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?
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
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.
1TP7 En route vers Chehni
Aller à Chehni est une belle occasion de combiner randonnée dans une belle forêt et d'avoir un aperçu du mode de vie local.
L'architecture de Chehni Kothi
Architecture Kath-Kuni
Le Chehni Kothi est fabriqué dans le respect de la manière traditionnelle de construire des maisons.
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.
Les environs de Chehni Kothi
Entouré par la forêt de Devodar, l'altitude du village est parfaite pour la culture des pommiers.
Temple Shringa Rishi
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.
Temple Shringa Rishi
Vous pouvez facilement visiter le temple Shringa Rishi lors de votre visite à Chehni Kothi.
Questions fréquemment posées
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.
Vidéo de Chehni Kothi
Vidéo de Chehni Kothi
Profitez des images prises par drone de la tour Chehni Kothi !
Vidéo du col de Jalori
Profitez des images prises par drone du col de Jalori !
