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
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Hai Dheeraj
I ,my wife & 2 children are planning to see snow fall from 24 to 28 Dec.15 .Plz guide us about places.
Hi Pradeep, please check loads of places mentioned under the series of article to get snow in December:
Snowfall Near Delhi | 7 Places to Visit in Himachal
Snowfall Near Delhi – 5 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
5 More Places to see Snowfall in Uttarakhand near Delhi
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for such an informative blog and the proposed itinerary.
I (with my wife) planning a trip to Tirthan valley this september end. Taken a week off, so have 9 days at hand. We will be self driving to Tirthan and on the way back I am thinking of the route through Narkanda, as you suggested. But since we have more days at hand we are thinking of taking a stop in both journeys.
Can you suggest an itinerary we should follow (from Delhi)? Basically which are the right places to stay on the way. And what all we can cover in that region.
We are planning to take “Shilt Hut” trek (for 3 days) there.
Thanks,
-Ankur
Hi Ankur,
I will suggest that you follow below plan in such a case:
Day 1 | Reach Tirthan Valley
Day 2 | Relax in tirthan Valley for the whole day besides tirthan river
Day 3, 4, 5 | Do the trek
Day 6 | Tirthan Valley – Shoja – Jalori Pass, spend a day there may be in camps at Jalori
Day 7 | Jalori Pass – Narkanda. Do Hatu Peak for some good views
Day 8 | Narkanda – Shimla/Chail
Day 9 | back home
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for the suggestion and the itinerary. Please let me know what you think about some variations below in the itinerary. The 2 main reasons for the change are:
1. I am not sure it would be comfortable to drive straight to Tirthan, without stop.
2. We have already visited Narkanda (Hatu peak) and Chail some time back, so not very much interested in repeating those places.
What do you think if we make below changes.
Day 1 | New Delhi to Mandi (or some place near)
Day 2 | Mandi to Prashar Lake, post lunch drive to Tirthan Valley
Day 3 | Relax in tirthan Valley for the whole day besides tirthan river
Day 4, 5, 6 | Do the trek
Day 7 | Tirthan Valley – Shoja – Jalori Pass, spend a day there may be in camps at Jalori
Day 8 | Jalori Pass – Narkanda OR some other place on the way
Day 9 | back home
Thanks,
-Ankur
Hi Ankur,
Looks good to me. You can actually drive to Chail or Shimla from Jalori as Narkanda will be to close to Jalori without much to do as you have already visited the place before.
Dear Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Jibhi on 19th Sept from Shimla with my wife and 7 year old son. I will hire a car from Shimla and visit Jibhi (stay at Dev Conifer) and move to Naggar and Manali on 20th Sept. I hope the road at Jalori pass can be travelled in a small car. Please let me know your thoughts.
Regards,
Ajit
Yes Ajit, since you will be hiring a local taxi, it shall be fine to travel even in small car as these guys know how to drive over that terrain. Just confirm if the driver has done the Jalori Pass or not in past.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks, drivers name is gopal singh Thakur from Shimla. Spoke to him and he confirmed he has driven the jibhi-jalori pass terrain before.
Regards,
Good to know that Ajit, go ahead in that case 🙂 … You can update his number in the thread in community in case you like his services.
hi dheeraj, my kids want to play in snow
plz suggest some place anywhere in India
my dates are 2 December to 9 December
Hamza, best will be that you head to Manali and see snow towards Manali Rohtang Pass during that period of time.
Hi Dheeraj,
Do you traveling in July mid is appropriate to this location. We do not want to drive and would prefer taking a bus. Any other similar places apt to travel in July mid considering it would be the rainy season. Also could you suggest some hotels.
Aishwarya, it will be much better that you plan a trip to some high place, something like Shoja which is near to Tirthan Valley or may be Chindi near Karsog. Since it will be rainy, the rivers will be swollen so chances are you might not enjoy the serenity. So, better make a trip to Shoja or Chindi in monsoons. In case it is not raining during the days of your visit, you can easily go down to Tirthan Valley and stay for couple of days in such a case.
Hey Dheeraj
What is the best place to visit in last week of October.Trithan vally or Munshyari
We are planning for a road trip by car , we have 5 days.
Please suggest. Where we can get snow caped peaks ?
Thanks….
I will go with Tirthan Valley during that time of the year.
Dear Dheeraj
How is road condition from Shimla to Gurshaini
Can I drive in I-20
YEs, Shimla – Jalori Pass – Gushaini will be fine to travel now though due to steep gradient at Jalori Pass, it will be a bit adventurous 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all thanks for the above information. It really helped us a lot in planning.
Now we are thinking to take a bike trip from Shimla to jalori pass to tirthan valley. We are not experts with bikes. so , would u please tell me the road condition of this route and which bike should be preferred for this route. I just want to ensure that we must have a safe journey..
Thank you in advance
Deepesh, the road conditions are fine to Jalori pass but it is steep, so drive carefully and also use gear braking by riding in low gears and never with ignition off bikes. If you use too much brakes there the chances of burning the brake pads are high.
dheeraj,
thank you so much for your answer. would you please tell me the approximate distance of steep road and from where to where is the road steep..??..
also inform me is there any convenience to go in that steep road or the bike will be fine……??
Deepesh, bike will be fine. You can consider about 12-15 KMs including both sides of Jalori Pass
Hi Dheeraj,
We will be visiting Tirthan valley in June. Going by Tempo Travellers as we are a big group. Going from Jalandhar to Tirthan Valley what is the best route suggested by you and approximately how long will it take.
I heard there is congestion at some stretches on the way which should be avoided. Please advise.
Tarun you can either take the route from Hoshiarpur – Amb – Nadaun – Hamirpur – Bhota – Mandi – Aut – Tirthan OR Hoshiarpur – Bangana – Barsar – Bhota – Mandi – Aut – Tirthan.
Thanks Dheeraj, Out of the two routes you have suggested which would be the better one. The better road conditions.
What are the sectors to avoid. I heard Kiratpur – Bilaspur – Sundarnagar is bad. Heavily congested. Please advise.
Yes, Tarun that section is very bad in terms of trucks traffic as well as full of potholes. Please refer the thread for updated road conditions: Updated Delhi – Manali Road Conditions
Hi Dhiraj,
I have been visiting HP for a long time now, the condition of the mail road connection Mandi is horrendous, it is beyond words and it’s shameful that no one seems to be doing anything, I took the longer Una-Jahu route while going. but unfortunately tried the main route back. It is dis-heartening, shameful this is the road that is supposed to bring the tourists and the peak season is just round the corner, to a state which relies on the revenuers from tourism. and look what they have made it. can’t even maintain one road.
I am personally going to boycott going to HP and would try to discourage as many as possible. I know would not make much of a dent, but this is my way of saying this is enough.
Alok, I can understand your agony 🙁
I fully agree with you Sharma ji and reciprocate your sentiments. I am a regular traveller to Himachal for business and vacations. It was shocking and painful to see the pathetic road condition from kiratpur to bilaspur during my recent visit to Barmana. It is bound to damage the vehicle as well as the traveller.
It is fine that they are buuilding a four lane road but that does not been that they should not maintain the existing road till the new one is operational.
Shame on the concerned authorities!
Hello Mr. Dheeraj
First of all thanks a lot for such a useful site. We are planning are honeymoon trip in month of May and want to visit unconventional places of Himachal. Is Tirthan valley good place for honeymoon? Will you suggest to go there? Please advise us any other off-beat romantic place of Himachal if this place is not good for this purpose.
We will reach Delhi on 16th May at 12 Noon and have return flight on 23rd May in the Evening. so we have round 8 days. Kindly let us know what will be the best place for us.
Thanks
Anoop
Harsh, if you are looking for peace and nature around, nothing beats Tirthan Valley. However, you might not get too much luxury up there if you are looking for it. Also, 7 days might get too much for just Tirthan Valley. You may also look forward to visit Kinnaur Valley for 7 days and stay at Kalpa and Sangla which has hotels of decent luxury and would be apt for 7 day travel.
However, it will turn out to be costly due to larger distance and taxi cost.
Thanks Mr. Dheeraj. I have read about Kinnaur and Sagla valley. it seems nice places. Can please suggest me itinerary and good accommodation for Kinnaur and Sagla Valley?
Harsh, you can read the article for accommodation as well as most common travel plan/itinerary: Kinnaur Valley Travel Guide | Kalpa, Sangla & Chitkul
Hello
Some of really nice and helpful articles by you.
If we go to Tirthan around 3rd of April will we be able to drivw to Jalori Pass? if not, then to Kasol?
Please reply soon.
Thanks:)
Rajat, there is 50:50 chance of driving to Jalori during that time of the year. I have a gut feeling that it will be closed because of such massive snow in March. Otherwise, Kasol will always be accessible 🙂
Thanks man:). We are also thinking of going to Kinnaur. I know wrong thread : D but will we be able to drive to Nako?
Rajat, last year I did trip to Spiti Valley in the last week of March and road conditions were horrible. It remains similar every year due to snow melting causing snow slides as well as landslides. This year too nothing much is changed, a friend of mine who went there posted his experience on the DoW FB Page how he remained stuck for first 7-8 days between Nako and Reckong Peo.
So, higher risks are associated while driving ahead of Powari during that period of time since glaciers / snow melts and comes down in the form of snow slides in these months. If you love adventure and ready to take such risks, then you should be able to drive.
This is not to scare you bro, rather just make you beaware of what can be expected.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks so much for the useful write up. We’re planning a trip to Tirthan in May. We booked ourselves on the Delhi to Aut Volvo as you suggested above, but are having trouble finding a bus back from Aut to Delhi. RedBus doesn’t have any buses along that route. Is there a different station that runs buses back to Delhi? Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks!
Hello Preetika,
There is no bus from Aut to Delhi or Delhi to Aut. You need to book the volvo coming from Manali and mention your pickup point as Aut tunnel exit or Bhuntar to be on safest side. You can hire a taxi from Tirthan which will drop you at Bhuntar and you can carry on further from there in that volvo 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I have 3 questions.
1. Is the bus service still active from Delhi to Aut ? We are planning to go to Tirthan in mid Jan by the bus service you mentioned.
2. Considering that we don’t have our own car, how can we reach from the Aut bus drop off point to Raju Guest House ?
3. Which of the accommodations from your list has the best location ? We are planning a trip purely for photography and more specifically night photography. So nice views are what we are looking for.
