Day hikes around the Great Himalayan National Park
Tirthan Valley Day Hikes
Day hikes are a great way to embrace slow travel. They allow you to explore a place at a leisurely pace and gain a fuller experience of the place and its people.
The Ecozone and the surroundings of the Great Himalayan National Park, which include Tirthan Valley, are great places for day hikes. They are among the best hiking destinations in Himachal.
Unlike the more intensive multi-day treks, day hikes are shorter and while they require walking, they are not as technically or physically demanding as treks. Hiking, therefore, is an ideal way to explore a new place while also enjoying the natural surroundings of which there is plenty around GHNP.
Going on walks in the Himalayas and walks in Tirthan Valley are memorable experiences because of the abundant natural beauty that defines the region and the unique culture of the mountains, which is still intact.
Tirthan Valley’s hiking trails meander through forests and villages. Hikes in Tirthan Valley offer opportunities to discover the forests and mountains, villages and hamlets, and local culture.
As a Tirthan Valley-based social enterprise and a cooperative comprising people from the local community, we can offer you some of the best hiking in Tirthan Valley for a memorable and unique experience.
We can arrange easy day hikes or short day treks and camping in the wild around GHNP. We also organise trekking in GHNP, the shortest of which is two days, and this will be within the Park.
The best place to hike in the Great Himalayan National Park is Tirthan Valley. Because of its close proximity to the Park, there is an abundance of birds and pristine forests. Check out some of the day hikes that you can go on with Himalayan Ecotourism.
Map of Easy Hikes around the GHNP
Hike to the GHNP Park Gate
Since the Great Himalayan National Park is not accessible by road, you will have to hike to the Park gate, which in itself is a lovely experience.
Hiking to the gate of the Great Himalayan National Park in Tirthan Valley is a good choice if you want to see a little bit of GHNP and if you don’t have the time to explore it further.
GHNP gate hike starts in Gushaini and follows a hiking trail by the Tirthan river. The trail runs through a forest and there are a few villages along the way.
After your hike to the Park gate, you can enjoy our packed lunch at a campsite by the river before returning to Gushaini. It will take three hours from Gushaini to the GHNP Gate and two hours back. It is an easy hike as the trail does not include steep slopes.
The Park Gate
An easy and beautiful hike by the riverside
Photos of the hike to the GHNP gate
The Tirthan river
You remain in the company of the Tirthan river during the entire hike.
Himalayan village
You come across several villages showing the traditional architecture and lifestyle of Himachal.
Easy hike
On the hike there will be no steeper slope than this. Just enjoy 🙂
Approaching the gate
A lovely river scenery at a short distance from the GHNP gate.
The famous Hippo
This boulder looks like a Hippo having bath!
Mobile connectivity
You won’t have much connectivity during most of the hike. But you can give a call from here.
Hikes from Jalori Pass (Serolsar Lake or Raghupur Fort)
Jalori Pass is a high mountain pass with spectacular views. It can be accessed by road (the drive is scenic). We arrange the jeep safari to the pass. From here, you can explore a few hiking trails. The Raghupur Fort trek and Serolsar Lake trek are two popular hikes from Jalori Pass.
Serolsar Lake is considered a sacred lake by locals and is a short hike from Jalori Pass and runs eastwards from the pass. The Jalori Pass to Serolsar Lake hiking trail is easy and comfortable despite the altitude. The trail from Jalori Pass to Serolsar Lake is under the canopy of trees and you get excellent views of the Himalayas in the south. The hike is around 4 to 5 hours long.
If you go westward from Jalori Pass, you can hike to Raghupur Fort. The Raghupur Fort trail is steeper but offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range and GHNP. The ruins of the fort with a small temple are in a meadow. The Raghupur Fort hike is around 2 to 3 hours.
A third hike from Jalori Pass is to a meadow with views similar to what you will see on the Raghupur Fort trek. Do note that Jalori Pass will be closed during winter in case of heavy snowfall.
We also offer camping in the wild near Jalori Pass if you’d like to combine a hike and camping experience!
Hiking from Jalori pass
Easily reach spectacular Himalayan sceneries
Photos of the hikes from Jalori Pass
Sojha Village
The last village on the way to Jalori. You can stop there for a tea break.
The trail to Serolsar lake
There is no technical difficulty on the hike to Serolsar lake.
Towards the south
The way to Serolsar offers nice views of the lower Himalayas.
Serolsar Lake
The lake is a sacred place worshipped by the locals
Intriguing shelters
The area is frequented by shepherds who have built fantastic shelters over the years
The GHNP
The hike to Raghupur fort offers a great view of the GHNP
Raghupur fort
The Raghupur fort offers a 360 degree view. The temple in the background adds more beauty to the frame
Views and biodiversity
Both hikes offer you an opportunity to experience Himalayan ecology
Bird watching
Jalori pass is home to a great variety of birds like the colorful minivets in the picture
Camping in the wild
We are great at arranging a great wilderness camping experience for you
Natural wonders
The astonishing natural formations at Jalori will surprise you
Kid-friendly trail
Kids will love being in nature and enjoy playing in the serene environment
Hiking on snow
Jalori is a great place to enjoy the first snow of the year
Snowball fight
You don’t need to reach Rohtang, you can enjoy snow here at Jalori
Frozen giants
Admire the gigantic snow covered Himalayan range from Jalori pass
Hike to Chehni Kothi via Miyagi
The hike to Chehni Kothi and Myagi combines the best of the Western Himalayas: scenic views, culture, and wildlife.
