash bags on picnics.
- Wear appropriate trekking shoes.
- Carry essential medicines, some dry fruits, and water.
- For camping, carry tents, sleeping bags, basic utensils, stoves, etc.
Tip for Travellers :
- Embrace local wisdom! When exploring remote areas, trust locals for directions over GPS.
- Respect Mother Earth, and avoid littering.
- In Sharchi, respect privacy; ask permission before photographing people and homes.
- Stay safe! Avoid taking risks on slippery roads around Jalori Pass.
- Opt for a 4×4 car for a safer journey in challenging conditions.
- For Great Himalayan National Park remember to get the permit from the forest office.
- Make sure you are physically fit for the trek.
Embrace simplicity! Take leisurely walks to nearby villages for an authentic glimpse of village life amid picturesque views. Cherished days in the lap of the Himalayas, with plans to return and explore more beautiful destinations left for next time. There’s always a next time to create lasting memories.
