The unmatched natural beauty and amazing destinations in Dev Bhoomi Himachal make it a perfect choice for family, solo, and friends trips. Not only do crowded and popular hill stations, such as Manali, Kasol, Shimla, and Dharamshala, offer a memorable trip, but even quiet villages in this beautiful state offer a vacation filled with cherished memories. One such small and serene village in Himachal is Sarahan, which is also known as the Gateway to Kinnaur Valley.
Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, this village was once the summer capital of the Bushahr kingdom. Everything about this town, from the wonderful natural spots to the welcoming villagers, makes it a must-visit. Continue reading this Sarahan village guide to plan an enjoyable trip to this little wonder this year. This guide will cover the Sarahan village location, popular tourist places, and much more.
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Where is Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh?
Nestled in Dev Bhoomi Himachal’s capital city, Sarahan is a small village located on the old Indo-Tibetan Road and is an entry point to the Kinnaur Valley. Sitting at a sky-touching height of 7,589 feet, this village is nearly 170 km from Shimla and can be easily reached by road. Surrounded by the sparkling Sutlej River, this region is popular for being home to Bhimakali Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It also welcomes trekking lovers, as it serves as the starting point to the base of the Shrikhand Mahadev peak trek located in Joan village.
Miraculous Legend of Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan
Goddess Bhimakali is worshipped as the main deity and spiritual protector of Sarahan village. The older temple structure, located next to the current one, has a fascinating and miraculous legend linked with it. The 1905 earthquake affected the old temple, and it was slightly tilted, but during a later quake, it mysteriously straightened itself. Many locals also say that a secret tunnel connects this temple to the Ranwin village. Priests used this hidden passage to enter and exit unnoticed in the old times.
Not only locals, but also devotees from across India visit to seek blessings from the spiritual protector or main deity of this village. Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan, is one of 51 Shakti Peethas, and here Sati’s ear fell during the Daksha Yagna incident. Another legend related to this temple is linked with the demon Banasura, a descendant of Hari Bhakt Prahlad. Unlike his great-grandfather, Banasura was not a Hari Bhakt and had a thousand arms. He was defeated in a battle by Lord Krishna and is believed to be buried beneath the temple’s entry gate.
Best Time to Visit Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh
Sarahan, a little natural wonder sitting at a sky-touching height in Shimla, is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a peaceful vacation in Dev Bhoomi Himachal. This quiet village welcomes tourists in large numbers in the pre-summer and post-monsoon season.
- April to June & September to November: These months are considered the best to plan a visit to this village, as the weather remains wonderful most of the time. Most outdoor activities and treks also remain accessible in these months.
- December to March: These months are also good for planning a trip, but you might not explore some places due to heavy snowfall.
- July to August: Travelling during this time can be risky, as the heavy rainfall causes roadblocks at many places.
How to Reach Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh
The natural charm, the spiritual significance, and the always-smiling locals make Sarahan one of the best destinations in Shimla to enjoy a peaceful vacation. The Sarahan village distance is nearly 170 km from Shimla, which is conveniently connected to major cities across India:
By Air
If you’re planning to take a flight to Shimla, you can book a flight from Chandigarh Airport. Once you reach Jubbarhatti Airport, you have to use local transport to finish the journey.
By Road
Travelling by road, especially by bus, is a good and affordable choice. You can easily take a bus from Chandigarh or Delhi to Shimla and Rampur. After reaching these stops, you’ll reach Sarahan village in almost 6 hours.
By Train
The nearest major railway station to this is Kalka, around 163 km away. After that, you can book a private taxi or take a bus to the final stop.
Sarahan Village Places to Visit
Despite being a small and remote village, there are many places to visit in Sarahan that can help you enjoy a vacation filled with beautiful memories. Here are some of the popular places:
1. Bhimakali Temple
One of the important Sarahan village tourist places and visited by many devotees all year round. This temple is a beautiful marvel with architectural styles blending Himachali and Indo-Tibetan styles. You can seek the blessings of the main deity of this region for a peaceful journey.
| Place | Bhimakali Temple |
| Type | Religious Site |
| Significance | Main deity of Sarahan, visited by devotees year-round |
| Architecture Style | Blend of Himachali and Indo-Tibetan styles |
| Visitor Info | Seek blessings for a peaceful journey |
2. Shrikhand Mahadev Peak
If your only reason to plan a trip to the hills is to enjoy thrilling experiences, you must not miss the trek to the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak. This peak is visited by both adventure lovers and Lord Shiva devotees and is located at an amazing height of nearly 5,155 meters. Sarahan itself is not the starting point of this trek, but is close to its base camp, Joan village.
