Tirthan Valley Day Hikes: 10 Trails You Should Consider

Tirthan Valley was the first destination I went to, once the coronavirus lockdown in 2020 was lifted. While I was pushing myself to travel slower and slower, the pandemic accelerated things for me. Once travel was possible again, I headed to this popular region of Kullu district, with no plans of returning. Long story short, I ended up staying for two whole months and explored some beautiful Tirthan valley day hikes. These hikes take up no more than a few hours of the day, are easily accessible via popular villages in Tirthan Valley and offer incredible views – of higher mountain peaks, of dense forests, of the river, of waterfalls… You get the idea!

My point being, there are more things to do in Tirthan Valley than spending a few lazy days chilling in the cafes of Jibhi or making a visit to Jalori Pass. While both these activities are definitely interesting, there is much more on offer than just that. These Tirthan Valley day hikes make for the best way to spend your weekend if you’re working from the mountains or are preparing for much longer, higher altitude Himalayan treks. Tirthan Valley trekking is the best practice you can get before trying out your first big multi-day trek!

Mini Thailand, Jibhi

This little secret lagoon is slowly getting its due popularity. Located just a kilometre outside Jibhi, this Tirthan Valley day hike is the perfect alternative to cafe hopping in Jibhi. Mini Thailand in Jibhi is getting “Instagram famous” for its azure green (albeit bone-chilling) waters and the two giant boulders that form a canopy-like entrance into this little natural pool. In October, though the sun was out and the temperature was otherwise warm, the water was as close to freezing as it could get and we could barely get a dip in. The best time to visit Mini Thailand, Jibhi would be during peak summers so you can also get a few splashes in.

How to reach Mini Thailand, Jibhi: Locate the yellow board that says “Forest Rest House, Jibhi”. This will be right outside the Jibhi village, on the way to Jalori Pass. Once you have reached the Forest Rest House board, find the trail going downhill, across the road from the yellow board. Follow this trail upstream with the water pipes running alongside, and in 30 minutes or less, you would have completed this offbeat Tirthan Valley trek.

Anant Balu Nag Temple, Bahu

Anant Balu Nag Temple – or just Balu Nag Temple – is perhaps one of the most beautiful Tirthan Valley day hikes. Located in the Bahu village, this temple is dedicated to the region’s presiding deity Anant Balu Nag. The temple is constructed with wood and has intricate carvings on it. But the most special part of this temple is its location. In a wide, open green meadow flanked by deodar trees on all sides sits this tiny wooden structure. On most days, this entire place is absolutely empty. Walk a little further, and there is a unique shrine by a massive deodar tree where devotees offer metal to their Balu Nag devta. From trishuls to locks, cycle chains and even TVs, very interesting offerings can be spotted here!

How to reach Balu Nag Temple: From Jibhi, there is a diversion from the main highway that goes to Tandi, Gada Gushaini and Bahu villages. The road is in a poor state and Bahu is the last village on this stretch. At Bahu, ask the locals for directions towards the Shesh Nag water pond and park your vehicle there. From the pond, this day hike in Tirthan Valley runs by a wall-marked trail and barely takes 30-45 minutes to reach the Balu Nag Temple.

Pro tip: After visiting the temple, try going further inside the surrounding forests. There are some surprisingly beautiful open clearings that make for a great place to get some forest bathing done – one of my favourite things to in Tirthan Valley!

Chhoie Waterfall, Kandidhar

The Chhoie or Choi Waterfall Tirthan Valley trek is incomparable, to say the least. This day hike in Tirthan Valley passes through beautiful, traditional Himachali houses. This Tirthan Valley trek distance isn’t much and can be completed in about an hour. The trail is gradual and cuts through the mountains, with astounding views of the valley. I can remember this hike clear as a day – with the Tirthan River gurgling along the valley. The waterfall in itself isn’t a very unusual place to be. The pool formed below is shallow and swimming isn’t possible but the trail leading up to Chhoie Waterfall makes it all worth it!