As usual, great write up and thanks in advance 🙂
Shrikant
Hi Shrikant,
A happy new year to you and your family !!
1. Yeah, the bus service runs from Delhi to Manali, you can drop out at Kullu or Banjar or Aut, the place of your choice.
2. Book a taxi from Kullu or bhuntar taxi stand else ask at Raju’s Cottage to arrange a pickup for you from Aut.
3. Raju Bharti is best located and is one of the best places to stay in entire Himalayas IMHO.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the late reply, I was on a trip to Kumaon, Uttarakhand for the last 8-9 days.
Hi….I have made booking with raju’s cottage.. For last week of January :- 24,25,26… But I am still wondering, like would that be too cold to go out and enjoy there or what .. ? Suggestions please ..
Jyotsna, of course it will be cold as it is January, so if you are fine with the cold and go prepared with heavy woolens, it shall be fine
Thanks for your response Dheeraj.
I have a total of 5 days including Sunday the day we leave from delhi. We will be in Rajus cottage for 3 days. bookings for further days are full. Had called a place in Shoja… but they were closing for winters. So am confused which place will be accessible and worth staying during that time after Rajus cottage
I have booked a place in manali after tht for 2 days… but am not tht interested as its too commercial.
Will Shoja be open then? if so where can i stay ?
Thanks again!
Samir, did you check with Raja Guest House at Shoja if they are open or not? Otherwise, you can spend couple of days in Kasol or Naggar as well. Barot is 3-3.5 Hrs away from tirthan Valley too, so if you like then you can go and stay up there as well.
Hi Dheeraj. Nice article & you have been realy helpful to all.
I guess my turn now 🙂
I will be driving to Tirthan on Jan 1st week. I just want to ask what could be the other good/beautiful, possible & approachable places for stay and visit both from tirthan especially in Jan. Am nt sure if Jalori will b open then.. ifit is then which places also if not which other places I culd go & enjoy a memorable stay.
Not a commercial place but a nice quiet place with a view etc 🙂 say within 60 – 70 km
Ur suggestions will b really helpful 🙂
Thanks
Thanks a lot Samir 🙂
You can club Shoja with your trip to Tirthan Valley. Jalori will not be open but up to Shoja I guess you may be able to reach due to heavy snow, if not you may need to park your vehicle on road and walk to Shoja. Ask for the road conditions at Tirthan or Banjar.
How many days do you have? I guess if you have 3-5 days, best to is to sit and relax in Tirthan and enjoy some hikes in GHNP and make a visit to Shoja.
Hi Dheeraj,
A friend and I are travelling to Tirthan on 4th Jan. We are staying there for 2 days and then wanted to go to Shoja. Any place that you recommend where we can stay? And how do you think the weather will be?
Gayathri, you can stay at Raju’s Cottage, Goshaini, Tirthan Valley – A Pioneer in Hospitality and Raja Guest House, Shoja – Hotel Review
If Raju is not operational in Tirthan, then you can stay with Trishla or River View
Hi Dheeraj,
Is February a good month to travel to Tirthan Valley?
Thanks,
AJ
It will be cold and if that is fine, should be good time to spend in seclusion away from any hustle bustle.
Hi Dheeraj,
can we go to Tirhan vally in last week of december 2014. Will we get any snow over there,can we go jalori pass during that time.We ahve 2 year kid with us.What is the best place to get snow in month of December last week.
Kapil, there should be snow up there at Jalori pass by that time of the year. Just go prepared with heavy woolens and prior booking in one of the limited stay options available in that holiday week of the year.
Hi dheeraj,
we went to Tirthan valley and returned back yesterday . I cnt express in words how was the trip , it was totally amazing and memorized trip , totally safe valley , and Raju bharti guest house is the only resort who made our holidays wonderful , such a lovely family god bless them always , they r very very helpful and food omg food was out of the world so delicious and healthy , nd how can i forgot those loyal dogs , wherever we go they escorted us evry where. very smooth journey very secluded place so so good . we r going again in Apr .
Thanks for information you r doing such a lovey job by well guiding people lyk this .
Ritu, glad to know that you had wonderful experience. Raju Bharti Guest House is a place where people forget about everything and gets addicted not only to the place but also the magical hospitality that family offers everyone 🙂
Ur comments have inspired me to visit this place this weekend. However no one seems to ans the phone. How much is the room tariff?
Juhi, it is around 1500 – 1750 per person depending on veg or non veg food. This includes stay, food, juices, snacks, etc..
very nice information dear. after seeing this, want to go there with friends. plz suggest if going in december is gud enough and if we go by volvo.
thanks
Yeah, it should be fine as long as you are fine with a bit cold conditions. For stay do check with: Raju’s Cottage, Goshaini, Tirthan Valley – A Pioneer in Hospitality if they are running or not. Excelled place to stay up there.
thanks bro
Hi Dheeraj, I am planning to visit himachal with my husband from Jaipur for 3-4 days. What are the best places to visit in himachal? And how should we plan our trip? TIA.
Monika, please check the Travel Guide of Tirthan Valley which you can visit for 3-4 days and it has a plan too which can be followed skipping a day from it.
Dear Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip in October from 2nd till 5th, but I am bit concerned about security looking at the condition of J&K and some instances of HP near Shimla. Can you please suggest will it be a good idea to move during this time, especially road condition and weather.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Anuj Jain
Anuj, if you planning Tirthan Valley, in general October is a safe month to travel. But, every day travel as its own associated risks which no one can deny. So, I cannot ascertain but in general weather remains good in October.
I went in peak monsoons (last month) and the roads were perfect except Khanag where landslide happened. I went via Shimla and the roads were perfect. The road where landslide took place was fixed within 6-7 hours. So you can take that route.
Thanks Tushar for the road update.
Thanks Dheeraj and Tushar,
I was bit concerned looking at the condition going in J&K.
@Tushar: can you please update me on the route taken by you and any alternative if available in your know how, as I would be driving myself.
Anuj, there are only two routes to travel to Tirthan Valley and both have been detailed out in the above article. You can enter from one and exit from the other.
Hi Tushar/Dheeraj
I am planning to visit Tirthan Valley on 29 Nov2014.We follow Shimla-Narkanda-Jalori Pass route. I have a Ford figo and we are 4 adults and 2 kids.
Let me know the road condition whether it is advisable to follow this route. (I am more interested in this route because of more sceneric view)
Many Thanks in Advance
Manish
Manish, you must check the road conditions or road closure at Jalori Pass before you take that route. Snow has started falling on high altitude places and it may be possible that Jalori Pass also gets snow though the road in general up there closes post mid of December but still before venturing do recheck the latest road update.
Hey Dheeraj, Will we get some snow at Jalori pass or will be able to to see peaks covered with snow,Also will it possible to visit sarahan from Trihan vally and how long will it take,raod conditions etc , also will we be able to see snow there near sarahan at first week of oct
Hi Kapil,
Sorry for the late revert. No you will not see any snow at Jalori pass. However, now the monsoons are almost over so you will not face any problem at Khanag. Please be sure that you have expert driving skills because it is not easy to drive at Jalori pass. The road is muddy and the car skids a lot. Make sure to drive in first gear 🙂
Yup, very importantly to drive in first gear, both ascending where choice for you will be limited but need to take more care while descending so that braking is controlled by first gear itself and you put less pressure on brakes.
Snow will not be possible in first week of October at these places.
Thanks Tushar/Dheeraj for the reply, In last holiday on 2-5th oct I went to Chakrata, palce was nice but did not see any snow caped peaks due to foggy weather.I am planning to go somewhere in last week of december.Pleaes suggest a good place where I can play in snow, I ahve a 2 years daughter with me also,
Please suggest should I prefer to Narkanda/Dagu/Cahil and sarahan or I should go to Ranikhet/Mukteshwer/Kausani/Mynushari
I have been to narkanda/fagu/Ranikhet/Kauani in month of june and october.
or any other place you may want to suggest.
Kapil I will suggest that you prefer Ranikhet/Mukteshwer/Kausani/Munsiyari/Chaukori circuit rather than Himachal this time as you already have been there. Munsiyari will have snow all around and you will get some amazing views staring from Kausani. Check: Kausani – A Place Where Time Sleeps | Candid Kumaon
Hi Dheeraj,
I am leaving for Tirthan on 14th Aug night from Delhi. 2 months back I went to Kasol via Mandi and the road was really really bad. I am thinking of going to Tirthan via Shimla. Till Narkanda the roads are pretty fine (I have gone there several times). Overall I guess roads via Shimla will be better. Can you help me to decide which route to take? Mandi one or Shimla one?
Regards,
Tushar
Tushar, you can take Shimla route but again Jalori will not be that easy though less hectic as compared to pot holes of Mandi – Swarghat stretch. There is another longer route too that goes from Kiratpur – Nangal – Una – Bhota – Rewalsar – Mandi or Bota – Jahu – Ner Chowk. These are longer routes but fabulous roads mostly.
Thanks Dheeraj. I have driven to Sangla and Chitkul, so I am pretty confident of driving via Jalori pass. The potholes of Mandi road drive me insane 😛
Highly appreciated your quick revert 🙂
O yes, those Potholes plus truck traffic is surely insane. Do give a try to Mandi – Bhota – Una road too while coming back, no traffic, butter smooth roads.
One more Question how much time required to reach Chandigarh/Kalka from Gushaini by a suv ??
It will take about 8-9 Hours to reach Chandigarh from Tirthan Valley
We are 8 people planning for a family tour. Our itanery is Chindi (2N), Shoja (1N), Tirthan Valley (2N). We shall visit Raghupur Garh on the way to Shoja, Next day first visit Sarolsar Lake the to Tirthan Valley. Is it good ? if not please suggest a better plan
It looks quite decent plan to me. You will enjoy it.
Hi there. Ammazing article and seriously a bliss for people on a look out for an off beat destination.
I was planning to visit Manali (3 nights, 4 days) on 15th August with my family (parents in the age group of 50-60). But, after going through your article, I have fallen in love with this place. Would it be a good idea visiting this place during August (considering the rains). Also, if the worst happens (rains continuously), would we be totally confined to our rooms? If so, would it still be worth it ?
