Tirthan Valley sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, right beside the Tirthan River. It is one of the main gateways to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are looking for a quiet place to disconnect, go for nature walks, try trout fishing, or just sit by the river with a book, Tirthan Valley is your answer.
In all, it is an ideal place for connecting with nature, trying out family camping, enjoying bonfires with friends, sitting beside the river and listening to music, or just lazing around. The list of things to do in Tirthan Valley goes on and easily makes it a complete offbeat holiday destination in Himachal.
Let me walk you through this detailed Tirthan Valley travel guide to help you plan a memorable trip.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Practical Information at a Glance
| Altitude | 1,600 m (5,250 ft) |
| District | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh |
| Delhi to Tirthan | ~511 km (10-12 hours by road) |
| Manali to Tirthan | ~100 km (3-3.5 hours) |
| Nearest Airport | Bhuntar (50 km) |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June, September to November |
| Budget Stay | Rs 800-1,500/night (homestays) |
| Mid-range Stay | Rs 2,000-5,000/night |
| GHNP Entry Fee | Rs 50 (Indian), Rs 200 (Foreigner) for ecozone |
| Trout Fishing License | Rs 100/day per rod (non-transferable) |
| Mobile Network | BSNL, Airtel, Jio (intermittent on trails) |
| ATM | Available at Banjar town, carry cash as backup |
| Last Updated | March 2026 |
What Exactly Is Tirthan Valley?
Tirthan Valley and Banjar Valley are essentially the same place. Banjar is the tehsil, and because the Tirthan River flows through the valley, the area became more popular by the name Tirthan Valley. Jibhi is another well-known name from the same Banjar Valley. Technically, all three names refer to parts of Banjar Valley, with Gushaini and Jibhi being the two most popular tourist spots. Some locals also call it the Trout Fishing Valley of Himachal.
When you travel here, you can feel the raw, pure bliss of nature. Fresh air, a cool breeze from the river, and dense forests surround you from all sides. If nature walks or trout fishing interest you, then do not think much about your next vacation. Just head to Tirthan Valley from Delhi.
Where Is Tirthan Valley Located?
Banjar or Tirthan falls on the alternate route from Kullu to Shimla via Jalori Pass. Hence, you get to enjoy the adventurous drive over Jalori Pass and do the complete circuit. You can easily plan a route like Manali to Tirthan Valley to Shimla or Mashobra in one trip.
What Treks Are Available in Tirthan Valley?
Being the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan Valley is a trekker’s paradise. The valley offers treks ranging from 2-day easy hikes to 15-day advanced expeditions, and these treks range from beginner level to advanced ones. An avid trekker can explore and reach heights above 4,000 meters. Apart from multi-day treks, you can also do day hikes in the woods or visit nearby waterfalls.
So, if you plan to do some hiking or trekking with family or friends in a quiet natural setting, just drive on the road to Tirthan.
What Is the Weather Like in Tirthan Valley?
Weather in Tirthan remains pleasant for most of the year. Summer temperatures stay below 24 degrees Celsius, and there is almost always a cool breeze from the flowing river. The greenery all around and the sound of the river add to the overall experience.
In winters, the minimum temperature can fall below freezing, and snowfall is expected during December to February. The weather gets dry in peak winter months. You can always head up to Jalori Pass for snow during January and February.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tirthan Valley?
The best time to visit Tirthan Valley is the spring season from March to May, when the apple orchards are in full bloom and the weather is refreshing. The valley looks its absolute best during this period.
That said, Tirthan Valley will not disappoint you from March to November. September and October bring clear skies and fewer tourists, making it another excellent window to visit. The trout fishing season runs from March to October, and you need a daily license at Rs 100 per person per fishing rod (non-transferable).
Keep in mind that in winters, Tirthan gets quite cold and wildlife descends towards the valley due to snow at higher altitudes. Leopards and bears are known to be active in this area during winter. Hence, if you are traveling to Tirthan in winters, avoid camping in the wild or take proper wildlife precautions.
How Do I Get to Tirthan Valley from Delhi?
Tirthan Valley lies in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. You need to take the Delhi to Manali Highway and reach a place called Aut after Mandi. Do not enter the Aut Tunnel (Jawahar Tunnel). Instead, continue on the road to the right that takes you into Banjar Valley.
The distance from Delhi to Tirthan Valley is about 511 km via the Mandi-Pandoh route. The complete route is:
Delhi, Ambala (188 km), Chandigarh, Roopnagar (282 km), Kiratpur, Bilaspur (371 km), Mandi (440 km), Pandoh, Aut (481 km), Larji, Gushaini, Tirthan (511 km)
How Do I Reach Tirthan Valley from Manali?
If you are coming from Manali, start back towards Delhi from Manali via Kullu. After reaching Aut, just after crossing the Aut Tunnel, take the left exit. Fair warning: the route is extremely scenic from here on 🙂
You will reach Larji T-Point where you need to take a right to reach Sai Ropa. At Sai Ropa, if you head straight, you will reach Banjar, Shoja, and then Jalori Pass. For Tirthan, follow the U-turn from Sai Ropa towards Gushaini and Nagini (Tirthan).
It will take about 1.25 to 1.5 hours to reach Tirthan villages from the Aut junction.
What Is the Alternate Route via Shimla and Jalori Pass?
There is an alternate route from Delhi via Shimla and Jalori Pass to Banjar and Tirthan. This route is about 40 km longer but includes the scenic drive over Jalori Pass.
Delhi, Ambala (188 km), Kalka, Shimla (370 km), Narkanda (430 km), Ani, Khanag, Jalori Pass (520 km), Shoja (524 km), Banjar (538 km), Tirthan (544 km)
Many travelers prefer the full circuit. You can go Delhi to Manali to Tirthan to Shoja to Jalori Pass to Shimla and then back home. This way, you enjoy both routes and visit some beautiful places in the Kullu and Shimla districts.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport), approximately 50 km away. You will need a taxi or bus from Bhuntar. Keep in mind that the airport has limited connectivity and flights may face weather-related disruptions.
