The lush green valleys of Dev Bhoomi Himachal are home to many wonders, popular for their untouched natural beauty. Sural Bhatori is one such little wonder that is nestled within Pangi, the most underrated valley of this amazing state. Unlike famous tourist places in Himachal, this stunning destination is unknown to visitors, but for adventure lovers, this place is no less than a heaven.
You reach this little wonder after crossing the Sach Pass, then you enter Killar and start your journey ahead to Lahual Valley, home to many hidden gems. Keep reading this blog to know more about this undiscovered treasure and explore everything from how to reach Sural Bhatori to popular attractions to visit.
Table of Contents
Sural Bhatori: A Scenic Village Beyond the Passes
Located at a sky-touching height of around 3000 meters, Sural Bhatori is a scenic village in the Pangi Valley of Chamba. This beautiful village, nestled beyond the passes, offers wonderful views of the mountains. This remote region has a stunning location between the Zanskar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges and is in proximity to the borders of Lahaul-Spiti and Jammu & Kashmir.. As this place is still undiscovered and not famous among tourists, you can’t find fancy restaurants, cafes, and shops here. However, during the season time, small local shops serve visitors here.
Uncovering the Meaning Behind ‘Bhatori’
Bhatori comes from the word Bhotia, which is used commonly for Buddhist people living in this scenic village. Villages in Pangi Valley, the paradise for trekkers and nature lovers, where Buddhist people live, are called Bhatori. Some other places in this wonderful valley populated with Buddhist followers are Hudan Bhatori, Chasak Bhatori, and Parmar Bhatori.
Sural Bhatori, a delightful place in the Pangi Valley of Chamba, must be your go-to destination if you wish to explore a quiet place in Dev Bhoomi Himachali with untouched natural beauty. This village is home to Tashi Chholing, or Sural Gompa, the oldest monastery in the valley. This monastery has paintings that are over 300 years old, and the new monastery was recently inaugurated in 2021.
How to Reach Sural Bhatori?
Not only is Sural Bhatori popular for its natural beauty, but also the Bhotia people living in this quiet village are well-known for their kindness, hospitality, and welcoming nature towards visitors. Sural Bhatori distance from Chamba is nearly 180 km and the nearest bus stop to this scenic village is Killar Bus Stop, located nearly 30 km away. From Killar, you can take a local bus to reach your final destination with an unforgettable 1-hour and 20-minute journey.
From Killar Bus Stop, the bus will follow the Killar-Kishtwar route till Dharwas, and then it will turn towards Dharwas Village, which is close to Sural Bhatori. Even though the Killar Kishtwar route doesn’t have a road in good condition, the road from Dharwas is well-maintained. After you cross this village, you again have to continue your journey on a muddy road. So, always plan a trip to this little wonder during summer or pre-winter, as monsoon is not a favorable time for a perfect visit.
Best Places to Visit in Sural Bhatori
Sural Bhatori, a hidden wonder in Dev Bhoomi Himachal, offers something for every kind of traveler. Here are some must-visit places and experiences in this scenic village:
1. Sural Bhatori Lake
If you’re planning a visit to this little natural wonder, you can’t afford to miss a memorable visit to Sural Bhatori Lake. This crystal-clear lake offers mesmerizing views and a perfect atmosphere to relax and meditate.
2. Chabi Waterfall
This small village is also home to a dazzling waterfall, which is easily accessible with an easy 20 or 30-minute hike. The waterfall offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests and the Chenab River, making it the perfect place for a refreshing experience.
3. Sural Gompa
This monastery is located at the end of this quiet village, which offers visitors a glimpse into Buddhist teachings and locals’ cultural beliefs. It is nestled within a birch forest and at a short distance from the village.
Must-Experience Things
1. Hiking & Trekking
This beautiful village is a great base for exploring many wonderful trails. In addition to a small hike to the Sural Waterfall, you can enjoy longer treks to Zanskar, Kishtwar, and the Hudan Valley. No worries if you’re visiting here for the first time, as you can hire local guides for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
2. Nature Walks & Photography
Other than trekking, you can simply enjoy nature walks in its green meadows. Moreover, this village is also popular among photographers and birdwatchers, as it is home to diverse flora and fauna, including Himalayan birds, bharal, brown bears, Himalayan birch, and alpine flowers.
3. Camping & Enjoying Local Cuisine
Sural Bhatori has many stunning locations where you can set up your own tent. A cricket ground is located at an amazing height of 11,000 meters and is very close to the popular campsite at Sural. Moreover, you can’t miss enjoying local cuisine at small homestays.
Nearby Attractions from Sural Bhatori
Sural Bhatori, the scenic village in Pangi Valley, is close to many nearby attractions. Here are the top 3 popular attractions:
1. Saichu Tuwan Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary home to diverse wildlife, including snow leopards, brown bears, and many rare Himalayan birds.
2. Chasak Bhatori
It is another scenic village populated by Bhotia people and is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about Buddhist culture.
3. Mindhal Mata Temple
This temple, dedicated to Chamunda Devi, is located in the beautiful Mindhal village and is nearly 12 km from Killar.
Sural Bhatori – A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
Add Sural Bhatori, Pangi Valley to your travel plan for 2025, as this scenic village is perfect for an unforgettable trip in Dev Bhoomi Himachal. However, if you’re traveling from plain areas, spend some days in Pangi Valley, as this village is located at a high altitude, so you might face the issue of altitude sickness. This village is full of natural wonders, but it is remote, and planning a visit here during April to November, except for the monsoon months, is advisable. Generally, between June and September, this quiet village welcomes the most tourists, as the weather remains wonderful and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Also Read – Exploring Winch Camp – The Secret Spot Above Joginder Nagar