Thanks in advance ! 🙂
Yes Mrigank, in case of rains you will be confined to rooms only. I am not really in love to suggest hills in monsoons unless you are one of those travelers who understand the risks and are OK with situations of being confined to the rooms, some monsoon hassles like road/traffic movement disruptions due to landslides or increase in water level in rivers. Rains do enhance the beauty of greenery and clouds of course hover as if it is another heaven but there are risks and one must understand, be ready to take them if they plan travel in hills during monsoons.
Hi Dheeraj Sir..firstly let me thank you for such a wonderful and meaningul service that u r offering..ur insights r really to the point n have resemblance with reality..
Ok now first suggest me..Kasol or Tirthan valley?
2N/3d trip…15th August – 17th August..if kasol, then I would stay at thr Himalayan Village…heard a lot about it..bt no idea abt tirthan…let me Jus give u a hint which wud be pivotal in ur recommendation to me…I am going with my fiance, we both love nature, and we would love to do a trek for about 2-3 hrs with a guide..And yes there should also b some cafes, restaurants n small market place ..now I guess it wud help!!!
Sumit, I think this is already discussed in DwD Community and answer is Kasol since you want cafes, restaurants. Else Tirthan is also fine but food will only be at hotels or guest houses.
Hi, me and my friends are planning to visit Trithan Valley on 25th July (4 days ahead). Let me know, if it is a good time to visit. Thanks!!
Bharati, though the rains have started hitting the region. Please check the weather forecast and then head out as you will not like yourself to be confined to the rooms only.
Hii…me and my frnd decide to visit trithan balley culd u pls tell me the rajus cottage expensive fr 4 days
Swati, please go through the detailed review of Raju Bharti Guest House at the link: Raju’s Cottage, Goshaini, Tirthan Valley – A Pioneer in Hospitality
Tirthan valley in mid July
Hi Dheeraj, we are looking at 3-4 days in Tirthan valley around the second week July.
Do you think it is a good time to go there or are we likely to be confined to our rooms in the heavy rains ?
Thanks…
Sid, it will surely be rains during this period as Monsoon can arrive any day now. So, consider forecasts before planning the trip to hills now 🙂
Dear Dheeraj
We are going to dharamshala for 2 nights before heading to Tirthan-Raju’s guest house. Any recco’s for homestay options in or around dharamshala? Or near McLeod ganj if needed?
How is the route from dharamshala to Tirthan?
Regards
Nupoor
Dharamshala to Tirthan route is fine. Not much issues there. Regarding economic stay at Mcleod Ganj check: Pink House | McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala)
Hello Dheeraj,
Very impressive post 🙂 . I want to know if a visit to Tirthan valley and a stay at the riverside resort will be safe for women travellers? And how would one travel to nearby places if we don’t have a car? Do the hotels provide taxis?
I would really appreaciate your help.
Reema.
Reema, yeah it is completely safe in general. I will suggest that you first check with Raju’s Cottage and if it is available then close your eyes and go with it. Amazing place to spend time. He is a pioneer in hospitality. For traveling to near by places, you can get taxi from Banjar, hotel guys should be able to arrange one for you.
Hey Reema,
I am travelling alone to Tirthan valley and need company on 20th june.
If u r interested to make a plan, then leave a msg at sudhirjainz@gmail.com
Cheers
Dear Dheeraj, Thanks for all valuable information. Apart from all these i would like to ask about medical facilities around as i have a small daughter 3 months old shall i carry her along is it safe?
Oops, 3 months old daughter and you are traveling 🙁 🙁 … Well, in general I do not recommend people to travel with such small babies. Well, babies as 3 months old does not develop all organs fully and it is not a good option to travel with small babies of such age group, IMHO. Regarding medical facilities, there is a hospital at Banjar Village about 25-30 minutes drive from Gushaini/Nagini. Then Kullu and Mandi both are about 2-2.5 Hrs of drive from Tirthan Valley where much bigger hospitals are available.
Hi,
I am planning to drive with my family from Delhi during the last week of this month to tirthan valley. I have booked with ‘Tirthview’ for stay during my time here.
However, could anyone suggest a place for pit-stop while we are driving from delhi, except the obvious ones like shimla, chandigarh. We don’t plan to drive till there the whole way(non-stop), so wanted to know of places where we can stop and rest for the day and leave for tirthan the next day. Is Mandi a good option and would it be too much of a diversion if we go there on our route to tirthan??
Benny which direction are you planning to take? via Shimla – Jalori Pass or via Bilaspur – Mandi?
could you suggest about how much time it takes from Tirthan valley to chandigarh by car!!!
Parul, it will take about 8 Hrs form Chandigarh to reach Tirthan Valley.
Hi Dheeraj,
Could you give any reviews on the Camp Himalyan in Tirthan Valley? How good are they? I have managed my bookings with Khem Bharti but wanted to see if I could spend a couple of days here at this camp too…??
I am just back from Tirthan last late and again MUST say that nothing beats Raju Bharti Guest House if one can find the booking 🙂 … We enjoyed to a great extent and hospitality was awesome too. No idea about these camps, never stayed at them.
Not early enough for a booking availability at Raju Bharti…. hopeully Khem bhai will be good too:-)
Also, what would the temperatures be like in the end of this month?? Comfortable? Cool? Or a light jacket would be required?
We took light woolens and needed it for sure as it rained there. Hence, light woolens should be carried for night or early morning walks or in case it gets overcast.
Yeah, he told me that he is booked till July.
@dheeraj I have visit tirttha n lasat year n enjd a lot .n seeking ur advice forbnew place. Not crody pls advice
Hi,
i am planning a trip to tirthan by the last wk of may. I have my 3 yrs old child with me. Is it okay to travel with kids to tirthan valley?
Yes, perfectly fine. I too have a kid less than 3 years at present, about 2.7 and I am traveling to Tirthan Valley today only 🙂
Gurinder, have you tried a visit to Barot: Delhi to Barot Village, Himachal – Travel Guide
hi, i am planning a trip to himachal with college friends, odd counting 12. We want to hire a 12 seat traveler. We recently went to kasauli and corbett, now we want to do some camping on our own. we have double occupancy tents and all. We do want to see Trithan Valley and places around. I want it to be 6-7 day trip from delhi. Please tell as some good campsites over there and what all places should we visit where we can camp. its like we want to travel in day time and camp by evening. Drive and camp kind of thing. Please suggest a timeline and things to be kept in mind as it would be our first camping trip.
Vinayak, I do not have much idea about how you will be able to setup camps up there. You will need assistance from local operators or hotels which can allow you to pitch camps in their area or if you planning to trek short in Great Himalayan national Park then as well you need professional assistance. Since, this is your first camping trip, so you will need assistance and for trekking in GHNP, as I have not done it so will not be able to make any comment.
Hey Dheeraj,
I read your article and it helped a lot but I’m still very much confused about how to get to Tirthan Valley from Delhi by Bus. Also how does one get to Kasol from Tirthan Valley? Do buses run from Kasol to Delhi? Do you recommend Kasol for a day or 2?
Shreya, had the same questions..Dheeraj has answered the query about the bus..you can get a bus from Delhi to Aut..from Aut, you can take a taxi – it’s an hour and a half to Tirthan river…..I spoke with Christopher at the Himalyan Trout house and he said Kasol is about 3 hours from Tirthan…..I’ll wait for Dheeraj’s recommendations on the Kasol idea
Bala, just suggested that thanks for participating here for replying to queries.
Shreya, you can take the bus from Delhi to Manali, get down at Aut or Bhunter and get a taxi back to Tirthan Valley. If you are going from Kasol, you need to come to Bhunter first from where you will be able to find taxis for yourself or buses to Banjar town. From Banjar town, get a shared taxi or private taxi to Gushaini. Yes, there must be buses that running between if not Kasol, then Manikaran, else like I said, get down at Bhunter and get a shared taxi or bus to Kasol – Manaikaran from there.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the wonderful write up.
I am doing a 7D/6N trip to Himachal in early June. Itinerary is 2N around Shimla/Chail. Then reach Tirthan via Jalori pass and stay 2N at Gushaini. Later proceed to Manali and stay 2N there. Will Jalori be open at this time given the rains? Is it advisable to book a taxi for the entire trip? If so, can you suggest some reliable operators?
Thanks.
Sampat, Jalori Pass is already open. Hence, no worries at all. Yes, it is better to book the taxi for entire trip. I will suggest to take the taxi after landing there in Shimla. Your hotel guy will be able to help you with it. Plus you will have the advantage of seeing the taxi first before booking it.
This is very helpful Dheeraj..you’re doing a great service to humanity 🙂 had a couple of questions please – my wife and I are travelling from Delhi..we plan to take a bus to Aut and then taxi it to Tirthan..how long will our entire journey be? Also if we want to visit Kasol, what’s the best way to do that and how far is it? We intend to get to Tirthan on May 1st and head back to Delhi on May 3rd
Bus will take about 9-10 Hrs to reach Aut and then from there 1-1.5 Hrs to Tirthan Valley from Aut in a taxi.
hey bro I have planned 4 nights in manali and 2 nights are in spare . suggest me some place except shimla. honeymoon destination it should b bit cooler than shimla. and should b preferable for honeymoon couple
Since you have 2 nights in Spare, why not spend them in Tirthan Valley itself?
Hey Dheeraj,
It seems very useful site.
I want spend around 10 days in an isolated, less crowded Himalaya. I want to do a lone trip. I have no experience of such trips. Also I don’t have any experience of bike trip. Want your guidance.
I will be grateful for your help.
Regards,
Avnish
Avnish, you are inexperienced in bike rides to Himalayas and then also you plan to travel less crowded places in Himalayas. I will suggest first try and visit some tourist places on your bike in lower hills of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Then make some big plan like this for rest of the Himalayas.
my starting point is delhi
in himachal pradesh,where we can find snowfall in march month
plz help me..
we are newly married couple from karnataka(bangalore).we planning to visit shimla,kufri,kullu,himalayan national park,manali,rohtang pass,lahul and siti,tirthan river,sangla,bhakradam,suraj tal,uhl river, kangra, dharmshala,dalhousie khajjiar etc
my doubts are
1)we are only two it is safe or not visit to these places.
2)15-20 days trip plan in march
3)which is best-hire a taxi or through buss.
4)if taxi is better to bus how much money need to taxy.