By Train: Chandigarh is the closest major railway station. You can take the Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Chandigarh and then hire a cab or take a bus to Mandi and onward. Joginder Nagar station is another option, located about 120 km from Tirthan Valley.
How Do I Reach Tirthan Valley by Bus?
A lot of people ask me this, so let me break it down. Regular HRTC buses and overnight Volvo buses run from Delhi to Manali every day. These buses reach Aut the next morning around 6 AM. Get down from the bus at Aut and either take a local bus towards Banjar (Rs 40-50) or hire a taxi.
Alternatively, if you are traveling on a tight budget, you can also hitchhike from Aut to Tirthan Valley. I have seen many backpackers doing this successfully.
Taxis from Aut to Tirthan
From Aut, you have two choices. Either pre-book a taxi through your hotel or guesthouse in Tirthan, or get down at Bhuntar to find a taxi yourself.
From Aut, a taxi costs around Rs 800-1,000 with seating for 5-6 people. If you take a taxi from Bhuntar, expect to pay Rs 1,500-2,000 as the driver might have to return empty. A pre-arranged taxi from your hotel is usually cheaper since it will be a Banjar-based taxi, not a Kullu or Bhuntar one.
Tirthan is about 30 km from Aut. While going back, you can catch the Manali to Delhi bus around 7 PM at Aut and reach Delhi by 7 AM next morning. Do not forget to mention your pickup point at Aut or Bhuntar when booking the HPTDC Volvo bus.
What Are the Road Conditions Like?
From Delhi to Aut, the roads are in great shape since it is a national highway. From Aut onwards, the roads are a bit narrow but mostly in good to average condition. You will not face any major difficulty.
However, when you travel over Jalori Pass from Tirthan to Shimla, the story changes. If there is rain, the road conditions around Shoja and up to Jalori Pass can get messy. Mud makes the steep gradient of Jalori Pass quite challenging. Even without rain, the drive from Banjar to Jalori Pass and then down towards Narkanda can be nerve-wracking at certain points.
It is essential to use low gear braking when descending from Jalori Pass. I have seen brake failures happen to people who rely only on their brake pedal on these steep descents.
What Vehicle Do I Need?
The best way is to take your own car or bike and hit the road. There is no special vehicle requirement to visit Tirthan Valley. Hatchbacks and sedans will do equally well. There is no need for an SUV or a 4×4 vehicle. Any vehicle in decent running condition will get you there 🙂
Check my must-have things to carry on a self-drive trip to Himachal before you leave.
Where Can I See the Tirthan Valley Map?
Here is a hand-sketched map of Tirthan Valley to give you an idea of places around it and where exactly it is located in the Kullu region of Himachal.
Can I Do a Weekend Trip to Tirthan Valley?
Yes, a trip to Tirthan Valley is very much possible as a 3-day long weekend trip from Delhi. To get the full feel of this relaxing place, I recommend adding one more day to make it a 4-5 day trip.
You can also add a drive to Kasol and Manikaran, or do the complete circuit with a stopover at Narkanda on the other side of Jalori Pass.
Night 1 / Day 0 | Delhi to Tirthan
Leave from Delhi in the evening and reach Gushaini or Banjar early next morning. You can do this journey by overnight Volvos running between Delhi and Manali every day.
Day 1 | Relax at Tirthan
Early morning arrival means sound sleep and rest for 5-6 hours. Then spend the day around the serene Tirthan River. Relax, read a book, try trout fishing if you are interested. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire.
Day 2 | Trek or Waterfall Hike
Trek or hike into the Great Himalayan National Park or hike to nearby waterfalls. There are two waterfalls at a short distance from each other. After coming back from the hike, enjoy dinner alongside the river before a sound sleep.
Day 3 | Relax and Head Back
On Day 3, relax till afternoon and then leave for Delhi around noon to reach by 11 PM. This plan gives you a good night’s sleep, and you can join office the next day on Monday.
If you are traveling by bus, you will reach Delhi the next morning. A bit tiring but manageable with the comfort of a Volvo bus.
Hence, you can see that a weekend trip to Tirthan Valley from Delhi is possible. A bit hectic but definitely doable.
How Can I Extend the Trip by a Few Days?
If you have extra days, you can add these optional stops based on your interests.
Optional Day: Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake Trek
Drive to Jalori Pass (3,120 m) and trek to Serolsar Lake, about 5 km one way. On the way back, stop at Shringi Vatika (now called Shringipur) for a home-cooked meal. This adds one more day to make it a 4-day trip.
Optional Day: Kasol and Manikaran
You can also drive from Tirthan to Kasol and Manikaran and either come back the same day or stay at Kasol. This way, you can leave for Delhi from Kasol without needing to return to Tirthan. You can of course opt for both days to make a 5-day trip from Delhi.
Another suggestion: You can also plan to include a visit to Prashar Lake along with Tirthan Valley.
What About the Jalori Pass Adventure?
If you want to add adventure to Day 3 of the weekend trip, leave early morning and take the Jalori Pass route back. However, the Serolsar Lake trek will not be possible in that case due to time constraints. I always prefer this route either while coming or while leaving from Tirthan.
Tirthan, Banjar (6 km), Shoja (20 km), Jalori Pass (24 km), Khanag, Ani, Narkanda (114 km), Shimla (174 km), Kalka, Ambala (356 km), Delhi (544 km)
The route to Jalori Pass from the Shoja side is quite steep compared to the Ani and Khanag side, which adds to the adventure of this road trip 😉
Where Should I Stay in Tirthan Valley?
