Hey guys, welcome to Trip Trek Tales. Have you ever heard of Shangarh? If not, then surely you are in for a treat! This place Shangarh is nestled in the quiet and serene Sainj Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This small yet beautiful village is surely the definition of a hidden gem. If you guys are looking for a place that is far from the city’s hustle and bustle then it is Shangarh, it is all about peace, nature, and culture of the Himalayas. Also what we love about this place is that it has everything to offer to everyone, whether you are a travel junkie, a nature admirer, or someone who just wants to have a good time with nature this village will give you.
So, are you guys ready to know more about this beautiful valley of Himachal Pradesh? Here is a guide that will help you out in planning your trip to Shangarh.
So, Why Shangarh Himachal Pradesh Should Be Your Next Destination?
First things first: why should you visit this beautiful village? Then to find the answer you have to indulge a bit in imagination – a village sitting at 6,900 feet, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Great Himalayan National Park (which, by the way, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). As soon as you arrive here, you will see lush green meadows, tall pine trees, and a stunning view of the Himalayan mountains. Shangarh Sainj Valley is truly a dreamy destination where time slows down and all you can hear is chirping birds, winds, and cowbells. Moreover, what we find interesting about this place is that it is yet unexplored and that is why you will see less crowd here.
How to Reach Shangarh Valley?
Well to be honest with you all, the journey to Shangarh is half the fun. You can hop on an overnight bus from Delhi for Delhi to Shangarh journey or Chandigarh to Aut, which takes about 12 hours. From Aut, you can either take a cab (about 1.5 hours) directly to Shangarh valley or catch a local bus to Sainj and then continue with a cab from there.
If you are a road trip lover, driving from Delhi or Chandigarh is a fantastic idea. The scenic mountain roads, rivers, and valleys make it a journey to remember.
Where to Stay in Shangarh
Though this place is yet to be discovered, Shangarh hotels, homestays, and hostels are great. We mean, you can easily find some amazing stay options in Shangarh. These Shangarh homestays and hotels will provide new friends, local cuisine, and everything for a perfect stay.
- The Hosteller Shangarh: This place is ideal for budget travelers and solo backpackers. It’s got a chilled-out vibe, great for meeting like-minded wanderers.
- Shangarh Homestay: Want to dive into local culture? Then we suggest you stay in a homestay! You will get delicious home-cooked meals and a chance to experience authentic Himachali life.
- Great Himalayan Homestay: If you are one of those who crave for the view, then, this homestay is for you. Close to the Shangarh Meadows, it offers stunning vistas right from your window.
Day 1: Explore the Heart of Shangarh
Morning at Shangarh Meadows
You know what is the best thing in this village? It is Shangarh meadows. Imagine vast green fields framed by dense pine forests, with the snow-capped Himalayas in the background. Meadows is the perfect spot to start your adventure. All you have to do is just take a slow walk, breathe in the fresh mountain air (you won’t find it in cities), and absorb the quiet beauty all around you. If you are lucky, you might find some locals grazing their sheep or cattle.
Pro tip: We suggest you go early in the morning when it’s quiet and peaceful. Believe us, you will have the place almost to yourself.
Afternoon at Pundrik Rishi Lake
After having a good time in the meadows, you can hike to Pundrik Rishi Lake. It is a serene and sacred spot for locals. The whole path goes through forests and you will witness the surrounding valleys. When you arrive, the stillness of the lake will leave you in awe. You will find clear lake water mirroring the surrounding landscapes. This is the most perfect spot to get yourself clicked.
Take your time here, reflect, and feel the spiritual energy that fills the air. The locals believe the lake is blessed by the sage Pundrik Rishi.
Day 2: Adventure and Culture
Morning Hike to Barshangarh Waterfall
Now you are about to start your day 2. So, it will be better to start it with adventure. You can go for a trek to Barshangarh Waterfall. It is a perfect trek for nature lovers. Again, this trek will also take you through dense forest, rocky patches, and of course the stunning view of the Shangarh valley. The whole trek will take about an hour, but when you reach the waterfall, trust us, all your efforts will be worth it.
Take some time to sit by the waterfall, listen to the roaring sound of water, and maybe even dip your feet into the cool, refreshing stream.
Afternoon at Shangchul Mahadev Temple
Once you are done with your adventurous day, it is time to relax. You can relax by visiting the Shangchul Mahadev Temple. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. For locals, this place is of utmost value and sacred. You will also feel the spiritual and calming energy as soon as you enter the temple.
Evening Stroll Through the Village
After a long day, it is time to end your day with an evening walk inside the village, experiencing the village life at night. You will find friendly and warm villagers here and they might invite you for the cup of tea or dinner. If you will go and have dinner with them, we are sure you will be having an amazing feast of your life. They will offer you Himachali dishes like Siddu, Madra, and Babru.
Day 3: More Treks and Chill Vibes
Morning: Jiwa Nala Trek
If you are up for another trek, the Jiwa Nala Trek is a must try. Jiwa Nala Trek is quite a long trek but offers a stunning view of breathtaking landscapes, including forests, rivers, and views of towering peaks. Plus, you might get lucky and spot some rare Himalayan wildlife along the way.
This trek is not for the faint-hearted, but if you love adventure, it is the perfect way to explore more of the hidden beauty around Shangarh Valley.
Afternoon: Thini Thatch Trek
If you are looking for something a little more chill, the Thini Thatch Trek is for you. This trek is a relatively easy hike that takes you to a stunning meadow surrounded by pine trees. You can pack a picnic and spend the afternoon relaxing in nature, with panoramic views all around.
Evening: Time to Unwind
After an action-packed day, it’s time to unwind. Grab a cup of chai, sit by a cozy fire, and enjoy the peaceful mountain vibe. You’ve earned it!
Himachali Food You Have to Try
If you truly want to enjoy your trip to any place in Himachal Pradesh, do not forget to try the local food. Shangarh homestays are the best place to taste the tasty Himachali cuisines. Here are some must try Himachali dishes for you.
- Siddu: Steamed bread stuffed with poppy seeds and nuts, often served with ghee.
- Dham: A traditional feast with rice, dal, rajma, and vegetables, usually served at festivals.
- Chana Madra: A creamy yogurt-based curry with chickpeas.
- Babru: Deep-fried bread stuffed with black gram paste.
- Mittha: A sweet rice dish flavored with raisins and dry fruits.
Best Time to Visit Shangarh
Shangarh weather stays pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit Shangarh is from March to June or October to January. Summers are perfect for exploring meadows and trekking, while winter transforms the village into a winter paradise where you will see snow all around.
Wrapping It Up
After writing so much about this place, we can say that Shangarh is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the usual tourist traps and experience a quieter, more authentic side of Himachal. Whether you are hiking to waterfalls, exploring sacred temples, or simply relaxing in the meadows, Shangarh offers a peaceful retreat that is hard to find these days.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, head to Shangarh, and prepare to fall in love with this hidden gem of the Himalayas! For more travel related guides and information about different destinations around the world, keep visiting Trip Trek Tales.
