Explore The Beautiful Hill Station in Himachal- “Barot Valley”

Barot of Chauhar Valley of Mandi district is excellent and attractive, which is attracting tourists towards it. Situated at six thousand feet above sea level, Barot is a small beautiful hill station along the river Uhl. Barot Valley place has settled on the Uhl River for the power project. Today, Barot has become the most popular tourist destination. Barot Valley, located around 80 kilometres from Mandi and surrounded by lush deodar forests, is a fantastic destination for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts. 

Barot Valley is famous for power projects. The British built a reservoir for the Shanan power project in Barot. In 1925, a contract had signed between British Army Engineer Colonel Bunty and Raja Jogindra Sen of Mandi, which led to the construction of the Shanan and Bassi hydroelectric projects of Joginder Nagar.

Also Read: Manikaran Sahib

Places to visit in Barot Valley 

Cherish your holiday as a memorable one! You can stay with family and friends during your trip to Barot Valley. If you are planning to visit Barot Valley during the summer holidays, then for your information, let us tell you which are the places of interest in Barot Valley where you can enjoy your holidays in solitude and a hygienic environment.

Let us know the scenic spots full of beauty and calm environment located in Barot Valley:

1. Shanan Power Project

About 96 years old 110 MW Shanan power project is the first hydroelectric project of MW capacity in India which is the main factor behind the development of Barot Valley. Developed in the 1920s by the British in alliance with Raja Jogindernagar, this power project is still under the Punjab State Electricity Board. After the end of its lease period in 2024, this project will come to the Himachal government.

You can see the excellent use of old machinery in the power project. The project has also created two substantial water bodies, which make the task even more beautiful. Your trip to Barot Valley is complete once you visit this project which counts as one of the best places to visit in Barot.

2. Uhl River

The Uhl River flows through the Thamsar Glacier, crossing the Uhl Valley through villages such as Barot Valley and Bada Gran. One can experience the beauty of nature to the fullest in this area, surrounded by oak forests and deodar trees. The Uhl River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities, and camping in the area is a great way to immerse yourself in nature.

3. Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary

Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is on the banks of the Uhl River. In this sanctuary, you can see various species of animals and birds like deer, bears, musk deer, and monal. This sanctuary is one of the prime attractions to visit in Barot Valley sightseeing! Apart from this, a variety of fauna and flora are found in this sanctuary, making it a great tourist destination for tourists visiting Barot. The beauty of this place is also the trek route to Kullu, which passes through the dense forests of Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is one of the famous sightseeing places in Barot in a secluded and beautifully landscaped hill station.

The best time to visit Naragu Wildlife Sanctuary is April to May and August to October.

4. Dev Pashakot Temple 

Himachal Pradesh is the "homeland of Gods and Goddesses." There are also several temples in Barot Valley. Here you may view the religious side of Barot and the beautiful idols of the local deity at the Dev Pashakot Temple. This temple is on the bank of river Uhl (15 minutes to reach) at the foot of a hill. 

5. Chauhar Valley

Behind the majestic Dhauladhar Mountains wall lies a quaint valley called the Chauhar Valley. Barot, situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, comes under this valley. Hurang Narayan Temple and Jhatingari Village are in this valley. The Mandi Shivratri festival, celebrated with full enthusiasm by the locals, is this valley's main attraction.

6. Waterfall in Lapas village

You can reach Lapas village about 6 km before reaching Barot by travelling 7 km by a Kutcha link road. On getting to the town, you will find that ancient traditional wooden houses exist here. There is a beautiful waterfall in the valley adjacent to the village, which the local people have developed as a picnic spot. Here you will get light food items and a small lake made of a waterfall for bathing. The valley has potato crops, Pahari Rajma and Pahari Aloo/Potato.

7. Kareri Lake

Surrounded by a serene environment and beauty, this place is the centre of a tourist attraction. Located 10 km from Barot Valley, Kareri Lake is also one of the main sightseeing places for trekking. The running water here is crystal clear, with impressive glaciers and mountain streams all year round.

8. Bir billing

Bir Billing is in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. You can enjoy spectacular views along with exciting experiences here. From Barot Valley to Bir, the distance is approximately 52 km by car. The journey from Barot to Bir takes around 1 hour.

9. Kotla fort

If you're interested in exploring historical landmarks in the region, check out Kotla Fort. Built during the period of the Guler kings, this fort relishes history lovers and those who enjoy walking through the dense deodar forests that attract hundreds of tourists every year. It is conveniently on the state highway between Nurpur and Shahpur, just a short distance from Kangra.

Also Read: Tirthan Valley

What to do in Barot Valley?

Barot has some interesting things to do which are given below:

1. Trekking

Barot is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. You can go to Kullu, Manali, Billing and Kothi for trekking here. The trek from Barot to Kothi is a 13 km long trek through the forest. If you want to enjoy nature, remember to come here.

2. Fishing

Trout fishing is an excellent hobby here. People come in large numbers to catch fish. If you have never caught fish, you can try it here. It requires authorization from the Trout Farm Office.

3. Glacial Riverside Camping

Glacial Riverside Camping is conveniently located close to the hostel and offers a fantastic experience. The Uhl river banks are stunning and only require a little effort to get to. You'll love falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the river and taking in the breathtaking starry night sky. It's only 3 km from Zostel Barot and takes just one day to trek, so it's worth checking out. The fort is at a distance of 46.4 km from Barot.

Also Read: Kufri

When to come to Barot Valley? 

The weather of Barot Valley remains pleasant throughout the year. Tourists can visit this beautiful place anytime. However, avoid visiting during the monsoon, as the area receives heavy rainfall, during which all roads are closed.

Best Hotels in Barot Valley

There are numerous hotels in Barot Valley with all amenities. Here is the list of some best hotels in Barot Valley given below: 

1. Red Pine Homestay

2. Griffons Cottage

3. Hotel Krishna Barot Valley

4. Cosy Nest Camps

5. The Heimat Resort /River View Tents

6. The Blues At Barot

7. Barot Waterfall Camps And Domes

How to reach Barot Valley?

Barot Valley is easily accessible from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Despite being a less popular destination, various transportation options are available to get to Barot. 

1. By Airport

The nearest airport to Barot is Gaggal, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, at a distance of about 114 km. Another airport is in the Bhuntar district, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, about 123 km from Barot.

2. By Train

The nearest rail link from Barot is about 40 kilometres from Joginder Nagar, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

3. By Road

Taking the bus is highly recommended, and the nearest bus stop is in Mandi, which is about 80 km away from Barot Valley. From Mandi, you can easily find a local bus or a shared taxi/cab to reach your destination.