Chehni Kothi – Complete Guide to Himachal’s Hidden Tower
What is Chehni Kothi?
Chehni Kothi (also spelled Chaini Kothi) is a remarkable traditional tower made of stone and wood, located in Chehni village near Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh.
This ancient structure is a fine example of Kath Kuni architecture, a traditional Himalayan construction technique using interlocking wood and stone without cement or metal.
Standing at around 30 metres high, the tower is one of the tallest surviving structures of its kind in the region and a unique testimony to local craftsmanship and resilience.
Where is Chehni Kothi located?
Chehni Kothi is located in:
- Chehni village, near Jibhi
- Banjar region, Kullu district
- Close to Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh
From Gushaini (Tirthan Valley), it takes about 45 minutes by road to reach the starting point. If you are staying in Jibhi, it will take you about 20 minutes to reach the starting point.
How to reach Chehni Kothi?
Based in Tirthan Valley, we regularly guide visitors to Chehni Kothi.
There are two main ways to reach Chehni Kothi:
Option 1 – Trek (Recommended)
- Starting point: Bagi (Shringa Rishi temple gate) or Bihar village
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
We recommend starting from Bihar village, as the trail is more gradual and offers richer views of village life.
Option 2 – By car
A narrow and steep road leads up to Chehni village.
However:
- The road is challenging and not suitable for all drivers
- The experience is far more rewarding on foot
Why visiting with a local guide changes everything
While it is possible to visit Chehni Kothi independently, going with a local guide offers clear advantages. A guide can help you choose the best route, explain the unique Kath Kuni architecture, and introduce you to local culture and traditions. This makes the visit more informative, immersive, and respectful of the community.
Chehni Kothi Trek Experience
The walk to Chehni Kothi is not just a hike, it is a journey into rural Himalayan life.
On the way, you will observe:
- Traditional farming practices
- Village homes and architecture
- Daily life in a remote mountain setting
- The strong presence of local beliefs and deities
This is why we highly recommend walking rather than driving.
Best way to experience Chehni Kothi
For a deeper experience, visiting Chehni Kothi with a local guide makes a big difference.
A guide can help you:
- Understand the history and architecture
- Connect with local people
- Discover hidden aspects of village life
We also recommend combining the visit with Myagi village, a beautiful hamlet offering views of the Great Himalayan National Park, accessed through a dense forest of Deodar trees.
Trekking to Chehni
Going to Chehni is a great occasion to combine hiking in a beautiful forest and to have a glimpse of the local lifestyle.
Chehni Kothi architecture
Kath-Kuni architecture
The Chehni Kothi is made in respect with the traditional way of making houses.
The exact origin of Chehni Kothi remains uncertain, with local stories suggesting different ages. Given the use of wood, it is likely that the current structure is not more than 200 years old, although it may have been rebuilt or modified over time.
What makes the tower exceptional:
- Built using Kath Kuni architecture
- No cement, steel, or nails
- Wooden beams interlocked at corners for strength
- Stones layered between wooden frames
The structure is coated with:
- Cob (a mixture of soil and cow dung)
- Finished with limestone, giving it its whitish appearance
This same technique is used in traditional houses across the region.
A structure built to resist earthquakes
Chehni Kothi stands in a highly seismic region and has survived major earthquakes, including the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake.
Some villagers believe the tower originally had more storeys and may have been taller (up to 40 metres) before losing its upper sections.
Altitude of Chehni Kothi
- Chehni Kothi altitude: ~2145 metres
Starting points:
- Shringa Rishi gate: ~1830 m
- Bihar village: ~1950 m
Starting from Bihar reduces the overall ascent.
Height of Chehni Kothi
- Current height: ~30 metres
- Possibly taller in the past, before the Kangra 1905 earthquake
Its height is particularly impressive given the absence of modern construction materials.
Chehni Kothi surroundings
Surrounded by Devodar forest, the altitude of the village is perfect for growing apple trees.
Shringa Rishi temple
The visit to Chehni Kothi is closely connected to the spiritual life of the region.
In the Kullu region, local deities—known as Devta—play a central role in daily life.
Shringa Rishi is one of the most important deities of the Tirthan and Jibhi valleys.
His temple is located in Bagi village, near the starting point of the trek.
You can easily visit the temple:
- Before starting the hike
- Or on your way back
The priest family often shares the stories and legends associated with the deity, offering a deeper cultural understanding of the region.
Shringa Rishi temple
You can easily visit the Shringa Rishi temple when visiting Chehni Kothi.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ about the Chehni Kothi
Is Chehni Kothi worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most unique cultural sites in Himachal Pradesh, combining architecture, history, and village life in a short and accessible hike.
How difficult is the Chehni Kothi trek?
The trek is easy to moderate and suitable for most visitors with basic fitness.
Can you visit Chehni Kothi in one day?
Yes, it is a perfect half-day or full-day activity from Tirthan Valley or Jibhi.
What is the best time to visit Chehni Kothi?
- March to June → Pleasant weather
- September to November → Clear views
- Winter → Possible but colder, sometimes snow
How do we visit Chehni Kothi ?
At Heco, we believe that visiting places like Chehni Kothi is not just about sightseeing.
It is about:
- Understanding local culture
- Respecting traditions
- Supporting rural communities
This is what transforms a visit into a meaningful experience.
What else can I do in Jibhi and the Tirthan valley ?
There are so many other places you can visit during your trip to Jibhi or to the Tirthan valley.
You can check on this page what is the best we can offer to you for your perfect holidays.
Chehni Kothi video
Chehni Kothi video
Enjoy drone shots of the Chehni Kothi tower !
Jalori pass video
Enjoy drone shots of the Jalori pass !