5)suggest me other good place to visit
Pradeep, you cannot do all these places in the month of March and taxi for 20 days of trip would be very very costly. I will suggest it is Honeymoon for you so better travel less and spend quality time more rather traveling between so many distant places. You can opt for one of the circuit, may be Shimla – Kinnaur one OR Manali and around OR Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj – Chamba – Khajjiar – Dalhousie one.
Dheeraj Thanx for the reply.but i confused about which one circuit is BEST for us-Shimla – Kinnaur OR Manali and around OR Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj – Chamba – Khajjiar – Dalhousie.plz suggest me
Pradeep, just google some images of these circuits and see which one you like
Hi Dheeraj!
Read your amazing article last year about Tirthan and have been trying to make plans to go there since then…Finally going there this April 13 to 16th.
Just wanted to know how the weather will be, and if I need to take any prior permits for walking into the GHNP? I’m planning to do just light hiking and maybe camp one night in the GHNP. Also I’m a bit confused on how to make bus bookings from Delhi to Aut and back…Are buses a reliable option for this route as self driving may become expensive for us.
Have already booked the accommodation at Raju’s Guest House. Your inputs would be much appreciated!
Thanks 🙂
Aanchal, weather should be pleasant but cannot be predicted by we mortal souls, but in general it should be fine in April. I think you will need permits for GHNP but for light hiking, it can be avoided. Raju should be able to help you out on it. Well, better book the HPTDC or HRTC Volvo between Manali – Delhi and get down at Aut or Bhunter and then arrange a taxi from there. Raju can also send the taxi for you.
Also, can you please validate the Raju Bharti’s number as mentioned in this article? Is it same you used or different?
Hi, thanks a ton for your help.
I have been in touch with Varun from Raju Guest House on Facebook, and the no. he has given me is 9459833124.
Hi Dheeraj,
Hows the road for driving the car to thirthan valley from delhi… I have been a couple of time to hills like nainital and shimla… do you advice me to drive or a taxi…??
Well, the road from Bilaspur – Kiratpur is like full of potholes and bad with mess traffic of trucks. After and before that it is fine to travel but those 3 odd hours will test your patience to limits 😀 … Better take the taxi or if you want drive from Bilaspur route one way and come back from Jalori Pass route if you are into adventure drives. Else hire a taxi and take any of the route.
Hello Dheeraj, I am planning to go to Tirthan on March 15-17 via Jalori Pass. Wanted your help if Jalori will be open at this time and will it be a feasible and saft option to take that route.
I do not think Jalori Pass will be open by that time of the year. So, you can plan trip to Tirthan Valley only from Aut – Pandoh side.
Hi Dheeraj,
It was a pleasure reading your review. I could actually feel like I was there only.
I need your suggestion. I and my friends ( total 7 : 3 females 4 males ) are planning to go to Himachal pradesh on the 27th Dec night and return on 30th Dec evening. We will be driving an Innova and I am experienced in Hill driving, so driving will not be a problem.
We need to go to a place which is not crowded like other hill stations, it should be very quiet and scenic at the same time.
Your advise will be highly appreciated.
Hello Arpit,
Thanks a lot. I see you have 4 days in hand. I will suggest following places for you and seeing the pictures around, you can take a call.
1. Tirthan Valley (you already know from above article): Here the accommodation is less in number, check with River View immediately to get going if you are planning here. Jalori Pass will have loads of snow too which you can enjoy as a day trip from here.
2. Barot + Bir/Billing. Enjoy the quiteness around this lovely remote village of Himachal
3. Chindi + Karsog + Chail as a trip. Again lovely quite place up there ahead of Shimla, plus you can enjoy a bit of crowded culture while return via Shimla.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We have finalised Tirthan for the trip and talked to River side resort. I need your help in fixing the tariff. we are booking three rooms, what are your views on the tariff. How much should we ideally pay for a room. As in what is the best deal including breakfast and all?
Thank you for all your support.
Arpit
Arpit, talk to Anirudh and refer my name or DoW. I am sure he will offer the best he can for you. A lot of people visit there through DoW and I am sure he will not disappoint the loyalty of DoW Readers 🙂
Dear Dheeraj. I have visted teerthen already wid ur advice…n i enjoyed alot dere over dere…n i m alsa wnn be dere again in winter also…pls suggest. Me be dere when da snofall begun dere..i am. Carzy to be dere n to live in River side resort…….waiting in ur adviceee..
Hello Gurinder,
Well, you can visit the place again but the beauty will not be same as that of summers or spring because the greenery will be gone by that time of the year. But, still good to visit 🙂 … It does not snow in Tirthan and for that you will need to visit Jalori Pass or Shoja to experience snow.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj!
I am planning a 4 day trip to Himachal in Nov with my friend..I would start out from Delhi on 22nd Night for Gushaini (heading to Raju’s).. would like to spend a day there and move to Kasol..is it worth doing both places? Where could I stay in Kasol..any safe/budget option by the river? Also, what is the Gushaini landscape beautiful..are places like Bathad/Sairopa/Larji worth seeing? Because,if that were the case,then I may as well stick around in Tirthan valley..please help!
Akanksha, since you have 4 days in hand it is better to relax in Tirthan Valley only. Bathad/Sairopa/Larji are all just villages nothing special in them, they are there to indicate the directions of the route. It is actually Tirthan Valley, walks in the GHNP, may be day visit to Jalori Pass, Serloskar Lake is what be sufficient for 4 days in Tirthan.
Also, by November, tirthan will be brown landscape not much greenery but a peaceful place to spend time.
PS: Sorry for delayed reply as I was traveling Ladakh for last couple of weeks.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to go to Tirthan Vally at the end of Dec, Somewhere around New Year… Is it good to go, How will be the weather during the time.
Weather will be cold at that time of the year and beauty will be brown and rough around too. If you want to enjoy at a peaceful location, then it shall be fine.
PS: Sorry for delayed reply as I was traveling Ladakh for last couple of weeks.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I am planning to go to the Tirthan valley In couple of weeks time. This would be my first trip to the place so looking forward to your suggestions and advice.
I would be going with my Family, Wife and kid, 2 years old. What is the best place to stay in and around GHNP ? from what i have gathered Tirthan valley is the last motor able place and has some good options, really looking for advice in this regard.
What all places can be visited ( cannot be too adventurous with a small kid ). My plan is to visit some nearby places in and around GHNP and possibility a small trek into the national Park and Looking forward to fishing in the Tirthan river sand catching some trout
From what i understand, We need to get permit to enter the national park and for Fishing as well . what is the cost for that and Where can we get that from. how far inside the park can we go along with the family and what are the accommodations inside the park.
I am really looking forward to visiting the place. and enjoy the serenity.
Thanks in advance
Peace
Alok, kindly refer the above article and it has all the required details regarding sightseeing + accommodations. It has links to reviews of accommodation places.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanx for the reply, I have booked River Side Resort after reading your detailed review ( pfft Himalayan Trot House was a bit expensive as well).
I have made a tentative itenary based on your suggestions
Night – 1: Leave from Delhi in the evening and reach Tirthan early morning
Day – 1: Early morning arrival rest for 5-6 Hours. Some fishing in the River and In the evening, may be enjoy a bonfire/BBQ.
Day – 2: Walk in to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) to see nearby waterfalls.
Day – 3: Drive to Jalori Pass from where you can trek to Serloskar Lake. On the way back have a meal at Sringi Vatika
Day – 4: Relax till noon and leave for Delhi around 12 PM to reach around 11 PM.
How does it sound? Any suggestions
Alok, it sounds perfect 🙂 .. Go ahead, you will really enjoy.
Hi, I am planing to go to Tirthan valley next week for a 4 day trip on my bullet. Could you please update me on the Road conditions and the most scenic route. Please suggest any precautions I might need to take. Could you also advise me on the accommodation . Thanks in advance.
Road conditions are just OK, bad roads between Sundernagar and Swarghat especially around Bilaspur. But manageable roads. Drive with cautions and safety. Avoid overtaking trucks unless you have clear visibility on the right. For accommodation you can get in touch with Raju Bharti Guest House OR River Side Resorts.
Dear Dheeraj
Well I read about narkanda in a magazine and simply while exploring the same on google I came across jalori pass and then trithan valley..
I saw the pics and was thrilled. I have now planned to visit trithan and jalori pass. Could you please guide me if my plan is ok. Because I think its a bit stretched and I have tried to cover a lot many places.
DATE – AUGUST 14, 2013 @ 2300 HRS TILL AUGUST 18, 2013 @ 2100 HRS
DAY 1 : ASSEMBLY POINT (AUGUSTT 14, 2013)ASSEMBLE AT YADAV’S FLAT BY 2230 HRS START THE JOURNEY AT 2300 AND CROSS THE BARRIERS OF DELHI BY 0000 HRS.
DAY 2 : TRITHAN RIVER VALLEY (AUGUST 15, 2013)REACH TRITHAN RIVER VALLEY BY 1130 HRS. EXPLORE THE VALLEY AND THE SCENIEC BEAUTY.BY 1600 HRS LEAVE FOR JALORI PASSAT JALORI PASS WE WILL START OUR TREK TO RAGHPUR FORT AND WE WILL HALT THERE AT THE NIGHT. BON FIRESNACKS AND DINNER WILL BE SERVED.
DAY 3 : RAGHUPUR FORT AND SEROLSAR LAKE (AUGUST 16, 2013)FRESEN UP AND EXPLORE RAGHUPUR FORTAFTER LUNCH TREK TO SEROLSAR LAKEIN THE EVENING WE LEAVE FOR NARKANDA
DAY 4 : NARKANDA (AUGUST 17, 2013)TREK TO HATU PEAK AND THANEDAR APPLE ORCHARDCLUB HOUSE, ETC ETCALL THE ACTIVITES AS PER OUR EASEEVENING WE LEAVE FOR SHIMLA (THE MAAL ROAD)
DAY 5 : KASAULI (AUGUST 18, 2013)LEAVE SHIMLA EARLY IN THE MORNING AND REACH KASAULILEAVE KASAULI BY 1600 HRS AND REACH DELHI BY 2100HRS.
We are 10 people and we can drop shimla and kasauli if we get some other places as well to move around at jalori or trithan. Also please guide me with some one who can provide me with camping and tenting facilities.
