Hello, everyone. I'm Kshitiz Narula, a passionate travel enthusiast who finds solace in the lap of nature. However, the demands of my corporate 9-to-5 job have somewhat limited my adventures across different states.
This time, I'd like to share my captivating journey to Jibhi, a hidden gem in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, in the company of a dear friend.
Day 1: It all began on Diwali in 2021. As the clock struck 4 PM, I found myself idly scrolling through Instagram reels when a post about Jibhi caught my eye. The images portrayed an enchanting place in Himachal, relatively untouched and brimming with opportunities for exploration. The decision was spontaneous but firm – I would visit Jibhi immediately after the Diwali Puja.
Our rendezvous point was Jail Road, New Delhi, at 10:00 PM. Without a vehicle of our own and without having checked bus schedules, we found ourselves racing against time in search of transportation. Fate, it seemed, had already charted our course, and we miraculously boarded a bus bound for Chandigarh.
Day 2: We arrived in Chandigarh around 6 in the morning, slightly weary but brimming with excitement. After freshening up, a quick face wash, and a cup of rejuvenating tea, we embarked on the next leg of our journey by bus, heading towards AUT (Aut village, nestled in the Aut tehsil of the Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh). We reached Aut around 2 pm and then took another bus to Jibhi, which was 40 km away. The views were just mesmerizing, traveling through dense towns and alongside the Tirthan River.
We stayed at Jungle Book, owned by Sunny Bhaiya (Brother). He took us on another 5-10 minute ride. And here comes the hospitality he offers you; Himachali people have some amazing positive traits in this.
After a 30-minute break, we hit the road again. But this time, it wasn't by bus or car; we were embarking on a short trek of 3-4 kilometers. Along the way, we discovered some amazing photo spots, including the majestic deodara tree, a large evergreen conifer that can reach heights of 40–50 meters.
Back to the Jungle Book experience, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and then settled into our cozy, remarkable room with warm blankets. Our room was heated by an age-old wood heating system known as a 'bukhari.' We needed a good night's rest because the next day, we had an early start planned for the Jalori Pass Trek.
Day 3: Jalori Pass Trek
We kicked off the day early, arranging a taxi to transport us to the trek's starting point, Kali Mata Mandir.
Our first surprise was waiting there – snow, something we had not anticipated. We had made the questionable decision to wear sports shoes instead of proper trekking boots. After just 30 minutes of trekking, we discovered ourselves far from the road, surrounded by towering deodar trees and a dense, snow-covered forest.
As we pressed on, a pungent scent in the air seized our senses. Before long, we spotted unmistakable footprints of a snow leopard (picture attached). The encounter left us literally shivering, even though it was just footprints and not the leopard itself.
Feeling unprepared and unfamiliar with the area, we decided to turn back. However, as the saying goes, when fortune favors you, help can appear from unexpected quarters. We encountered a fellow traveler with a dog on the way to Mata Budhi Nagin Temple. They reassured us that there was no immediate danger since the leopard had already had its meal and retreated into the dense forest. This provided us with some much-needed reassurance to continue our journey.
Our adventurous trek continued as we pushed through challenging terrain, fueled by the anticipation of discovering hidden gems in the heart of nature. Our destination for the day was the enchanting Mata Budhi Nagin Temple, followed by the serene Seruvalsar Lake.
As we approached the temple, we were immediately captivated by its mystic aura. The temple, nestled in the midst of nature's grandeur, left us awestruck with its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. The tranquility of the surroundings made it an ideal spot for introspection and peace.
Our journey didn't end there; we embarked on the trek to our next destination. However, nature had other plans for us as we encountered an unexpected obstacle - snow. Despite our determination, we couldn't proceed further due to the challenging conditions. With a heavy heart, we retraced our steps back to the starting point.
One important lesson we learned during our adventure in this less-traveled region was the importance of thorough preparation. Public transport options were limited, and the last bus from Kala Mata Mandir was at 4 in the evening, as informed by the locals. It's essential to gather all necessary information before venturing into such remote areas to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Back at the Jungle Book hotel, we decided to make the most of our day by exploring the hidden gem of Jibhi waterfall. Nestled deep within the dense forests of the Tirthan valley, this waterfall remains largely unexplored, making it a true natural wonder. The lush greenery and the small cascading waterfall created a photogenic paradise that left us spellbound.
For the adventurous souls among us, a dip in the freezing mountain waters was an exhilarating experience. The cold bite of the water against our skin was a stark reminder of the untamed beauty of nature.
After a fulfilling day of exploration, we returned to the comforts of our Jungle Book accommodation. The evening was spent savoring delicious food and enjoying a bonfire, capping off another unforgettable day in this pristine corner of the world.
Day 4:
As our incredible journey neared its end, we made our way back to Delhi. We boarded a local bus that took us to Aut bus stand and then another bus to reach the Manali Bus Stand. From there, we embarked on the final leg of our journey, heading back home with hearts full of memories and a longing to return to the enchanting landscapes we had explored.
Our trek to Mata Budhi Nagin Temple, Seruvalsar Lake, and the hidden Jibhi waterfall had been a rollercoaster of adventure, beauty, and serenity. It was a journey that reminded us of the profound connection between humans and nature and left us with a deep appreciation for the unexplored treasures that lie hidden in the heart of the wilderness.
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Instagram Handle: @kshitiznarula @earsofwall
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