When I started visiting Tirthan back in 2010, there were only a handful of places to stay. Over the last fifteen years, tourism has grown significantly and so have accommodation options in the Tirthan and Banjar region. You now have budget homestays, mid-range guesthouses, and even some premium properties to choose from.
1. Sai Ropa Forest Rest House
This is a government-run forest guest house and one of the most budget-friendly options in Tirthan. Comfort is moderate, but the location is excellent. Getting a booking here can be tricky, so plan in advance.
2. Raju Bharti’s Guest House (Raju’s Cottage)
If you want peace, seclusion, and natural beauty, I recommend Raju’s Cottage at Gushaini. It is a pioneer in Tirthan Valley hospitality and has been featured by Outlook Traveler among the top places to stay.
The food here is excellent as per the majority of people who stay. The cottage sits right in the middle of the valley in Gushaini village, surrounded by nature walks and hiking trails. Rates are approximately Rs 3,500-4,000 per couple per day (all meals included, as of 2025. Verify current rates before booking). Advance booking at least a month ahead is a must.
3. Himalayan Trout House
A premium option located in Nagini village, about 2-3 km before Raju’s Cottage. The hospitality and experience here are excellent, with rates around Rs 5,000-7,000 per night (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates).
4. Riverside Resort
This one is right at the banks of the river and has gained a lot of attention over the last decade. The price range is decent, and being adjacent to the riverside makes the stay wonderful. I have stayed here when Raju’s Cottage was fully booked, and the experience was quite good.
5. Shringi Vatika Homestay at Ghiyagi
Located a little away from main Tirthan at Ghiyagi village before Shoja (now called Shringipur). It is a budget homestay with good service and a solid reputation. The river is a short hike down, and the property is about 10 km from main Tirthan. They have built a small waterfall from the stream and have swings for kids in the garden. A nice family-friendly option.
Is Tirthan Valley Good for a Honeymoon Trip?
Absolutely. If you are looking to plan a honeymoon trip in Himachal, Tirthan Valley deserves serious consideration. Here is why:
- There is minimal tourist rush compared to Manali or Shimla, which means ample peace and privacy.
- Raju Bharti Cottage has been recognized by Outlook Traveler among top places to stay. The quality, hospitality, and location are superb, right in the lap of nature.
- The raw natural beauty is all around. Tirthan River, GHNP trails, waterfalls, flora, and fauna make it comparable to any premium forest resort.
- There are other accommodation options too, from Riverside Resort to Himalayan Trout House, so you can choose based on your budget.
- Shoja and Jalori Pass are only 1.5-2 hours away. In winters, you can enjoy plenty of snow near Jalori Pass and Shoja.
- Tirthan Valley is not far from Manali, Kasol, Naggar, and Solang Valley. You can spend 3-4 days in Tirthan and then move to the Manali circuit for adventure activities, Naggar Castle, Israeli food at Kasol, or shopping at Manali Mall Road.
If you prefer peace, avoid Manali during summer holidays, Durga Puja holidays, and the Christmas to New Year week when tourists from all over flock to the valley.
Where Can I Eat in Tirthan Valley?
There are dhabas in the villages of Tirthan and the main market of Banjar town. Otherwise, you will mostly be eating at the guest house or hotel where you are staying. If you are on a day trip to Jalori Pass, you can stop at Shringi Vatika for a meal. Most accommodations offer meal plans, so I suggest going with that option for convenience.
Are There ATMs Near Tirthan Valley?
There is an ATM at Banjar town, but it is better to carry enough cash. ATMs in smaller towns can run out of cash or go offline, especially during long weekends. Mandi and Kullu have more reliable ATM options if you need to withdraw money on the way.
How Is Mobile Network Coverage in Tirthan?
Tirthan has decent mobile phone coverage. BSNL, Airtel, and Jio networks are available, though connectivity can be intermittent at times. On the trails inside GHNP, expect little to no mobile connectivity. But that is part of the point of a trek, right? Disconnect from the modern world for a while, my friend.
What Should I Carry to Tirthan Valley?
Tirthan is famous for trout fishing, so carry your fishing gear if you have any. Beyond that, carry whatever helps you relax. Books, a volleyball, musical instruments, a guitar for bonfire evenings, or simply your curiosity.
Among practical things to carry:
- Check my list of things to carry on a trekking trip if you plan to hike.
- Always carry a water bottle for day hikes and treks.
- For summers, a light woolen sweater or jacket is sufficient for evenings. In winters (December to February), carry 2-3 layers of thermal clothing as temperatures drop below zero.
- Cash, since ATM availability is limited.
- A power bank, as charging points may not be available on longer treks.
What Are the Top Things to Do in Tirthan Valley?
Once you reach Tirthan, there is plenty to keep you engaged. Here are the major attractions and activities.
1. Explore the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
As Tirthan is the gateway to GHNP, this is a must-do. You can go for day hikes, multi-day treks, or evening camping. The park is home to over 375 fauna species including the Western Tragopan, Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer. You can walk up to the outer entrance freely, but deeper treks into the park require permits and certified guides. A fun place to hike with family or friends.
2. Visit the Tirthan Valley Waterfalls
There are two secluded waterfalls within about an hour of hiking distance, with the taller one being more than 50 feet high. Both are very close to each other. The trail offers some excellent aerial views of Tirthan Valley.
3. Drive to Jalori Pass
Jalori Pass, at an altitude of 3,120 meters, is one of the steepest passes to drive in Himachal. It separates the Kullu and Shimla valleys. You need to climb almost 2,500 meters in less than 25 km. The gradient is very steep and caution is required both going up and coming down. Use low gear braking on descent.