Regards
Mohit Bansal
Mohit, After complete night drive on Day and then your will explore the place as well and then you will go to Jalori and also trek to Raghpur Fort?? This sounds too crazy to me. Can you throw some light on it?
Dear Dheeraj
This is wat is going bad for me. I think I should drop shimla night stay and instead halt at trithan but I really dont know much about trithan. Kindly guide me with the plan and the tenting and camping facilities.
Regards
Mohit Bansal
Hi Mohit,
You have 5 days in hand, do it like:
Day 1 – Reach Tirthan Valley – Relaxing day besides Tirthan River
— Stay at Raju Bharti Guest House (you will need booking well in advance, so finalize it ASAP) other you need to stay at some other property. Raju is a pioneer in that region, so will say do not miss the stay there as it is quite an experience in itself.
Day 2 – Tirthan Valley
— Enjoy the walks in the GHNP. There are two Waterfalls nearby Raju GH in the woods.
Day 3 – Tirthan Valley – Shoja – Serloskar Lake – Jalori Pass – Shoja
Day 4 – Shoja – Jalori Pass – Kingal – Narkanda/Shimla/Kasauli
Day 5 – Narkanda/Shimla/Kasauli – Dlehi
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj
Thanks for the information.
Please guide me with the tenting and camping facilities there.
Regards
Mohit
Mohit, talk to the guys at River Side Resorts and may be if that helps!!
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to do a family trip to Rajus cottage for 3 days around mid december. Is it a good time to visit Gushaini. I know it will be freezing, but does the temperature goes in negative? Is it recommended to visit this place during mid december. Hows the road from Aut to Gushaini during those days, any snow or lippery patches.
Gaurav, I do not think that temperature will go in negative (not 100% sure) but I feel it shall be manageable if you are OK with cold. Go with heavy woolens and I am sure Raju Guest House will be enough equipped to handle severe cold. He is a pioneer 🙂 … Road should be OK. Leave on easy times like 9 AM – 10 AM types when the sun comes out.
Hi.
Yor post is amazing…m bit cnfuse abt the total cost of travling delhi to tirthan vlly nd acomdation cost and other activity cost. M planing to go in end of the September or strating of August…..for 4days…! If yu could hlp me with this it would be grt…thankyu.
Suraj, take it as 800-1200 per person as average on Food and accommodation per day if you stay with standard hotels. Else it can go to 1500-2000 per day. I am not sure about your mode of travel but cost of Manali – Delhi volvo will be about 1200 per person, so that makes it 2400 and you will get a taxi for about 1000-1200 from Bhunter to Tirthan Valley which will be divided among people traveling with you. So, you are looking at a figure of 6-8K if two of you are traveling.
Hi im planing to visit this vally in month of july.with my wife and my 1.30 yrs baby. Is it is reasonable time to visit the vally. And pls suggest me the route from ludhiana .and how many days requier.pls suggest…..
Gurinder, please check the “How To Reach -> By Road” section and Itinerary Section of the article above to get an idea on the route and a rough plan. We can discuss based on the number of days you have in hand. Secondly, do check weather updates before venturing into the Tirthan Valley in the month of July. In case it says, heavy rains then probably avoid.
Dear Dheeraj…Thanks for ur reply .i have six to sevan days to spend. And i have already visted places like ladkah and nubra vally.but this time i want to visit with my faimly.so pls suggest any off beat himalyan destination about 300 to 400 kmss from ludhiana..i have planed from 4th of july.pls advise i want to this tour memorable…in waiting ur reply…..
Gurinder, you can go over to Tirthan and follow the below plan for 6 days:
Day 1 – Leave from Ludhiana and reach Tirthan Valley by evening
Day 2 – Tirthan Valley – Relaxing day besides Tirthan River
Day 3 – Tirthan Valley
— Enjoy the walks in the GHNP. There are two Waterfalls nin the woods.
Day 4 – Tirthan Valley – Shoja – Jalori Pass – Serloskar Lake – Shoja – Tirthan Valley
Day 5 – Tirthan Valley – Naggar Castle (about 55-60 KMs)
— Stay at Naggar Castle and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top
— It is one of the most romantic places in Himachal
Day 6 – Naggar Castle – Manali (about 30 KMs)
— Manali Local sightseeing including Manu Temple, Hadimba Temple, Local Monastery, Shopping at Mall road etc etc
Day 7 – Manali – Ludhiana
If not interested in Manali then you can come from Naggar itself back home.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj Thanks for ur quick reply…pls suggest me the accommmodationin vally…
Go with River Side Resorts, you can talk to Anirudh and refer my name. It is quite economical as well as within budget.
Hi i have visted this place on 7th of july.and it was amazing place to visit.we stayed in river side resort and i think it was a best place to stay in vally.jalori pass is a main attraction.love to go again trithan vally..thanks dhiraj for ur valueable advice……
Gurinder bro, thanks a lot for the feedback here!! Glad that you had a wonderful trip to Tirthan Valley.
Dear Dheeraj,
Planning to drive to tirthan 5th June morning from Noida and driving back on 8th morning. Getting a place is turning out to be an uphill task, raju, and most outfits are sold out, do you have a suggestion for a decent and reasonably well located place to stay??
Vishal, try out Shringi Vatika.
next year* Feb
dheeraj bhai,
next month Feb (1st wk) me n my wife planning to visit this place !! depending upon pros & cons kindly suggest me an itinerary which also includes some adventurous but short trek..
🙂
Sabyasachi brother, you can follow the same itinerary given in the article in itinerary section above if there is no issue with number of days. Utilize both Optional days if you have. Trek in GHNP can be done for half a day or so and even to Serloskar Lake too from Jalori Pass.
Thanks dheeraj bhai 🙂
how about will be the snow deposition that time ?
will Tha Jalori Pass be accessible that time via motor ??
Should I consider Feb 1st wk as OFF SEASON ??
Sabyasachi, would be snowed out but may be trekable. Yes, it is pretty much an off season.
helo brother , i am from jalandhar punjab.. i am planing 2 nights 3 day trip to tirthan valley.. actually i read ur blog 5 Must Visit Off-beat Places in Himachal Pradesh… itz osm man… after reading this i m mch crazy to visit that place… so can u plz guide me how to reach there by bus or train and what places i can explore in these 3 dayz.. i will be leaving on 27 june of evening or 28 early in d mornin… and can u plz also tell some guest houses at reasonable price to stay as i remember u had mentioned raju guest house in ur blog bt dont kno abt itz current rates….. will b thankful 🙂
Bhavneesh, you can check at article above how to reach the pace. May be go to Chandigarh and take an overnight volvo to Manali and get dropped at Bhunter. From there take a taxi to Tirthan Valley. If you need little reasonable priced accommodation then talk with the guys at River Side Resorts, very nice place to stay.
thnx 4 d reply brother… can u jst tell me wat palces r there in tirthan valley or GHNP to see or some adventurous things to do there so that we wont miss anything there…
bhavneesh, the places and a common itinerary is document in the Itinerary section of the article. You will get the idea on how to go about them including the Optional Days to Jalori and Kasol
Hi Dheeeraj…
Saw ur blog and articles…and i shud say it is mind blowing with all the details one must be looking for.
I need some help from you am planning for a three day trip to some place in Himachal which is known to very less….do you have anything in mind like that or I shud say any hidden place explored by u recently….my plan will be like that…14th June nite leaving from delhi..15,16, will be roaming and 17 half day will be back….in order to join the office on 18th. I was searching for ur contact no. but didn’t find.
Please contact me thru my mail id mentioned. Wanna have an unforgettable trip.
Regards,
Priya Meghwal.
Thanks alot. Just mailed you my contact info.
Will check that Dheeraj. However one major concern.. Just checked Riverside resort,Raju’s cottage and Himalayan Trout.. All are occupied on 17th & 18th.. No idea where to stay now.. Can u suggest some more good accommodation with their contact details.
Hey Dheeraj,
Gr8 blog..I’m planning for a 6 day Himachal trip from Delhi starting on 16th June. Want to be back in Delhi on Saturday 22nd Jun.
Following is what I’m planning:
Day 1(16th) Delhi-Shimla
Day 2 (17) – Stay in Shimla
Day 3(18) – Go to Tirthan Valley
Day 4 (19th) – Stay there. In the evening reach Manali.
Day 5 ( 20th ) : Visit Manali,Rohtang Pass,Kullu.
Day 6th(21st) : Retun back and hault in between.
Day 7th (22nd) : Retun to Delhi.
I’ve amily with me.. parents, kids and everone..
Would like to cover Shimla, Tirthan valley (Along with Jalori Pass) and Manali and in return if possible Chandigarh.
Please help me to plan the trip so that it is not very hectic..(All the time in travel) and can visit maximum possible places.
Amrita, plan is very hectic, better keep it simple. Cut off either Manali or Shimla out of it, I will suggest better cut off Shimla and enjoy those days in Manali and Tirthan one day each.
Thanks Dheeraj for the suggestion. However, can you please tell me is Tirthan valley worth visiting with parents(50+) and kids (7 yrs and 3 yrs).
Normally whatever I’ve read till now it is good for trecking.
No Amrita, it is even good for family vacations and spending time with near/dear ones.
Thanks Dheeraj..Just one last ques:
1.What is its distance from
a)Delhi b)Chandigarh c)Shimla..
Whatever itenary we make we’ll surely visit the place..
Thanks for all ur advice.
Amrita, you want distance of Tirthan Valley from these places? If yes, please check “How to reach” -> “By Road” section in the article for distances.
Hi Dheeraj,
Bigger problem is that Rajus’s cottage,riverside resort and himalayan trout all are occupied. Can u plz suggest some other accommodation with their contact details. Read abt few more on internet but nothing was appealing.
If you want basic stay, you can check with Shringi Vatika too. Otherwise, it is difficult to get something out there. You can try to go over Shoja and stay with Raja Guest House too.
hi Dheeraj….what a great pathway you provides…hats off…i am living in Agra…i am planning a trip in the first week of June. What would be the nearest most beautiful..least crowded economic hill station for us??waiting for your reply..
regards,
shweta
Shweta, how many days you actually have with you? You can giv a shot to Chaukori or Munsiyari in Uttarakhand if you have that many days.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have been following this thread for past week and thanks to your feedbacks I have planned a trip to Tirthan Valley. I have also got in touch with Anirudh from Riverside resort for booking which is from 9 June to 12 June. I will be starting from Gurgaon with wife and daughter. I need to add a couple of days more, could be a stopover on route or something else. We would be driving Baleno and prefer daytime driving.a Please advise.
