Tirthan Valley: A Hidden Gem of the Himalayas

Tirthan Valley is a peaceful and offbeat destination located in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed rivers, and lush forests, this place is perfect for nature lovers, trekkers, and those who want to relax in the lap of the Himalayas. The valley is named after the beautiful Tirthan River, which flows with clear, icy-cold water straight from the glaciers.

Why Visit Tirthan Valley?

• Offbeat and peaceful location – Less crowded than Manali or Shimla.
• Glacier Lake & Tirthan River – Ideal for trout fishing, riverside picnics, and photography.
• Adventure and Nature – Best for trekking, camping, and spotting Himalayan wildlife.

How to Reach Tirthan Valley?

• If you are coming from Delhi or Chandigarh, Tirthan is on the way to Manali.
• You need to get off around 14 km before Bhuntar.
• From there, take a bus or cab to Banjar.
• After Banjar, head 10 km to Gushaini Village, which is close to Tirthan Village.

Where to Stay in Tirthan Valley?

Tirthan offers cozy and budget-friendly hotels & homestays where you can enjoy local hospitality, home-cooked food, and beautiful views.

Recommended Stay: Laxmi Homestay Tirthan Valley

• Contact Dule Singh: 94597 21418
• Contact Bintoo: 94593 38279 / 82192 43009
• Room price range: ₹1000 – ₹1500 per night (budget-friendly with great views)

Best Places to Visit Near Tirthan Valley

1. Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)

The Great Himalayan National Park, also called GHNP, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Himachal Pradesh. It is a big protected area full of green forests, snowy mountains, waterfalls, and many types of plants and animals.

This park is very special because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means the world has recognized it as an important and precious place to protect.

What Makes GHNP Special?

• It is home to rare animals like snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and many colorful birds.
• You’ll find unique trees and flowers that you won’t see anywhere else.
• It’s a perfect place for people who love nature, trekking, and camping.

Ideal for Trekkers and Nature Lovers

There are many trekking routes inside the park, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. As you walk, you’ll hear birds chirping, see rivers flowing, and enjoy the peaceful vibe of the mountains.

Some popular trekking trails in GHNP are:

• Rolla Trek
• Shilt Hut Trek
• Rakhundi Top
• Tirthan Valley Trek

Entry and Stay

• You need to take permission to enter the park, which you can get from the forest office in Sai Ropa.
• There are no hotels inside the park, but you can stay in homestays or camps near Gushaini or Tirthan Valley.

2. Hippo Waterfall

Hippo Waterfall is a small and beautiful waterfall located deep inside the forest near Gushaini village in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It’s called Hippo Waterfall because the rocks around it are shaped like a hippopotamus. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Why Visit Hippo Waterfall?

• The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, clean air, and sounds of birds and flowing water.
• It is a short and adventurous trek through the jungle, giving you a chance to walk through untouched nature.
• It’s a perfect place to relax, take photos, or just sit quietly and enjoy the sound of water.

Important Rules and Limitations:

• You must take permission from the forest office in Sai Ropa or Gushaini. Entry without permission is not allowed.
• To protect the forest and nature, only a limited number of people are allowed in a day. So it’s better to go early and register.
• It is a zero-waste zone. Don’t throw plastic, bottles, or any waste in the forest. You should carry your waste back.

Hippo Waterfall is not a commercial tourist place — and that’s what makes it special. Respect the place, follow the rules, and you’ll come back with a peaceful and refreshing memory.

3. Jalori Pass – A Scenic Beauty from the Movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”

Jalori Pass is one of the most beautiful and peaceful mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of about 10,800 feet (around 3,120 meters) and connects the Banjar Valley with Ani in the Kullu district. This pass is not only loved by bikers and adventure travelers but also by nature lovers and trekkers.

Why Jalori Pass is Special?

Jalori Pass became more popular after it was featured in the famous Bollywood movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”. In one scene, Ranbir Kapoor and his friends are seen trekking in the snow-covered mountains — that stunning location is Jalori Pass!

This movie made many youngsters dream of visiting this spot with their friends and reliving the magic.

Enjoy the 360-degree Himalayan View

From the top, you get to see snow-covered peaks, green valleys, and pine forests all around. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

3. Athari Top in Bimu Forest

Athari Top is a lesser-known but beautiful viewpoint located inside the peaceful Bimu Forest near Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh. If you enjoy trekking, forest trails, and want to explore a calm offbeat destination, Athari Top is a perfect spot for you.

Trekking to Athari Top

The trek to Athari Top starts from the nearby villages around Tirthan, especially from Gusaini or Bimu side. The trail goes through dense deodar and pine forests, filled with birds, fresh air, and the soothing sound of nature.

• The trek is around 2-3 hours (one way) depending on your speed.
• It’s a moderate-level trek, suitable for beginners who are ready to walk uphill slowly.
• Along the way, you’ll pass streams, wildflowers, and may spot Himalayan birds or butterflies.

Bimu Temple

On the way to Athari Top, you will also come across the Bimu Temple – a small and local Himachali-style wooden temple. It is dedicated to a local deity, and locals deeply respect this temple. It’s a peaceful place to rest, pray, or just sit and enjoy the quiet forest vibes.

4. Chhoie Waterfall – Tirthan Valley

Chhoie Waterfall is a beautiful and lesser-known waterfall located in the peaceful surroundings of Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh. This natural wonder is perfect for those who love nature, trekking, and peaceful places away from tourist crowds.

Where is Chhoie Waterfall?

Chhoie Waterfall is located near the village of Nagini, which is about 3–4 km from Gushaini in Tirthan Valley. It is inside the Great Himalayan National Park eco-zone, surrounded by green forests and mountain views.

Trek to Chhoie Waterfall

To reach the waterfall, you need to do a short and enjoyable trek of around 45 minutes to 1 hour from the main road. The trail goes uphill through pine trees, small village paths, and forest patches.

• The trek is moderate, suitable for beginners.
• On the way, you’ll get lovely views of the valley and the Tirthan River.
• You can take short breaks under trees and listen to birds singing.

Why Visit Chhoie Waterfall?

• The waterfall is around 30-40 feet high, and the water falls down beautifully on big rocks.
• The sound of the water, the cool breeze, and green surroundings make it very relaxing.
• It is also a good spot for picnic, meditation, and photography.

Local Belief

Locals believe that Chhoie Mata, a local goddess, protects the area. There’s a small temple on the way where people stop and pay respect before going to the waterfall. Visitors are requested to respect local customs and avoid littering.