Tirthan valley

Tirthan valley

Nestled in the lap of the Western Himalayas, Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh is often called the state’s best kept secret. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Shimla, Manali, or Dharamshala, Tirthan offers a quieter, more authentic Himalayan experience, where time seems to slow down and nature takes center stage.

The valley takes its name from the Tirthan River, which originates in Tirth, deep within the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flowing through forests and villages, the river finally merges with the Beas at Larji. Famous for its trout, the Tirthan is also surrounded by lush apple and apricot orchards that the Kullu region is known for.

But Tirthan is more than just a scenic escape. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxed holiday close to nature, staying with warm-hearted locals in their homes, enjoying simple hospitality and delicious traditional meals. It is also the gateway to the GHNP, where unforgettable treks lead into pristine wilderness, snow-fed rivers, alpine meadows, and untouched forests alive with Himalayan wildlife.

Whether you wish to wander through orchards, sit by the riverside with a book, or embark on a life-changing trek in the Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan Valley is a place where every traveler finds peace, inspiration, and connection.

Tirthan Valley is located in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the two valleys in the town Banjar. The other valley is the Jibhi valley. The Tirthan valley is a 5-hour drive from Chandigarh and 9-hour from Delhi. Banjar is around 50km from Bhuntar Airport.

Tirthan Valley is one of those rare Himalayan destinations where you can do a little bit of everything, or nothing at all. Serene and slow-paced, it’s the perfect getaway in all seasons, combining nature, culture, and adventure.

Here are some of the reasons why travelers love coming here :

• Gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP): From Gushaini village, you can start unforgettable treks into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to rare wildlife, alpine meadows, and pristine forests.
• Village life & homestays: Experience authentic Himachali hospitality in traditional wooden houses, wander through quaint hamlets, and share moments with local families.
• Temples & shrines: Known as the Valley of Gods, Tirthan is dotted with ancient temples and sacred spots, each with its own legend and cultural significance.
• Birdwatching & nature walks: With intact forest ecosystems and hundreds of bird species, Tirthan is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
• Angling & riverside relaxation: The crystal-clear Tirthan River is famous for trout fishing, but just sitting by its banks with a book is equally rewarding.
• Short hikes & hidden waterfalls: From your homestay, you can walk to orchards, waterfalls, or quiet forest trails that reveal the valley’s beauty at a gentle pace.
• Adventure activities: For the more active, there are options like rock climbing, rappelling, or even mountain biking in the surrounding hills.

Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure, or cultural immersion, Tirthan Valley offers a complete Himalayan experience, away from the crowds of Manali and Shimla.

Read more about what you can do in the Tirthan valley here.

Exploring Tirthan Valley is as much about the journey as the destination. The valley is easily reachable by car, but once here, you can also move around using local buses, shared taxis, or private taxis. For the most authentic experience, we recommend staying in a local homestay, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Himachali culture.

The best way to discover Tirthan, however, is on foot. Walking through the valley is not only eco-friendly, it also lets you slow down, soak in the peaceful atmosphere, and reach many scenic spots, villages, and places of interest directly from your accommodation.

At Heco, we design Tirthan Valley tour packages and can help you craft a Tirthan Valley itinerary that matches your pace, whether you’re looking for a relaxed walking holiday, short day hikes, or customized treks into the Great Himalayan National Park.

The best time to visit Tirthan valley is April, May, June, and then October, November and December.

Tirthan Valley weather in summer is usually around 20- to 30-degree centigrade. While April is slightly chill, May and June are sunny and pleasant.

The weather in Tirthan Valley between October and December is between 12- to 25-degree centigrade. September is pleasant but might still be under the influence of the monsoon. October is probably the best month of the year, while November and December are generally colder (10 to 20 degree) but sunny. The Valley is not as green in the colder months.

Avoid the monsoon between July and August as it rains a lot and the paths become slippery and there are chances of landslides. It can be humid and stormy in July and humid with heavy rains in August. September may see some rain.

You could come in the winter months of January to March to enjoy snowfall. Tirthan Valley temperature is generally between 0- to 5-degree centigrade during snowfall.

You can check with us about the weather in Tirthan Valley before planning a trip to Tirthan.

Tirthan Valley is well connected by road, lying about 9 hours from Delhi and around 5 hours from Chandigarh. It is also conveniently located near other popular Himachal destinations such as Kasol, Manali, and Shimla, making it an easy and scenic drive from these hubs.

There are different types of accommodation in the Tirthan Valley. We can arrange hotels or homestays for you depending on your preference and budget.

There is also a government managed quite basic tourist complex in Sai Ropa in the Tirthan valley. It is about 15 minutes from the start of treks in the Great Himalayan National Park at Gushaini. Bookings can be arranged. However, there are other more convenient homestays and guest houses in the Tirthan valley.

See accommodation in the Great Himalayan National Park for detailed information about accommodation.