You can have a meal at Shringi Vatika on the way back. Jalori Pass remains covered with snow from December end till late March, so the road ahead of Shoja (and sometimes even Shoja itself) is closed in winters.
4. Trek to Serolsar Lake from Jalori Pass
The Serolsar Lake trek starts from Jalori Pass. The lake is about 5 km from the pass, taking about 2 hours to reach. Plan your hike and the return journey carefully so you do not end up driving in the dark. Do not forget to carry a water bottle.
5. Visit Bachelo Pass
About 15 km towards Bathad village, you can visit Bachelo Pass from Tirthan Valley. It remains covered with snow from December to February, so it is not accessible in peak winter.
6. Explore Sainj Valley and Shangarh
Sainj Valley is a beautiful destination nestled about 45 km from Kullu. As you approach the Larji petrol pump while traveling to Tirthan Valley, you need to take the left fork to reach Sainj Valley. The valley includes villages like Shangarh, Pundrik Rishi Lake, Dehuri, Manyashi, Shenshar, and Panihar. These villages have lovely homestays away from the crowds. Sainj Valley gained popularity as an offbeat alternative once Tirthan started getting more crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does It Snow in Tirthan Valley?
Yes, it does snow in Tirthan Valley during January and February, though snowfall at the valley level is not as heavy as at higher elevations. If you travel up towards Shoja and Jalori Pass, you will find plenty of snow and often active snowfall during these months.
How Far Is Tirthan Valley from Manali?
The distance from Manali to Tirthan Valley is approximately 100 km, and it takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to reach by road via Kullu and Aut.
Do I Need a Permit to Visit Tirthan Valley?
No permit is needed to visit Tirthan Valley itself. However, if you want to trek into the core zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, you will need a permit from the GHNP office at Sai Ropa or Shamshi. Entry to the ecozone costs Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 200 for foreigners. Certified guides and porters are mandatory for multi-day treks into the core zone.
Is Tirthan Valley Safe for Solo Travelers?
Yes, Tirthan Valley is generally safe for solo travelers, including women. The local community is welcoming, and homestay hosts are helpful. In case you plan to trek inside GHNP alone, hiring a local guide is recommended for safety on longer trails.
Can I Do Trout Fishing in Tirthan Valley?
Absolutely. Tirthan Valley is one of the best places for trout fishing in India. The season runs from March to October. You need a daily fishing license that costs Rs 100 per person per fishing rod. The license is non-transferable and covers a 45 km stretch of the Tirthan River. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the main species found here.
What Is the Best Way to Reach Tirthan Valley from Chandigarh?
From Chandigarh, the distance to Tirthan Valley is approximately 260 km via Mandi and Aut. The drive takes about 7-8 hours. You can also take an HRTC bus from Chandigarh to Aut or Mandi and then continue by local transport or taxi.
Is Jibhi the Same as Tirthan Valley?
Jibhi and Tirthan Valley are both part of the larger Banjar Valley in Kullu district. Jibhi is a specific village that has become popular in recent years, while Tirthan Valley refers to the area around the Tirthan River with Gushaini being its most well-known village. They are in the same region, about 10-12 km apart.
Final Thoughts
Tirthan Valley remains one of my favorite places in Himachal Pradesh. It offers something for every age group and every type of traveler, whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. Whenever I am unable to decide on a trip, I pack my bags with my family and head to Tirthan to enjoy the peace and calm that nature has to offer.
With this guide, I am sure you have all the information you need to plan your own trip. The money you save on expensive trek packages, you can use to spread some smiles in the Himalayas 🙂
I hope this article helps you plan your trip to Tirthan Valley. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below and we will try to help you in every way possible. Feel free to share this guide with friends who might be interested in visiting this offbeat gem of Himachal!
Also, do join our Discover with Dheeraj community to connect with fellow travelers and get real-time updates on road conditions and travel tips.
399 Comments
Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)
Wow! what a best place to hang up. Thanks for providing this informative blog and the proposed itinerary. First of all thanks for the above information.
Thank you Dheeraj. Very helpful.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for such an informative blog. Can you please suggest some offbeat and unxlored places near Delhi to sit and relax, enjoy The Himalayas for a 3 day trip in September.
Well, if you have not been to Rajgarh, you can travel up there. It is near Solan, Nauradhar Haripurdhar
Hi, I am planning on visiting Tirthan this weekend. Will it be feasible over a car? What do I need to be prepared for?
Hey Gaurav,
You can travel to Tirthan Valley, nothing much to prepare for it as the roads are almost fine barring few patches here and there. Go with woolens and thermals.
Hello, I read your this blog as well as Raju Bharti one. Both are pretty informative. Great work, thanks for putting all information together.
We (My, my wife, 2-year baby, parents and my sister) are traveling to Himachal on 16Nov to 1st Dec and here is my plan but it can change so please suggest me if you have any suggestion.
We are planning to hire an Innova for all 15days.
Delhi to Chandigarh 16 Nov 2017 -> 17 Nov 2017 (1 night)
Chandigarh to Manali 17 Nov 2017 -> 22 Nov 2017 (5 nights)
Manali to Parashar Lake 22 Nov 2017 -> 23 Nov 2017 (1 night)
Parashar Lake to Tirthan (23 Nov 2017 -> 27 Nov 2017) (4 nights)
Tirthan to Kufri 27 Nov 2017 -> 29 Nov 2017 (2 nights)
Kufri to Delhi 29 Nov 2017 -> 01 Dec 2017 (2 nights)
I am still deciding if I should leave Innova 23rd nov when we reached to Raju Bharti homestay and skip Kufri and stay for 6 nights there but I am not sure how will we visit Great Himalayan National Park, Jalori Pass, seolsar lake, Chehni Kothi Village etc. and how will we back from Tirthan to Delhi.
Please share your thoughts here.