How to reach Chhoie Waterfall: On the Sharchi Road, locate Kandidhar village. There is a small bridge in the village beside which you can park your vehicle. There is a set of stairs that begin right beside the bridge. Ask any local for directions, they’ll be happy to guide you.

Note: Google Maps often mentions Chhoie Waterfall to be in Sharchi but that is incorrect information. Sharchi falls in a whole other region and isn’t a part of Tirthan Valley.

Shringa Rishi Temple, Bagi

Shringa Rishi – or Shringi Rishi – is the main deity of the Banjar region – and often regarded as quite a powerful one. The story of Shringa Rishi often changes – depending on who is telling it, but that is a discussion for another time in another blog post. For now, this day hike in Tirthan Valley is quite short yet equally beautiful. It is less of a hike, more like an endless flight of stairs – as is with almost every temple located at a heigh in the mountains – but the architecture of the Shringa Rishi Temple and the views from the top make every drop of sweat worth the climb! Once a year, usually in the month of May, a massive fair is held in the temple to celebrate the deity and is a sight to behold. The temple is built in the pagoda style of architecture and this hike remains one of my most favourite things to do in Tirthan Valley.

How to reach Shringa Rishi Temple: On the highway between Jibhi and Banjar, there is a bifurcation that goes up to villages like Bini and Bihar. The main landmark is the Happy host Homestay on Google. Just a few meters after it, you will see a flight of stairs leading up to the temple. A road is also being constructed that will go all the way to the temple. As of 2020, it was not operational.

Chehni Kothi, Chehni

If you continue hiking up from the Shringa Rishi Temple, you will reach Chehni Kothi in another 30-40 minutes. Chehni is one of my most favourite villages in Tirthan Valley. It still has an old-world charm to it and the narrow, winding lanes of the village feel like you’ve been transported to another era. In the village, the temple tower of Chehni Kothi is unmissable. This seven-storey tower built in the Kath-Kuni architectural style has survived the devastating Kangra Earthquake of 1905 and still stands tall and strong. Outsiders are usually not allowed to enter inside the tower but if you bring a local along, you might be exempted from this rule!

Read more about Chehni Kothi here.

How to reach Chehni Kothi: There is a motorable road being constructed all the way up to Chehni. As of 2020, it was not operational. Continue from Shringa Rishi Temple on your Tirthan Valley day hike and in no time, you will have reached Chehni.

Myagi Village

Myagi is the last village above Chehni. There isn’t much to “do” here as much but since it is located right at the top of the hill, one can get some stunning views of snow-capped peaks from here. The meadows at the top of the hill in Myagi village is great for sunbathing or a little picnic. There are several Tirthan Valley treks that go beyond Myagi village as well but these are longer and require several days. Just outside of Myagi village, there is a small waterfall amidst a beautiful, dense forest where one can spend some time as well. In October and November during the autumn season, this forest is at its most beautiful phase with the leaves changing colours from green to yellow to orange to even red!

How to reach Myagi village: There is no road going to Myagi village. Continue hiking up from Chehni village. This day hike in Tirthan Valley is steeper than the rest and will take about 45 minutes to an hour to reach Myagi from Chehni.

Hidden Lagoon, Banjar

If someone asked me my favourite spot to swim in Himachal Pradesh – this would be it. Nothing comes close to the Hidden Lagoon of Banjar when it comes to peace, tranquillity, cleanliness and enough depth in a natural pool that you can swim around for hours at a stretch. The flow of the river isn’t much and if you can swim well in open spaces, then this Tirthan Valley day hike must definitely be high up on your list!

How to reach Hidden Lagoon in Banjar: The Hidden Lagoon in Banjar town is one of those few places that are hidden in plain sight and yet there no directions, no Google location that can help you reach there. Your best bet is to stay with The Blue Sheep Tirthan hostel located just a kilometre from this spot and ask one of the hosts to take you on this day hike in Tirthan Valley!

