Barot valley, Himachal Pradesh, Unexplored place, India tourism, trek and waterfalls
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Barot, Himachal Pradesh, India |
Barot Valley
Barot Valley is a very beautiful hill place situated in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. There are devdaru trees in the mountains here. Barot Valley is known for its natural beauty. Apart from this, this place is also known for trout fish farm, green grasslands, and trekking.
When was Barot Valley formed?
Earlier its name was Barot. But later it became a tourist destination and became famous as Barot Valley. Barot Valley was settled by the British between 1920 to 1925. The purpose of the British was to build a Dam here for the Shanan Hydal Power Project.
Shanan Hydel Power Project where electricity is generated is located in Joginder Nagar and the Dam is in Barot. Water is taken from here through tunnel for which a Dam has been built in Barot. 3 artificial lakes have been formed here with the water of the Dam which adds to the beauty of Barot Valley.
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Elevation of Barot Valley
According to Wikipedia, the height of Barot Valley is 6001 feet which is in 1829 meters. It gets very cold here when it is so height.
Which language is spoken in Barot Valley?
In Barot Valley, tourists coming from outside talk to us in Hindi and the local people here speak a dialect called Chauhari Boli. Chauhari Boli is a very sweet dialect and the people here are also very sweet. If you are coming from outside to Barot Valley, then you can talk to the local people in Hindi. You can also talk in English but not everyone knows it, there are only a few people who can speak English.
How is the climate of Barot Valley?
Barot Valley remains cold almost throughout the year. The summer temperature in Barot Valley does not go above 17° degrees Celsius. In winters the temperature goes down to 5° degrees Celsius and sometimes even below.
Trout fish is found in Barot Valley?
About 100 years ago, there was no trout fish here, but when the British came here, they liked to live in cold areas. They saw here that the water is very cold and the environment is also very cold, so they brought trout fish from abroad and reared trout fish in the trout fish farm here and also put trout fish in the river here and till date, trout fish is reared. There are also trout fish farms here and after rearing trout fish, it is traded.
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Which river flows in Barot Valley?
Uhl river flows in Barot valley, the water of this river is stopped here by building a dam, which is sent forward through a tunnel to generate electricity in Shanan Hydel Project, whatever water is left keeps flowing in the river further and this river joins the Beas river near Mandi.
The origin of the Uhl river is the Thamsar glacier. This glacier is located in Kangra district. Kangra district starts in the Multhan of Barot Valley. Barot Valley is divided into two parts. Half of the Barot Valley is in Mandi district and half of the district is in Kangra. The border of both the districts meets near Barot Valley.
Is there dense forest in Barot Valley?
A river flows through Barot Valley which makes the surrounding environment even more beautiful. Dense forests are found on the mountains here and a variety of fauna is also found here. Overall, this place is very attractive for nature lovers.
Deodar trees and Baan trees are found in abundance in Barot Valley. This forest is very dense and helps in maintaining a very good environment. This place comes under the Wildlife Sanctuary, I have written about it in detail to you further.
Where is Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It was established in 1999. Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 132 square kilometers. Barot Valley also comes under Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by trees like deodar, Baan and rhododendron etc. Various types of animals and birds are found here.
The Himachal state bird Monal is found here. Wild cats, snow leopards, bears and deer are found here. Apart from this, many other wild animals and birds are also found here.
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Monal |
Where can you do trekking in Barot Valley?
There are many places suitable for trekking in Barot Valley, I will give you their details. All these places are very challenging, you will have to prepare very well for this and it is very cold here and there are high hills too, so it is very important that your fitness is good for this.
Thamsar Trek
There is a Thamsar pass and there is also a lake and glacier in Thamsar. This trek is not easy. For this you will have to take the help of a local guide.