Thnaks Bipin
Bipin, stay at Swarghat/Bilaspur to break the journey evenly if you want. Otherwise, if you want to add on to the trip, then go over to Kasol/Manikaran for a day or two or may be Naggar Castle to spend these two days.
what will be rates of Raju Bharti Guest house, or other hotels or gest house.
should be around 1500 per person types.
for how long i have to track in order to reach tirthan
Tirthan is accessible by road bhai, no need to do a trek.
Hi,
Thank you so much for the detailed blog. Your blog has inspired me to go to Tirthan Valley. Now I am planning a trip between 2 to 5 June in Tirthan Valley. I called up Raju but he doesn’t have place to accommodate us 🙁 Hence I was wondering what will be the next decent place to stay and is economical too?
Also for travelling I was looking at HRTC website and could find a bus from Delhi ISBT to Aut at 9:03 PM on 1st June. But I am not sure how to travel back as buses are either from Kullu or Manali and I am not sure if all of them stop at Aut. I would appreaciate if you could help us with my queries…
Thanks a ton!
Shruti
Hi Shruti,
If you are OK with the budget the go ahead with Himalayan Trout House or a bit moderate, go with river side resort. If you looking for a closer to home stay option, go with Shringi Vatika.
Better go with HPTDC as the staff will be able to adjust and pick you up either from Kullu or near Aut. Just ask the HPTDC guys that your pickup point will be somewhere near Aut, they will guide you where the bus will stop and pick you up.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you so much Dheeraj 🙂
Mr. Dheeraj’,
many thanks for the prompt reply.
regards,
Parag
mr. dheeraj,
many regards
I forgot to mention the month in which we would be undertaking the trip. it would be most probably in the second half of october.
thanks.
mr. dheeraj,
many regards
need your help in planning a 7-8 days trip to gushaini, jalori pass, shoja. the main intent of this trip is to trek into the great himalayan national park (not the extensive ones as done by seasoned trekkers but one that can be done from sun-rise to sun-set for a day, can’t camp inside the park. we are a family of four (myself, wife and daughters) and i will be driving an SX4. please suggest a route ( I reckon there are more than one) that would be more scenic and wooded and an itinerary which will allow us to enjoy more places on the way. if needed, a couple of days can also be added in the trip.
thanks a lot
Hello Parag,
You can try to opt the following plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Shoja via Jalori Pass
Day 3 | Rest at Shoja, visit Jaloir Pass or Seroloskar Lake and drive down back to Tirthan Valley evening
Day 4 | Rest Day at Tirthan Valley
Day 5 | Tirthan Valley – GHNP Walks
Day 6 | Tirthan Valley – GHNP Walks
Day 7 | Tirthan Valley – GHNP Walks, do some angling if interested
Day 8 | Tirthan Valley – Delhi
SX4 shall be a fine drive.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi
I’m planning a 2N 3D trip to Solang valley/ Tirthan Valley. Could you suggest which out of these is better & how to reach these places?
Thanks
hey..I’ll be travelling ex Delhi..Also let me knw good places to stay at these places. i want a relaxing short holiday!
Hansie, it will be better to go with Tirthan Valley which will have less tourists as compared to Solang Valley. At Tirthan, if you get Raju bharti’s booking then nothing better than anything, otherwise a good economic option will be to go with River Side Resorts.
hi,info on your site helped us decide to go to tirthan valley. have booked rajus guest house. how do we get there from delhiby hptdc volvo bus.no bus to aut shown on site.
Take the volvo to Manali and then get down at Bhunter. Get a shared taxi from there or else talk to Raju and ask him to send a taxi for a pickup from Aut.
thanks a lot. we found hrtc bus from delhi to aut. will request mr.raju to send taxi as suggested by you. thanks again
Have a great trip, try and share some of your experiences with us too!!
dear lata,
what is raju charging.I think that@per person
dear mr rv singh
mr raju charged us rs1500 per person for nonveg and rs850 for our child.for veg it is rs1200 pp
Sringi Vatika, is not that bad either and does offer a different home stay type of experience.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thx for all the guidance on various trips.
I am frm Kolkata and I am planning a trip to HP with my wife and nearly 3 yr old daughter as follows:
19th june (dep from hwh by duranto exp)
20 – arv in delhi
20th night – delhi to kalka by trn
21st – kalka to simla by toy train
Its from here on that i need your help in planning my trip. My return tkt from delhi is on 29th eve by rajdhani.
I will want to go to Tirthan (pref Raju cottage), Naggar (pref Naggar castle), Solang Valley (pref iceland hotel) primarily. Is this choice fine as i want to avoid crowded places and looking for scenic and peaceful places to relax and do nature photography.
your guidance will be valuable. Thx.
Hi Sriram,
You have about 7 days to make your trip and be back to Delhi on 8th day to catch the train. In that case, you can follow the below itinerary:
Day 1 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. as you like or may be you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla (Kufri will not be much worth a visit in May) and on return visit Jakhoo temple.
Day 2 | Shimla – Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja
– I will suggest that you take Jalori Pass route to Shimla and halt night at Shoja. The drive is extremely adventurous and beautiful + too scenic as compared to other routes to Manali from Shimla.
Day 3 – Shoja – Tirthan Valley
Day 4 – Tirthan Valley
Day 5 – Tirthan Valley – Naggar Castle – Solang Valley
– Reach Solang Valley + Relax + Visit Naggar Castle, Naggar and spend some time at Naggar enjoying the vistas. Do not miss a meal on the balcony of the restaurant.
Day 6 – Solang Valley – Marhi Snow Points towards Rohtang Pass – Solang Valley – Manali
Day 7 – Manali Local sightseeing and catch evening bus to Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have some queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheraj,
Thx for your prompt response. I have the foll queries:
# can i book an indica for the entire trip as i want a comfortable journey throughout without having to bother about bus timings etc.? Will give flexibility also to my trip. Also whom to contact for booking the car and how much will it cost per day incl driver?
# Is Banjara Cottage the best option at Shoja or is there a cheaper alternative?
# How long will it take from Shimla to Shoja? Better if can give travel time between each of the places.
# Should i stay in solang valley and make day trip to naggar?
# so i basically spend 2 nights at simla, 1 night at sojha, 2 nights at tirthan and 2 nights at solang. Cant i make it 1 night in simla and instead extend 1 night in sojha?
# should i also do day trips to manali
by staying in solang valley?
Sriram, please see my replies below:
1. Yes, you can book an Indica for the same. You need an Indica from Shimla or perhaps Kalka, right? Well, if required, get in touch with Gaurav at info@offbeatescapes.com and see if he can be of some help regarding arranging this tour for you.
2. Banjara is costly, yes. There is Raja Guest House as well, decent place. Check review section to read its review. If you really want to cut short on Shimla, then better stay near Narkanda/Matiana one day and skip Shoja to directly go down to stay at Tirthan Valley. This will reduce the drive time from NArkanda to Tirthan as well and will also help you save money by avoiding costly stay at Banjara camps.
3. Anywhere ahead of Manali will do, be it Solang or any other village. Better do Naggar Castle on the way to Solang from Tirthan.
Regards
Dheeraj
What A blog? I am planning a peaceful weekend with my wife and 8 mnths old kid to tirthan valley in march end.What will be the weather?Or will it be safe with small child.I will leave from ludhiana in my own Wagon R…
Aman, when are you planning the trip? Well, Tirthan is well connected to roads and all, hence should not be any kind of safety concerns. Currently weather is pleasant and in recent days due to snowfall in upper reaches of Himalayas there might be some cold conditions as well. So, carry woolens for sure. The only issue which I face with my little kiddo is milk when out in Himalayas. If he/she is still on Nan milk, then I guess you would be able to manage. Otherwise, do talk to hotels (River side resort is my best bet and they offer good rates too for all readers of DoW blog too) for the milk thing before hand.
Thanks a lot Mr.Dheeraj.I was just waiting for your reply and i will leave tomorrow or day after tomorrow……Im so excited……..Thanks again……
All the best for the trip Aman. Bon Voyage!!
Hi Dheeraj,
After reading to ur great blog, I am planning vacation with my husband and 2 yr old kid to tirthan valley in march end.
Pls tell me how much would we have to walk there as it would be difficult to walk much with 2 yr old toddler.
Also, if you see any other challenges in tirthan valley keeping in view of my small kid.
I forgot to mention that we are planning to take delhi-manali volvo bus to Aut and then cab to tirthan.
Would we easily get cab there for local visit to near-by places during our 2-3 days stay.
Richa, there should not be any problem with that. You need not walk if not required. All the hotels are accessible from the road easily with least walk. Also, regarding the cab thing in the morning, I will say either tie up with the hotel you are staying so that they arrange a pickup for you OR get down at Bhunter/Kullu to get the taxi at much ease.
Thanks Dheeraj for the update. Now we are planning to go by car as 1-2 families may join with us. Just confused on whether to self drive or hire a rental with driver due to hill area. We had been to Massoorie by car earlier so had some experience of driving in hill area.
How much distance is hilly upto tirthan?
Richa, I do not think there shall be any issue with self drive as well. Just drive with caution and care and try not to overtake trucks on turns especially from Swarghat to Bilaspur road. Apart from few manageable bad patches, the road conditions are OK all the way.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi! Thanks for the informative blog entry about Tirthan. Can you please provide an estimate of the costs for a trip to Tirthan Valley for 4 days (Day 1,2, and 3 in the proposed itinerary + extra day for Serloskar lake? I will be coming from Delhi. I’m planning a trip there but as I’m not from India, I’m quite clueless as to how things would cost. Thanks a lot. 🙂
Hello Kay,
Taking into consideration you will be taking HPTDC/HRTC volvo to Manali for your travel from Delhi and to Delhi which is the most comfortable and Value for Money option to travel to Tirthan. You can get down at Bhunter and get some taxi to drop you to Tirthan Valley. I guess you will have following expenses approximately:
1. 1200 * 2 for Vovlo tickets for a single person
2. 700/800 * 2 for taxi to and fro from Tirthan to Volvo pickup/drop point at Bhunter
3. 500 – 800 for taxi to Jalori Pass – Seroloskar lake hike
4. 1200/1800 * 4 on average for four days of accommodation and food but more or less depends upon where you stay and what you eat.
