Tirthan Valley
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| Tirthan River |
Do you like a slow paced, lazy holiday with an optional dash of adventure - trout fishing, easy treks, village walks and nature trails? If the answer is Yes, then you've got to visit Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh (India). Visit and follow our Instagram page to see photos from Himachal and other destinations we cover.
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| Tirthan Valley - Himachal Pradesh |
This Valley is known to attract the well traveled / seasoned traveler so you're sure to not have the crowds that make a dash for Manali, Shimla and other tourist hot spots in the State.
The Valley is a diversion on the right of the main Chandigarh - Manali highway and about 3 hours before Manali. As you make your way towards the Valley you'll notice fewer cars, lesser people and amazing views.
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| Jamala Village |
Lately the valley has seen an increase in homestays and resorts but there are no traffic jams and neither are there too many tourists as you would see in Manali. Tirthan Valley is still relatively quiet and ideal if you're looking to get lost in nature and get some much needed downtime.
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| Nature Trails in Tirthan Valley |
Tirthan and Kullu valleys are ideal for a long vacation as it takes almost 12 hours to reach if you're driving from Delhi. You can split the journey in Chandigarh and Bilaspur if a long road-trip is not your cup of tea. You can also fly to Bhuntar airport which has a daily direct flight from Delhi. From the airport I can arrange for a pre-booked taxi to take you to your final destination. Regardless of how you get to Kullu or Tirthan Valley, I would plan to stay for four nights at minimum. There is plenty to see and not see / do and not do - entirely up to you.
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| Birds-eye View of Sarchi Village |
If you're up for hiking and trekking then you must visit the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) and en-route the traditional Himachali villages of Sarchi and Jamala besides other. If you have mobility issues, then you can also drive up to these villages and see their ancient methods of home building. Keep a look out for the richly carved wooden framed houses in these villages.
Houses in both Sarchi and Jamala villages still follow the traditional kath-kuni style of architecture which involves a unique way of using local stone and wood giving the place a rustic finish. Mingle with the locals, experience their lifestyle, go for hikes and enjoy the valley's incredible views.
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| Sarchi Village Walk |
Houses in both Sarchi and Jamala villages still follow the traditional kath-kuni style of architecture which involves a unique way of using local stone and wood giving the place a rustic finish. Mingle with the locals, experience their lifestyle, go for hikes and enjoy the valley's incredible views.
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| Walking to Jamala Village |
Jamala village is located on the mountain above Sarchi and a guide can be arranged to take you to these and other villages.
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| Freshly Roasted Wheat Kernels |
On the way pass to Jamala you will see locals engage in terrace farming and if you're lucky even get to eat some fresh green peas, fruits or roasted wheat kernels - depending on the season you're there.
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| Small Niltava - Male |
For the serious trekker, various treks can be organized by professional organizations and individuals depending on your area of interest - medicinal plants and herbs, flowers, wildlife (musk deer, brown bear etc.), birdwatching (Western Tragopan, Monal and other high altitude birds) or landscapes, meadows and snow covered Himalayan peaks. I can organize such treks for you with reliable local trekking outfits.
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| Trout fishing in Tirthan Valley |
Fishing for trout can also be a great way to kill time here, though it requires a lot of patience. A guide can be arranged to help you with the permits and equipment.
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| Himalayan Trout (catch and release) |
Normally, if you catch trout that is less than 12 inches, please throw them back in the river as that is the rule by the Forest department. I personally caught two (beginner's luck) but I released them back in the river (strictly catch and release policy) as they were both under 12 inches. Back at the resort later that evening I was treated to a delicious 'farmed' smoked trout!
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| Natural pool to cool off in |
After a long hot day walking around aimlessly or a lazy day having done zero, nothing can beat a relaxing cool dip in one of the natural shallow pools formed by the cascading waters of a near-by stream / river next to your resort. This, my friends is how you end your day in the Valley.
Please Note:
Please Note:
- Wear dull color clothes (brown, grey, olive green) during walks in the wilderness.
- There is no guarantee that you will see any wildlife. We will do our best to show you all there is to see.
- Please carry photo identification, camera, binoculars, warm jacket (in the winter), backpack, sun glasses, cap, vizer, sun block, some cash and drinking water.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol is strictly not permitted in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Please do not throw trash on the floor even if you don't see a trash can. Please ask your walk leader to help you dispose the trash properly.
- To prevent any disturbance to wildlife, it is advisable to not play bird calls to bring them out in the open, feeding or baiting of wildlife. Despite this, if you do and are caught by the authorities or called out by locals or fellow wildlife enthusiasts, then you are entirely on your own.
- Due to the remoteness of the location, you may not have access to the kind of amenities, facilities and services that you typically are used to in big cities. Please ask me if you have any questions about what or what not to bring with you on this trip. Cell phone network, road conditions and power supply in the area may be erratic too, so it is recommended to keep calm at all times.
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