Tirthan Valley, an unexplored paradise in Himachal Pradesh

Fascinating deciduous forests of spectacular green interspersed with quaint little villages by the Tirthan river make this valley one of Himachal's favourite weekend getaways. Stunning backdrops and fantastic camping, trekking and fishing opportunities make this the perfect holiday. The gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tirthan valley is the ideal base for some incredible adventure tourism and angling. The National Park covers about 750 square kilometres of diverse flora and fauna, essentially a trekker's paradise.

Hike The Great Himalayan National Park

Usually the place to go if you want angling permits in the Tirthan River or if you want to enter the Great Himalayan National Park, Sai Ropa and its bio-diverse park area make for splendid photographic memories. A short drive would then lead you to the quaint hamlet of Gushaini. The official gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Gushaini is nestled around folding terraces of cultivated mountains and lush green orchards. more about the ecological impact the GHNP has on surrounding areas as well as the conservation efforts involved in keeping the park like it is today. Watch giant flying squirrels leap through trees as you enjoy a pleasant lunch in the park at the end of this 2-hour hike.

Hike to Jalori-Serolsar Lake

Mythical lakes and picturesque mountain passes make this the perfect hike for a peaceful weekend getaway here in Tirthan valley. This fascinating trek leads you to the legendary Serolsar Lake surrounded by tall trees where not a single leaf ever floats on its surface. Local lore has it that birds pick up every leaf that ever falls on the Serolsar. Take a walk around the lake as you watch sunrays filter through the trees and find the right spot for a perfect picnic lunch by this stunning lake.

Jibhi Waterfalls

This fascinating hike to waterfalls through scenic vistas of lush green and blue is filled with hidden natural surprises. Jibhi waterfall is a huge roaring affair in the monsoons, but could remain unseen in the valley if you don't know where it is for the rest of the year. Take a dip in cold clear mountain water if you want to, or spend your time listening to the surround sound of nature as you walk around the area.

Angling

The perfect hike, through the scenic Tirthan Valley, up the Jibhi river would lead you to some splendid casting points. Take a dip in the pristine clear waters of the Jibhi river before heading on for some peaceful trout fishing. Whether a hobby, general pastime, entertainment or sport, there's always something about angling that keeps you coming back for more.

Drive to Gada Gushaini - Kauli

Untouched and free from tourist influx and commercialization, Gada Gushaini and Kauli represent the essential soul of every Himachali village. Not the ideal place you could find hotels or big restaurants, these villages have but a few shops that serve basic food and snacks. Connections to the main road, however, ensure the villages do have shops selling electronics, pesticides and groceries etc., catering to villages nearby. Unexplored and naturally beautiful, Gada Gushaini and Kauli are worth a visit if only to just enjoy the serenity and silence of the mountains they lie in. Drive in the shade of tall trees through hamlets that lie beside clear streams. Stop for a moment to listen to the sound of silence as you marvel at the beauty of the valley.

Best time to visit Tirthan Valley

For those with their minds dead set on sampling some of the juicy apples amidst lush green mountains and getting around to some trout fishing, March to October is the best time to visit.

The winter gets extremely chilly especially in Jan and Feb, but get here if you love the snow.