Jalori Pass Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Season, How to Reach and Itinerary

If you know about high altitude passes, most of them close in November, but not this one. The Jalori pass is a rare pass to close late and is the first to be opened. It offers picturesque views of the mountains, the rich forests of Deodar below. Jalori pass trek is a mountain located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It stands at a height of 3,120 meters (10,236 feet).

It is positioned right next to the Great Himalayan National Park and the magnificent tirthan Valley. Trekking on this beautiful trail takes travelers to fascinating places like Shoja, Serolsar Lake, Sakiran, Lambri, Bashleo, and the Great Himalayan National Park. In addition, a hiker can also explore the forts of Fatehpur Garh, Raghunathpur, and Kalagarh. 

The trails along the route explain the abundant wildlife present on the slopes of Jalori. Other than that, the villages nestled in the forests highlight the region’s unique rural culture. Trout fishing in the Tirthan River doubles the magic of the hiker.

There are so many temples along the way, like Jalori Mata temple at Jalori pass, Mahakali temple at Lambri, Buri Nagan temple at Serolsar lake, Brahmandrishi, the local god of Shoja, and Sgringdrashij at Cheine. These temples also make this trip ideal for spiritual beings

History of Jalori Pass Trek

The Jalori Pass road is of historical and vital importance. It was built by the British to attain the Kullu Valley. This requires a specification of Penelope Chetwode, the child of a British Commander-in-Chief posted in India in the late 1920s. Through her many trips to the Kullu countryside, she has immersed herself in the gifts of India.

She has become an esteemed personality among locals for her expertise and fascination with the territory of Himachal Pradesh. Lady Penelope wrote a vigorous chronicle of her travels in a vast travelogue called “Kulu: The End of the Inhabitable World”, a title which is described in the latter manner.

“According to an ancient tradition, the initial name of the valley of Kulu was Kulantpitha, which means “the end of the habitable world,” and anyone who has stopped atop Rohtang Pass, the border between Kulu and Lahaul, will understand this name. The highlands, the Jalori pass is deeply rooted in its own stories.

The ‘Budhi Naagin’ temple is an important site to visit while at Jalori Pass. Legend has it that the goddess ‘Budhi Naagin’, the mother of snakes, resides in Lake Serolsar. He is said to have two birds as nearby companions, who together protect the lake, keeping it clean and pure. In addition, the Pandavas would also have visited this place during their exile. There are many small villages in the surrounding area, each with its own culture. 

Highlights of Jalori Pass Trek

Location of Jalori Pass Trek

Notably precarious, Jalori is a high mountain pass, located at an altitude of 10,570 feet (3,223 m) in the Karsog Valley of Himachal Pradesh with inclement weather conditions and hard turf. To get closer to the top, you should go trekking in April and December. Winters are not allowed to hike as the area gains heavy snowfall and spans around 20 feet. 

Best Time to Visit Jalori Pass Trek

The season for this trek is from mid-June to mid-October. In the first days of the season, we will have a lot of snow on the high passes which are considerably reduced in August.

As the season progresses it can rain in the Kullu Manali valley but on the other side in Spiti, we will have sunny days. The days will generally be sunny and warm (12-20 ° C) while the night temperature in the highest campsite would be between 2 and 6 ° C.

In the latter part of the season (September – mid-October) there is little snow on the trail and good weather everywhere but with the possibility of snowfall. The days are sunny with temperatures around 12-18 ° C, the evenings start to cool down at the beginning of October and the nights are relatively cooler (6 to 4 ° C). 

How to Reach Jalori Pass Trek

The Jalori pass is most easily attainable from the cities of Delhi, Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Leh (July to October only). 

By Air:-

The nearest airport is in Bhuntar town of Kullu Manali, approximately 75 km from Shoja. But flights are pretty rare here, so flying direct is a costly affair. Once you reach Bhuntar, you can take the local buses to Banjar, or you can charter a taxi. Banjar is about 45 km from Bhuntar

By Train:-

If you choose to travel by train, Shimla has the nearest station, from where you have to take a taxi or a bus to reach the pass. 

