Explore nature untouched in the far flung Sainj, a valley known for bucolic everyday scenes and immense floral beauty.
Zostel Shangarh is nestled in the forested mountain range of the Great Himalayan National Park. Dipped in scenic beauty and hosting a quiet, meditative air, this backpackersā hostel in Himachal offers sublime views of the snow-capped mountains.
Falling on the outskirts of the Great Himalayan National Park, the Sainj Valley is densely populated with forest greens, exotic birds, and charming mountain views. Shangarh falls in an ecological area and thus, you will find yourself embracing Nature at its purest when here. While the valley is known for its several religious sites, what remains unexplored are its many winding nature trails.
To begin with, it has plenty of village walks and hikes. Places of interest in and around Shangarh include the Barshangarh waterfall and the mesmerising Shangarh Meadows. The meadows house a revered temple called Shangchul Mahadev, which showcases old Himachali architecture with its exceptional art of wooden carving. On the way towards the Shangarh falls, the villages of Goshati and Darari are also explore-worthy. If you start early, a long walk further leads to the idyllic Lapah village, which offers mesmerising views and a glimpse into the rural life.
If you like adventure, you'll love these treks in the ecozone. A popular one-day trek takes you to Jangaon Thatch, an ecozone, as you cross thick forests and pleasant grasslands. An additional two days on this route takes you to Thini Thatch and the Pundrik Lake on a trail crossing forests of Pine trees, beautiful birds, and rustic small villages.
And if you love taking a drive around the green valleys, head to the Twin Towers and the Raila Waterfalls for a scenic getaway. Moreover, the Tirthan Valley is a 2-hour drive from Shangarh. Set by the Tirthan river, the villages of Gushaini and Banjar offer spectacular valley views, whereas Jibhi is popular amongst backpackers for its chic cafes and hike-worthy surroundings. For day trips taxi is available at the Home and you can enquire with the hosts for more information.
Preserving a bountiful diversity of flora, fauna, and local communities, the Great Himalayan National Park is an ecozone recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest National Parks of India, it houses a delightful number of exotic birds and animals, along with many charming little villages. Shangarh is one such village in the ecozone of GHNP, which serves as a base to start your treks into the core zone of GHNP. These treks include Dhel Meadows, Shumga Thatch and Raktisar trek ranging from 5 to 9 nights in duration. Should you be interested in a trek, our hosts will help you out with all permissions related to it.
