Have you ever heard of the picturesque town of Shangarh? Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Great Himalayan National Park in the stunning state of Himachal Pradesh, Shangarh is a hidden gem worth exploring. What sets it apart? Firstly, it resides within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of India’s largest National Park, the GHNP, famous for its rich biodiversity and untouched communities. Secondly, unlike many Himalayan villages, Shangarh boasts vibrant green meadows in its surroundings, adding to its unique charm.
How many days are enough for shangarh
To plan a trip you need at least 3 days to enjoy your trip. The Shangarh offers a delightful blend of cascading waterfalls and winding nature trails, beckoning you to embark on exploratory hikes. The tranquil ambience encourages you to unwind and connect with nature. With a plethora of day trips, adventurous treks, and scenic villages in the vicinity, your time in Shangarh is bound to feel like a blissful, magical dream. Read on to discover the exciting things to do in Shangarh, Himachal Pradesh, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Things to do in Shangarh
1. Take a leisurely walk through the scenic Shangarh Meadows.
The Shangarh Meadows fulfil every expectation – expansive, lush green, tranquil, and breathtaking! Witness the sky’s kaleidoscope of colours on the horizon as you stroll through the soft grass, embraced by magnificent pine trees and charming, colourful houses on all sides. Transporting you to a dreamlike realm, these meadows are perfect for a sunset walk.
2. Stunning Barshangarh Falls
Accessible by a short drive followed by a half-kilometer hike, the Barshangarh Falls offer a delightful experience in this mountainous landscape. A majestic cascade of pure, milky-white water flows vigorously, allowing you to approach the foot of the falls without venturing into deep waters. The uphill hike is equally refreshing, with a dense canopy of green trees accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds, creating a symphony of nature as you walk.
3. Engage in the activity of bird watching
Picture waking up to a breathtaking scenery and the diverse wildlife that complements this distinct town. Positioned at the entrance of the Great Himalayan National Park, Shangarh welcomes travelers with an array of native birds. From the vibrant Western Tragopan to the elusive Monal (look them up for a delightful surprise), Shangarh provides a habitat for around 35 different bird species. Whether you’re taking an evening stroll through the meadows or embarking on a trek to a nearby village, be sure to keep your eyes (or binoculars!) focused on the wonderful avian life around you.
4. Explore the twin towers of Raila
Rising prominently to provide an expansive view of the valley’s numerous settlements, a visit to the twin towers of Raila is highly recommended. Featuring compact rooms on each floor, these towers served as residences at some point. Take a short drive to explore the twin towers, the village of Raila, the Raila Temple, and the concealed waterfalls before returning to Shangarh.
5. Discover the historical temples.
Our verdant town of Shangarh is renowned for its temples, each echoing a rich history evident in their architectural marvels. Among the revered local shrines, the Shangchul Mahadev Temple stands proudly amidst the Shangarh Meadows, its bold brown structure contrasting against the sea of green grass, instantly capturing your attention. Another magnificent temple showcasing exceptional wood craftsmanship is the Tower Temple, situated in the village of Raila. Several other temples are scattered throughout the Sainj Valley, including the Manu Rishi Temple in Shanshar, which you can drive by if you wish to delve deeper into exploration.
6. Immerse yourself in the charm of small Himachali villages
As you prepare to explore Shangarh, be sure to venture into the nearby villages. Just a short distance away, the settlements of Goshati and Darari greet you with picturesque apple orchards, vibrant Kullu Topis dotting the landscape, and the simplicity of mountain life. Stroll through fields of wheat and vegetables, cultivated using traditional agricultural methods. The distinctive wooden Himachali homes add to the scenic beauty. Moreover, the friendly locals are welcoming, providing an opportunity for pleasant conversations or engaging in local mythological stories—of which there are plenty to enjoy.
7. Embark on a trek in the remarkable ecozone
Blessed with a magnificent display of nature, the Great Himalayan National Park presents enchanting trekking paths for you to traverse. The briefest journey is a one-night trek leading to Jangaon Thatch, guiding you through a forest canopy adorned with beautiful flowers, revitalizing grasslands, and the presence of birds throughout. For those seeking a more extended adventure, extend this trek by an additional two days to discover Thini Thatch and the Pundrik Lake—both destinations well worth every step of the journey! However you need permit for this trek.
8. Take a drive to the Tirthan Valley
The magnificent Tirthan Valley in Himachal is just a two-hour drive from Shangarh and is definitely worth a visit. Nestled alongside the Tirthan River, the towns of Jibhi, Banjar, and Gushaini are charmingly picturesque. Jibhi exudes a trendy vibe with riverside cafes, hiking trails, and a captivating waterfall. Nearby lies the Serolsar Lake, a legitimate two-day trek that trekking enthusiasts might find appealing. Drive over, engage in fishing, swimming, or simply relax by the river, enjoy brunch at a café in Jibhi, explore the surroundings, and then drive back.
