Sainj valley trek: A journey through Shangarh’s breathtaking landscapes

Imagine entering a world where the atmosphere is cool, the skies are cloudless and every step you make is amidst the unspoiled beauty of Mother Nature. Sainj Valley trekking offers that—a peaceful escape from city life that will lead you through Shangarh’s breathtaking landscapes. This is not only a trip it is an experience that brings awareness to your senses and leaves you calm inside.

For many travellers, Sainj Valley in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh remains a hidden treasure. Unlike other highly visited places in Himachal, Sainj provides peace hence making it ideal for those seeking solitude and nature. The valley forms part of Great Himalayan National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site meaning it’s rich in biodiversity and pristine area.

Want to be part of this fascinating trip? Let us dive deeper into the Sainj Valley trek; what to anticipate, ways to prepare yourself for it plus why it should be your next expedition. From when it’s best to visit up to advice on accommodation areas this guide contains everything.

The allure of Sainj Valley

The Sainj Valley is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park, famous for its pristine beauty and rich biodiversity. While places like Manali or Kasol are more famous trekking destinations, Sainj remains relatively off the beaten track offering travellers an opportunity to experience Himachal in its original form. In this valley, there are small villages where time seems to have stopped and the people are friendly.

Shangarh is synonymous with lush green meadows which are a sight for sore eyes. Surrounded by thick forests of pine and deodar, these meadows locally called “Shangharh Ground” make for perfect picnic spots, camping sites or just sitting down somewhere and admiring nature’s beauty. Ancient Shangchul Mahadev Temple also stands in these meadows giving your visit spiritual meaning.

Sainj Valley | Credits: Canva

Trekking through Sainj Valley

This is a moderate trek in the Sainj Valley that suits trekkers of all levels of competence including beginners. It usually takes 3-4 days depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way. It passes through dense forests, bubbling streams and high-altitude meadows from where you can get panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.

Day 1: Shangarh to Lapah village

The Sainj valley trek starts at Shangarh village and takes you through beautiful places like Lapah village and Pundrik Rishi Lake. The best time to go on this trek is from November to February.

Your first day will take you from Shangarh to Lapah village located on some hillsides above it. The path leading through deep pine woods is well marked; you can only hear leaves rustling as well as birds chirping around you. As you walk higher up the mountain you can see breathtaking views wherein the valley appears like a painting below them. By the time you reach Lapah, you will feel like you are back in time when life was simpler as you see traditional wooden houses and terraced fields.

• Trek route: Shangarh to Lapah to Pundrik Rishi Lake to Shakti Village
• Trek duration: 15 hours
• Trek distance: 47 km
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Lapah village | Credits: Canva

Day 2: Lapah to Pundrik Rishi Lake

On this second day of trekking things turn a bit challenging but equally rewarding. From Lapah you will go to Pundrik Rishi Lake, a calm lake situated at high altitude and surrounded by thick forests and snow filled peaks. The locals consider it sacred and normally offer prayers along its shores. Though the track to this lake is steep in places, the view around it and the peace found there is worth all effort.

Pundrik Rishi Lake | Credits: Mysterious Himachal

Day 3: Pundrik Rishi Lake to Shakti Village

On the third day, from Pundrik Rishi Lake you descend into Shakti Village. This descent provides a different perspective of the valley with its cascading waterfalls and lush green meadows. Within Sainj Valley Shakti Village stands out for its apple orchards and traditional Himachali architecture. Spend your evening walking around the village interacting with friendly villagers who often share their stories about their lifestyles.

Shakti Village | Credits: Tales of Hidden Trails

Permits and guides

Since Sainj Valley lies within the Great Himalayan National Park, it requires a permit before entering it. These permits can be acquired from the park office in Sainj. Though the hike can be done independently, it is advisable to employ local guides particularly if you don’t know the area well. Local guides add value by giving information about cultural practices, plants and animals found in that locality.

Best time to visit

The best time for trekking in Sainj Valley is April to June and September to November. The weather is fine during these months and the skies are clear thereby providing magnificent sights of the surrounding top peaks. Enjoy the green landscapes and autumn as it brings out the fascinating display of fall colours.

How to visit Sainj Valley

Visiting Sainj Valley is an adventure in itself, with various travel choices available depending on where you start.

• By Air: The nearest airport to Sainj Valley is Bhuntar Airport located about 50 km away; alternatively, there are regular flights to the airport from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
• By Road: If you love driving, there is a good road network that connects Sainj Valley with other places. You can drive or use a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to get to Aut which is near Sainj. The distance from Delhi to Aut takes approximately 10-12 hours covering about 490 kilometres.
• By Train: The closest rail station for Sainj Valley is Joginder Nagar Railway Station which lies some 80 km away. But then Chandigarh which has better links with various urban areas across India is more preferred. Most times buses or taxis from either buses will take visitors straight to the valley approximately 220 km off Chandigarh On reaching there, you can either hire a guide to trek on foot through these picturesque routes full of unseen natural spots around the area.

Once you reach Sainj, you can explore the valley on foot or hire a local guide to help you navigate its scenic trails and hidden gems.

Shangarh Valley | Credits: Canva

Conclusion

A walk through The Sainj Valley trek via Shangarh’s stunning scenery is one you will never forget in your life. Every step of the journey, from the lush pastures of Shangarh to the serene Pundrik Rishi Lake brings a fresh look and a greater bond with Mother Nature.

As you plan for the trip you may want to consider staying at The Hosteller Shangarh which is like a beautiful extension of the natural environment surrounding it. It is not just about finding accommodation; rather it is an opportunity to have a taste of what Shangarh is all about. So pack up your stuff, put on your hiking shoes and get ready to explore one of Himachal’s best- kept secrets since The Hosteller Shangarh has great views, helpful staff, and amazing facilities.