by Let us embark on a trail to Shoja in Himachal Pradesh, which is a lesser-visited region in the state. If you wish to spend some quaint moments in the hills, taste some local cuisine, and explore the culture of this region, plan a visit to Shoja Himachal Pradesh.
Shoja in Himachal Pradesh
If you have gotten tired of exploring popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Kullu, and Dharamshala, an offbeat destination in the form of Shoja in Himachal Pradesh awaits you. Its remote location, landscape, and serene ambiance will lure you.
For those who have an interest in exploring the local cuisine of Himachal Pradesh, Shoja could be an excellent bet. With some homestays on the horizon, you will have the opportunity to savor some local delicacies, freshly cooked.
The ambiance is so tranquil that people come here to explore the mountain option. The warmth and hospitality of locals also make the experience worth remembering.
Where is Shoja in Himachal
Shoja village is 69 km from Manali and is only 10 km from the popular destination of Jibhi. The village is extremely rich in natural beauty, has a dense cover of deodar forests, and you will find a range of unexplored trails here that will allure you if you are a nature lover in the true sense.
This village is located at 2700 meters above mean sea level, which means that you are at a substantial height. At any time of the year, Shoja in Himachal Pradesh will attract, allure, and make you stop here for a while.
Things to do in Shoja
There are numerous things that you can do in Shoja Himachal Pradesh. For the lazy lot like me, you can even spend your days loitering in the village and enjoying traditional feasts and some local wine. For others, there are some options to be explored-
Jalori Pass
This is perhaps the nearest place that you can explore from Shoja in Himachal Pradesh. At a distance of 5 km from Shoja, this mountain pass connects Kullu Valley to the Shimla District. Numerous treks can be started from Jalori Pass. This pass is at a height of 3120 meters, and from the top, you not only get enchanting views of snow-capped peaks. Moreover, you can also trek to places like Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort. This is also a biodiversity hotspot.
Image Courtesy: Innerpece
Serolsar Lake
This is a lake that is located near Jalori Pass. You will find dense forests in the vicinity of this lake. This lake is at a trekking distance of 5 km from Jalori Pass, and if you are traveling from Shoja in Himachal Pradesh, Serolsar Lake should be on your wishlist.
While trekking, you will find that there is a thick cover of oak, pine, and rhododendron in this region. The lake is so clear that you can even see your reflection in it.
Raghupur Fort
When at Jalori Pass, a 3 km trek will take you to the remains of what is known as Raghupur Fort. This fort was built by the rulers of Mandi in the 18th century and is a key vantage point that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan region.
This fort is at an altitude of 3400 meters, and what remains of this fort now are some rooms and a water tank. From this fort, or its remains, if I must say, you can have exclusive views of the Banjar and Kullu Valley.
Shringa Rishi Temple
An incarnation of Lord Shiva, Shringa Rishi, is revered in this region. A temple dedicated to Shringa Rishi is worth a visit when you are at Shoja. This will give you an excellent opportunity to explore the cultural vibrancy of this region in minute detail. This temple is at an altitude of 2850 meters, and you can reach here after a 4 km trek from Shoja.
Where to Stay in Shoja Himachal Pradesh
Shoja offers numerous options for a comfortable stay. Of these, you can consider the following options:
Hosteller Shoja
With pine forests as your company, you can wake up stress-free and enjoy the ambiance of being in true nature when at Hosteller Shoja. By choosing this as a stay option, you can plan trekking to numerous waterfalls and head to different trekking trails. The location is so pristine that you will forget the hustle and bustle of city life, something you will cherish here.
Image Courtesy: The Hosteller
Ghar 1964
Another cool and vibrant place to stay in Shoja is Ghar 1964. The vibe of the place is so alluring that once you are at Ghar 1964, you shall return every year. The host is quite knowledgeable and has extensive knowledge about the region. In fact, he will help you plan your trip and, who knows, shall accompany you on any one of the trails. Highly recommended!
Image Courtesy: Justdial
In case you are an adventurous lot, you can even pitch your tent at any suitable location. With due permission from friendly locals who are indeed welcoming towards visitors, who knows? Your next trip to Shoja can be in the middle of an apple orchard.
Best Time to Visit Shoja Himachal Pradesh
March to mid-June shall be the best time to visit and explore this region. All the surrounding peaks are covered in snow, and the ambiance shall take away all your worries. Outdoor hiking can best be enjoyed in this sunny weather with temperatures ranging between 15 degrees and 25 degrees.
How to Reach Shoja
The best way to travel to Shoja is by road. For this, you can take the Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kullu. Alight at the Aut tunnel and wait at the bifurcation for the bus to Banjar or Rampur that goes through Jalori Pass.
Get off the bus at Shoja village, and you are bang on your location! Aut to Shoja is 40 km and will take only an hour from Aut.
Shoja in Himachal Pradesh can be your dream vacation, and if you are the one who loves spending some moments in solitude, this is real heaven for you.
Featured image: innerpece
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