I hope this gives you some idea about the approximate expenses.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, Dheeraj. Thanks for giving me a detailed breakdown of expenses. Once I am able to make this trip, I will share with you my expenses and other developments in the place. Thanks a lot. Keep it up. 🙂
Thank you so much, Kay. Also, best wishes for your trip and yes the updated prices here would help others as well.
hi
off to shimla area in search of snow. Looking for an off the beaten track places to stay. The more remote the better. Will be driving so am mobile and ok with a homestay…Any suggestions
Go towards Rohru – Pabbar Valley. You can enjoy good amount of snow there ahead of Rohru towards Chansal and it is nice not so off beat but less touristy type of place so far.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj Bhai, GHNP ka bhala ho sakta hai is saal. Mera plan hai Pin-Parbati jaane ka, chalna ho to bolna.
Btw, Aut-Banjar is a National Highway now 🙂
Thanks for the update bhai. Pin Parbati, wow. How much time required and difficulty level? Depends all upon if I lay down any plans for Leh – Ladakh this year. Wanted to cover the Highways this time with too ease and collect some valuable info. with it, mainly any developments since my last article on Manali – Leh Highway. Also, a new route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri (Chusul to Mahe) via Yaye Tso
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, just came across your blog. I’m travelling to HP on vacation for 10_14 days and am an amateur photographer. For the first time, I want to do an unplanned trip to offbeat places, without too much prior bookings etc. I’m coming to Delhi by train from bangalore on 24th morning. After that I would like to visit 2-3 offbeat places for 4 days each. What do you suggest? my holiday will be based on your inputs:-) Cheers and thanks in advance ! Vasudha
Hello Vasudha,
Well, I will suggest you to start with Kinnaur Valley via Shimla – Narkanda and then exit towards Tirthan Valley is possible via Jalori Pass – Shoja. The whole route ahead of Narkanda is type of off beat though not in real sense but to great extent. For the first timers, these places are just amazing.
So, you can plan it like:
Delhi – Shimla
Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan
Sarahan – Sangla
Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla (if Chitkul is open)
Sangla – Kalpa
Kalpa
Kalpa – Narkanda
Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja
Shoja – Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley (enjoy there till the time you plan to go back to Delhi)
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you need any further details or have any queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj Ji,
We are planning to visit to Tirthan velley in first wk of Nov( Me, my wife & grownup daughter) for one week. My plan is to go by driving my own I-10 car via Rohtak-Zirakpur-Kalka – Chail – Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja – Banjar – Tirthan Valley route and while comming back from Tirthan Valley – Larji – Aut – Mandi – Chandigarh….I want to know will this is good to visit, what are the important % worth seeing site & places on this route? Which pplaces we should stay at?
With regards
Sorry for typing mistakes… Will be right time & right car to go via this route???
Hello Dr Sangwan,
Firstly, I will suggest that you go via Mandi and return via Shoja/Chail route because once you reach Tirthan Valley, you will get the updated status on Jalori Pass. If it has snowed out (unlikley but still nothing is guaranteed for weather :)) at least in that case you will visit Tirthan Valley else it will be a long detour back to Mandi. If the route is open then go via Shoja – Jalori pass and reach back home. Just be careful while driving up and down from Jalori Pass and use ONLY first gear over there due to steep ascent/descent as first gear will help in braking as well. Point is to make use of brakes as less as possible. All, these places are good for sightseeing. Let me know incase you need specific details.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
DAY1: reach early morning tirthan valley and stay there for a nite
DAY2:leave for shoja,jalori pass to see saryoskar lake and spend a nite there.
DAY3:leave for kasol…now wat i want to ask is how much time would it take to reach kasol from shoja and wats there in kasol we can do,where to stay in kasol or can we head somewhere else nearby kasol from shoja….any suggestion for my trip..we 4guys to just chill out for 3nites 4 days…
Hello Dr Saras,
I feel you should skip Tirthan Valley because I see you are going there just for overnight stay. Better go via Chail/Shimla side and stay at Shoja, then do Day 2 as planned and finally leave Shoja early morning for Kasol – Manaikaran trip. It will take about 3.5 Hrs to reach Kasol from Shoja.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi, i just want to know that can i go for leh tour in month of september.
Hi Amit,
Yes, it is nice time to to infact very nice as you gotta see the best colors of Ladakh in September!!
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj
thanx 4 such an in4mativ note.
i'm planning to visit tirthan valley & prashar lake in late july.
1- is it d right time?
2- does it rain very heavily in this season?
3- how many days do u think shd b enough, if i start frm ambala?
4- most imp. of all; v have 3 young kids in age grp. of 1-2yrs. is it a good idea to visit such a place with small kids?
5- is milk'n'all available there?
hope 4 early reply,
regards
dr. saurabh gupta
Hello Saurabh,
1. Hmm… if monsoon hits the region, then it might not be the right time.
2. It depends when does the monsoon actually start pouring heavily, it is hard to predict.
3. You will need about 6-7 days to really enjoy the trip.
4. Again, it would be difficult to trek with kids to Parashar lake if it rains. But, Tirthan would be fine.
5. 🙂 … I am also looking for this answer as I want to travel with my kiddo too (11 Months old), never though in this direction before but now parents are wifey are scolding me for not knowing such a basic thing 😉 …
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
thanx a ton mate. sure parenting throws a new challenge everyday, & u certainly enjoy them! [well almost ;)]
Very true, have a fun-filled trip 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi, had a lovely stay at tirthan valley. Very beautiful and peaceful. Manali has really been spoilt by tourists.Really sad.Hope locals wake up before its too late.
Hi Neisha,
Thanks alot for updating here, glad to know that you had a nice trip. Yes, Manali is getting uglier with every season, I wish the locals wake up else they might up end up loosing ends 🙁 … also, greed has set its roots over there among locals and they want to extract maximum from the tourists who do not have any option rather end up giving unfair prices to the services 🙁 … Anyways, Himachal is full of beautiful places…
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi!! Went to Manali last week. Enjoyed 4 day trip with my wife. At this time of the year Manali was totally free from tourists. Just Ideal for us.
We hired Bullet locally for 2 days to visit Naggar, Solang, Marhi. Amazing!!
Gr8, except we missed snowfall at Rohtang by 2 days.
Great to know that Varun!! I am sure missing snowfall at Rohtang Pass means another trip call somewhere in future 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dhiraj,
You and your blog has motivated me to visit this place and most of our doubts has been cleared while going through the blog and the question and answers. I was planning to go with volvo but now going by car. I believe you can enjoy the scenic view and the beauty of the hilly driving by your own car only. I would request you to give me the best route from delhi to trithan and trithan to manali and from manali back to delhi.
keep blogging and take care.
Vijendra
Hello Vijendra,
You follow this route to Tirthan Valley from Delhi: Delhi – Ambala (188 KM) – Chandigarh – Roopnagar (282 KM) – Kiratpur – Bilaspur (371 KM) – Mandi (440 KM) – Pandoh – Aut (481 KM) – Larji – Gushaini – Tirthan Valley (511 KM)
From Tirthan Valley to Manali, you can follow: Tirthan Valley – Larji – Aut – Kullu – Raison – Manali.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any doubts or queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thnx for quick reply,Just for my knowledge, how much time it will take to reach from chandigarh to reach trithan valley if I start at 7.30 am and with one or two stop in between for lunch and tea.This is important for me as I do not want to reach after dark….
Hello Vijendra,
It should not take more than 9 Hrs because from Delhi itself it takes about 12-13 Hrs or so. So, guess you will be able to cover it in daylight.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
we want to make a trip from jalandhar to Kullu, Tirthan valley, jalori pass, naldhera, shimla and back to jalandhar in 4-5 days. please help us in the tour planning
Hello,
For 5 days, you can do something like below:
Day 1 | Jalandhar – Tirthan Valley
Day 2 | Tirthan Valley
Day 3 | Tirthan Valley – Jalori Pass – Narkanda
Day 4 | Narkanda – Naldhera – Tattapani – Shimla Local – Shimla
Day 5 | Shimla – Jalandhar
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
is it the hille road from delhi
Yes, it is all the way hill road from Swarghat.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi,
Any good clean and economical hotels in manali and kasol that u can suugest?How far in manali from tirthan in hours approx.
Hi Neisha,
You can try to contact Alpine Guest House (01902273710,09418400328,09816271067) or Hotel Sandhya Kasol (1902-265662,265762,09218525595, 09218525695) or Sun and Wind (1902265651,09816499561) at Kasol. Evergreen restaurant, Moon dance cafe,The German bakery adjoining the Moon dance cafe, Little Italy restaurant, lucky dhabha etc are some good food joints. At Manikaran you can also check Sharma Guest Houses (01902273742, 09816973742, 09418422343) in case you do not find bookings at Kasol.
At Manali, try Johnson’s Hotel, Jimmy Johnson’s Hotel in Manali or Manali Heights, if that suits your budget. If you want to stay away from the hustle-bustle then stay at Hotel Iceland at Solang Valley, about 16 KMs from Manali.
Tirthan – Manali is about 3 Hrs I guess and further to Rohtang Pass/Marhi will take another 2.5-4/5 Hrs depending upon the traffic jam you might get.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for the useful info!
HI,
what places can be visited near and around tirthan?? Our base is riverside resort and we will be there for a week.can places like marhi, rani nala (want to catch some snow),GHNP, rohtang pass be covered in a day journey.Leavin in the morning and returning back to hotel in evening.
Hi Neisha,
You can keep about 2 days for the nature walks in Tirthan Valley and then go over to Shoja and Jalori Pass. You can also make a day trip towards Rohtang Pass but better leave early if you want to come back or stay in Manali for a day or two in the last leg of your trip.
You have Naggar – Kasol and Manikaran as well which can be covered as one day or two days trip. Better stay at Tirthan for about 4 days and spend other three in Manali (2) and Naggar/Kasol (1). All this can be done from Tirthan as well but will increase the drive time for sure.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI,Planned a trip from 12-18th june to river side resort tirthan. .Hope the weather is good. Any chance or seeing apple orchards?.How is the night bus journey from Delhi to Aut? Do they have decent stopovers for meals?? also Are taxis easily available at Aut or we need to get one from the hotel? Loved the website !!.very useful
Thanks, Neisha
Hi Neisha,
Weather shall be fine at that time. Bus journey is OK but largely depends upon the driver driving the Volvo. There will be just one stop for dinner and then one or two on demand basis. Better get down at Kullu, nothing much of a difference or else ask River Side Resort guys to send the taxi to pick you guys.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks !!
