Placed at an elevation of 8900 ft in Himachal’s Kangra district lies the village of Rajgundha - a hidden nature lovers’ paradise! Surrounded by picturesque panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges, lush greenery, dense forests, and clear blue skies, Rajgundha is a secluded region best for travelers seeking a crowd-free destination.
Despite its proximity to Barot and Bir-Billing, the place remains relatively untouched by the prospects of over-tourism allowing it to provide one of the best authentic mountain living experiences to its visitors. Its sprawling meadows, rich flora and fauna, starry night skies, and misty waterfalls further add to the beauty of its trekking experience. For the wanderlusters looking for a simplistic stay amidst the best that nature has to offer - Rajgundha is the place to be!
How to Get There
Due to the lack of connectivity via a motorable road, Rajgundha is mostly accessible through trekking. The two starting points for the trek are either the Bir Paragliding Site or Barot Valley.
Reaching Bir-Billing
By Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Dharamshala) located 67 km away. Local cabs, private taxis, and buses are available to either Bir or Billing directly from here. However, travelers are advised to keep a close check on the schedule and availability of flights since cancellations are frequent owing to bad weather conditions.
By Train: The closest train station is either Pathankot or Chandigarh located 150 km and 280 km away respectively from where cabs and taxis to the destination are easily available. A toy train of the Kangra Himalayan Railway is also an option with a drop at Baijnath or Joginder Nagar from which the journey can be carried on via cabs or buses.
By Road: Reaching Bir Billing via road is a common option taken by travelers due to its connectivity to major cities like Delhi, Palampur, Chandigarh, etc. AC Volvo buses, HRTC buses, and taxis/private vehicles have drop-offs at the destination itself.
Reaching Rajgundha from Bir: Once you reach Bir, you will have to take a taxi to reach the Billing takeoff site which is the starting point of the trek. Billing takes around 40-60 minutes to reach from Bir and is connected by a good motorable road. After this, the 14 km trek to Rajgundha starts.
Reaching Barot
By Air: The nearest airport to Barot is Kangra airport in Dharamshala. Local buses and taxis regularly ply to Barot from the airport and the time taken to reach the destination is approximately 4-5 hours.
By Train: The nearest train station to Barot is Pathankot station. Changing trains at Pathankot to land in Jogindernagar is also an option which is 38km away from Barot.
By Road: The best way to reach Barot through local buses is to take a bus from Delhi to Palampur which takes around 12 hours. From Palampur, local taxis and buses ply to Barot. You can also travel in your own private vehicle since the roads are in decent motorable condition.
Reaching Rajgundha from Barot: To reach Rajgundha via Barot, you first need to reach Baragran village which lies 20km ahead of Barot. The motorable road goes up to a point near Baragran village from where Rajgundha is 4-6 km away.
Best Time to Visit Rajgundha
The summer season from March to May is the ideal time to visit Rajgundha due to the pleasant weather conditions. The temperature remains at an average of 25-degree celsius in the valley and drops at night. Nearby areas such as Bir and Barot also witness a pleasant climate during this season making them fit for exploring. The monsoons bring along with them frequent landslides and heavy rainfall making travel in the valley dangerous. Hence, planning a trip during this time of the year is not advisable without checking with the locals of the region. During the winter months, villagers in the valley usually move to lower regions owing to the harsh temperatures. However, the valley turns into a winter paradise post-snowfall from February to March - the perfect time to put on your snow boots!
Accommodation in Rajgundha
Rajgundha has a few homestay options available for travelers to spend the nights which may either include or exclude meals. Homestays usually cost around INR 500-1500 per night with meals being available for INR 100-300. Opting for a traditional homestay can add a unique touch to one’s trip and help one acquaint themselves better with the local culture of the region.
For adventure seekers, camping in the valley is also an option for a thrilling experience. There are several campsites ranging from INR 500-800 that offer tents to visitors. Apart from this, travelers can also choose to bring their own tents for camping in the valley!
The Forest Rest House in Rajgundha is a popular accommodation option among visitors for staying overnight. Additionally, Zostel - the biggest hostel chain in India - also has its branch based in the valley which can be the perfect place to spend overnight on a budget! To find out more about accommodation options in Rajgundha, click here!
Activities in the Valley
The valley is filled with enchanting views of the best that nature has to offer- with its abundance of greenery and rich diversity. Apart from soaking up the beauty of Rajgundha, travelers have a variety of options to explore in and around the valley. From admiring the Dhauladhar mountainscapes, interacting with the locals, hiking in the valley, and stargazing at the clear night skies, to experiencing paragliding in Bir, and fishing in Barot - a wide range of activities are available to travelers to choose from. Rajgundha is the best place for all to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of their lives, and spend a peaceful holiday amidst nature!
Where to eat in the Valley
Being an isolated region, the valley only has a limited number of shops and stores typically selling essential items ranging from chips to Maggi. While eating a hot plate of Maggi with a view of the mountains can make for the perfect Instagram story, a boiling cup of chai from a local tea stall can only add to this charm!
Apart from the occasional snacking options available in the local stores, one might find freshly produced vegetables and home-cooked meals at one of the many homestays available in the valley.
Simple healthy meals are easily available to visitors for INR 100-300! Don’t forget to try out a hot plate of Rajma Khichdi or Rajma chawal from one of the locals on your stay here!
A hidden gem of Himachal, this valley is a breather away from the monotony of city life. From breathing in the fresh mountain air to dipping your feet in the cold clearwater streams, the valley allows travelers to truly unwind amidst the most serene mountainscapes and meadows.
The lack of a usual crowd is yet another added perk of the Rajgundha experience. From simply relaxing to witnessing the ultimate adrenaline rush, this valley has something in store for travelers of all kinds! This season, embark on the long-awaited trip to the mountains and tick this beautiful place off your Himachal bucket list with the most memorable of experiences!
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