by Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh is a mesmerizing valley that is situated in the Uhl River valley in the Mandi district. The pristine landscape, deep deodar forests, and the crystal-clear waters of Uhl shall leave you so bewildered that you will hardly want to leave this region, even as your holidays come to an end.
Fishing, camping, trekking; you name it, and you have the option of indulging in any of these. So, if you are a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Barot Valley offbeat destination as your next holiday location shall never disappoint you.
Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh: My Journey to an Untouched Paradise
Untouched and less explored, Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, is somewhat different. You will not find the hustle and bustle of Shimla, Manali, or Dharamshala here. Tranquil indeed, Barot can be a perfect location if you wish to experience solitude in the hills.
If you gaze around Barot valley Himachal Pradesh, you will see that the region is surrounded by cedar and pine forests, has terraced fields as you will find in most parts of Himachal Pradesh, along with the Uhl river. In short, a raw and authentic Himachali experience for you.
The quite rustic character of Barot valley Himachal Pradesh is unique, and it has retained its quietness to date. There are only a few hotels and some homestays in Barot valley, which make it truly unique. There is no commercial fuss here, and you can hike, trek, camp, or fish in solitude. Those with an adventure instinct can also trek from Barot to Rajgundha or from Barot to Billing.
In addition, Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, is also known for its Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to black bears, monals, and deer. Nature lovers, bird watchers, and those with an interest in eco-tourism will find Barot interesting.
If you wish to enjoy authentic Himachali village life, Barot is the place to be. You can stay in any of the local homestays, taste some authentic home-cooked local food, and interact with villagers. You will see that life is slow-paced here, people welcome you, and you feel close to nature all the time.
The network connectivity is also limited in Barot, and in case you are looking for a digital detox location, Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, is your best bet. If you are a writer or into some kind of creative work, Barot can be your new workstation in the Himalayas.
Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, is off the usual tourist track and is often missed by many.
About Barot Valley
When I read about Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, for the first time, it made me wonder why only a select few visit this wonderland. It seemed to me like a small village that had been lost somewhere on the old maps.
Where is Barot Valley Located?
Only till the time, I planned to travel to Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh. I searched online for how to reach Barot Valley from Mandi, as reaching Mandi was easier. It was a long drive of 11 hours from Delhi with 500 Km to cover. I found that it is only 65 Km from Mandi, and as the bus passed through narrow winding roads, the ride became interesting too. Bir Billing, the adventure capital of this region, is also 52 Km from Barot, and you can further travel up to Bir Billing.
Scenic beauty is, however, only one aspect of the Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh. Shrouded within its deep forests is some history. It is said that during the early 20th century, the British, along with Raja Joginder Sen from Mandi, developed this region for setting up the Shanan Hydrel Project.
During that era, too, they diverted water from the Uhl River through tunnels to Joginder Nagar, which generated power. The trolley track, which was developed to carry project equipment, now carries travellers who want to marvel at that history.
Why Visit Barot Valley?
The trout farming in Barot valley Himachal Pradesh, is, however, the most intuitive thing to see. The clear and cold river water is perfect for trout farming. I saw locals fishing and felt as if time had stood still!
It is only for this reason that Barot is also called an offbeat paradise. You will find no bustling crowds, no cafes. You only have the roar of pine and cedar forest, terraced fields as if a green quilt has been spread out throughout the valley, and houses designed in local architecture with slate roofs.
Things to do in Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh
I spent some quaint days in Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh. It occurred naturally to me that this region is not a destination where you visit different attractions. Barot is more of a feeling, like a serene flowing river (which the Uhl is); you have to be calm and composed to experience Barot. This is what I did in Barot and would like to do again whenever I visit this region again.
Getting up to the Misty Mornings of Uhl
On the morning of day 1 at Barot, I woke up to the sound of calmly flowing Uhl, just outside my homestay window. The valley was covered in a mist as I headed out, and the river water was glittering silvery in that cold morning.
Sitting on a rock, just watching the sun rise, was perhaps the best thing I did in a long time. The sound of flowing water and chirping birds added to this magical essence.
So, when you visit Barot, spend one morning on the riverside and experience the power of silence.
Visit the Trout Farm
Barot is also known for its trout farming, which was introduced by the British here. You will see that the Uhl River is full of trout! I have never experienced angling, but the ambiance of the place made me do so. Luckily, my homestay owner was also going angling, so I decided to try it.
I could not catch any fish; however, the calm and serene ambiance was the place was so intuitive that it felt as if I was meditating. I also visited the Government trout farm in Barot, which has small tanks full of Trout!
Trying the fresh grilled trout was simply amazing! It was soft, lightly spiced, and deliciously fresh as it could be.
Exploring Shanan Hydel Project
The history of Barot is also as vital as its surroundings, a fact which we often forget. The British during the early 20th century built the Shanan Hydel Project with the help of Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi. A trolley track to carry the heavy equipment was also constructed.
Walking along this track, I imagined the hard labour of engineers and labourers that went into its making. Today, it stands silent, rusted as if embroiling a part of the forgotten history of Himachal Pradesh.
Trying Short Forest Trails
I wanted to trek to Bara Bhangal, which connects Barot to Kangra valley. However, neither am I a seasoned trekker, nor did I have the time to do so. I did meet a group of trekkers who were preparing to trek, all the way to Bara Banghal.
I chose to trek around Barot instead. Through dense cedar forests, small water streams, and waterfalls that emerged out of nowhere. I did so, and that was too contagious for me! A trail I found out which took me to a spot from where I could see the Himalayas. Each of these walks over the two days felt as if I had found some hidden trek in Barot valley Himachal Pradesh.
