Tirthan Valley

Multiple times during our trip , Tirthan Valley in Himanchal Pradesh India, reminded us of our Switzerland trip. Tirthan Valley is still untouched and serene place to visit in Kullu District of Himanchal Pradesh. You will be surrounded by snow clad peaks, rivers and the Himalayan mountains. Best time to visit will be from April to Early June.

While planning our trip to Himalayas, I consulted a travel agent who recommended me Tirthan Valley to enjoy nature instead of Shimla or Manali.


Our itinerary was as follows

• Chandigarh

  Fight from Bangalore, One night stay and road trip to Shimla. Visit to Rock garden and shopping in Sector 17.

• Shimla

  2 nights stay with visit to Kurf. In earlier days, tourist used to vouch Shimla, Kullu and Manali for beauty and nature, however the beauty of these places is nowadays hidden behind cluster of hotels.

• Tirthan Valley

Located near Banjar town of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. Tirthan Valley is gateway to Great Himalayan National Park.  

• Location
• Hotel Stay
• Choi Waterfall Trek
• Walking along the river bed
• Great Himalayan National Park Trek

• Manali

  2 nights stay. One day visit to Gulaba and then paragliding at Solang Valley.

Location

You need to drive in direction of Kullu or Manali. We drove from Shimla early morning and it took us around 6 to 7 hours. Just before the tunnel to Kullu there is right turn which will guide you to Banjar. The road narrows down to one lane as we take the turn and one has to plan the journey in day time.

Hotel Stay

I had consulted a tour agent and was recommended Hotel Trishala Resort on the banks of the river Tirthan. The resort is managed by a young chap Manu Negi. One can directly call him and do the bookings. There are lot of options available on the banks of the river in the Banjar village based on your budget and liking.We had very comfortable stay.The rooms were little smaller to accommodate two adults and one child, however there are many things to explore around and outside so we are inside the room only at night. It barely made much difference to us as our focus was to enjoy nature.

The stay was very comfortable. They also provide heater in the room on request.
The food was delicious and home cooked. They server breakfast and lunch at eating place which is built inside the river bed on the rocks. Sipping hot cup of tea early morning almost sitting in the river bed in Himalayas raises the experience bar to different level.

We reached the hotel in evening, we were welcomed with hot cup of tea and some snacks. We strolled around the river bed. This was followed by dinner.

Choi Waterfall Trek

Next morning, after the breakfast at the river bed, we proceeded ahead to Choi waterfall. This is approximately 2 - 3 hours trek which will lead you to waterfall. On your way one can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain Ranges. And try your shutterbug skills. Midway the local villagers have arranged food stalls to take care of your hunger and thirst needs.The waterfall is result of melting snow from the surrounding snow clad peaks. Believe me, chill will run up your spine,  the first time you put your leg in the water. There is another 10 feet water fall few meters away from the main where few school kids were sliding down in the pond below. This was guided activity with proper head gear. My son did not try it as it was too cold. However he did slipped and fell down in the icy water while trying to take a snap in the main water fall.
It is advisable to carry some light towels to dry your self and quick snacks along with you.

Walking along the river bed

After a sumptuous meal and evening tea, we decided to walk along the river bed. We were followed by the resorts dog. After half km walk along the bed, there were some areas which were marked inaccessible by the villagers and we had to climb up. One of the villagers recommended us to cross the pedestrian bridge and explore the opposite side of the river bank. This was mainly dominated by small houses surrounded by vegetable farms. We could observe the villager busy with their evening activities like cutting grass for cattle or picking up vegetables for dinner. Even though the entire landscape looks pretty beautiful and compelling, it is very difficult to walk along those foot paths carved by local villagers. We noticed, a shepherd boy climbing up quickly to the mountain peak to bring their herd of sheep. It was fun to watch him with binocular, climb the difficult mountain terrain with help of simple wooden stick. This compelled my husband Abhi to explore the mountain early morning. He dared and completed the trek next morning from 5 am to 9 am. Some of the places were very slippery and scary as per him. However the views were amazing.

Great Himalayan National Park Trek

It is a 2 days trek in the Great Himalayan National Park. As per feedback of other fellow tourist its worth it. We gave it a miss as we were doubtful if our 7 year old son would be able to cope up with the cold temperature. I definitely repent it. And do plan to complete it some time later.
The Trsihala Hotel team will have their people as escorts. Accommodation is in tents and food etc is well arranged.