When we talk about beauty and natural wonders, we can’t afford to miss Dev Bhoomi Himachal, a state blessed with many beautiful places. One such place is Winch Camp, a unique attraction located on a hilltop in Mandi’s small town, Joginder Nagar. Mainly, this amazing spot is popular as a campsite and for its unique haulage trolley system that runs over the highest funicular track in India. Continue reading this blog to know everything about this place, from its location and how to reach to the best time to visit, and much more.
Table of Contents
Winch Camp Location
Situated at a sky-touching height of nearly 8,200 feet, Winch Camp, Joginder Nagar is a beautiful camping destination in Joginder Nagar. During the British era, the winch haulage trolley system was built here to carry things from the town to this hilltop location, and it is named after this trolley system. Even in the present time, this trolley system is functional and mainly popular as a tourist attraction.
You can reach this wonderful location through trekking or enjoying an uphill ride on the haulage trolley system. This trolley system makes the journey to this amazing spot more exciting, as it runs through one of the steepest funicular tracks in the world and the highest in India. Some steep hills have very sharp slopes, and the track runs through forests and tall hills.
Why Visit Winch Camp, Joginder Nagar?
Most visitors know about popular places near Joginder Nagar, like Bir Billing and Barot Valley, but Winch Camp is an amazing spot that offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. A visit to this beautiful place will allow you to witness the century-old funicular railway system. Even though this place doesn’t welcome tourist crowds in large numbers, it is a must-visit because:
1. Historic Significance
This wonderful destination is home to Asia’s highest haulage trolley system, built by the British around 100 years ago during the construction of the Shanan Hydel Project. This unique engineering marvel is still functional and is used to transport things from the town to the hilltop campsite.
2. Natural Beauty
The Winch Camp location is so special as it offers beautiful views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, and if you want to witness the most stunning views, plan a visit during the blooming season. Mainly, it is popular among visitors and locals as a trekking and camping destination, and is surrounded by dense oak, pine, and deodar forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
3. Offbeat Travel Experience
Unlike other crowded tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, it allows visitors to experience the raw natural charm of Dev Bhoomi. If you want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of this wonderful state without tourist crowds, this place is the best.
Best Time to Visit Winch Camp
Winch Camp, the stunning camping location in Joginder Nagar, offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Before planning a visit to this beautiful place, you must know the best time to take a trip:
1. March to June- These months are generally considered safe for visiting this amazing spot, as the sky remains clear and the temperature is also pleasant. Moreover, the blooming flowers make the trekking and camping experience here more enjoyable.
2. September to November- This time is best for photographers, as from the camp, one can see the most excellent views of the surroundings during these months. Moreover, the clear skies and crisp air with excellent visibility make the experience more memorable.
3. July & August- These two months are not generally good for planning a trip, as the slippery trekking routes with landslide issues make the journey risky.
4. December to February- The heavy snowfall makes Winch Camp more beautiful in winter, but at the same time, it makes the visit more challenging. If you want to plan a visit during these months, choose days with clear weather to avoid any trouble.
How to Reach Winch Camp
Winch Camp, Himachal Pradesh the highest area in Joginder Nagar town, is very popular for stunning views, especially at sunrise. The town that houses this amazing spot is well-connected to other major towns that offer a smooth connection to the main cities. If you’re short on time, you can take a flight to Gaggal Airport and then catch a bus to Joginder Nagar. Palampur and Mandi are the nearest towns, well-connected to cities like Delhi and Chandigarh through regular bus services. You can choose from these two trekking routes for your journey to Winch Camp:
1. Trekking from Joginder Nagar
First, you need to reach Joginder Nagar. You can take a bus from Mandi and Palampur to reach the town. After that, a local taxi will take you to the start of the trek. If you’re visiting for the first time and do not have any local friends, it is best to hire a guide. The uphill trek to Winch Camp from the town is around 5-6 km, which can be easily covered in a single day.
2. Trekking from Barot Valley
Many people choose to explore the scenic Barot Valley first, and then plan a trip to this wonderful campsite. You can take a bus from Joginder Nagar Bus Stand to the valley, and spend 2-3 days exploring beautiful attractions there, like Lapas Waterfall, Barot Dam, Trout Fish Farm, and others. If you opt for this trek route, you’ll pass through the Khooni Ghati area, and the trekking journey might take 3-4 hours to complete.
Things to Do in Winch Camp
Winch Camp, the hidden hilltop destination in Joginder Nagar town, not only attracts visitors because of its stunning natural beauty but also offers the chance to enjoy many unique activities.
1. Birdwatching & Forest Walks
This campsite is surrounded by dense forests, where you can enjoy peaceful nature walks and discover various Himalayan birds.
2. Photography
Most people visit here to capture beautiful views of nature, especially at sunrise and at night. You can even take time-lapse shots of the surrounding landscape.
3. Camping
Overnight stay is allowed here, and you can enjoy camping with a bonfire under a starlit sky with the help of a trusted camping operator.
4. Trekking
Winch Camp is the starting point of many wonderful trek routes like Rajgundha, Bada Banghal, Kothi, Billing, and others.
Places to Visit Near Winch Camp
You can add more joy to your visit to Winch Camp by exploring the following nearby beautiful destinations:
1. Barot Valley
Barot Valley is a peaceful Himalayan village is popular for its Trout Fish farms, scenic trekking trails, dazzling waterfalls, welcoming residents, beautiful river and mountain views, and much more.
2. Bir Billing
Popular as Asia’s best paragliding site, Bir Billing is a paradise for thrill-seekers and is home to beautiful monasteries, scenic attractions, and cozy cafes. Many tourists enjoy fun activities and peaceful time here and then plan a visit to Winch Camp.
3. Shanan Power House
You can plan a day out to one of the oldest hydro projects in India, which is easily accessible with a private taxi from Joginder Nagar Town. From there, you can cover a visit to Chaprot and Ashapuri Mata temple on the same day.
Tips for Visiting Winch Camp
Before you go to Winch Camp, you must prepare the following things to enjoy a hassle-free visit:
- Avoid trekking during monsoon, winter, and on a day with bad weather, as it can be risky for your life.
- No matter which trekking route you select, always start the trek early in the morning to avoid any trouble and ensure a safe return.
- If you’re planning to stay overnight, pack enough snacks, water, and clothes, as these facilities are not easily accessible at Winch Camp for now.
- It is advised to hire a local guide who has good knowledge of the trail, as the dense forest trail might confuse first-time visitors.
Whether you are a professional photographer or someone who enjoys exploring wonderful destinations with raw natural beauty, Winch Camp is a place that must be on your travel plan this year. Located at a sky-touching height, this amazing spot is indeed one of the best places in Dev Bhoomi that offers an offbeat travel experience. Not just Winch Camp, you can explore the nearby attractions during your visit to Joginder Nagar town, making your trip more memorable.
Also Read – Tosh Village Guide: A Hidden Paradise in Parvati Valley