About Shangarh

Shangarh is quaint Himalayan village situated in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Himachal Pradesh, which is the India's biggest National Park also a UNESCO world heritage site. Short treks in and around Shangarh, Bird watching trails, visiting historic temples in and around shangarh and the beautifully vibrant shangarh meadow are some of the best things to do in Shangarh if you are planning an offbeat travel plan in Himachal Pradesh.

Blessed with beauty, peace and amazing waterfalls and villages, a nature enthusiast and a travelling freak should visit shangarh atleast once. To reach shangarh all you have to do is reach Aut tunnel via Delhi or Chandigarh through Mandi and take a local bus for sainj village and then to Shangarh. Options of local buses, private cabs are the two bests and most convenient options to reach Shangarh. So read the article and bookmark it to explore the best places and do best things in shanagarh and I am sure you will pack your bags for your next short trip to Shangarh.

You may also like : Top 19 Places to visit and Things to do in Bir Billing

9 Things To Do in Shangarh and around Sainj Valley

Shangarh Meadow

An open green meadow to soak in the sun,read,and relax. The vast sky on top, the soft grass at your feet and tall-green trees all around is a picture perfect landscape to capture and witness. This meadow is located near the Shangchul Mahadev temple which is the next place to explore in Shangarh.

Shangchul Mahadev temple

This beautiful three storied wonder built in the traditional Katha Kuni architecture style is a mst visit place in Shangarh. This wonder od wooden architecture and craftsmenship has a great deal of historic importance and the locals worship here. It is believed that the Pandavas have themselves walked the Shangarh Meadows and worshipped at the local temples. This temple overlooks the shangarh meadow thus, camping, making loud noise, littering and drinking is prohibited in the meadows.

Barshangarh waterfall

A short one day hike near shangarh is perfect for those looking for an adventure. This is located almost 2 hours away from the main Shangarh village, followedby a short hike to reach the waterfall. So all you have to do is book a cab or hire one and have a 10 minutes ascending hike to reach the gushing white waterfall with the contrasting green mosses all around the rocks. This place is perfect to visit in the early morning hours and for all the bird watchers this might be the place to spot a lifer.

Bird watching trails

Being located in the Great Himalayan National Park, Shangarh houses almost around 35 different bird species. From Monal to Western Trangopan, this place have many more rare and some common bird species. So don't forget your hand guide of the region and your binoculars to get the best out of shangarh.

Visit the twin towers of Raila, Raila Temple and Raila Village

To explore the beautiful Raila Village all you have to do is book a ride for you which is a short drive and reach this beautiful village that has historic importance and have in srore for you the tall twin towers of Raila. These earlier use to house people but now these small rooms are just there making them an attraction in sainj valley. Also pay your respect at the Raila temple or the tower temple which is a good example of wooden craftsman ship in the village.

Rupi Raila Waterfall

If you are vising the Raila Village and have booked a cab then covering this Rupi Raila waterfall is a must. Not a very well know or covered spot but this waterfall again has a short trail with a quite trail for bird watchers. It is again recommened to visit Rupi Raila waterfall in the morning to get the best sighting of the birds.

Visit nearby Villages and temple

Goshati and Darari settlements and the Deohari village is another attraction in the sainj valley. The wooden homes that can be viewed from the meadow are truely an experience to visit and interact with the locals. The apple archard and the agricultutal land in these villages will make you experience the local lifestyle of the Himachali people and make you wonder how with a simple and hard working lifestyle the people are always similing and full of life.

Manu Rishi Temple in Shanshar, is another beautiful and a small temple in sainj valley to pay your respect to. From Deohari village drive to Pundrik Rishi lake and temple which is about 2 hours far from sainj valley. Buses and ab are both available to explore the region. Plan your trip according to the number of days you have. You can also include the Raila village exploring with this to save time and money.

Trek in the ecozone of Great Himalayan National Park

If you are looking for a one night short trek in Shangarh then do Jangaon Thatch trek by exploreing the forest, flowers and the grasslands. The GHNP office in sainj valley helps you with the route and the permit for the trek, if required. If you want to be in the lap of mother earth and have more days to spare then cover Thini Thatch and the Pundrik Lake, which will make your trip worth every moment. Another, 4-5 hours long hike is the overnight trek to Lapha village. Talk to the locals for guidance and a guide and explore the village accordingly.

Visit nearby valley like Tirthan and Jibhi

From Sainj valley cover the next location of Tirthan, this is a 2 hours drive. Explore Tirthan valley but indulging in trekking for Jalori pass and Serolsar lake trek. Explore the tirthan river and enjoy the food in amazing cafes and relax. Visit Jibhi next and relax and explore the surroundings.

Also Check : Jalori Pass and Trek to Serolsar lake