The Tirthan valley follows the Tirthan river in the Banjar area of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. The river rises inside the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, and villages such as Gushaini, Nagini and Bathad line its banks. Nearby Jibhi, in a side valley towards Jalori Pass, is often visited on the same trip.
The things to do here are simple and outdoors: sitting by the river, walking to waterfalls, fishing for trout, day walks at the edge of the national park, and a drive up to Jalori Pass for forest trails to Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort. The villages have fine examples of kath-kuni architecture, built in alternating layers of wood and stone.
Two to three days is a good length; add more if you plan to trek inside GHNP. The valley is about 50 km from Bhuntar and just off the Chandigarh–Manali highway at Aut.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Tirthan Valley travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Tirthan Valley
- Stay in a riverside homestay and listen to the Tirthan
- Walk to Chhoie waterfall
- Try catch-and-release trout fishing with a permit
- Walk into the Great Himalayan National Park
- Drive up to Jalori Pass
- Walk to Serolsar Lake through oak forest
- Hike to the meadows of Raghupur Fort
- See the tall wooden tower of Chaini Kothi
- Visit Jibhi waterfall and its villages
Going by road? See our guide to road trips in Himachal Pradesh.
Love the outdoors? See our guide to valleys in India.
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
Planning a wildlife trip? See our guide to the best national parks in India.
Planning something active? Read our guide to adventure activities in Himachal.
Along the river
Stay by the river
The best way to experience Tirthan is to stay in a homestay or guesthouse right on the river, where the sound of the water fills the day. Most properties are family-run and serve home-cooked Himachali meals. Gushaini and Nagini are the main clusters.
- Good for
- Couples, families, remote workers
Walk to Chhoie waterfall
Chhoie waterfall, near Nagini, is reached by a walk of about 2 km through a village and forest after crossing the river. The fall is at its fullest after the monsoon, and the trail is pleasant in any season.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Good for
- Families, walkers
Fish for trout
The Tirthan is known for brown trout, and angling is allowed in designated stretches with a permit from the fisheries department. Catch-and-release is encouraged, and some homestays can help arrange permits and gear. Fishing is closed during the breeding season, usually in winter.
- Good to know
- Permit required; seasonal closure
- Good for
- Anglers
The Great Himalayan National Park
Walk into the park
GHNP protects high forests, alpine meadows and glaciers, and is home to the western tragopan, Himalayan monal, musk deer and Himalayan tahr. Day walks start from Gushaini and Ropa towards Rolla, following the river into the forest. Deeper treks to Shilt, Rakhundi or the high meadows take several days and need a permit and registered guide.
The park's information centre and the local community ecotourism society can help with permits and guides. Rules change, so confirm before you go.
- Time needed
- Day walk to multi-day trek
- Best time
- April to June, September to November
- Good for
- Trekkers, birdwatchers
- Good to know
- Permit needed for the core zone
Go birdwatching
The valley and the edges of GHNP are rich for birdwatching, with species such as the Himalayan monal, kalij pheasant, white-capped redstart and plumbeous water redstart along the river. Early mornings in spring and autumn are best.
- Best time
- Early morning
Jalori Pass and Jibhi
Drive up to Jalori Pass
Jalori Pass, at about 3,120 metres, links the Kullu valley with the Shimla side. The road climbs steeply through forest, and the top has a small temple, dhabas and views of the peaks. It is often closed by snow in winter.
- Best time
- April to November
- Good to know
- Often snowbound in winter; steep road
Walk to Serolsar Lake
From Jalori Pass, an easy trail of about 5 km through oak forest leads to Serolsar Lake, a small, clear lake with a temple to Budhi Nagin. It is one of the prettiest walks in the area and suitable for most people.
- Distance
- About 5 km one way
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours return
- Good for
- Families, beginners
Hike to Raghupur Fort
In the other direction from Jalori Pass, a steeper trail of about 3 km leads to the ruins of Raghupur Fort on a high meadow with panoramic views of the Himalaya. Very little of the fort remains, but the meadow is the real reward.
- Distance
- About 3 km one way
- Time needed
- 3 hours return
- Good for
- Active travellers
See Chaini Kothi and Jibhi
Chaini village, near Banjar, has a tall wooden tower-temple, Chaini Kothi, built in the kath-kuni style and said to be centuries old. Jibhi, a short drive away, has a small waterfall, wooden houses and many homestays and treehouse stays. The Shringa Rishi Temple at Bagi is another important village temple.
- Good for
- Architecture lovers, photographers
Things to do in Tirthan Valley by type of traveller
Couples: A riverside stay, the Serolsar walk and slow evenings by the water make a peaceful break.
Families: Chhoie waterfall, Serolsar Lake and the river bank are safe, easy outings. Keep children away from the fast current.
Trekkers: Use Tirthan as a base for multi-day treks into the Great Himalayan National Park.
What to do in Tirthan Valley with one day
Walk to Chhoie waterfall in the morning and have lunch at your homestay. Drive up to Jalori Pass in the early afternoon, walk to Serolsar Lake, and return via Jibhi for tea by the waterfall before heading back to the river.
Practical tips for Tirthan Valley
- Bhuntar Airport is about 50 km away; buses from Delhi and Chandigarh stop at Aut, where taxis go to Tirthan.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in parts of the valley; download maps offline.
- The river is cold and fast; do not swim, especially in the monsoon.
- Carry cash; ATMs are limited to Banjar.
Plan the rest of your Tirthan Valley trip
Tirthan Valley things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Tirthan Valley?
Stay by the river, walk to Chhoie waterfall, try trout fishing with a permit, walk into the Great Himalayan National Park, drive to Jalori Pass, walk to Serolsar Lake, hike to Raghupur Fort and see Chaini Kothi and Jibhi.
Do I need a permit for the Great Himalayan National Park?
Yes, for entry into the core zone and for multi-day treks. Check the current process at the park office.
How many days are enough for Tirthan Valley?
Two to three days for the river, Jalori Pass and Jibhi; more for treks in the national park.
Is Tirthan Valley better than Manali?
It is much quieter and less commercial, with river stays and forest walks rather than shopping and adventure parks.
Things to do near Tirthan Valley
- Jibhi: wooden village stays near Jalori Pass
- Things to do in Kasol: the Parvati valley beyond Bhuntar
- Things to do in Manali: about three hours north
- Things to do in Shimla: over Jalori Pass and down the other side
More things to do in Himachal Pradesh
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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