Thank you Rishi and sorry for the delay in reply.
I will suggest adding one day at Prashar lake else it could be a bit tiring and reduce the day from Manali. Rest looks OK. Do not expect much from Kufri rather stay a bit away from it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Nice piece. Going Jibhi from Delhi … with my family (wife and 4 year old kid) during the 12th August long weekend. Taking my car.
Need your advice on certain aspects:
– When is the best time to leave (6 pm works or 2 am is better, considering the long weekend madness and people will be on their way out for HP and Uttaranchal)
– How is the road condition?
– Any special suggestion considering I have my 4 year-old with me
Ok Dheeraj, thank you so much for such quick response 🙂
Best wishes for the trip !!
Hi,
Me and my few friends are planning to visit Tirthan Valley end of July. Could you please advise if this is the right time to go there and for a trek? I dnt want to stuck in heavy rains or landslides so If you could advise.
thank you so much in advance
Bharti, best will be to check the rain predictions and then plan the trip. When it starts to rain, the river also get swollen and the charm of staying nearby river goes away !!
Hi Dheeraj,
You posts are really informative.
I Wanted to go to tirthan valley, barot , bir billing starting 1st week of july.
I will be doing this on bike.
i have around 6-7 days
Is bike fine for this trip and can you suggest me itinerary starting from Gurgaon covering these places. Also if u can add a place or two that will be great.
Regards,
Abhay
Yes Abhay, bike trip should be fine to travel to these places, you will enjoy it. You can do something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Barot
Day 2 | Stay at Barot
Day 3 | Leave for Bir – Billing and do Paragliding, stay at Bir – Biling
Day 4 | Reach Tirthan Valley
Day 5,6 | Stay at Tirthan Valley
Day 7 | Ride back to Delhi from Tirthan Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your inputs, I will plan accordingly. I had one more query, where can I do camping in these locations?
Well, camping can be done anywhere you find an open and safe spot. Best will be to negotiate with some guest house or dhabha or home stay to allow you in their vicinity so as to have a sense of protection as well.
Hi, lovely write up. Informative and precise.
We are planning to leave tomorrow night at around 10 for tirthan. We would be staying at nature’s lap resort.
Need your advice on the road conditions and review on the resort if possible.
Czar, no idea about the resort but road conditions are more or less fine barring a couple of patches of bad roads.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to leave Delhi at 9pm in the night for Tirthan Valley. Not sure about the road conditions these days. Do you recommend travelling in the night? We will be driving our own car.
Thanks
Debal, road conditions are more or less good barring few patches here and there and some bad sections of truck traffic/potholes between Kiratpur – Swarghat – Bilaspur section.
dheeraj
I have follow you leh iadak itenariry which made my trip excellent
I want to explore untouched places in Himachal can you help me you have written spring season is best can you please tell me which months
I read in Google this places
DHARAMKOT, KASOL,,KHEERGANGA, JALORIJOT ,HAMTAPASS ,TIRTHAN VALLEY ,PABBAR VALLEY
Some of our friends visited Thanedar ,Sangla ,Kalpa ,Shoja
Are this all same route please help me I am nature lover and I would like to stay good hotel
Hi Sonali,
You may be late for now for Tirthan Valley for bookings at good places in Tirthan but if you have about 6-7 days from Shimla/Delhi you can surely visit Kinnaur Valley and enjoy nature at its best in summers.
How many days you have in hand and how are you planning to travel?
Dear Mr. Dheeraj,
First of all Kudos for write for sharing your experiences. All of this is very helpful.
Coming to my question, I will be in Tirthan Valley for 1.5 days ( 2 nights). Now, as I understand it, The Great Himalayan National Park is divided into eco zone and the core zone.
I don’t like just rushing through a place. I like walking on foot and if i like a place I can sit at that point for hours altogether, enjoying my photography and being under stars .
From Gushani to entry into core zone is around 12 kms, which should take around (5-6 hours return, may be more in my case). Entering into core zone would mean that I take a guide along with me ( mandatory) and that would mean more time, possibly a night inside the park as same day return may or may not be possible and stay Inside the Park and guest houses by GHNP like Sai Ropa may not be available ( because of some engagements that are planned at the park)
What advise would you give me for 1.5 days ( 2 nights) ?
Hi Abhishek,
I will surely suggest you take a local guide with you, go up there for a couple of days, camp overnight, soak in nature and come back. In case you are staying with some guest house, they should be able arrange a local/guide to accompany you for it.
Hi Dheeraj,
The article is well written and very informative.
We are just people planning to visit Tirthan in the coming long weekend.
We don’t own a car an we will take a volvo till Aut. Can you please help me with the following:
1. How can we get to Tirthan from there?
2. Is the place safe for two females?
3. What is approx budget of the trip if one wants to try out adventure activities, fishing and a small trek.
4. How is the local transportation like?
Please help.
Hi Kiran,
1. You can either get down at bhunter and get a taxi from there OR you can arrange a pickup by asking your hotel to send the taxi, preferable.
2. Yeah, most places in Himalayas are safe unless you are the unlucky one.
3. Around 8K for 3-4 days trip.
4. Shared taxis only.
HI DHEERAJ SHARMA THIS BLOG IS REALLY NARRATIVE IN DETAILS ABOUT THE THINGS TO DO IN TIRTHAN VALLEY,,.