Serolsar Lake, Jalori Pass

Serolsar Lake or Seruvalsar Lake is one of the most popular Tirthan Valley day hikes there is. This is an ancient lake and is deeply revered by locals. Though small in size, the rock formations around the lake are very interesting and make for great photo ops! This Tirthan Valley trek distance is higher than the others – close to around 5 kilometres one way. But the trail is very gradual and more like a walk than a hike itself. It shouldn’t take you more than 2 hours to reach the lake. There are enough shacks and rest points where you can grab a quick bite or sip on some chai. Many shacks even rent out tents and sleeping bags so if you’re up for a little adventure, consider spending a night here and returning back to base the next morning!

Read more about Serolsar Lake here.

How to reach Serolsar Lake: This Tirthan Valley trek starts from the Buddhi Nagin Temple at Jalori Pass. It’s a 5 kilometres long trail and will take about 2-3 hours depending on your speed and stamina.

Raghupur Fort, Jalori Pass

I visited Raghupur Fort on the eve of Diwali in 2020 and it has, by far, remained one of my most favourite Diwalis ever. Raghupur Fort is built strategically atop a hill and was used by the rulers of Mandi to keep an eye out for invaders. The location of the fort gives a vantage point and can overlook Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. Though the fort is mostly now in ruins and a small shrine made of stone is the most prominent structure around, the views from up there are unmatchable. This Tirthan Velly day hike goes through a dense rhododendron forest and gives you a full, 360-degree view of several Himalayan ranges like the Dhauladhar mountains and Pir Panjal ranges. In fact, one can even see the mountains of Lahaul from up there. And on a clear day, the sunset from up there is spectacular as well. My Diwali was as good as it was because of the many shades we saw the sun change. From pink to yellow to orange to a fiery, blood-red and back again. What a spectacular show it was!

In case you want to go on an organized tour to Raghupur Fort, I found this great Offbeat Raghupur Camping Tour which includes overnight camping at the fort, birdwatching as well as stargazing!

How to reach Raghupur Fort: Start walking beyond Jalori Pass and on the first curve on the road, you will see a trail leading up into the forest. The trail is 3 kilometers long and a little steep. It took us one hour to reach the top.

Pro tip: You can complete both Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort in one day itself. Start at sunrise and end the hike with the sunset over Raghupur Fort. We hiked back down to Jalori Pass in twilight and that was a whole different experience!

Great Himalayan National Park Entry Gate and Hippo Waterfall, Gushaini

The Great Himalayan National Park Entry Gate trek is perhaps the longest of all Tirthan Valley day hikes listed in this Tirthan Valley blog but like most other day hikes in Tirthan Valley, the GHNP gate trek is also very easy to do and the trail is a gradual slope going up and down. I visited in the autumn month of November and the entire forest was different shades of green, yellow, orange and red. Autumn in Tirthan Valley is definitely something one must experience. Right at the entry gate where this Tirthan Valley trek ends, is the famous Hippo Waterfall named so because of the rock that looks like a hippopotamus. The waterfall is very inviting but it was too cold for me to take a dip. All the more reason to come back in the summers!

Read more about the Great Himalayan National Park trek here.

How to reach Great Himalayan National Park Entry Gate and Hippo Waterfall: From Gushaini village, there is a dirt road that goes on the right side of the river. Follow it for a couple of kilometres until you reach a small shrine on a bend on the road. Park your vehicle somewhere around and follow the walking trail that leads into the forest! It took us 3 hours to reach the GHNP entry gate and another 2 hours to come back.

Final Thoughts on Tirthan Valley Day Hikes

Having spent 2 months in Tirthan Valley, I truly believe the best way to explore the various flora and fauna of the region is on foot. There are so many trails around most villages that Tirthan Valley should officially be nicknamed the hiking valley of Himachal Pradesh! There are several day hikes in Tirthan Valley for whatever floats your boat. If you like jumping into the water, the Banjar Lagoon is for you. For waterfall chasers, there’s Chhoie Waterfall and to get a vantage view of some high and mighty Himalayan peaks, Raghupur Fort should not be missed. Whatever your point of interest is, Tirthan Valley treks have you covered!

Did I miss out on a Tirthan Valley day hike? Did you explore a new trail? Have you tried any trails listed in this Tirthan Valley blog? I would love to hear all about it in the comments!

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