Shangarh is not a famous tourist spot of Himachal Pradesh, but yes, it’s a paradise, a hidden gem of Himachal. The place is less crowded and close to nature, which disconnects you from the digital world and the hustle & bustle of city life. If you are a nature lover, a photographer, or adventurous, Shangarh is for you.
Shangarh is located at an altitude of 2200 meters, in Sainj Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Let’s explore this offbeat location with me.
Places to Visit in Shangarh
Barshangarh Waterfall
The splendid waterfall is situated at a distance of 3km from Shangarh. The path to the waterfall is narrow, and the roads are not well-maintained. You can take your vehicle to the starting point of the trek, and from there, a trek in the dense forest starts. The trek is not so rough, and the trails are in dense forest. Your heart falls out when you see the magnificent waterfall surrounded by dense forest, delicate wildflowers, and the chirping of birds. The sound of cascading Barshangarh waterfall is like natural therapy. I would advise you to visit this place in the morning from around 9:00 am to 10:00 am and spend an hour with nature. There are local food shops at the starting point of the trek.
Meadows of Shangarh
The vast, lush green meadow surrounded by snowy mountains and deodar trees is the heart of Shangarh. The meadow of Shangarh is only 2 minutes’ walking distance from the village. In the meadow, there is a temple of Lord Shiva, and the architecture is beautiful. The meadow connects you spiritually as well. It is believed that Pandavas spent some time at this place during their exile.
Locals gather during the festival and celebrate the occasion in the meadow. Professional photography and videography are not allowed, though you can create memories through your phones. Enjoy Himachali Dish, Siddu, and Pahado wali Maggie at the local stalls in the meadow.
Great Himalayan National Park
While driving towards Shangarh, you will pass by Great Himalayan National Park, which is well known for its biodiversity and treks. You can explore the flaura, fauna, and variety of species at the park.
Local Treks Around Shangarh
In and around Shangarh, there are many treks and trails that are not officially known to the people. You can visit these treks with the help of locals and connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Shangarh
- May to June: The perfect weather and blooming meadows made it a perfect season to visit Shangarh
- September to November: After the monsoon, the greenery is at its peak.
- Avoid planning a trip in winter, as the village is covered with snow, and roads often get blocked.
Stay at Shangarh
There are two main options to stay, at Shangarh Village or in Sainj Valley.
Stay in Shangarh Village:
- In the village, homestays are available, where you feel and live in traditional Himachali culture. The cost of a Homestay is between Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 4000/- depending on the season.
- The homestays are situated in narrow lanes, so car parking may be an issue.
- Hostels are available at a distance of 1km from Shangarh where you can get car parking facilities.
Stay in Sainj Valley:
- If you are looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay, Sainj Valley is a good option.
- In Sainj Valley, a luxury cottage at the cost of Rs. 3000 per night is available.
How to Reach Shangarh
By Road:
- Take the Delhi–Manali highway and from Aut Tunnel, take the right exit toward Sainj Valley. (Don’t go inside tunnel)
- Set the navigation and after 2 km, you’ll find a petrol pump, refuel here because there are no pumps ahead.
- The drive from Aut to Shangarh is 1hr drive, the view is scenic, but the roads are narrow and not properly maintained.
By Public Transport:
There is no direct bus to Shangarh from Delhi. Take the bus to Aut, and from there, buses and taxis are available for Shangarh. Buses are limited, so I would advise taking a taxi, as it is more flexible.
Itinerary & Budget
To explore Shangarh, 2 days are enough, and if you explore the short treks, then add one more day.
If you plan to stay in and around Shangarh Village, then the budget for one person would be around Rs. 8000/- to Rs. 12000/- per person. If you plan a stay in a cottage at Sainj Valley, the cost increases to Rs. 20,000/- to Rs. 25,000/- per person.
Travel Tips for Shangarh
- ATMs are limited, advise to carry cash.
- Networks are limited in some locations, so, download offline navigation.
- Weather in Shangarh changes rapidly, so wear layers. Don’t forget to bring jackets, as nights are cold.
- Shangarh is untouched beauty, so avoid littering and carry eco-friendly essentials.
Final Thoughts
You must have visited popular tourist spots in Himachal, but have you ever experienced the peace in the Himalayas? If not, Shangarh is for you, a village that teaches you not to rush in your life, and how important relaxation is in a hectic life. Explore beauty and share your thoughts with me.
Pack your bag and explore unexplored places with Hema……
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