Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti Valley in 12 Days – Day 2
There is no doubt that the entire state of Himachal is blessed with celestial beauty. Few of its towns like Shimla or Manali are well-known and hence very touristy. However, there are few lesser known towns also, which are scenic and pristine, concealed in their remoteness. For example, small sleepy towns like Jeori and Sarahan, which are not so popular, but very picturesque. We headed there on our second day of our Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti. We started our trip with a wonderful evening spent in Shoghi, the ‘Temple town’ of Himachal Pradesh. It is just 15 km before Shimla on NH-22, also known as Shimla-Ambala Highway. We spent the night at Aamod at Shoghi, an eco-tourism resort set in pristine virgin forest of Himachal Pradesh. The following day, we headed to Sarahan and stayed overnight in Jeori.
Highlights of the Day
- Shoghi to Jeori-Sarahan
- Shimla-Naldehra-Rampur Bushahr Route
- Overnight stay in Jeori
Shoghi to Jeori-Sarahan
The morning was cold. I could feel it clearly that I am in Himachal Pradesh. I wore my yogawear, and trailed to the top to enjoy some amazing views. Soon, we were called for breakfast. I prefer eating only fruits during breakfast, glad that there were fruits in the breakfast buffet that was complimentary with our stay. We packed up soon as we have a long drive of around 200 km to look forward to. We left Aamod at Shoghi at around 9 AM.
From Shimla, there are two ways to reach Jeori. One way is to drive via Kufri-Theog-Narkand-Bithal-Rampur Bushahr. This route is via inviting apple orchards and dense forests with unique view of hilltops. The other route is via Naldehra-Chaba-Pandoa-Bithal-Rampur Bushahr. This route is lined along side the Sutlej river, and also less touristy. Hence, we chose the second route.
It took us around 6 h to reach Jeori. From there, if you drive straight, you head toward Kalpa, and if you take a right, you head toward Sarahan, which is only 30 min away.
Our First Stop – Shimla
In 30 min, we arrived in Shimla – the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It used to be the summer capital of British India, and now is one of India’s most popular hill resorts. You can spend an hour or two here to explore. Visiting the Mall Road, taking in the colonial architecture all around Shimla, and enjoying the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train ride should be on your list.
Our Next Stop – Naldehra
Our next stop was Naldehra, which is about 23 km ahead of Shimla. It is home to a nine-hole golf course – the oldest in India. You can enjoy a good hike in the woods of Naldehra densed with fragrant pine trees.
Heading to Chaba
Neerav and Vinay planned to ride bicycles from Naldehra to Chaba. At around noon, we reached Chaba where we encountered Sutlej river.
Brief Stop at Rampur Bushahr
In another 3 h, we reached the small town called Rampur Bushahr. It was the last capital of the Bushahr dynasty that ruled Shimla & Kinnaur regions for a long time.
Final Stop – Jeori
At around 4 PM, we reached Jeori. We found a small market in the town from where we bought some fresh mangoes and bananas. If you are in Jeori, do visit the Hot Water and Spring Temple – as it is one of the natural hot springs located in the Himalaya. The Manimahesh pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev peak, held in the month of July, starts with a dip in the hot spring waters of Jeori.
There are two ways to head to Sarahan from Jeori. The first one is to take the right opposite to Bushar Hotel and Restaurant. If you miss that, there is another other right after crossing the Hot Water and Spring Temple in Jeori. Both are Jeori-Sarahan roads.
Check-In at Hotel Alpine View
Hotel Alpine View is located right on the Jeori-Sarahan road. It is a decent hotel with nice views and an in-house restaurant. There are also many places to stay in Sarahan but we chose to stay here so that next day we leave early from here and get to the Kalpa road.
What To Do in Sarahan?
If you are in Sarahan, you must visit this interesting temple complex, which is a good example of Himachali architecture. The temple has some Tibetan influence, which is seen in its two main towers represented by the sun and moon symbols. Kindly note that you cannot take pictures inside. You are not allowed to wear anything made of leather (animal skin) inside the temple. Also, you must wear a cap while entering the temple that you can borrow from any local outside.
You get to enjoy beautiful views of Srikhand Ranges from Sarahan. There are beautiful walks around the Sarahan, the toughest one being the Srikhan Mahadev pilgrimage walk. However, you can walk around 2 km up to Hawa Ghar. The walk to Hawa Ghar from temple complex is via apple orchards. The path is too photogenic. You can hear the music of golden bird while walking. You will get the best view of Sarahan from Hawa Ghar.
Local Meal in Hotel Alpine View
I love to try local food. I did not find the Himachali food much different from Punjabi cuisine or Uttarakhandi cuisine. It seems similar, and I loved the food – all vegan! We ordered basic local “Thali” in the restaurant of the same hotel we were staying at.
Next day, we would be heading to explore the main sights of Kinnaur Valley – Sangla, Rakchham, Chitkul, and more. Follow me on my next post! Ciao!
Total Distance Traveled: 200 km
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN INR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 2 in India – Shoghi to Jeori-Sarahan.
- Stay at Hotel Alpine View (1 night): 950
- Food and miscellaneous: 300
Total expense (roughly): 1,250 INR
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I love reading your blog! I know very little about India and your posts give me a lot of insight into places I haven’t even heard about, like Himachal Pradesh, or Rampur Bushahr, which by the way looks a lot like the Alps. Would love to visit India someday. Nature is absolutely is so beautiful and diverse here.
