Tirthan Valley is no less than jannat for some trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the picturesque mountain ranges of Himachal Pradesh, the valley is an underexplored gem. When such gems are less-known, it is mostly because travelers are unaware of ways to reach that place. In the case of Tirthan Valley, the best way to reach is by Delhi. So, don’t worry, for we’ve collated a handy guide for you on how to reach Tirthan Valley from Delhi. Ready to embark on your next adventure?
How To Reach Tirthan Valley From Delhi?
- Delhi To Tirthan Valley Distance
- Delhi To Tirthan Valley By Road
- Reaching Delhi To Tirthan Valley By Train
- Delhi To Tirthan Valley By Air
- Things To Do In Tirthan Valley
Delhi To Tirthan Valley Distance
The distance of Tirthan Valley from Delhi is approximately 485 kilometers (km). These two places are roughly about 10 hours (hr) away from each other. When you are on your way to Tirthan Valley from Delhi, you can take the National Highway 44, and the distance can be either covered overnight or through the day.
Delhi To Tirthan Valley By Road
By Cabs
Reaching Tirthan Valley from Delhi is best achieved by road. In fact, the journey can be one of the best road trips to take in India. You can hire a private cab or use your own personal vehicle for the road trip.
Private cabs from Delhi can cost anywhere from INR 12,000 to INR 18,000, whereas from Chandigarh, it can be between INR 6,000 to INR 9,000. While private cabs are more expensive than other transport methods, they are also more convenient for a large group of people travelling together or if you are someone who likes to take frequent halts.
By Bus
Another easy way of reaching Tirthan Valley from Delhi is by bus. There are several bus operators running daily between Delhi and Aut, the nearest town to Tirthan Valley. The bus journey from Delhi to Aut takes about 12 to 13 hours. From Aut, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the scenic valley.
In Delhi, most buses depart from the Kashmiri Gate ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminus) and the fares vary according to the bus operator. There is also the overnight Himachal Tourism (HTPDC) Volvo bus going to Manali that costs about INR 1,500. If you’re traveling in this bus, make sure to get down at Aut and then take a local bus or taxi to reach your destination.
Note: If you’ve already arranged a homestay in Tirthan Valley, you can contact them and ask for pick-up service from Aut. While some might not agree, chances are that most homestays will offer to pick you up.
Reaching Delhi To Tirthan Valley By Train
If you’re someone who loves romanticizing train journeys over buses and cars, there is a ‘rail’way for you to reach the Tirthan Valley. Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest railhead to the valley at about a distance of 127 km. This takes approximately 4 hr 30 minutes to cover.
From Delhi, you must first travel to Pathankot’s railway station. This distance is about 480 km, after which you will board a train to Joginder Nagar from Pathankot. It might take about 7 to 10 hours, so prepare for a long journey. The Dauladhar Express, the Durg Jammu Tawi Express, and the Tatanagar Jammu Tawi Express are some of the prominent trains that can be boarded from Delhi to reach Pathankot.
From Pathankot, you must hop on to the narrow-gauge passenger train leaving for Joginder Nagar. The train takes about 9 hours to reach and halts at stops like Kangra, Palampur, and Guler, among others. Once you reach Joginder Nagar, you can easily get a taxi or a local bus to drop you off at Tirthan Valley.
Delhi To Tirthan Valley By Air
The closest airport to Tirthan Valley is the Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu-Manali Airport. A flight from Delhi to Bhuntar takes approximately 1 hr 30 minutes and is a quick way of reaching the valley. However, flights are extremely limited and expensive as compared to other domestic flights covering similar distances. Irregularities in flight timings and logistical delays might also hamper your travel experience.
Once there, you can take a cab or a local bus to reach the valley, which is only about 57 km or 2 hours away. These taxis can charge around INR 2,000 so make sure you haggle a little to settle a good deal.
Things To Do In Tirthan Valley
Now that you’ve finally reached the valley after a long journey, it’s time to look into the unique experiences you can be a part of while you’re here!
- Trek In The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
This National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to elusive snow leopards and Jujuranas. You can also try out bird-spotting and trekking by the serene rivers and streams. Be it a short one-day trek, a nature trail, or an overnight camping, the GHNP promises unforgettable experiences in India’s lesser-known wilderness.
- Trout Fishing In The Local Streams
The Tirthan River flowing through the valley is famous for its abundant trout fish. The serene view while you fish and the end result of finally baiting a fish is worth it. However, be mindful of local rules and regulations – trout fishing is prohibited between 1st November, 2024 to 28th February, 2025 to avoid interruptions in the trout breeding season.
- Bird Watching In Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley is home to plenty of diverse avian species – ranging from paradise flycatcher and Himalayan Griffon to verditer flycatcher and red-billed blue magpies. You can also spot Himalayan and black bulbuls and several kinds of pheasants.
- Trek To Small Hamlets To Get A Glimpse Of The Local Life
From Tirthan Valley, travelers can trek or hike to several small hamlets in and around the valley. People in these hamlets live a simple, mountainous life, with most of them being cattle herders. You’ll be delighted to see the warm, hospitable attitude of these people and the way they live a sustainable life even today. Make sure you do try their local delicacies, including the very famous Siddu – steamed buns filled with mashed potatoes, walnuts, green peas, and herbs.
You can also go on a day trip to Jibhi or trek to the Jalori Pass and Serlosarkar Lake. These are some of the major experiences that travelers take part in when they are in Tirthan Valley.
Summing Up
Now that you know how to reach Tirthan Valley from Delhi, you can plan your trip more conveniently and organize it better. Things like train bookings and schedules and local transit can be quite overwhelming to figure out, but with our comprehensive guide, you won’t feel the need of any other reference to plan your Delhi to Tirthan Valley trip. Gear up, the mountains might call you anytime soon!
FAQs
Which Is The Nearest Station To Tirthan Valley?
Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest to Tirthan Valley, located at a distance of about 127 km.
Is Tirthan Valley Worth Visiting?
Yes, Tirthan Valley is absolutely worth a visit. Thanks to its scenic valleys, calm streams and rivers, mountains, and plenty of nature-related activities to do, the place is easily one of the best offbeat places to visit in India.
How Many Days Are Enough For Tirthan?
Excluding your transit time, you can easily spend 3 to 4 days in Tirthan or even up to a week, if you want to experience the beauty of Tirthan. You can explore a lot of offbeat places, neighboring valleys, and hamlets in this duration.
Is Tirthan Valley Good For Families?
Yes, Tirthan Valley makes for a good family-friendly destination. However, if you are bringing kids and the elderly, make sure you acclimatize them properly and carry necessary medication, if required. This is because the temperatures are colder than usual and the altitude can pose a few health challenges especially for the elderly.
