Situated in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Barot Valley still remains an explored site of India. It is situated in the Mandi district of Himachal at a height of 6000ft above sea level. This valley is well-known for its beauty, cleanliness, purity, and the kind-hearted people who live here. Here, you can cherish the peace and simplicity in the air and spend some time with nature. The chirping of birds and the gushing of rivers further make it one of the most tranquil sites in India. The place also offers some of the best experiences, such as trekking, fishing, and camping. Through this blog, we will explore deeply about this place, its location, how to reach it, and what to do.
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Overview of Barot Valley
Barot Valley is a beautiful and peaceful place in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a small village in the Mandi district. The distance of Barot Valley from Mandi town is about 63 miles and 37 kilometers from Joginder Nagar. The valley is 6,000 feet above sea level. Such a height makes it one of the top spots for adventure lovers. Barot was initially made for a significant project to use water from the Uhl River, but now it has emerged as a popular place for tourists. People who visit can enjoy fun activities like trekking, camping, and fishing. If you are planning a trip to Himachal, don’t forget to visit this hidden treasure for a peaceful as well as exciting experience in the mountains.
How To Reach Barot Valley?
One can easily reach Barot Valley, even though it is a little off the path. It is well-connected to prominent cities of India like Delhi and Chandigarh, which makes it easy for people to get there. Here are different means by which you can travel to Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh.
1. By Air
If you don’t like crowded spaces or busy roads, air transportation is a good option. The nearest airport to Barot is the Kullu airport at Bhuntar, which is about 100 km away from the valley. From there, it is just a 4-5 hour drive to Barot. Several flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Kullu take place, which you can opt for. Another choice is the Gaggal airport near Dharamshala, which is around 110 km from the valley.
2. By Train
If you prefer trains, the Barot Valley nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, which is 36 km from Barot Valley. Joginder Nagar station connects to cities like Chandigarh, Palampur, and Ghatasni. It also has links with Pathankot through a narrow-gauge rail network. The Pathankot-Mandi road is only about 96 km from Barot. This makes it easy for travelers to reach Barot without any hassle.
3. By Road
- Delhi to Barot Valley – 476 km
- Chandigarh to Barot Valley – 241 km
- Pathankot to Barot Valley – 182 km
There are two main road routes from Delhi to Barot Valley. The first route is through Mandi and the other is through Jogindernagar. Both routes cover similar distances and take about the same amount of time. The drive through Mandi is extremely beautiful and would be an amazing road trip with friends or family.
If you prefer public transport, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses are available. You can catch these buses from the Jogindernagar railway station. The bus journey from Delhi to Barot takes around 13 to 15 hours. Traveling by bus through the valley is a remarkable experience.
What Is The Best Time To Visit the Barot Valley?
There are no windy or harsh climate conditions in Barot Valley Mandi, Himachal Pradesh except during the monsoons. Due to its extreme height, the valley receives plenty of rainfall. This is the primary cause why people prefer to visit here for trekking. Therefore, one can visit this valley anytime, apart during monsoons. 16° C is the average climatic temperature here, and the winters and summers offer the appropriate amount of warmth and cold. Therefore, tourists can visit here for a short duration, such as a 2- to 3-day tour.
Best Places to Visit in Barot Valley
Barot Valley is a quiet, small area, but it offers a variety of exciting places to explore. Here are some of the best spots you should check out if you are visiting the valley:
1. Uhl River
The Uhl River is the only natural water source in the valley. It begins from the Thamsar Glacier in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas. This river is one of the prominent highlights of the area as it offers opportunities for outdoor activities like camping and fishing. It is one of the top attractions in Barot Valley.
2. Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
Across the Uhl River, there is a sanctuary called the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an extremely popular destination. The sanctuary is home to many animals, including the Himalayan Monal, Black Bear, and Ghoral. The trek route to Kullu also passes through the lush forests of this sanctuary. This makes it an adventure spot for tourists.
3. Barot Temple
The Barot Temple is widely known as the Dev Pashakot Temple. This stunning temple is located along the Uhl River. To reach the temple, you will have to trek downhill for about 15 minutes. It is an extremely peaceful spot with spiritual significance, and the temple is devoted to a local deity.
4. Chuhar Valley
Chuhar Valley is another beautiful part of the Mandi district. Some of the key sites here include Jhatingri village and the Hrangnarayan Temple. The valley is also famous for the Mandi Shivratri festival, which is an annual celebration by the local people.
5. Shanan Hydel Project
The Shanan Hydel Project was the motivation for developing Barot Valley. It was one of the initial projects of India related to hydroelectric power with a megawatt capacity and was created by the British in partnership with the ruler of Jogindernagar. Today, it is managed by the Punjab State Electricity Board.
Conclusion
Barot Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the pristine paradises where nature’s beauty meets peace and tranquility. One can indulge in a range of experiences in the Barot Valley, such as trekking, camping, and more, and witness the magnificence of nature. It has a lot of things to offer, rather than just scenery amid the mountains. So, pack your bags, embrace the allure of this hidden Himalayan gem, and be prepared to create your own stories amid the mountains.
Also Read – Top 5 Best Schools in Himachal Pradesh