So true.
This was a lot nostalgic as Shimla was one of our honeymoon destination. The Kalka-Shimla toy train, Mall, Church and the Naldhera Pine forest all brought back those seet memories. But we still need to explore more of Chaba, Rampur Bushahr, Jeori and Sarahan. Very refreshing post. Look forward to Day 3.
Sure, hope you have the link of day 3 by now.
I do love that view of the houses all up on the hills. It reminded me of Italian hill towns. I am always looking for interesting train rides. So will add the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to the list. That trip through the mountains looked lovely. Even on a cloudy day.
That’s true!!!
Firstly,wow what a awesome trip. So detailed! I know very little about India and the more i read your blogs the more i wish to visit! Would love a ride on that train! the views look amazing
Glad to know that you liked it.
Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful places in India. I had been planning a trip to Lahaul-Spiti for long, but it did not somehow happen. But I have travelled to Shimla and Sarahan. Both the places are so beautiful, especially Sarahan. The architecture of the temples in Sarahan is quite unique and beautiful, in fact it is in all of Kinnaur region. Looking forward to your posts on Lahaul and Spiti.
Sure, Amrita.
What a great road trip, the photos truly ooze adventure! The views from the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train must be spectacular, and the clouds seem to make the landscape even more atmospheric. Not to mention that the Himachali cuisine looks really good 🙂
I am in love with Himachali food.
I agree when you say, Himachal is a celestial beauty! There is a list of places to see & things to do for me in Himachal and I haven’t been here yet! And ofcourse, Spiti is atop that list! Riding the Kalka-Simla toy train as well.
OMG, that pic of Simla filled with houses gives me a new perspective of the city! It is indeed crowded!
I can imagine why you chose the 2nd route. The view of Sutlej is indeed splendid. Rajma Chawal at a road-side dhaba would be so heavenly. I’m drooling now.
I am glad that I could make you drool hahaha!
Himachal Pradesh is heaven. I stayed in Aamod Shoghi and what a great property it is. I really enjoy the road trip in Himachal Pradesh. Those fresh air, layers of hills and small town feel is so beautiful. I haven’t been to Bhimakali Temple and now it is on my list. Through this article I have travelled vitually with you.
That’s all we can do now, for a while.
You’ve been around so many beautiful places! I like that it has a lot of architecture inspiration such as the British buildings, etc. I wish to explore this place in the future with my Aussie family.
You would love it here.
I love the photo of Shimla with the the steep roads make me wonder if you can get around there without a car? Walking the streets uphill appears to be like climbing a mountain.
Yes, the road was like that.
I have done this route and it was worth all the pain that I had to go through. Kinnaur and Spiti are just gorgeous.
Indeed.
This looks like an awesome experience and I wish i had done the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ride when I visited the country. NExt time!
Always a next time!
I loved to read your detailsed review and follow your trip. The British architecture is such a big contrast to the Indian one, would love to see the old capital for my own eyes. I miss having some Indian food, your shots just made me hungry. THe most, however, I would love to see the breathtaking views in the mountais, looks amazing.
Would post some more, soon.
Your post take me back to the memories of our Spiti Trip and BTW i just realized despite the several trips we have made to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, we have never taken the Naldhera route. No doubt it looks scenic too. But we really love the orchards and trees full of flowers on the other route too. Hopefully after COVID a trip to Spiti again.
I wish you can visit soon.
The mountain views and varied scenery are remarkable. The light filtering through the trees in the Naldehra forest is surreal. I would love to take a trip on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
I am glad to know that you liked it.
Himachal and the area is so beautiful! If you didn’t say it’s India I would have thought the pictures were from somewhere else! I really like the picture of buildings on the hill in Simla! I wonder how it must look like when walking between them.
Sounds like you had a great road trip!
I have been once on a toy train but it was between Ooty and Coonor, also another beautiful hill resorts.
Yes, it was a great trip, indeed.
Himachal looks like a very beautiful state. I can’t believe how green everything is all around. Especially in Shimla, where there are so many alpine woods. No wonder they call it the “Queen of Hills” since it sits up so high.
Yes, that’s true.
How intriguing that those buildings in Shimla are so quintessentially English. It’s so odd that a nation would travel half the way around the world to re-create the look of their own country In a completely different environment. It looks like they’ve all been maintained and preserved well over the years. That railway journey does look picturesque I bet that bridge has been photographed hundreds of thousands of times
Yes, absolutely.
What an adventure around Himachal. The perspective of the houses in Shimla – The Queen of Hills is really pretty. Similarly, the church on Mall Road looks divine. I like this type of architecture. Finally, I see why the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is the most scenic railway journey in India. The view from it fmust be breath-taking.
Yes, the view is magnificent.
I have never been to Shimla. But I would love to visit that some day. I know Himachal is truly a heaven on Earth and I can still feel, sitting here at home, the chill air. It was truly spectacular. Oh I miss India now.
I will really not recommend Shimla any more.
Wow! Naldehra looks like a scene directly from the book. I would love go hiking and explore this wonderful place to enjoy some clean and cool air.
Thank you for sharing with us your wonderful adventure. It is such an interesting read. 🙂
Thanks Clarice.