9. Discover the mythological charm of the town
Last but certainly not least, Shangarh carries a deep mythological history, with some accounts dating back to the time of the Pandavas. Legend has it that the Pandavas traversed the Shangarh Meadows and paid homage at the local temples. If you have the opportunity and are intrigued, engage in a conversation with the hosts at Zostel Home Shangarh or locals to learn more about these fascinating stories!
10. Turn the journey into a trekking adventure
Feel free to embark on a hike to Shangarh! If you’re coming from Manali, consider trekking from Naggar, reaching Shangarh in about 4 hours. Alternatively, upon reaching Sainj Valley, a trek of approximately 11 km will lead you to the village. Further afield, there are treks to Jalori Pass and Parashar Lake. While you can’t trek directly from Shangarh to these places, this gives you an idea of the diverse trekking opportunities in the region.
Also read : Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple
How to reach Shangarh
Shangarh is situated in Tandidhar, just 2 kilometers away from the renowned Shangarh Meadows by road. Positioned at an altitude of 2100 meters, this location offers a panoramic view of towering mountains, lush meadows, and the Shangarh village.
To reach Shangarh by train:
The closest railway station to Shangarh is in Chandigarh, approximately 251 kilometers away.
To reach Shangarh by flight:
The nearest airport is Bhuntar, with Chandigarh Airport being recommended due to its frequency and significant price difference, situated 53 kilometers from Shangarh.
To reach Shangarh by bus:
You can take a bus from Majnu ka Tila/ ISBT Delhi heading to Aut (any bus bound for Kullu, Kasol, Manali). Bus tickets can be booked online & offline. The journey from Delhi to Aut takes approximately 10-12 hours.
Upon reaching Aut, take a bus to Sainj. There is only one bus heading towards Shangarh from Sainj, and its departure time is 04:00 PM ( timing can be depend on the weather & season).
To reach Shangarh via cab from Aut:
From Aut, you can hire a cab to Shangarh, and they typically charge INR 1500-2000 for a 4-6 seater car.
How to reach Shangarh from your own vehicle (cab/bike):
- Depart from Delhi and follow the route via Ambala – Kharad via Bilaspur.
- At Kharad, you have two options: proceed either via Shimla or Kiratpur. If choosing Kiratpur, take the route via Bilaspur to Mandi.
- From Mandi, continue until you reach the Aut tunnel.
- Just before the Aut tunnel, turn right toward Banjar & Sainj road. After 2 kilometers from the Aut tunnel, you will come across Larji Bridge.
- At Larji Bridge, take a left turn toward Sainj.
- Travel the distance of 18 kilometers from Aut to Sainj.
- From Sainj, proceed to Shangarh, covering a distance of 15 kilometers.
Shangarh to manali
To reach Sainj from Manali, take a bus from Manali bus depot to Aut. Buses to Aut are generally available and the journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. Once at Aut, catch a bus to Sainj, which will take about an hour. Please note that when transferring buses at Aut, be prepared for a wait, as it’s normal to wait for 30-45 minutes for a bus to Sainj.
Upon reaching Sainj, you have three options:
- The most convenient option is to hire a cab from the Sainj taxi union to Shangarh. As of March 2023, the cost for a small cab (Alto) was 800 Rupees. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
- The second option is to take the daily bus to Shangarh from Sainj. Please note that the availability of this bus is weather-dependent. During my stay in Shangarh, the bus did not operate due to continuous rain.
- Alternatively, board the bus heading to Neuli from Sainj and disembark at Ropa. Inform the bus conductor that you intend to go to Shangarh, and they will drop you off at the road-head for Shangarh. From there, it’s a 7-8 km uphill walk to Shangarh.
Chandigarh to shangarh
The distrance from chandigarh to shangarh is approx. 230 KM and the journey will take approx. 7-8 hour.
Distance and time from different location to Shangarh
| Location | Distance (Km) | Time |
| Delhi to Aut | 491 | 11-12 Hours |
| Aut to Sainj | 22.5 | 40-50 Minutes |
| Sainj to Shangarh | 15.7 | 50 Minutes – 1 Hour |
| Delhi to Shangarh | 461 | 11 – 12 Hours |
| Chandigarh to Shangarh | 250 | 8 Hours |
| Mandi to Shangarh | 85 km | 3-4 hours |
| Kullu to Shangarh | 66 Km | 2 hours |
| Shangarh to kasol | 80 Km | 2 – 3 hours |
Shangarh hotels & homestays
- Zostel Shangarh
- Suhana Homestay
- Tirthan Grand Riverside
- The Hosteller Shangarh
- Himalayan Cedar Nest
- Riverside Holiday Home
- Hipostel Laida