Himachal Pradesh - The India Explorer

Tirthan Valley is a hidden gem of the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh that you must visit when planning a trip anywhere near Jibhi. The valley boasts pristine landscapes, gushing streams, and unspoiled natural beauty. Let’s take a look at this beautiful place; bookmark this guide to Tirthan Valley for your next trip! The Pristine Beauty of Tirthan Valley Tirthan Valley is a part of Himachal Pradesh's Kullu District and is nestled between the many mountain ranges of the state. It is also home to the Great Himalayan National Park, which has recently been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley is named after the Tirthan River flowing in and around it, a tributary of the Beas River. Perched atop 1,600 metres, the valley boasts a magnificent travel experience for all. Although tourism here hasn’t flourished as much as that of other Himalayan areas, the experience here is a fulfilling one with many activities and places for one to be involved in. Best Places for Tirthan Valley Sightseeing 1. Great Himalayan National Park The Great Himalayan National Park is home to numerous flora and fauna in the Himalayas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also many villages inside the park. Interestingly, each village has the local deity that they worship. The park and its villages also organise fairs and festivals regularly that you can attend. Not only that, but the GHNP offers many trekking opportunities as well, like the Parvati trek, the Sainj trek, the Tirthan trek, and more. You can also camp here. Tents are easily available for rent inside the park. To enter the park, you need to obtain a permit from the Shamshi Head Office or any of the range offices in Shairopa and Ropa. The park officials also organise the treks, and you must have permission to do them as well. 2. Chhoie Waterfall Chhoie Waterfall The Chhoie Waterfall is a culturally significant place for locals. The place has a beautiful waterfall where you can take a bath and enjoy with your friends and family. The village’s local deity here, Chhoie Mata, is worshipped on a banyan tree right next to this waterfall, making it a respected cultural place for locals to offer their prayers. The trek to Chhoie Waterfall is also a beautiful one that you can embark on for a fulfilling experience of the Himalayas. It is also a popular tourist destination in the Tirthan Valley. 3. Serlosar Lake The Serlosar Lake is a pristine blob of blue right near the Jalori Pass. It also makes up for a beautiful stop between many of the Himalayan treks near Tirthan Valley. You can walk to this lake from Jalori Pass for 5 kilometres, and the hike itself is quite a beautiful view you’ll encounter. A long line of thick oak forests will meet you on your way to Serlosar Lake. Be ready to be mesmerised by the beauty of this amazing route. According to locals, the lake is believed to have healing properties. There is also a temple here dedicated to a local goddess called Budhi Naagin, who is believed to have 100 children who all guard the local area. Recently, there has been development in the area with a few guesthouses opening up near the lake, but it is advised that you carry your food as there is a lack of food stalls and general stores along the way. 4. Jalori Pass The Jalori mountain pass, which links Kullu and Shimla, is tucked away in the northern Himalayas and was highlighted in the Bollywood film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani." Standing at 10,800 feet and only 5 km from Shoja, this pass opens in March and closes in December owing to snowfall. Potholes and frost-related slides provide a hazard for cars on the narrow, steep route. From mid-June to mid-October, the well-known Jalori Pass Trek winds through coniferous forests to reach Serolsar Lake and the 'Budhi Naagin' shrine. This moderately difficult walk offers a scenic tour through snow-covered landscapes that evoke the meditative atmosphere of Bollywood's wintry adventures. Tirthan Valley Things to Do 1. Trout Fishing The Tirthan River is India’s only river that has rainbow trout. You can engage in fishing them and other beautiful trout found in the area. For fishing or angling, you’ll have to obtain special permits from the forest department here. There is also a set limit to the number fishes you can catch and keep in one day. The fish you have collected can also be cooked if you’re living in a homestay. You can taste the delicious way in which the locals cook these fish. 2. Trekking The Himalayas are full of opportunities for trekkers of all levels. The Tirthan Valley (2024) also has some of the most fulfilling treks in India. Take a look at some of these trails when you visit Tirthan Valley this year! Trek in the Great Himalayan National Park and spot some of the rarest fauna and avifauna Take the trail from Tirthan Valley to Jibhi’s Chehni Kothi for a rustic and marvellous view of the Himalayas Do the Jalori Pass trek. Take the hiking path to Serolsar Lake for a chill day out Trek to the Baleshao Pass that connects Tirthan Valley and Kullu Sarahan 3. Interact with Locals The kindness of the people of Himachal Pradesh lends a unique flavour to your trip. Talking with the locals offers a special perspective into their everyday life, especially in the tranquil surroundings of Tirthan Valley. The people there are well-known for being hospitable and willing to share their experiences with you so that you can get a peek at the nuances of rural life and the captivating rhythms of their agricultural methods. Engage in conversation with them, maybe over a cup of traditional Himachali tea, and discover a multitude of unexplored tales and cultural depth. This intimate relationship not only improves your trip but also helps you understand the true warmth and genuineness that characterise Himachal Pradesh. 