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Overview
Even while principal destinations like Shimla and Manali impart a sense of majesty, it’s often in the shaded, lush nooks of Kullu. The Thirthan Valley can be discovered by the actual heartbeat of Himachal Pradesh. Named after the sparkling Tirthan River, the valley is basically the entrance point to the Great National Park, a World Heritage Site. An unplugged experience awaits those who sign up for this 4 night 5 days wilderness getaway. The trek is perfect for those who value quiet hours spent without caviar and the forest trails in preference to clogged roads. Experience the mystique of Jalori Pass and the wooden architecture of Jibhi.
Itinerary Details:
Day 1: Delhi to Tirthan Valley
The trip from the hustle and bustle of Delhi to the peaceful Tirthatn Valley is certainly an encounter with the crossroads of two different worlds. A night trip is preferred by most people and takes approximately 12 to 14 hours. As you move through Chandigarh and Mandi, the atmosphere becomes lighter and cooler. The actual magic starts once you have moved through the Aut Tunnel, leave the main road towards Manali, going towards the Banjar Valley.
As you arrive in the Tirthan Valley, you need to stay at a hotel that is located on the banks of the river, or it could be an ecologically designed resort. The greatest thing about the accommodations available to you in this place is that they are made of natural materials like stone and wood. Sit along the banks of the Tirthan River, listen to the rhythm of the water hitting the boulders and then watch the sunset, which paints the sky with shades of lavender.
Day 2: Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley is popular for its brown and rainbow trout species. Today is all about learning about the environment here. Take a walk along the banks of the river Gushaini. It’s paradise for a bird watcher. Just keep a lookout for the Western Tragapons and Kingfishers. The Great Himalayan National Park is a great place to observe rich wildlife and birds. There’s a path that passes through oak and pine forests and hamlets where people live in wooden cottages.
Trout fishing is a passion for fishing, if you can buy a permit to catch and then release trout. Visit a nearby village to experience the culture and visit the Bhongri Nag Temple. The wooden carvings on the temples in the region have a strong Kathkuni architectural tradition.
Day 3: Jalori Pass & Serolsar Lake Trek
Buckle up for a thrilling adventure as you head towards Jalori Pass, approximately 3,120 meters or 10,236 feet. The path from Tirthan to Jalori is steep and torturous, offers breathtaking views of the inner Himalayas.
The trek begins 5 km one-way trek to Serolsar Lake from the summit of the pass. The path is straightforward, as it goes through dense forest land with old oak and deodar trees. Serolsar Lake is a circular lake. It is named Buddhi Nagin, meaning “Mother of Snakes.” Every leaf that falls into the Serolsar Lake is picked up instantly by the birds. After exploring the area near the lake, return to the Jalori Pass. On a clear day, you can enjoy the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal range from the top.
Day 4: Jibhi Waterfall
On this day, just a little deviation to Jibhi, a beautiful village called “fairytale.”
A small walk in the village leads to a waterfall, tucked inside a small gorge. The sound of water pounding against rocks inside a dense forest is quite relaxing. Chehni Kothi is the highest point of the day. An uphill trek of 3 km is required to reach there. It is an 11 story tower temple built in wood and stone, without even a single inch of cement or steel. One of the highest buildings in the West Himalayas has withstood earthquakes for ages. The cafes in Jibhi are doing quite well, and many wooden cafes can be seen in and around Jibhi. Spend your last night here at a cup of hot cedar tea or at “Siddu”.
Day 5: Departure
Have breakfast, and the time has come to leave the valley. Now take another trip through the pine forests. For souvenirs, you may wish to get some organic honey produced in Indonesia or handmade woollen socks at the Banjar market. The return trip to Delhi begins. When you come down from the hills, observe how the “mountain silence” has a habit of staying with you well beyond the end of the trip.
Important travel tips:
The road to the Jalori pass is rather steep and, in some places, quite narrow. It’s the last bit of the trip, and, of course, it’s best to have your own car driven by your own guide.
There’s no need for a permit within the general valley itself, though, if you wish to trek far back into the core area, you’ll need to get this from the forest office at Sai Ropa.
BSNL and Jio networking is the best available in these, one can notice “Digital Detox” regions in the top portions of the trek.
Carry a refillable water bottle. We find that the valley is surprisingly clean, and we can keep it that way by refraining from using plastic bags and single-use plastic.