The hike, which starts from Bihar village, has a few steep slopes on the trail to Myagi top, a meadow near the village, which offers splendid views of GHNP. The trail cuts through a few villages, so you will experience the life of Himachalis. The trail and Myagi top are great for spotting many bird species such as magpies, tits, and vultures.
The Chehni Kothi hike from Myagi top or directly from Bihar village is easier. The highlight of this hike to the Chehni village is the tall, fortified temple tower known as Chehni Kothi. It is built in the kath-kuni style of architecture and the steep ladder is believed to be made from a single deodar log. The structure is believed to have withstood a major earthquake mostly intact.
The trek to Chehni Kothi, Jibhi, also offers you the chance to visit the well-known Shri Shringa Rishi Temple, which is a major temple in the valley.
The fabulous Chehani Kothi
Discover the traditional lifestyle of this part of the Himalayas and learn about the legend of Chehani !
Photos of the hike to Chehni Kothi via Myagi
Bihar Village
Your hike starts from a traditional Himalayan village
Deodar forest
The initial part of the trail takes you through an amazing forest of Himalayan Cedars
School in the nature
Taking your kids on the hike will allow them to bond with nature
Magic of the Himalayas
The tree cover will spread apart and you will get a glimpse of the Himalayas as you climb higher
Myagi Top
The Myagi village will lead you to a beautiful meadow offering a great view of the GHNP from the top
Camping amidst nature
Myagi is an easy to reach spot where you can enjoy camping
A beautiful sunset
The hike offers fabulous sunset views
Myagi village
See how the villagers sustain far from civilization and connectivity
Perfect yoga destination
Indulge in yoga or meditation in the presence of a calm breeze
Back in the wilderness
After enjoying at the Myagi top, you will find yourself amidst the century-old trees again
Enjoy the descent
You will have an exhilarating experience as you descend down
The Chehni Kothi
The Chehni Kothi will start appearing from amidst the tree cover
Chehni village
Catch a glimpse of the Himalayan lifestyle and culture
Sringa Rishi temple
Indulge yourself in the centuries old katkuni structure and the mythology of the local deities
End of the beautiful hike
Reach Bihar village at the end of your hike to enjoy a cozy homestay for the night
Hike to the Sacred Groove
While you can drive to the Bahu, we recommend you hike to Bahu village for a better experience. The highlight of the village is the Balo Nag Temple. It is located around 10km from Jibhi.
The hike to Bahu village/Balu Nag temple will allow you to experience a walk through a deodar forest and you’ll come across ponds and mountain goats. The temple is built on a stone platform and is believed to have been built when a devta asked for it as he was pleased with the hospitality of a local family.
There are many tree shrines and sacred trees in this forest, which show why Tirthan Valley is called “the valley of gods.” We can also show you the best places from which you can get good views of GHNP.
Hike to the Sacred Groove
Experience the natural energies of the Himalayan forest
Photos of the hike to the Sacred Groove
A calm walk
Enjoy entering the realm of serene nature
Balo Nag temple
The temple is man-made but the surrounding is nature-made
A Devta procession
Witness the local traditions as you indulge in a Devta procession
A splendid view
Our guide will take you to the best spot from where you can enjoy the view
Forest bathing
Forest bathe in the jungle here and feel the healing power of nature.
Spiritual experience
Just sit beside these ancient trees to gain a whole new perspective.
Hike to the Chhoie waterfall
The Chhoie Waterfall hike is a good choice if you are close to the Tirthan river in Gushaini and are looking for a half-a-day’s hike. Chhoie waterfall is also known as Sai Ropa waterfall and the Chhoie Waterfall trek begins from a road between Sai Ropa and Nagini.
The hike to Chhoie Waterfall will offer opportunities to see traditionally built houses in Himachali villages and the chance to enjoy a beautiful forest. The waterfall itself is in the middle of a forest. Locals worship a deity called Chhoie Mata here and you will find offerings for the deity.
This hike is a good one if you want to cool off in the little pool or just enjoy the refreshing misty spray of the waterfalls on a hot day.
The Chhoie waterfall
Enjoy the fresh and pure water of the Himalayan streams
Photos of the hike to Chhoie waterfall
An easy hike
But the start of the trail is a bit steep
Reaching the waterfall
The waterfall is nestled in a groove of leafy trees
Play in the water
Completely safe to get closer and refresh yourself in the waters
Natural Swimming pool
The waterfall creates a natural swimming pool that you can swim in
Dive in the water
Ofcourse the waters are cold but it will give you a refreshing feel
View from the distance
You will enjoy the view and the gushing sound of the waterfall even from a distance
Videos of the day-hikes in the Tirthan valley
The Chehni Kothi
Blending mountain hiking with a cultural experience
Jalori pass hike
Video about the hikes around Jalori pass, Tirthan valley
