Mini Paradise - Tirthan Valley

I have been to Himachal many times but this was the first time i travelled to this valley, in the fear of landslides and flash floods, it was tough to take decision to travel along with my partner to a remote valley..heard a lot about this place in the past, so with strong mind took the decision of traveling to Tirthan, a beautiful valley in Himachal, with a thought in back of my mind that if anything goes wrong we will change our plan to Manali or any regular hill station. But everything went as per plan and after a drive of around 500+ kms from Gurgaon we reached Tirthan Valley.

We took a night halt at Zirakpur, and started our journey early morning, we took the Zirakpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Tirthan route. Very disappointed to see the construction going along the route, tunnels, broad roads, earthmoving machines all over the place. Really didn't felt the happiness i used to have when i traveled here in the past. But once we crossed Mandi and moved towards Jibhi, the route was much better scenic. But not the best we saw on this trip.

We spent some time walking, hiking by the Tirthan river and this was one of the most beautiful part of the trip, walking near the river, with trees around.

Next day, we drove to the Jalori Pass to trek to Sirolsar Lake, The drive to Jalori Pass is itself a amazing experience, on top of that the trek is amazing, lush green, easy trek.. it took us around 2 hours to reach the lake. And all the tiredness just vanished once we reached and saw this amazingly beautiful lake. On the way back to the  resort we explored Jibhi Falls, Mini thailand, had other plans too but due to some circumstances we had to call it a day off.

Next day, we had planned to trek to Chhoie Waterfall but it was drizzling and locals suggested that there's no point of trek when it's raining. We were in no mood to take any risk so after the breakfast we planned to head back to the plains but this time I chose the route via Shimla [Jibhi - Jalori -  Anni - Sainj - Narkanda - Shimla - Zirakpur]. This route will live as it is in my eyes for years. I feel lucky to had a chance to drive through this route, single lane covered with trees, you also get glimpse of river/streams. And on the route you also get a chance to see The Mighty Satluj.

I suggest one must take this route for Jibhi, its a long route and takes an hour or two more but it's worth it. Every single minute on this route gives you a reason to be here again.

Suggestions,
1. Take the Old Britishers route (Shimla - Jibhi)
2. Stay at river side resort, they serve yummiest food so you don't have to run for food outlets.
3. Trek to Sirolsar lake
4. Must try trout fish.
5. Hiking to Chhoie Waterfalls (we missed)

This is the perfect time to visit Tirthan valley, see it after two - three years and  it will be just like other rush commercial valleys.

Not so offbeat - Tirthan Valley

With the experience we had I can surely recomend to follow this as two day itinerary.