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Friday, March 29, 2024

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Friday, March 29, 2024

Sainj Valley – Picturesque Paradise, Treks, Wildlife, and More

A picturesque paradise reverberating with serenity and mysticism, that’s perhaps the best way to describe this Sainj Valley. The serene surroundings, lush green fields, and beautiful cottages make this the perfect escapade from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Wake up hearing the birds chirping and smell the fresh bloom in this little-explored and untouched landscape.

Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas and located along the Sainj River, Sainj Valley is a hidden treasure in the otherwise over-explored tourist place in Himachal Pradesh. It wasn’t until a few years ago that this place was on traveller’s radar and has still preserved the amazing beauties of nature that have been destroyed with overexploitation by tourists in Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.

Sainj Valley isn’t a typical destination for family holidays but one where you will be on an adventurous trail. This is a place for thrill-seekers who are willing to sacrifice the comforts of hospitality and get close to nature. Covered with deep forests, this naturally ascending valley offers several treks and trails. From professional trekkers to those seeking adventure for the first time in their lives, Sainj Valley has something for everyone.

Places To Visit in Sainj Valley

Sainj Village:

Source : Tour my India

Begin exploring this amazing place by taking a walk around the village. You are bound to be lost in the simple life of the people living here in the lap of nature. Start a conversation to know more about their life and you are sure to carry back lessons about life beyond materialism.

Shangarh Meadows:

Source : The Bum Who Travels

This is a pre-historic site and one that finds its mention in the Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas spent time at this place during their exile and Lord Krishna is supposed to have visited them here.  Whether you believe in mythology or not the lush green meadow should be on your bucket list as the serenity of this place would calm you down. The Shangchul Mahadev Temple nearby is a major attraction among travellers and this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to have been here since the time of Mahabharata.

Dehuri:

Also known as Deori or Dilvi this is a sparsely populated settlement near Sainj Village that is approachable through a forest road. A lake on the way to this village along with the terraced cornfield serves as a major attraction.

Manu Temple:

This is another ancient religious site located nearby in the Talyara village. The temple dedicated to the Indian sage Manu is built in a unique Pagoda style. You will witness magnificent views of the Beas River from this hillock. It is believed that the sage meditated at this spot regularly. A narrow road leading up to this temple takes you through a thrilling adventure.

Pundrik Rishi Lake:

Surrounded by pine trees this lake is revered by the locals with several mythological tales attached to it. Taken over by thick vegetation this lake isn’t for your usual boating and other pleasure activities. You can’t touch the water of the lake as locals believe this would invite the wrath of the local deity. Talk to the locals and you will come across several divine stories surrounding the lake and nearby habitations.

Treks in Sainj Valley

Apart from its unspoiled beauty, meadows, and lush greenery, all around, Sainj Valley is a trekker’s paradise and perhaps unrivalled. It serves as the starting point for some of the most popular treks in India. If you are driven by an adrenaline rush, here are the treks you can try during your trip to Sainj Valley.

Great Himalayan National Park Trek:

Your trip to Sainj Valley would remain unfulfilled if you don’t visit the Great Himalayan National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it is one of the largest National Parks in the country stretching more than 1,170 square kilometres and one of India’s most famous treks.  There are more than 1000 plant species apart from 31 mammal and 209 bird species. Stretching from 1,500 meters above sea level at its lowest to 5,800 meters above sea level at its highest, the snow-capped mountains are a treat to everyone’s eyes. You can choose between a day’s trek and 9-day treks, which are of course for the most adventurous soul.

Raktisar Trek:

Source : Himalayan Ecotourism

Perhaps the second most popular trek in Sainj Valley, it starts at Neuli Village. In this 7-day trek, you will follow the course of the Sainj River to its very source. The trek is full of adventure as you will have to overcome steep ascents, but you will come across enchanting sights and sounds. Considered one of the most difficult treks you will have to hire a local guide for this one. The highest point on this trek is located at an altitude of 3900 meters and you must be fit enough to make it to such heights.

Jiwa Nala Trek:

This trek starts at the Siund Village one of the restricted areas in Sainj Valley and you will need to obtain a permit from the Great Himalayan National Park office for this track. This seven-day trek takes starts at Siund Village where this small rivulet meets the Sainj River and takes you up to the source Jiwa Nala. This is a tough trek and to complete it you will need to hire a local guide.

Tirthan Valley Trek:

This is one of the easier treks where you start from Sainj Village and reach the Tirthan Valley. This trek takes you through beautiful landscapes. The ascents on this trek aren’t steep as in the case of Jiwa Nala and Raktisar and first-timers are welcome to try this trek.

How To Reach Sainj Valley

By Road:

Most travellers take the Delhi-Manali route to reach this place. Shared buses and cars are available from Aut which is the major stoppage on this highway leading up to Sainj Valley. There is no luxury bus service available to this destination as of now.

By Air:

Kullu–Manali Airport is the closest airport to this place which is connected by flights from Chandigarh and Delhi. The place is about two hours’ drive from the airport with cabs and buses easily available. Most domestic and international tourists prefer flying to Delhi and taking the road from there.

By Train:

Chandigarh and Kalka are the nearest major railheads with each being more than 200 kilometres from this place. Cabs are available from these stations, and they take nearly 7 hours of drive through the breath-taking mountainous roads.

Best Time to Visit Sainj Valley

The Spring season between March and June sees this place in its best bloom. Most people prefer this season to escape the summer heat on the plains. However, you should avoid traveling between July and August at the peak of the monsoons as flash floods and landslides are common and these can cut off links to this place for days at a stretch. Treks are impossible during rains with the mountains rivers swelling.

Where To Stay?

Thanks to the interest among travellers, several homestays have come up in and around Sainj Valley. They offer you the basic comforts at affordable prices suiting everyone’s pocket. Be willing to explore the local life during your stay and do not expect the luxury and comforts of a 5-Star accommodation as there are none to be found.

10 Pro Tips for First Time Travelers

  • It isn’t your weekend getaway but a place that needs exploration at a slow pace. Make sure you have a minimum of 7 days at hand to truly explore this place.
  • Be sure of your transportation and better book one in advance. Since the place is less explored you may face difficulties finding cars and other vehicles of your choice
  • It isn’t the ideal place to travel with kids but if you are traveling with infants carry baby food and diapers as there aren’t too many stores to serve your needs
  • Reserve your accommodation well in advance. There are several well-appointed homestays, but they run full during the peak season
  • Carry extra food and beverage since you are traveling to a small and less explored place. Your Pizza huts and Dominos aren’t around!
  • Pack comfortable clothes in your bag as there is a lot to be explored here during treks through the National Park and meadows
  • If you are coming for serious trekking, you need to carry all your adventure gear as you won’t find any of it here.
  • Mobile and internet connectivity aren’t great especially when you trek up the mountains. Be prepared for this and don’t plan your trip relying on Google Maps!
  • There are places such as Jiwa Nala Trek where you need a permit so be prepared for that and not meet a nasty surprise.
  • Don’t forget to carry cash with you as there aren’t many ATMs around and you can’t swipe cards or carry out digital payments due to lack of internet connectivity.

Sainj Valley is a less explored wonder and one of the hidden treasures in Himachal Pradesh where you can still get close to nature and not have dozens of other travelers breathing around your necks. If you are looking for a place to connect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and soul, this place has several secrets waiting to be unraveled. We hope we have covered all that you need to know about exploring Sainj Valley.

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