Sach Pass Trek

By Road:-

The best way to reach the pass is by road. Jalori Pass is located about 3 miles from Shoja town, but the road is making it a 30-minute drive. Once in Banjar, many buses go to Jalori Pass. Banjar is located only 20 km from Jalori Pass and from Jibhi Pass to Jalori Pass it is only 13 km. 

Itinerary of Jalori Pass Trek 

Day 01: Delhi to Manali 

In the evening, start driving towards Manali.

Day 02: Manali 

Arrive in Manali in the morning, you can visit the Hadimba Devi temple, old Manali. Dinner and overnight stay there.

Day 03: Manali Sahiropa 

After breakfast in the morning, drive to the Kullu valley. Leave the main road after a 70 km journey. Then enter Sainj National Park in Sahiropa. Upon arrival, set up a camp for the night.

Day 04: Sahiropa Baghi 

As it will be the first day of trekking,  leave in the morning for a gradual ascent through the cider pine forest to the village of Bhihari with its old mountain architecture located at the top of the range and offering a wide view over the valley, the impressive role of the Shringa Rishi (San Shringa) temple in Indian mythicism is in direct view.

In addition,  take a short walk to the temple with its Shikhra style, inside the majestic temple sculpture which represents the mythological history of India even though Lord Vishnu visits the temple and returns homage to Saint Shringa. Overnight stay in a tent. 

Day 05: Baghi Jhibhi 

Today morning, leave Baghi for Jhibhi, approximately 6 hours of journey. A nine-story old-fashioned fortress was built by Queen Chehni, hence the name Chehni comes from the queen. Later English men took possession of this castle, Raja Maan Singh was the last king of this castle. In 1905 AD Due to a strong earthquake in India, its top three floors dropped and it was quickly rebuilt. On the top floor, remains the main square of Saint Shringa through his mask, you can go up to pay your respects to him. Then continue through the forest famously distinguished for its vegetation. 

Day 06: Jhibhi Shoja 

In the morning set off for an easy path that starts through villages to Ghyaghi, cross a stream, and climb steadily for 3 hours to Shoja village, camp afterwards at a short distance from the village. One of the most stunning sites offering a breathtaking view and overlooking the valley. Night in Shoja in a tent. 

Day 07: Shoja Khanag 

In the morning, leave Shoja. The trek begins at the Jalori pass (3115 m) via Sarau Sar (sacred lake). It binds through beautiful thick forests overflowing with an astonishing diversity of birds. From the pass, cautiously climb to the lake devoted to the local god. Night in a tent. 

Day 08: Khanag Tarala (2300 m / 7544 ft) 

Today morning continues for a progressive ascent and a steep path leading to the village of Beem. After the level, the stroll offers a majestic view of the neighboring hills. Enjoy a night of camping in Tarala. 

Day 09: Tarala Kullu

In the morning, go from Tarala to Kullu Sarahan. The path gains elevation and crosses dense forests. Up in these trees, the Himalayan (monkey) lagoons typical of this region can be seen swaying and chirping. Sherkhand Mountain has mythological importance, being the abode of Lord Shiva, but it also offers magnificent scenery.

Day 10: Kullu Sarahan Arsu

Go for a short 5 hr journey to Arsu.This path is small, nevertheless, it grants a pleasant view of the valley.

Day 11: Arsu Rampur (1850 mts/6068 ft) 

Today is the last day of the trek. Leave Arsu in the morning for Rampur which is visible from the distance, on the other side of the river. After reaching, set off to traverse the ancient capital.

Day 12: Rampur – Shimla (approx. 135 km / 5 hours) – Delhi 

In the morning, drive to Shimla. Upon arrival in Shimla, In the evening board a bus for your way back to Delhi. 

Day 13: Shimla to Delhi 

Arrive Delhi in the morning. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Jalori Pass Trek