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for informative blog and planning my third trip 😀
I am planning for to trip to trithan valley, do you have any idea about rent of the hotel?
which hotel is best and have nest view?
Is there any facility of river side camps and is it safe to stay at night on river side?
Regards,
Jaideep
Hi Jaideep,
That seems great. Check the Accommodation section in the article above. Mine favorite is Raju Bharti but it remains mmostly booked for the season. River Side Resort is also a good option, check its review on my blog and it is just on river side. So, totally safe too 🙂
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI Dheeraj,
Thank you for your reply.
We have changed our plan 🙁 as my friends wanna go to MCLEODGANJ. So we are planning in 2nd or 4th week of June, is it advisable to go at this time. Can monsoon play spoil sport? does it ran very heavily because we were planning to go to triund valley for trekking..
Hi Jaideep,
June is good time to visit Mcleod ganj buddy. You will love the triund trek.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Thank a lot.
Do you have any idea about good hotel in Mcloedganj??
If given a choice which would be best place to stay Bhagsu,Naddi or Mcloedganj!!
I dont prefer staying near city!! so which would be best area to stay among these 3??
Well I just now finished reading about your Kinnaur and Trithan valley Trip.. Its really Awesome.. Keep Writing 🙂
Thanks again for your help 😀
how do you book a vovlo bus from delhi to aut from mumbai?
Hi Neisha,
You can check the link here to book the HPTDC bus services to Manali and get down at Aut.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for some great info, Dheeraj. You mention the Spring Season as the best time for visiting Tirthan. Can you clarify what period would that be? Asking, since Spring varies across the country. Apart from apples, would cherries be available in that season? Thanks!
Hi Samir,
By Spring I refer to April-May season as by this time lots of flowers are blowing over the valley. Also, there will be no apples rather flowers of them 🙂 ..If you wanna see apples then head to Kinnaur in month of September 🙂
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks, Dheeraj!
Pleasure, Samir!! Have a great trip 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,i am planning for the adventure camp by Youreka to Tirthan or to Sitlakhet, but some of my friends told me about some peculiar mosquitoes in Tirthan.So can u tell me exactly how problematic it is. Thankyou,
Hi Pritish,
Sorry, I am unaware of this mosquito problem, so may not be able to provide you any valuable suggestion on this behalf 🙁
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
PS -> Sorry for the delayed reply. I was traveling Ladakh for past two weeks 🙂 …
Hey Dheeraj!
We've been planning to visit the Tirthan Valley since last year and finally we may do it in May first week. I had a couple of questions for you because you seem to know lots 🙂
1. Is this a good time to go? We are thinking May 2-6.
2. We are going to be travelling from Mumbai. Don't want to fly in to Kullu because the fares are too much. We'll mostly hire a taxi from Chandigarh. Do you have any idea of how much it might cost? And how long it'd take?
3. After a 3-4 day halt in Tirthan, where can we proceed? Is Manali a good option? How far is it? And what would be the best way to travel?
Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks!
hi Priyanka,
Great, Tirthan Valley is an extremely nice place to spend a relaxing vacation. I will try to answer you queries in the respective order below:
1. Yes, it is good time to go and you will surely enjoy playing the river sides.
2. Well, I will suggest better take overnight Volvo going to Manali from Delhi or Chandigarh whatever suits you and then get down near Kullu or Bhunter. From there you will get a taxi to Tirthan Valley for around Rs 500-600 only. It will be economic as well as more relaxing than traveling by car all the way.
3. Yes, head to Manali and go over and check Snow point near Rohtang Pass to have fun with snow. Manali is not that far and will take only about 3 Hrs to reach. Spend couple of days there and return back. You can again arrange a taxi from the hotel/guest house you are staying at Tirthan Valley. It may cost about Rs 1200 – 1500 types and will be with you for whole day I believe.
I hope this helps. Please let me know for any further queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Thank you for the quick response! Very helpful 🙂
Well, we are thinking of hiring a taxi because we will be travelling with a baby. Are the buses good? And usually, how many halts do they make?
Thanks again for the help!
Hi Priyanka,
These Volvo buses are comfortable but they run AC all the time and sometimes it gets nippier and frustrating. Plus since there is no option to turn them off and you are at some wrong seat, it call really make you feel odd. I guess being adults or decent age kids, it is OK to travel but not sure about baby. With a baby you might have to halt many a times while bus will have a single halt and at times if required by any passenger, so I will suggest if budget is not that constraint than you can go with taxi as it provides more flexibility all the time since you are carrying a baby.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj!
Do you by any chance know a good and reliable taxi operator around the area?
Thanks!
Hi Priyanka,
Sorry, but do not know any cab or taxi guys there since I self drive mostly. But, the hotel you are staying in at Tirthan Valley will surely arrange the taxi for your pickup from Kullu.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey guys, I am planning to go to Riverside on this weekend(13th Aug'11). I heard that there were major clogged on the road(CHG to Mandi) last weekend (6th Aug'11) due to cloud burst. I was planning to follow Delhi->CHG->Mandi->Aut->Larji-Tirthan.
Can anyone suggest mee alternate route to avoid massive congestion?
Hello Himadri,
As its mentioned above in the article, you have the option of following the Delhi – Zirakpur – Kalka – Shimla – Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja – Banjar – Tirthan Valley route while going to Tirthan Valley and while coming back you can confirm the road conditions and traverse the Tirthan Valley – Larji – Aut – Mandi – Chandigarh – Delhi route. The Jalori Pass route is much more scenic and adventurous than Mandi – Aut route but you need to drive in first gear at both ascend and descend from Jalori Pass due to steep climb on both sides. DO take care of that part else you may end up with BRAKE FAILURE and drive with caution.
Also, the flash flood and landslides were cleared from the Chandigarh – Manali highway on Saturday itself and now the road is operational. Secondly, you stiill have good 4-5 days to go and I guess by that time the Manali – Mandi – Delhi route will be in more much more better shape.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have more queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
1 more thing Dheeraj…
After reaching tirthan valley, do we need to get some passes for the GHNP trekking?? because I have heard about trekking packages for the park and some sort of permit is required for the same.
Also, any known accomodation in Narkanda?
Thanks
Prashant
Hey Prashant,
I guess for walking to the interiors on GHNP you need the permits. Secondly, for Angling / Fishing in Tirthan Valley the permits are also issued. For Great Himalayan National Park you need to pay about Rs 10 per day. Best bet for you will be to stay at Sai Ropa FRH and from there I guess even these permits/permissions can be arranged as well. There is a fee of about Rs 50 fro still camera as well. But, this may be needed only when you plan to utilize one buffer day in Tirthan Valley else it is all about enjoying the ride.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any doubts or queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
That was of great help Dheeraj!!
Thanks a lot!!!
Thanks for the prompt reply Dheeraj.
I do not have much touring experience. I have craze bout biking but got my bike recently so want to live up those and dreams and just selected this destination randomly because of adventure and scenic locations.
If you have any other suggestions regarding destination then please tell me.
Also, if this tour is possible with some take care pointers.. that would be great since we have made up our mind for it.
P.S. we have 3 days & nights and can add 1 more night at max, if required.
Thanks
Hello Prashant,
Well that is perfectly OK buddy its just the passion that counts and great to know people with alike passion although I don't ride but I love to drive and Travel 🙂 … Tirthan Valley is one of the favorite destinations of mine and really a great fun to ride up there. I will advise that you take Shimla route to Tirthan Valley so as to enjoy the ride and come back via Pandoh – Mandi side as you might have read in the travel guide. This will give you a great adventure ride via Jalori Pass. The descend as well as ascend is very steep on Jalori Pass so do not use more than first gear at least when you descend else you might fail your brakes. I will suggest something below –
Day 1 | Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda or Delhi – Chail – Narkanda (more scenic)
Day 2 | Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja or Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja – Banjar – Tirthan Valley (Do not stay river side in Tirthan Valley)
Day 3 | Shoja – Banjar – Pandoh – Mandi – Delhi or Tirthan Valley – Pandoh – Mandi – Delhi
Day 4 | Buffer Day
This will be great monsoon ride for you and you will enjoy it to the core I am sure. You can use Buffer Day as per your comfort with riding time on a particular day. You will be OK with just the ride but DO carry the rain gear with you like rain coat and waterproof lower etc. Please let me know incase you have more queries or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Any suggestion for us as we are planning a bike trip to Tirthan valley in Mid-august?
Also, how will be the weather there then? Do we need to carry heavy woolens with us or are they available on rent there, as we want to minimize the luggage.
Thanks
Hello Prashant,
Well the roads are nice upto Tirthan Valley so nothing much in terms of bike trip or ride apart from driving carefully since its rainy season. If I were you I won;t go to Tirthan Valley in mid-August because its rainy season and you while in Tirthan you may live very near to the river which is NOT at all recommended in rainy season as you may end up in the hotel room only. It may be flowing hefty by now so going near to river will also be not recommended and even the guy at River Side Resorts told us not to come at the time of rains. Having said that some people do it but I will say plan it wisely buddy. So, if you are going for it then plan to stay away from river at least in some hotel which is away or up from Tirthan River not aside it.
I guess heavy woolens will not be required though you will need light woolens (at least one light jacket) as nights can go cooler and with change in weather as well you may need those light woolens.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have more queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Sachin,
Well, I have the following Raju's Bharti Homestay Phone Number: 09418149808 (01903-225008 not sure of this one if it is working or not). The charges were 1250 (veg.) / 1500 (non veg.) which includes all meals and stay but that was season time. Hence, you may get some discount.
Let me know if you need more details.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
If i go to tirthan in last week of sept. may i get the flowers in the valley? How will the climate be there? River side will be ok at that time ?
,
Hi Anil,
September end will surely be greener in Tirthan Valley and would be nice time to go. River side shall be fine as rains would have resided the region. It is time for Fall/Autummn there but I am not sure if that many flowers you will see there as apparent in Spring.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
any number for Raju’s home stay at Ghushaini?
Thanks
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/delhi-to-tirth…