WE ARE FAMILY OF 5 ADULTS (2 OF MORE THAN 55YRS MOM & DAD) 3 KIDS (10,5,2 YRS ) PLANNING FOR TIRTHAN VALLEY THIS MAY 2ND WK,WE ARE COMMIMG FROM SURAT & AFTER DARSHAN AT KATRA WANT TO VISIT THIS PLACE ,,,& HAVE TO CATCH TRAIN/FLIGHT FROM CHANDIGARH OR DELHI WE HAVE 5-6 NIGHTS WITH US CAN YOU PLSE HELP US IN THESE POINTS –
1) IS IT ADVISABLE TO TAKE A CAB FROM KATRA TO TIRTHAN & THAN DROP AT CHANDIGARH/DELHI OR TAKE ONE WAY CAB THAN GO TO DELHI FROM AUT BY VOLVO….IF CAB IS GOOD OPTION THAN ANY GOOD CABE DRIVER CONTACT NO U HAVE ?
2)SHOULD WE GO AT A STRETCH FROM KATRA TO TIRTHAN OR TAKE A NIGHT STAY MID WAY (SUGGEST SOME SCENIC & GOOD PLACE )
3) SHOULD WE BOOK THE ROOMS IN TIRTHAN DIRECTLY ?
ALSO FOR JOURNEY TO DELHI /CHANDIGARH SOME STAY IN BETWEEN….
CAN WE PLAN A DAY TRIP TO MANIKARAN FROM TIRTHAN
PLSE HELP US TO PLAN THIS TOUR & MAKE IT A MEMORABLE & COMFORTABLE ONE….
Hello Mukesh,
1. I will prefer a drop to Tirthan and then take the volvo back home.
2. Katra to Tirthan willsurely gonna be a long drive. If you coming from Chandigarh side, halt around Bilaspur or if coming from Palampur side, hhalt at Palam pur
3. I will recommend to book in advance as in that season it will be hard to find them on spot
4. You can plan the day trip to Manikaran, easily.
Really thank u dheeraj ….One more help any taxi driver no. U have for the katra to Shona journey……..& Is the Volvo buses from Auto are slipper type ? Where to book for them……
No Mukesh, sorry on that front. Best will be to get taxi from Katra / Jammu itself. There might be some buses running between Chandigarh and Katra/Jammu.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for this apt and informative piece. I wish to visit Tirthan Valley and The Great Himalayan National Park in mid Jan. Would like to know if you have any clue about how accessible the place is during that time? Also, if you could help me out with the places that will be open for stays?
I know its much to ask but it will be really helpful if you can help me with this! Thanks! Peace. 🙂
Tirthan Valley will be open all round the year and so as most parts of Great Himalayan National Park as well. SHowever, longer treks in it will not be open or recommended.
Hi Dheeraj
We a group of 4 ppl are planning to visit tirthan in Mid of Nov for 03 days ie Sat morning reaching at tirthan n Monday by noon leaving for Delhi.
Could u pls tell me
1) Whether it is best time to visit it
2) What should we cover there at tirthan
3) planning to take Cab to and fro from AUT
Regards,
Prashant
Hello Prashant,
1. You have already selected mid of November. Nothing much changes between end and mid with mid Nov being a bit less chilly.
2. I will suggest to relax and take walks in Great Himalayan National Park when you are in Tirthan.
3. Mean you will take HPTDC Volvo while coming and going from Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for a lovely structured blog. Your blog has excited us to visit Tirthan Valley. I and my husband intend to visit Tirthan Valley + places around that in mid Aug. Do you think it would be fine. If not, could you recommend alternate offbeat HP trip for 4-5 days. Thanks
Madhavi, I mostly avoid going to any place in mountains near the river in monsoons as most rivers flow above danger mark and can cause hassles at any day in monsoons. I will better suggest some high place in mountains and keep Tirthan Valley when rains reside so that you can enjoy it as well.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planing a trip with my friends in Mid-August
Do you think it will be a good time to visit Tirthan considering the monsoons ?
Arjun, I personally, in general avoid going to places with rivers near by in monsoons. Most rivers are in spate during monsoons time and flow above danger marks. This year monsoon is less but still I will suggest that you check with a hotel/guest house in Tirthan who will be able to better guide on the ground reality.
Thanks a ton Dheeraj, but can you also suggest some higher altitude places near Tirthan where we can plan our stay and travel easily to Tirthan as we’ll be having bikes on us.
Hmm, in that case travel to Jalori Pass, Shoja from Narkanda side. Then, try to visit Tirthan from there (less than a couple of hrs drive) and then decide if there is no rains in those days may be stay in Tirthan only. Still, make a call considering the weather conditions in hills.
Hi Dheeraj,
We plan to go to Tirthan valley around 29th Jul for 3-4 days. Just need time off from routine. We have 3 yrs. old daughter. Hope it will not be too hectic for her. Is it ok to go during this time? And hopefully we will not get caught into heavy rains/bad weather. Kindly suggest if we need to replan this trip for some other time.
Thanks a lot,
Gagan
Just check the weather conditions during that time. Actually tirthan is all along the river, so in case of bad weather river will be flowing in spate !! So, you should travel to some high up place in monsoons where at least river is not around.
Planning to drive from delhi in aug
1. How are the roads and traffic ?
2. How much time will it take ? Can it be done in one day without exhausting too much ?
3. Is the car parking you mentioned. In the article safe ?
1. Roads and traffic from Swarghat – Bilaspur – Sundernagar is always very heavy and roads are bad for about 15-20 KMs
2. It takes about 14 Hrs to reach Tirthan from Delhi
3. Yes very much 🙂
Hello Dheeraj
Me and my friend,both of us are planning a trip to Tirthan Valley in second week of July.
Is it the right time to visit the place..or the monsoon has already set in.
please advice.
Yes Shilpa, it will be a OK time to visit Tirthan Valley as mostly rains are delayed now a days. However, if there are rains, well you feel a bit disappointed.
