Little-Known Facts About Why You Must Visit Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley-The Most Beautiful and Peaceful Valley in Himachal Pradesh
By Ajit Brar
As summer hits everyone starts planning weekends or Summer holidays to the Mountains.The first place that should top your list of destination is Tirthan valley. It is an escape from the more crowded gateways of Himachal Pradesh. One of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, if you are tired from the hustle and bustle of city life this valley is perfect for you. The Tirthan Valley is blessed with a wealth of natural treasures as it opens the doors of UNESCO The World Heritage- The Great Himalayan National Park, A paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. The bird lovers spend days camping in the heart of the park.
This Untouched valley along the Tirthan river has enough basic facilities to feel the real Himachali experience. Because of its offbeat location not so many travellers visit here like Manali or Shimla.
The Places To Visit In Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Trek to The Great Himalayan National Park
The Himalayan park is an assembly of four valleys Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwanal in Banjar and upper parts of Parvati valley. The park was established in 1984 and spread over an area of approximately 1100 square kilometers. Because of its Exceptional Significance of Biodiversity Conservation it is added in the UNESCO list of “World Heritage Site”. This park is home to 375 fauna species, 31 mammals, 181 birds and 127 insects and more.
The GHNP has a great variety of plant life because of its wide range of elevation and untouched habitat. The park has a lot to offer those who have interest in trekking, camping, wild photography and birds watching.
Jalori Pass
Jalori pass is a high altitude pass also known as Jalori jot. There is a temple on the top of the pass known as Jalori mata, The pass situated on the altitude of 10,800 feet. It is the least explored pass in the Himachal Pradesh. The journey to reach the pass in itself is a beautiful experience, you can see the mountains covered with pine trees and the stream is flowing. You can take a day trip to the Jalori pass from Jibhi or Banjar wherever your stay is.
You can reach the Jalori pass by road or also by trekking. In winter the pass is closed due to heavy snow. There are few tea shops there.
Serolsar lake And Budhi Nagin Temple
The Sirolsar is both bewitching and magical. It is located 5 km from the Jlaori pass top. One must trek all the way to the lake. While trekking towards the lake between the forests you suddenly see the lake.It is bewitching because of its natural and scenic beauty. The lake is a sacred place and water of the lake possess medicinal properties
The Budhi Nagin temple is located next to the lake. The famous story of this temple that the Snake goddess of the Budhi Naga temple saved the life of local brahmin and allowed him to stay in his Golden palace for three and took him on a promise not to tell anything to anyone.One day when he came back after three years everyone asked him questions about his whereabouts. He kept avoiding that question. But one day he told everyone about his past three year life story and as soon as he told it , he died. That is magical.
Apart from this story the hikers enjoy their hike to the lake. The view from the lake is Spellbinding
Raghupur Fort
The trail to the Raghupur Fort is covering a variety of landscapes from dense deodar forests to open grassy Meadows. From Serolsar lake it is a 3 km walk. The walk to the Fort is quite pleasing as you pass through the dense forests Uphill and downhill.Once you reach , you can find only the ruins of the Fort. but it is worth going there. From there you can see the 360 view of Kullu and Mandi Region.Not many people know from there you can hike to the Lagishar which is a one and half hour hike.From there you cross beautiful villages then reach Beha Shad Thach.
Chehni Kothi
Another marvel in the Tirthan valley. It is situated in the Chehni Village. Chehni kothi is a 30 meter high old tower, which is made up from stone and wood without using any cement. Going there is a perfect one day activity if you want to blend the hiking in mountains with local cultural experience. The hike starts from the bagi village near Jibhi.On the way you can see so many aspects of local life.
Once you reach the village you can see the Chehni Kothi, there are actually two towers, one is taller which is called Chehni Kothi and another is converted in to the temple. The architecture of this is the same as all other traditional houses made in this area. There are wooden stairs in the fortress but outsiders are not allowed to enter.
Waterfalls Of Tirthan Valley
When you are in Banjar or Jibhi you can see so many small and big waterfalls. The best season to see the waterfalls is in the monsoon season.At this time they are at their best.But some are famous among the tourists throughout the season. One is Chhoie waterfall. It is near Sai Ropa village the hike to this waterfall is 30 to 40 mins depending upon your stamina.
Another one is Gaidhar Waterfall which is less known among the tourists. The trek starts from the Gaither village. It is hidden deep in the forest but stunningly beautiful. The hike to this waterfall is steep and difficult at some points but it is rewarding in terms of scenic beauty.
There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Jibhi which are unknown but if you ask the villagers they will guide you.
Village Hikes
If you have long enough time to stay in Tirthan Valley then you must do the village hikes. It will take one or two days. All it starts in the Sainj Valley. The two day trek to the villages Shangarh and Lapah is a must.
Shangarh has two historical temples The Sangchul Mahadev Temple and The Pagoda Style Manu Rishi Temple. Both temples feature the traditional architecture and wood carvings. Shangarh also has a forest guest house.
Lapah Village is located in the Great Himalayan National Park at the foot of Dhel Meadow.
The trekkers can also visit the nearby villages Siund, saran and Ghat Seri.Some famous treks starts from here like Jiwa Nala Trek.it starts from the Siund village. It is a restricted area , you will need the permit from theGHNP office for this trek.
Another famous trek is Raktisar trek . It starts from Neuli Village. It is a 7 day trek, in this you will follow the course of Sainj river to its very source.
Trout Fishing in Gushaini Village Tirthan Valley
Gushaini is a small Village located on the banks of Tirthan river. It is nicknamed as the Trout Country because abundance of trout fishes found in this river makes Gushaini a great place for fishing.The confluence of Tirthan and Flachan river is a sight worth visiting and is quite close to Gushaini. You can rent fishing rods and other accessories from local but before you try your luck , you have to take permit for fishing in the river from local administration.
Most Important Thing Please Help in preserving these Heavenly Places.
- Carry a refillable water bottle- due to scarcity of drinking water in these villages, its better to carry your own water, and avoid packaged drinking water to minimise plastic waste.
- Buy food and Beverages from locals – this can also help you to acclimatise to high altitude weather, and can provide support to the livelihood of locals.
- Use Dustbins to dispose of garbage- The government of himachal pradesh and some local NGO’s have set up dustbins at every important location for proper waste management. So use these dustbins and help to keep mountains clean
- Avoid single Use plastic- Waste management is a bigger concern in the mountains. Try to avoid single use plastic, and carry reusable bottles and tiffin boxes. if you have some plastic waste try to dispose of the same at designated places or dustbin