Walking through the Village and Chatting with Locals
Wandering through the village was simply best part of this vacation. Women sitting outside their homes and knitting sweaters, old men discussing the Himachal politics, sipping a cup of tea at village shops, and children playing cricket with stumps made of local wood were simply mesmerizing. Life is tough during the winter months in the mountains, and I realized this while wandering through by lanes of Barot valley.
A Riverside Picnic
If travelling with family and friends, you can pack some parathas and pickle to enjoy these by the edge of the Uhl river. Like I did, you can dip your feet in the icy cold waters, lie down on the rock, and watch the clouds drift apart from the blue skies. Time will seem to stand still here!
Camp under Blanket of Stars
I was staying at a local homestay, but I found out that many people chose to camp by the side of the Uhl River. During the night, you can see a blanket of stars up above as the little quaint town has no pollution, and the skies are clear. Milky Way stretched before my eyes, and this was a sight I could never forget. If you are feeling strained in your life, come to Barot, spend a night under the stars, and everything in your life will seem to fall back in place.
Visit to Multhan Village
At a short walk from Barot is Multhan village. You will get panoramic views of the whole valley from this village. The simple and traditional lifestyle of the villagers, too, is another thing to observe here. Houses with stone and slate roofs, player flags fluttering high in the hills, and children running barefoot in the by lanes virtually took me back to my childhood years.
Try Himachali Cuisine
When in an offbeat location like Barot, it is definitely the time to try some Himachali cuisine. A plate of Siddu (bread stuffed with poppy seeds), Rajmah chawal, and some freshly cooked Trout are some of the delicacies that you should try when you are in Barot valley Himachal Pradesh.
Best Homestays in Barot Valley
During my trip to Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, I chose to stay in a homestay as I wanted to relish the local village life. If you wish to experience the local vibe in Barot, you can choose from Homestay options like Shobhla Homestay, Tikkan Cottages, or the River View Homestay. All are budget-friendly, and you will have to pay an amount varying from Rs 800/- to Rs 1500/- per night. Expect warm, freshly cooked Himachali food and a lot of stories from the homestay owners who will enthral you with their tales.
If you wish to camp at the riverside, try the Barot Valley Camps or Himalayan Camping Barot, which can cost from Rs 1200/- to Rs 2000/- per person. For those seeking the colonial vibe, the PWD Rest House, located in the wilderness, is also an option. However, booking for the PWD Rest House has to be done in advance and online.
Contact Details:
River View Homestay
Location: Jharwar Road, near Barot Barrage
Mobile: +91 94187 63841
Landline: 01908‑267211
Shobhla Homestay
Mobile: +91 94182 98556
Landline: 01908‑267223
Barrage View Homestay
Mobile: +91 97369 58568 / 09816‑863982
Food Options in Barot Valley
Simple, yet soulful food is the specialty of Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh. The homestay I chose served a perfect combination of these. Hot siddu stuffed wheat buns served with ghee, Rajmah chawal with local beans being used extensively.
The small cafes in the local market offer basic meals, Maggi, Omelette, and Chai. The food, however, tasted unique and was better than any served in a city café that we are used to. Bhandari Bhojanalaya, Trishul Dhaba, Kullu Valley Dhaba, Negi Bhojanalaya, and Himachal Cafe & Dhaba (also called Sharma Dhaba) are the popular ones in Barot, and you can try local food at any of these.
However, if you are on a trek, carry some energy bars and dry fruits as you will find only water on the way.
How to Reach Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh
Barot is a hidden chapter in the book titled Himachal Pradesh.
By Road
The overnight bus from Delhi to Mandi brought me here in 10 hours. I took the local bus to Barot via Ghatasani. This show but mesmerizing bus ride went through pine forests, terraced fields, and small mountain villages where life is simple and slow. You can also book a taxi, but travelling in a local HRTC bus will give you a true insight of local Himachali life. The valley opens up near Barot, and the Uhl River springs up, transforming you into a vivid landscape known as Barot.
By Train
If planning to come via train, you can come in a broad-gauge train till Pathankot. From Pathankot, you may embark on the toy train, which is a narrow-gauge line, and will bring you to Jogindernagar near Barot.
Best Time to Visit Barot Valley
You can plan a visit either from late March to early June or post monsoons from September to November. It snows in Barot in winters and most of the homestays are closed during peak winters.
FAQs on Barot Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Where is Barot Valley located?
Barot Valley is located in Mandi district and is around 66 Km from Mandi and 25 Km from Joginder Nagar.
How can I reach Barot Valley?
You can reach Barot from Mandi or via Joginder Nagar. The nearest airport is in Gaggal (Dharamshala), and the nearest railway station is at Joginder Nagar (Narrow gauge line).
What is Barot famous for?
Trout farming, Uhl River, trekking trails, and serene offbeat nature are some of the things that make Barot popular.
What are the good options for staying in Barot?
Riverside camps offering local cuisine, local homestays are some of the good, worth trying options for a comfortable stay in Barot.
Is there a Mobile service in Barot?
Yes, BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work; however, the signals can be limited in particular stretches.
Are there ATMs in Barot?
Yes, but limited. It is a good idea to carry some cash, as ATM might not work and mobile signals might be limited, and not all people are comfortable with technology and prefer to deal in cash in offbeat locations.
Barot Valley Himachal Pradesh, is not only a destination, it can be an emotion too, especially if you like travelling. As I sat by the edge of the Uhl River as the sun dipped behind the pine trees, the little town of Barot got wrapped in silence. Quiet moments, starry nights, and the raw beauty of Himachal can all be felt in Barot.
Pack the bags, leave behind your life filled with hustle-bustle, and come to Barot to experience calm and serene life!
Image Courtesy: Unexplored Himachal