4. Try the Himachali Cuisine Tirthan Valley The food of Himachal Pradesh is mouthwatering. Local dishes like sidu, babru, and thukpa are some of the most prominent dishes of Himachal Pradesh that you must try when you’re here. The food you find here is lip-smacking and feels like you’re eating home-cooked food. If you’re staying in a homestay, your chances of finding home-cooked meals are easier and tastier. 5. Buy Local Souvenirs During your visit to Tirthan Valley, try to buy handcrafted woollens and other distinctive gifts from skilled locals to show your support for small companies and artists. Many entrepreneurial women display their products not only in neighbourhood markets but also in their residences and homestays. Visitors may support the community's economic viability by opting to purchase directly from these people. Get a taste of some of the most delicious local foods, adorable handicrafts, or cosy woollens to immerse yourself fully in the colourful Himachali culture. In addition to being keepsakes of your trip, these souvenirs also signify a link to the rich customs and artistry of the area, making your trip to Tirthan Valley significant and unforgettable. 6. Rock Climbing- Tirthan Valley Tirthan Valley (2024) is a refuge for rock climbers in addition to being a sight to see due to its natural beauty. For those seeking the rush of reaching heights, the untamed landscape and soaring mountains provide the perfect playground. As rock climbing has grown in popularity, explorers hoping to fulfil their mountaineering aspirations have been drawn to it. Both novice and expert climbers can get help and instruction from the several operators and knowledgeable tour guides in the area. The rock climbing environment in Tirthan Valley provides a unique opportunity to scale heights against the stunning background of this Himalayan wonderland, regardless of experience level. It is perfect for beginners eager to master the ropes or seasoned climbers seeking new challenges. Tirthan Valley Accommodation: Hotels in Tirthan Valley (2024) This beautiful valley is full of accommodation options of all kinds, from hotels to homestays. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, you can choose the hotels here, and if you’re looking for a more home-like feeling and want to experience the local life closely, then go for homestays. There are hostels in Tirthan Valley as well for a more budgeted experience for backpackers. These are some of the best hotels, homestays, and hostels for you to stay in! Echor The Brightside Tirthan Shiv Adya Tirthan Ishaan Loghuts Homestay Khem Bharti Homestay The Hosteller Tirthan Valley Tirthan Valley Camping You can also camp in Tirthan Valley! Many operators provide tents and camping areas for you to spend a night under the stars in this beautiful place. Tents are also available for rent in the Great Himalayan National Park, starting at just Rs. 100 per night! You can pitch your tents in the middle of this gorgeous place surrounded by tall deodars and oaks. How to Reach Tirthan Valley Tirthan Valley is well-connected to all major cities of India and is the closest to Delhi in terms of metro cities. By Air: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the closest one to Tirthan Valley. From here, you can take buses or cabs that regularly go to Tirthan. By Rail: Nearby railway stations include Shimla, Pathankot, Jogindernagar, and Chandigarh. Cabs and buses are easily available from the stations. By Bus: Buses connect Delhi and Tirthan Valley quite easily. You can take a bus to Manali first and then take a local bus to Tirthan Valley. Best Time to Visit Tirthan Valley March through June and September through November are the best times to visit Tirthan Valley. Temperatures between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius are experienced in the spring and early summer (March to June), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities among blossoming vegetation. Similar to summer, fall (September to November) offers gorgeous foliage and comfortable temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C, making for an ideal setting for exploration and photography. The monsoon season from July to August brings heavy rains and is best avoided. The winter months, which run from December to February, may be bitterly cold and may result in snowfall, which can render certain locations impassable. Conclusion Tirthan Valley (2024) is a haven for nature lovers and enthusiasts of adventure. It is a great place to be for finding yourself or spending time in solitude. The secluded culture here allows better exploration of this best-kept secret of Himachal Pradesh. Pack your bags and get ready for a fun and soul-finding journey through the beautiful landscape of Tirthan Valley.