Shangarh: Sight for Sore Eyes in Sainj Valley
Hello all,
Sometimes you just need to detach from the attached world. Sometimes you just need to move around without any prefix itinerary. Sometimes you just need to sit in a quiet café with mountain views. Sometimes you just need to capture all these in your memories, not in your phone. Sometimes you just need lazy mornings and fun game nights in a mountain cabin. Sometimes you need a long conversation about everything and nothing with strangers. Sometimes you just need vast meadows to expand your horizons. Sometimes you just need to meet charming locals to see life from a different perspective. Sometimes you just need to listen to the chirping of crickets on starry nights to calm the chaotic noises of the city. Sometimes you just need to inhale that fresh mountain air to exhale all your worries and let your mind forget the chaos and uncalmness of the city. Sometimes you need to visit this town while it is still low-key….
Shangarh… When I heard this name for the first time, I thought of a little town in Rajasthan, with forts and palaces. But instead, this is a tiny hamlet located in Sainj Valley in Great Himalayan National Park with green meadows and hills with forests all around. The serenity of this village is such that you want to get soaked in the surroundings. The beauty of this little town is such that you might want to stay there forever. The quietude here is such that even despite gaining popularity and frequent tourist crowds, it doesn’t loose it’s charm. This little town has all these and much more. The mystique vibe of the meadows and magical calm v
Things to do in Shangarh:
Explore majestic meadows:
Whenever you search for Shangarh on Google, I am sure you will see picturesque, surreal meadows, and you will be spellbound. The green grassland with an undulating surface will immediately make you fall in love with it. When we visited, it was ot green but amazing shades of golden and brown. The autumn shades were slowly disappearing, preparing for the snowy winter (and how we thought so!). Usually by the end of December the village is under the carpet of snow, but climate change has badly affected our himalays and we can see it clearly year after year….
There is a main temple of Shungchul Mahadev with some smaller shrines located in the corners of the vast meadow. We explored the meadows during sunset, and the reflection of the setting sunrays dancing on the mountains in front of the meadows was mind-boggling. We just sat there quietly, seeing the colors. We were not in a hurry and were not in a need to explore the meadow fully. Just the quiet of the mountains and the colors of the sunrays were our teachers. Telling us to stop, to inhale….to exhale and to revive again….Teaching us the experience of slowness, which we crave in city life.
Story behind the meadows:
There is not a single tree in the middle of the emdows, though it is surrounded by thick alpine forest on all sides. It is believed that the ground is blessed by the Gods. According to locals, this place is associated with the Mahabharat. The Pandavas came here during their exile and stayed here for a while. They cleared and sieved the ground so finely for cultivating rice that you won’t be able to find any stone even now, even after digging… When Kaurava came here looking for them, to break their Agyatvas, Shangchul Mahadev sent them back. So locals believe firmly that if you come to Shangarh for shelter, Shangchul Mahadev will surely protect you.
Explore stunning Barshangarh Waterfall:
You can go by car upto the parking area, or you can go on the trail from your stay, just like us. You can read the details about this fall here.
Treks and nature trails in Shangarh:
Sara Village and Shumga Top Trek
You can go to Sara village from Barshangarh. Approximate duration is 6-7 hours. This is a moderate to difficult trek. From there, you can go further to Shugma top, which is an easy-to-moderate trek through the dense forest.
Ganjau Thatch trek
According to a few guests who stayed in Woodzo with us, you will forget all about Shangarh Meadows if you go to Ganjau Thatch. You have to go with a guide as the trail is confusing in places. Approximate duration is 4-5 hours.
Thini Top Trek
If you want to go further from Ganjau thatch, and if you want a peak adrenaline rush, then go here, as it starts from Ganjau meadow only. Thini top is the longest and biggest meadow of Shangarh Village with the best views all around. The difficulty level is moderate to difficult and requires good stamina.
Bird watching trails – Lapah Village trek
It is a small day trek but with easy-mmoderate gradient. It is a paradise for bird lovers as the trail is marked by lush green forest.
Explore local cafés:
There are multiple homestays with beautiful cafés in Shangrh with serene environments. We went to Kath Kuni café and Yaaris café. The location of KathKuni café is fantastic. We spent the entire afternoon there playing cards and making wonderful memories with kiddos….
Roam aimlessly..
This is the best activity you can do in small Himalayan villages. talk with local,s, have tea at a dhaba, make friends with strangers, and just breathe fresh mountain air…and because you can sit by these small streams only when you go without any aim, without any fixed destination…
Village hopping.
If you want to walk or want to go by road, there are many beautiful, tiny villages near Shangarh which you can explore.
Shansher village:
A small, pristine village with traditional Himachali life. It has amazing architecture, like the Manu Rishi Temple and Shanshar Waterfall.
Dehuri Village:
You can go to Pundrik Lake from this offbeat village. The lake is known for its unique floating grass and spiritual significance.
Raila:
Raila is a beautiful, untouched hamlet in the Sainj valley and is far from the tourists’ radar. It has stunning, clear views of the snow-covered Himalayas.
How to reach Shangarh?
We arranged a taxi from Chandigarh airport.
Nearest airport:
Bhutnar Airport Kullu: 53 km – 2-3 hours.
Chandigarh: 240 km – 5-6 Hours. Might take more time according to road conditions.
Delhi : 480 km – 10hours
By train: closest railway station – Jopginder Nagar – 120 km – 4-5 hours.
Best time to visit:
Apart from the monsoon, Shangarh is beautiful in all seasons. Summer has its own charm with lush green meadows, and winter will make the place a beautiful snowy wonderland.
Where to stay:
There are many hostels and homestays now with developing tourism. We stayed at Woodzo, which is far from the main town, in quiet surroundings, in between the tall trees, with the solitude we crave. The owner Mr Naveen, is a young, enthusiastic person who is kind-hearted and extremely helpful. He took utmost care and made our holidays extremely special.
So, Shangarh is a perfect place for a family vacation with lovely views all around. If you have been there kindly share your thoughts..
Thank you…