Sainj Valley Itinerary : Perfect 3 ,4, 5 or 6 days guide
Hello all,
After the Avengers: Doomsday teaser in December, we are now running Marvel Movie marathon…so whenever we get time, we want to see all movies and series from the beginning in chronological order. And every time I watch it, I think about the multiverse. Are there any parallel universes? is multiverse real? If so, then in any other universe, I must be living in the Himalayas, in a small village, in a tiny wooden home on the hill slopes, growing my own food, kiddos with no schooling, learning just from Mother Nature, growing in the wilderness, and learning what we are supposed to learn. We watch sunrise and sunset daily, just from our window. The tiny cottage is, though small, it is filled with lots and lots of love and even more laughter. Yes, life won’t be easy. There must be difficulties that we can’t even think of right now, but we will be at peace. no chaos. no drama. No desires. just pure contentment.
And in another universe, I am staying at north pole and witnessing the magic of auroras on most of the nights and consuming all the energies of the midnight sun whenever I get a chance. In the happiest country, where slowness is a habit, not a random thing. Where people just sit, ideally sipping coffee without any conversation. Where emotions are meant to be felt, not conversed.
But in whichever universe you are in, the ultimate goal of life is happiness and peace. Some find it at the bottom of the sea, some find it at the top of the mountain. Some find it in the middle of the busy city streets, and some find it in the corner of their home. I found immense peace when I was visiting this beautiful valley in Himachal, a valley where nothing is to an extreme. A valley that has the calmness of mountains and the peace of a small town. Valley where the river Sainj is coursing, and gently caressing the mother earth, and dense forest guarding the mother earth. Nature at its best and purest here. You have villages, forest, thatch and bugyals, river, waterfalls and stunning mountain views…
The valley is located in Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest National Parks of India, home of large number of exotic birds and animals. The more popular and touristy Tirthan Valley is just a few kilometres away. There are many popular villages in this valley, like Shangarh, Deori, Upper Neahi, Shanshar, Raila etc.
How to reach Sainj Valley?
Nearest major Bus stop: Aut -from here, buses keep going regularly throughout the day to Sainj and Tirthan Valley.
Aut to Sainj 18 KMs
Aut to Shangarh 35 KM
Sainj to Raila 19 KMs
Sainj to Shanshar 14 KMs
Nearest airport
Bhunter Airport – 53 km, 2 hours
Chandigarh -242km,5-6hours
Where to stay in Sainj Valley?
There are many homestays in all the beautiful villages. Don’t expect luxury as you are in forest zones. Nowadays, during the monsoon, the roads are closed, and so the majority of villages get cut off due to frequent landslides. The locals are so strong that they regenerate like phoenixes every year. Respect their motivation and their strength and value their culture. That’s the least we can do as travellers. And the best way to help them is to stay in their beautiful homes.
We stayed at Woodzo, in Shangarh, a beautiful hostel with a few cottages, which is a perfect place if you want to stay a little way from the main village. Located in the forest, in peaceful surroundings with cute cottages and a small nearby stream, what more do we need?
In Raila, there are many homestays now with developing tourism, but the best one is just beside the Bhatkand meadows Sky Mount cottages with amazing mountain views and wonderful hospitality.
Best season for Sainj Valley:
better to avoid the monsoon season
Spring, summer, and post-monsoon seasons are so serene with lush green meadows and beautiful, clear sky with magnificent views.
And in winters, if you are lucky and God is willing, you will get to see a winter wonderland with entire meadows covered in snow!
Places to visit in Sainj Valley:
It is all about the beautiful amalgamation of culture and nature in the valley. From serene meadows to exquisite temples, from waterfalls to treks, from forests to tiny villages, this valley has it all.
Meadows:
Shangarh Meadows:
The grassy meadow of Shangarh village is the major attraction in the Sainj valley. In Winter, it turns into a snowy carpet with mesmerising views, while in summer and post-monsoon, the greenery will stupefy you.
Bhatkanda Meadows:
Meadow is located in Raila with serene surroundings. Not as vast as Shangarh, but definitely less crowded. Don’t forget to visit the sunset viewpoint, which is just a kilometre away.
Waterfalls and Lakes:
Barshangarh and Rupi Raila waterfalls are among the major attractions, located in Shangarh and Raila, respectively.
Pundrik Rishi Lake
The lake dedicated to Pundrik Rishi is also nearby, but the lake has almost dried out due to natural causes. There is a shrine nearby, and it is located just before Upper Neahi. 
Temples and Towers:
Shangchul Mahadev Temple:
One of the most beautiful temples in Himachal is so beautiful because its location is so unique and perfect. You will definitely see a picture of this temple first whenever yous each about Shangarh or Sainj valley.
Manu Rishi Temple:
this beautifl Pagoda style temple is located in Shanshar. You can even see this tall temple from Shangarh also.
Twin towers of Raila:
One of the primary attractions of the Raila village is these twin towers. Built in a unique Himachali style with perfect mountain views, this towers will definitely blow your mind.
Treks in Sainj Valley
Raktisar Trek
In this trek, you can go upto the source of the Sainj River. Raktisar Lake is named so because it appears red (like Rakt- blood) from afar, but the water is so clear when you get near.
duration: appx 7 days
starting point: Neuli village
Sainj to Tirthan Trek
You can do this valley-to-valley trek, passing through dense forests and beautiful villages in 4-5 days.
Jiwa Nala Trek
This trek is from the Sainj Valley to the Parvati Valley. Here you can reach the source of the Jiwa Nala, which is another river.
starting point: Siund Village
duration: 7 days.
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 an easy-moderate gradient. It is a paradise for bird lovers as the trail is marked by lush green forest.
So here is the guide to plan your trip to Sainj Valley….
4-6 days itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival in Shangarh by late afternoon/ evening.
Check in in homestay.
In the evening, visit Shangarh meadows with an amazing sunset view of the mountains, and Shangchul Mahadev temple.
Day 2 :
Guided hike to Ganjau Thatch and Thini top.
You will reach Shangarh by late evening.
Day 3:
Visit to Barshangarh waterfall
Visit to Sunset Point/Visit to Deori/ You can explore beautiul small cafes in Shangarh and mix with locals…
Day 4:
Visit to Raila. It will take an entire day with a visit to Raila twin towers, Rupi Raila waterfall and Bhatkanda meadows.
Day 5:
Visit (drive / Hike) to Shanshar village and visit Manu Rishi temple
Day 6:
Guided hike from Shangarh to Pundrik Rishi Lake (total 4-5 hours) with a trail through dense forest with amazing mountain views.
Day 7:
Leave this wonderful Valley with memories of a lifetime…
See, there are so many options in this quaint little valley which feels like utopia…you can spend as many days as you want and never get enough of it…