travelstories
May, 2024
Detailed Itinerary: 3 days in Shangarh
Detailed Itinerary: 3 days in Shangarh
I recently visited Shangarh, one of the most beautiful villages I've seen, where locals greet you with warm smiles. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh's Sainj Valley, this tranquil gem boasts stunning Himalayan views, lush meadows, and serene landscapes. Whether you're a nature lover, trekker, or seeking peace, Shangarh offers it all. Join me as we explore its iconic meadows, enchanting forests, and picturesque waterfalls. Let's embark on this unforgettable journey!
I recently visited Shangarh, one of the most beautiful villages I've seen, where locals greet you with warm smiles. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh's Sainj Valley, this tranquil gem boasts stunning Himalayan views, lush meadows, and serene landscapes. Whether you're a nature lover, trekker, or seeking peace, Shangarh offers it all. Join me as we explore its iconic meadows, enchanting forests, and picturesque waterfalls. Let's embark on this unforgettable journey!
How to reach shangarh?
How to reach shangarh?
To reach Shangarh, you need to take a bus to Manali. If you're traveling from Delhi, here's a breakdown of the journey:
Take a bus from Kashmiri Gate that goes to Manali. I recommend booking through the HRTC website, as they have very good AC buses with polite staff.
You need to get off at Aut, a small village near Kullu.
From Aut, you have two options:
Take a direct cab to Shangarh, which will cost approximately ₹1800-₹2000. You'll find lots of cab in aut market which are going to shangarh. Although I'll add one down below.
Take a bus to Sainj Valley (₹44 for males and ₹23 for females) and then take a cab from Sainj Valley to Shangarh (₹800).
For cab you can contact: +91 78071 93771 (Roshan)
To reach Shangarh, you need to take a bus to Manali. If you're traveling from Delhi, here's a breakdown of the journey:
Take a bus from Kashmiri Gate that goes to Manali. I recommend booking through the HRTC website, as they have very good AC buses with polite staff.
You need to get off at Aut, a small village near Kullu.
From Aut, you have two options:
Take a direct cab to Shangarh, which will cost approximately ₹1800-₹2000. You'll find lots of cab in aut market which are going to shangarh. Although I'll add one down below.
Take a bus to Sainj Valley (₹44 for males and ₹23 for females) and then take a cab from Sainj Valley to Shangarh (₹800).
For cab you can contact: +91 78071 93771 (Roshan)
Day 1 : Exploring shangarh village and Barshangarh Waterfall
Day 1 : Exploring shangarh village and Barshangarh Waterfall
After reaching Shangarh around 11 AM to 12 PM, you can freshen up and rest for some time in the cool breeze of Sainj Valley, admiring the Himalayan range. By 3 PM, you can get ready for the waterfall. There are numerous waterfalls in Shangarh, but I recommend visiting one where you have to trek up for around 15 minutes into the woods.
How to reach the waterfall: Just ask for basic directions from your hostel. You'll reach a point where there are two shops selling Maggi and snacks. Confirm the exact directions there. You will have to trek up for 15 minutes. You'll easily find the trails.
After reaching Shangarh around 11 AM to 12 PM, you can freshen up and rest for some time in the cool breeze of Sainj Valley, admiring the Himalayan range. By 3 PM, you can get ready for the waterfall. There are numerous waterfalls in Shangarh, but I recommend visiting one where you have to trek up for around 15 minutes into the woods.
How to reach the waterfall: Just ask for basic directions from your hostel. You'll reach a point where there are two shops selling Maggi and snacks. Confirm the exact directions there. You will have to trek up for 15 minutes. You'll easily find the trails.
Day 2 : Ganjau Thatch Trek
Day 2 : Ganjau Thatch Trek
If you love meadows and trekking, you'll find this trek amazing. I would recommend you take a local guide who knows the exact trails of Ganjau Thatch, as this trek has many paths. When I trekked this thatch without a local guide, we got lost in the forest for almost 2 hours and were barely able to reach the final destination.
While trekking up, you'll find enormous pine trees, lots of waterfalls, and a variety of flowers.
Exact distance: 6 km
Keep a large water bottle and lunch with you, as you won't find any shops or homes along the trails.
If you love meadows and trekking, you'll find this trek amazing. I would recommend you take a local guide who knows the exact trails of Ganjau Thatch, as this trek has many paths. When I trekked this thatch without a local guide, we got lost in the forest for almost 2 hours and were barely able to reach the final destination.
While trekking up, you'll find enormous pine trees, lots of waterfalls, and a variety of flowers.
Exact distance: 6 km
Keep a large water bottle and lunch with you, as you won't find any shops or homes along the trails.
Day 3 : Shangarh meadows and village
Day 3 : Shangarh meadows and village
We kept the last day not so hectic. On this day, you can visit Shangarh Meadows, the most iconic and photogenic place in the village, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Pin Parvati Pass.
There are a few restricted places in the meadows that one must be mindful of to respect the spiritual and serene aura of the place. On one end of the meadow is the temple of Shangchul Mahadev. To reach the place, follow the Sainj-Shangarh road. Just at the entry to the village, there is a wooden gate and a 50-meter walk leading to a captivating view of the place.
Brief History of Shangarh: Locals say that during Mahabharata times, the Pandavas came here during their period of exile and created the meadows by purifying the soil to cultivate rice.
We kept the last day not so hectic. On this day, you can visit Shangarh Meadows, the most iconic and photogenic place in the village, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Pin Parvati Pass.
There are a few restricted places in the meadows that one must be mindful of to respect the spiritual and serene aura of the place. On one end of the meadow is the temple of Shangchul Mahadev. To reach the place, follow the Sainj-Shangarh road. Just at the entry to the village, there is a wooden gate and a 50-meter walk leading to a captivating view of the place.
Brief History of Shangarh: Locals say that during Mahabharata times, the Pandavas came here during their period of exile and created the meadows by purifying the soil to cultivate rice.
Hostel and food reccommedations
Hostel and food reccommedations
I stayed at a hostel named RAFA. It is a place run by an amazing man called "Boga" from Hyderabad. I'll add the Instagram link of that place so that you can check it out. The food at RAFA is very good. You can find personal rooms as well as dormitories.
Link: Rafa homstay
I'll also recommend checking out "Mudhostel." The folks who run this hostel are amazing. You can contact Pranoti to get more details about the hostel. I saw people working from the hostel for months and living in Mudhostel. They also have a cafe where you'll find amazing food.
Link: Mudhostel
Zostel and Hostellers are also present in Shangarh.
I stayed at a hostel named RAFA. It is a place run by an amazing man called "Boga" from Hyderabad. I'll add the Instagram link of that place so that you can check it out. The food at RAFA is very good. You can find personal rooms as well as dormitories.
Link: Rafa homstay
I'll also recommend checking out "Mudhostel." The folks who run this hostel are amazing. You can contact Pranoti to get more details about the hostel. I saw people working from the hostel for months and living in Mudhostel. They also have a cafe where you'll find amazing food.
Link: Mudhostel
Zostel and Hostellers are also present in Shangarh.
