Offbeat Himachal : Tirthan Valley, Shangarh, Barot Valley, Bir & Mcleod

Day 1: Evening Departure from Delhi to Jibhi

• Start your journey in the evening from Delhi to Jibhi. Enjoy the overnight bus ride through the scenic roads of Himachal Pradesh. Make sure to carry a small blanket and some snacks for the journey.

Day 2: Jibhi Arrival | Cafe Hopping
Arrive in Jibhi by morning and check into your accommodation. Take some time to relax and freshen up after the journey. Spend the rest of the day exploring Jibhi’s charming cafes. Enjoy the serene vibe of the village, with views of pine forests and rivers. You can try local Himachali dishes or simply enjoy a coffee by the river.

Highlights:

• Relaxing in local cafes.
• Enjoying the scenic beauty of Jibhi village.

Day 3: Visit Jalori Pass – Trek to 360 Viewpoint and Serolsar Lake
After breakfast, head out to Jalori Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Himachal. From Jalori Pass, begin your trek to the 360 Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Continue your trek to Serolsar Lake, a tranquil high-altitude lake surrounded by thick forests. After spending some time at the lake, return to Jibhi.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive to Jalori Pass.
• Trekking to 360 Viewpoint and Serolsar Lake.
• Stunning views of the Himalayas.

Day 4: Jibhi to Shangarh
Check out from your stay in Jibhi and travel to Shangarh, a peaceful village located in the Sainj Valley. The drive is scenic, passing through forests and rivers. Upon arrival, explore the Shangarh Meadows, an expansive green space surrounded by mountains. Visit the Shangchul Mahadev Temple, an ancient site with spiritual significance.

Highlights:

• Exploring the Shangarh Meadows.
• Visiting the Shangchul Mahadev Temple.
• Relaxing in the serene atmosphere of Sainj Valley.

Day 5: Shangarh to Barot Valley
After breakfast, depart for Barot Valley, a less-explored gem in Himachal Pradesh. The valley is famous for its lush greenery, the Uhl river, and trout fish farms. Spend the day hiking or walking along the river, exploring local villages, or simply relaxing amidst the natural beauty of the valley.

Highlights:

• Scenic beauty of Barot Valley.
• Trout fishing and nature walks.
• Exploring local villages.

Day 6: Barot to Bir | Explore Bir
In the morning, leave for Bir, a small town known for its Tibetan monasteries and as the paragliding capital of India. On arrival, you can explore Bir’s local attractions like Sherab Ling Monastery, cafes, and markets. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try paragliding (if weather permits), soaring high over the Dhauladhar range.

Highlights:

• Exploring Tibetan culture in Bir.
• Visiting local monasteries and cafes.
• Option for paragliding.

Day 7: McLeodGanj Sightseeing
Travel from Bir to McLeodGanj, a town known for its Tibetan culture and as the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Spend the day visiting key attractions like Tsuglagkhang Monastery, Namgyal Monastery, and the Tibetan Museum. You can also visit Bhagsu waterfall and the Bhagsunath Temple. In the evening, explore the bustling local market.

Highlights:

• Visiting Tibetan monasteries and museums.
• Exploring Bhagsu waterfall and temple.
• Shopping at McLeodGanj market.

Day 8: Cafe Hopping | Evening Departure to Delhi
Spend your last day in McLeodGanj hopping between cozy cafes, savoring Tibetan, Israeli, and Indian cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and picturesque views one last time before departing in the evening for your return journey to Delhi.

Highlights:

• Relaxing at McLeodGanj cafes.
• Departure to Delhi in the evening.

Day 9: Morning Arrival in Delhi
Arrive back in Delhi in the morning, marking the end of your thrilling and rejuvenating trip through the beautiful offbeat destinations of Himachal Pradesh.

• NOTE: Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of participants etc. May cause itinerary change. We reserve the rights to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort and general wellbeing.
• NOTE: During winters, the vehicles will drop at snow point on the way to Jalori Pass. Further, we will trek from snow point till 360° view point. Further trek to Serolsar Lake will be completely subject to it's feasibility based on snow & weather conditions.
• NOTE: Travellers residing outside Delhi are suggested to book trains/flights reaching Delhi not later than 2 PM on the trip start date. Similarly, on trip end date, book returning flight/trains leaving post 6 PM.

THINGS TO PACK

• Day backpack (20 – 30 Ltrs): When you are on a local sightseeing tour, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one at your designated stay. 
• Floaters or Sandals: When you are spending your day at leisure, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.
• 1 Down Jacket / Main Jacket: It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry an insulated jacket that you can put on over your other clothes.
• 1 Pair of Thermal: Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when traveling to cold regions.
• Outdoor Shoes: A comfortable shoe is required when traveling outdoors, especially in the mountains. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and sturdy.
• 3 Quick Dry Tees: You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene. 
• 3 Pair of Cotton Socks: Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.
• 1 Pair of Woolen Socks: A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.
• 1 Poncho: A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from the rain. 
• Quick-dry towel: A quick-dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.
• Gloves: Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands.
• Sanitizer: Prevent the risk of infections and maintain proper hand hygiene by making sure you carry a hand sanitizer.
• Sun Cap: A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day. 
• Lip Balm: Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it's important to keep them moisturized.
• Cold Cream & SunScreen (SPF 40+): To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.
• Water Bottle 1 Lt.: Hydration is extremely important when it comes to traveling To carry a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.
• Bag for all your Toiletries: A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag. 
• Personal Basic Medical Kit: Carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, and medication for headaches, nausea, etc is necessary.
• Sunglasses / People who use spectacles (Use Photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses): Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc.
• Mobile charger / Power bank: Although you'll get electricity at most places, it is always advisable to carry a charged power bank in case of emergencies.
• Documents: Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, and driver's License.
• Travel Laundry Bag: In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in the bag and keep them separate from your dry clothes. 
• Camera: This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trip. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• No cancellations will be taken over phone calls or WhatsApp messages. Please reply to the email with the payment receipt that you received at the time of booking regarding the cancellation.
• Free Cancellation up to 45 days before the departure date. (Booking amount is non-refundable)
• 44 Days to 30 days of Departure date. 10% of the total Trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• 29 Days to 20 Days of Departure date. 25% of the total trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• 19 Days to 10 Days of Departure date. 50% of the total trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• 10 Days to 6 Days of Departure date. 75% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• 6 Days to Trip Departure date. 100% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• No Show. No refund.
• Note: All the reimbursements/refunds will incur a Payment Gateway charge of 2.5% & GST of 5% respectively. The Payment Gateway charges will not be levied on the customers who have made their transactions via UPI.
• Please also note that the booking amount for all packages/trips is non-refundable whereas a Credit Note can be issued if the cancellation is made 3 days before the departure date (at the discretion of the organization)
• In case of government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even if certain activities are canceled, the organization provides the best alternative but no refunds would be provided.
• If a trip/trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.), Sahyadri Rangers will issue a refund in the form of SR Cash and if possible will provide an alternative as well. The amount can be redeemed for the same or another trip/trek in the next 365 days from the departure date.
• If a trek/trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). No refund would be provided.
• Any extra expense incurred due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.), will be borne by the customer. The company will not be liable.
• Cancellations policy will differ during the peak season and for popular places.