Hi dheeraj,
we have booked at himalayan trout house for four days. we have baby of year n three months old with us. could you suggest us some easy trek or birding pockets. (we are avid birders). we cannot take strenous treks as we will be carrying baby also. if there are any motorable places for birding that would b great. later, we are staying at kasol for few days. again, if there are any suggestions for points or pockets that could b explored do tell.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am looking for Bus booking via HPTDC online site but can’t find AUT as destination from DEL. Can you please advise. below are the only available option in HPTDC site.
> Chandigarh,
>Delhi,
>Dharamsala,
>Leh,
>Manali
>Manali-Marhi-Rahla Fall-Rohtang Pass-back
>Manali-Naggar-Monastry-Manikaran-back
>Manali-Nehru Kund-Solang-sow Point-Back
>Manali-Vaishno Devi Temple-Kullu-Manikaran-back
>Shimla
>Shimla-Kufri-Chini Bungalow-Chail-back
>Shimla-Kufri-Fagu-Chini Banglow-Naldehra-back
Thank you.
hi deeraj
I planed to visit Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh in last week of june, i already booked 3 day stay with raju guest house, can you suggest some near by place to visit during my stay, we have 8 family member (incl my mother aged 70 plus).
Can i get transport from Raju guest house to visit nearby places
also suggest how to get Volvo ot other way of transposrt from AUT to delhi .
regards
Sanjay, just relax over there, enjoyii the river and walks in the Great Himalayan National Park or hike to the waterfall.
Varun should be able to arrange permits for you.
Can u guide us which place is better for stay between Himalayan trout house and river side resort
In terms of scenery food n ambience
Indu, interms of nature River side is good. Rest for ambience and luxury trout house is better
Thnx Mr.Dheeraj.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for this wonderful website and the guidance you provide to all seeking tips and advice!
I request your help in planning an itinerary for my family vacation. We are a family of 5, 3 adults (Couple plus mom who is 72) and 2 kids (15 and 6). We are traveling from Mumbai and would like to set a trip of 8 days in HP. Since I am on a budget tour we are doing Mum-Del by train and will be staying overnight in Delhi so that we are ready to start early morning from Delhi next day.
I have following options in mind
1. Delhi- Shimla / some place around Shimla . Stay and visit places within radius of 40-50 kms
2. Delhi – Tirthan. Stay and visit places nearby
The idea is to not travel too much as we have our Mom with us. we just want to stay at 1 place and visit off-beat attractions nearby. We are okay to just laze by a river with views of the Himalayas, walk in the woods , camp for a night and in general enjoy nature.
Please recommend an itinerary for either of the destination options above. also is it a good idea to hire private car for journey from Delhi or Volvos are better and safer? Also is it better to travel from delhi to destination overnight or during the day?
Thanks in advance
Best is that you visit Tirthan Valley. It is one amazing place where you do not even get bored staying for long days.
You should hire a local taxi odrop or pickup from Aut where volvo can drop you. This will be convenient as well as easy on pocket for 5 days holding a taxi just for nothing. Itinerary for 5 day has been mentioned in the article, you can add the rest days in between
Hi Dheeraj,
Could you please suggest some budget homestay in Tirthan Valley? I had called up Raju’s cottage but they are charging high (1800/- per head)
My itinerary is like – Shimla(1N) – Manali (2N) – Tirthan valley(1N) – Chandigarh.
Which one will be best Shoja OR Banjar ?
Regards,
Santosh
Santosh, you can check with Trishla Home Stay
Mr. Aman 09418703820, else you will find plenty of home stays in Jibhi for budget
Thanks Dheeraj,
Could you please let me know should I get any bus from here to Chandigarh/Kalka. ?
I am looking for a place that give beautiful mountain view and river as well. So which one will be good, Banjar, Shoja or Jibhi?
regards,
Santosh
Yes, you should be able to get bus to Chandigarh as well as Shimla/Kalka, may be connecting buses they might be. Shoja does not have river access, you may try Jibhi and Banjar is a town.
Hi Dheeraj,
Leaving for Trithan valley this Saturday for a week and need a quick guidance, we will be travelling by volvo till Aut and then local taxis/ hitch hiking the entire trip. As of now we plan to spend 3 full days in Trithan and then go to Jalori pass and do the lake trek. (is it possible to camp overnight at the lake or we need to come down to Jalori pass for overnight halt). Also we intend to do camping at Parashar lake.
Beside these locations can you suggest some very off beat places that we can built in the itinerary. Have no intention of going anywhere remotely close to Shimla, also a no no to narkanda chail kasauli mashobra kufri etc. Can Malana Tosh be included in it, i know it is in another direction from Jalori? Any other destination which is travelers paradise?
Thanks in advance
Chitra, if you are are carrying tents, you can do so but I am nost sure about the permissions. Check at Jalori camps for it. Prashar does have camping option but again you have to carry your own camp. How many days do you have in hand??
Refer: Top 12 Must Visit Offbeat Places in Himachal Near Delhi
We have about 5-6 days with us
Chitra, with just 5-6 days in hand I will suggest that you focus just on Prashar Lake and Tirthan Valley
Hi Dheeraj Kalra Sir, Thanks a lot for writing this guide, very informative ! Can you please help us on following points:
We 5 people from a hired cab are leaving from Delhi for Tirthan valley on 24th Feb evening and expect to reach tirthan around 11am on 25th Feb. Will stay on 25th in Tirthan
Q1. Which trek can we do on 26th Feb ? I heard there would be snow around this time so trek wont be possible.
Q2. After reaching above (from the trek you suggest), we want to stay on the top for a night. Any suggestions for that ? We heard because of snow, there will not be any water available. Do people do trek in feb ? Is it safe ?
We want to come back to Delhi by 28th evening.
Thanks in advance Dheeraj !