| Place | Shrikhand Mahadev Peak |
| Type | Trek / Pilgrimage |
| Significance | Sacred site for Lord Shiva devotees and thrilling trek for adventure seekers |
| Height | 5,155 m |
| Starting Point | Joan Village (near Sarahan) |
| Visitor Info | Popular among trekkers and spiritual travelers |
3. Sarahan Phesantry
Sarahan Bird Park is one of the most popular Sarahan village tourist places and is located close to the Bhimakali Temple. This park is a breeding center for various pheasant species, including the Monal, Jujurana, and many endangered species. The primary purpose of this park is to protect these rare bird species and give visitors a chance to see them in their natural habitat.
| Place | Sarahan Bird Park |
| Type | Wildlife Park |
| Significance | Breeding center for rare and endangered pheasant species |
| Notable Species | Monal, Jujurana, other endangered pheasants |
| Visitor Info | Located near Bhimakali Temple; offers chance to see birds in natural habitat |
4. King & Queen’s Palace
Located close to Maa Bhimakali Temple, this palace once served as the summer residence for the rulers of the Bushahr kingdom. It is not open for visitors, but you can explore the nearby gardens and orchards. The architectural styles of the palace are a mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements, and offer insights into the region’s past. It is no longer inhabited by the royal family, and they occasionally visit, especially during Durga Pooja.
| Place | King & Queen’s Palace |
| Type | Historical Palace |
| Historical Significance | Former summer residence of Bushahr kingdom rulers |
| Architecture Style | Blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements |
| Visitor Info | Not open to public; can explore nearby gardens and orchards; royal family visits during Durga Pooja |
5. Hawa Ghar
It is another wonderful spot located near the Bhimakali Mata Temple and offers unmatched views of the village and the surrounding peaks. This place remains crowded with photographers, especially during the sunrise and sunset. You need to hike through forests and hills to reach here and enjoy the natural views of the area, Kinnaur Valley, and Kailash Mountain Range.
| Place | Hawa Ghar |
| Type | Viewpoint / Scenic Spot |
| Special Features | Panoramic views of Sarahan, Kinnaur Valley, and Kailash Mountain Range |
| Activities | Hiking through forests and hills, photography (especially sunrise & sunset) |
| Best Time to Visit | Sunrise and sunset hours |
6. Bhaba Valley
Sarahan village distance from Bhaba Valley is 50 km, and this valley is mainly popular as the base camp for the Pin Valley trek in Spiti. Even if you’re not interested in trekking, you can simply visit here to enjoy nature walks and mesmerizing views of the alpine meadows and a dazzling lake.
| Place | Bhaba Valley |
| Type | Valley / Trek Base |
| Special Features | Base camp for Pin Valley trek, alpine meadows, dazzling lake |
| Activities | Trekking, nature walks, sightseeing |
| Best Time to Visit | April–June, September–November |
Things to Do in Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh
Sarahan, a small and lovely town located in Dev Bhoomi Himachal’s capital, promises a vacation filled with joyful moments by offering the following unique experiences:
1. Trekking
You can say Sarahan is heaven for trekkers and adventure lovers. You can enjoy a less difficult hike to Hawa Ghar or travel to the nearby Joan village for the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak trek.
2. Shopping & Food
From shopping for local crafts to enjoying regional dishes, the village’s market offers so much. You should book a stay in a traditional homestay for an extra cozy experience.
3. Explore Hidden Attractions
You can hire a local guide to explore many hidden waterfalls and caves in the region with easy-to-moderate hikes.
4. River Rafting
If you love thrilling activities, you must try river rafting on the Sutlej River in Sarahan. The rafting tour operators offer different packages for their clients.
5. Camping
One of the best things to do in Sarahan is camping in popular spots, including the Bhabha Valley and the Sutlej riverside. Many camping tour operators offer camping packages with all the essential equipment and fun activities.
Discover Peace, Culture, and Natural Charm in Sarahan
Dev Bhoomi Himachal is blessed to be home to many natural wonders, and Sarahan is among those hidden wonders that are away from the tourist crowd’s attention. This guide can help you plan a trip to this quiet village, or you can even book a Sarahan tour package from a trusted tour services provider. This little wonder is one of the exciting travel options to enjoy a memorable and peaceful vacation in Himachal.
Also Read – Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh – The Soulful Village Above McLeod Ganj