Tirthan Valley & Jibhi Guide: Himachal's Hidden Gems

On Travel Team 27 Oct 20264 min read

If Manali feels too busy, Tirthan Valley and Jibhi offer the Himalaya at a slower pace. Wooden cottages by rushing streams, forest trails, quiet villages and easy access to the Great Himalayan National Park make this corner of Kullu district one of Himachal's most rewarding escapes.

Where Are Tirthan and Jibhi?

Both lie in the Banjar region of Kullu district, south of the Kullu valley. Tirthan Valley follows the Tirthan river around Gushaini and Nagini, while Jibhi sits a little higher on the road to Jalori Pass. They are about 50 km apart from Aut on the Chandigarh–Manali highway.

How to Reach

From Delhi: overnight Volvo to Aut (around 11–12 hours), then a taxi to Tirthan or Jibhi.
By air: Bhuntar (Kullu) airport, about 60 km away.
By road: via the Aut tunnel and Banjar.

Best Time to Visit

March–June: pleasant weather, blooming orchards.
September–November: clear skies and crisp air.
December–February: snow at Jalori Pass and higher villages; roads may close at times.
July–August: monsoon greenery, but landslides possible.

Things to Do

Great Himalayan National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's richest Himalayan ecosystems. Short nature walks near Gushaini are suitable for most visitors; multi-day treks require permits and guides.

Jalori Pass

At about 3,100 metres, with views of snow peaks. From here:

Serolsar Lake: about 5 km through oak forest to a sacred lake.
Raghupur Fort: about 3 km to the ruins of a fort on a meadow with panoramic views.

Chehni Kothi

A tall, ancient tower temple near Jibhi built with traditional wood-and-stone architecture.

Waterfalls

Jibhi waterfall and Choie waterfall near Tirthan are easy, beautiful walks.

Trout Fishing

Tirthan river is famous for trout; fishing requires a permit from the fisheries department.

Village Walks

Explore villages like Gushaini, Bathad and Shoja to see traditional houses and orchards.

Sample 3-Day Plan

Day 1: Arrive at Aut; transfer to Tirthan; walk to Choie waterfall.
Day 2: Drive to Jalori Pass; hike to Serolsar Lake or Raghupur Fort; stay in Jibhi.
Day 3: Jibhi waterfall and Chehni Kothi; return to Aut for the bus.

Where to Stay

Riverside homestays and wooden cottages are the highlight here. Many offer home-cooked Himachali meals such as siddu, rajma-chawal and fresh trout. Book cottages with balconies over the river for the full experience.