Regards,
Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj
1. Best is that you relax in Tirthan or may be hike to Waterfall. I am not sure how uch you are into trekking but you can surely do lower day trek in Great Himalayan National Park. Snow will be in upper reaches
2. Staying overnight will not be possible or recommended in this weather unless you have experience of camping in cold conditions. Also, wild animals come down too in winters from high altitude to find food, so that is a risk too. People do not undertake long treks usually in winters unless they are well quipped and experienced with it.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Highly appreciate such quick reply Dheeraj sir !
We are very very less into trekking, so your suggestion well noted. We won’t take long treks but do some lower day trek in Great Himalayan National Park only. Can you suggest some or we can ask from locals there in tirthan ?
Or do you suggest if we should try going to Kasol (or some other place you suggest) on one of the day and directly come back from there to Delhi ?
We all are under age group 24 to 29.
Regards,
Dheeraj
Dheeraj, you can ask the locals once reaching there. Take a local with you, a guide or just a villager in Goshaini village will do for you. Both have equally good beauty Parvati Valley as well as Tirthan Valley. You will not go wrong with any of them.
Hi Dheeraj,
Would you advice to head for Tirthan in December?
I am looking for a lone trip for around 10-15 days at peaceful places (not tourist destinations) in Himachal. Please advice.
Thanks.
Hi Kshitij,
In case you do not mind cold conditions and basic food, I will suggest you spend that many days in Kinnaur Valley at Kalpa and Reckong Peo region along with Sarahan some days. If you wish to stay at Tirthan Valley and Barot that will be good options too with a split for 6-7 days at each of the place.
We have been to Thirthan Valley on this Diwali weekend.
Started at 04:00 hrs from Sector 61, Noida, and reached Nagni, Tirthan at 16:00 hrs. including two halts at
Roopnagar ( 08:30 hrs) for breakfast and lunch at Sunder Nagar (13:30 hrs).
Due to very next day of Diwali, very less traffic through out the journey, even in most notorious Bilaspur route.
Road conditions very good, only around 10 KM stretch before Sunder Nagar is bed but manageable.
Stayed at Khem Bharti Home stay (Hotel Trout Valley), Nagni. Because of off season got 10% discount.
Returned via Jeori Pass. 10 KM before and after the pass not good as usual. Night halt at Narkanda.
journey from Narkanda to Karnal was smooth on 15th Nov.15, after Karnal faced very heavy traffic & rush driving.
Thank you for the update KB ji. Can you please share some info. on Khem Bharti Home stay. How was it, numbers and the price you paid? Any photos you would like to share?
Hello Dheeraj Ji,
Thanks for comments.
Khem Bharti Homestay is run by Mr. & Mrs. Khem Bharti. The location is 100 meter before Mr. Christopher’s Himalayan Trout House. Vehicle parking can be managed on the road side. He has total six double bedded rooms with attached bathroom. Two rooms at top floor are newly constructed and we stayed in one of that room. Rooms are very well maintained, very neat and clean, using solar panel for water heating. Tariff for rooms at top floor is Rs. 3500/- per day and these includes Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. We were two adults with 11yrs old daughter. Hospitality of Mr. & Mrs. Khem Bharti was top class. Provided all sorts of help like hot water bag, room heater, Apricot oil for joint pain etc. Mrs. Khem Bharti was very friendly with my wife & were gossiping for long time after dinner. First day dinner they served us lamb meat and on second day Trout fish without additional money. We paid Rs. 6000/- for two days with 10% discount. He did not charge for extra person.
Mr. Khem Bharti can be reached at +919459101113
With my personal experience, I highly recommend Hotel Trout Valley / Khem Bharti Homestay, Nagni at Tirthan Valley.
Thank you so much KB ji for a detailed review.
If we plan to choose bus as the means of transport. How do we get back to Delhi from Tirthan? What time bus runs from tirthan/aut, which bus service and from which location?
Also do we have bus services available at night around 10 from Delhi? and which service if so?
Thanks in advance.
I think only standard buses will be available only around that time because last Manali – Delhi volvo will be around 8-9 only. Check HPTDC or HRTC Websites only.
Shruti, you can catch the volvo from Bhuntar. Volvo runs between Manali – Delhi and from Tirthan you can either get a shared jeep, bus or private taxi to reach to Bhuntar or Aut tunnel entrance and tell the Manali – Delhi volvo guys your pickup point. You will get the service from there.
Hello Sir,
We are planning a weekend trip to Gushaini on the 29th of October. We plan to start by 1 pm from Delhi and reach by 8-9pm in the night. Next day morning we want to go to jalori pass and trek to sirloskar lake. On 31st we just plan to chill and drive to the nearby places or maybe do some fishing. Is this plan a good one? Please advise on this. We really want to see sirloskar lake and jalori pass and also stay at Raju Cottage.
Pranay, it will take 14 Hrs to reach Tirthan from Delhi. So, you need to work out a plan a bit. How many days do you have?
Sir we have 2.5 days. We have to reach Delhi by Sunday morning
Pranay, you can take overnight volvo to reach Aut in morning and then a taxi to reach Tirthan, spend a day there and then take overnight volvo next evening to reach back to Delhi in monring.
Sir one last question, where are some good camp sites in Tirthan? we are thinking of taking our own tents.
Pranay, you might not get the open camp site in Tirthan. However, you can ask couple of home stays or guest houses that they allow you to pitch the camps in their grasslands or farms. It will give you a sense of security as well. In the last you can pay a little tip to them and that shall be all.
Hello Dheeraj Sir!
Very impressed by this article.
My friends and me are planning to go to Trithan Valley for a weekend.
We will be setting off on Thursday and want to return back till Sunday night or Monday Morning.
Can you please suggest us a good itinerary for the same? A bit of trekking included in this would be so delightful. Is it possible to?
Thank you Lakshay. You should just reach Tirthan Valley, spend the days you have in hand up there exploring waterfall or a short hike in Great Himalayan National Park. Then come back home.