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Thamsar Pass Trek |
Thamsar Pass is situated at an altitude of about 14926 feet. It takes approximately 5 to 6 days to go and return from Thamsar Pass Trek. To go on this trek, you will need a sleeping bag and a good tent that can last you even in the cold of minus degrees. The approximate distance to and from Thamsar Pass Trek is around 56 km. There are 2 routes to reach Thamsar pass. One route goes through Plachak village and the other route goes through Rajgundha village. You go from Plachak and come from Rajgundha side.
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Thamsar Pass Trek |
Thamsar Pass : Trek Summery
In this trek you will go by car from Barot to Bragran village. After this you will have to go by walking. After this you will go to Plachak village. You will not find any village after Plachak village. After Plachak village you will go to Panharatu place which is about 7 km away from Plachak village.
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Thamsar Pass |
You will go to Thamsar Pass from Panhartu. If you want to go to Bada Bhangal after visiting Thamsar Lake in Thamsar Pass, you can go further. If you want to trek only till Thamsar Pass, you can return.
From Thamsar you should return to Panharatu. After Panharatu you should now come towards Rajgundha.
From Rajgundha you can reach Barot by car and if you want to trek you can also walk.
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Thamsar Pass |
- This trek is said to be done in the months of September to October because at this time there is less snow here and the weather also remains a bit normal compared to the rest of the year.
Winch Camp Trek
Winch Camp is an epic and beautiful place. Trekking is done from 2 places for Winch Camp. Trekking is done from Barot and also from Shanan place of Joginder Nagar.
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Winch Camp |
Winch Camp is known for its high-altitude mountain railway trek and the Haulage Trolley. The elevation of Winch Camp is 2500 m (8200 ft) above sea level. Winch Camp is a hidden place in Barot Valley. You will have to go to Winch Camp by walking. Winch Camp is a wonderful place to see breathtaking views.
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Winch Camp Track |
All the other tracks are straight, these are railway tracks on which you will have to track and travel, for this it is important that you are fit.
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Winch Camp 100 Year Old Building |
Historical Importance of Winch Camp
The Haulage trolley track of Winch Camp was built during the British period. At that time, there was no road to Barot.
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Winch Camp Track |
How to do trekking and camping to Winch Camp?
The route to reach Winch Camp is through steep slopes and challenging places. For this reason Winch Camp is an important place for trek lovers and camping people.
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Winch Camping Place |
Camping is permitted at Winch Camp but littering is not allowed here. Do not take the garbage back with you in a bag. Do not throw chips, crispy packets and plastic items here as it spoils the beauty of this place. You can enjoy the starry night by camping in Winch Camp.
What is the haulage trolley at Winch camp?
Haulage trolley is a trolley used to carry goods in the mountains. To run this, a railway track with an inclination of approximately 10° to 40° is built in the mountains. This trolley is pulled by a strong iron rope. A station has been built on the top of the mountain to pull the trolley. A large electric motor is used to pull it. Its driver is sitting in the station. There is a person in the trolley. If the trolley needs to be stopped, he touches a stick attached to the wire along the track due to which a bell rings at the station and the driver stops the trolley. Traveling on a trolley on the mountain is amazing.
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Winch Camp Track 18 Number |
If you are going to Winch Camp from Barot then you can also come to Joginder Nagar from Winch Camp. Winch Camp is situated on the hill between Joginder Nagar and Barot. This journey is full of adventure. There is a tunnel under the hill of Winch Camp through which water is taken from Barot for Shanan Hydal Project.
If you are going for trekking here, then go with caution. There are leopards, wild bears and many other kinds of animals here, from whom you have to ensure your safety. If you have come from another state, then you must take a local guide on this trekking. Good luck with your journey.
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What is Fula ri Dhar?
- Meaning & LocationFula ri Dhar translates to "hill of flowers" in the local language. It’s a scenic ridge located to the south of Barot village in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Ram Himachali+1
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ViewsFrom its vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping views of the snow-capped hills of Mandi and Kullu, as well as the tail end of the Dhauladhar range extending into Kangra district. Ram Himachali
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Fula-ri-Dhar, Barot Valley, Mnadi, Himachal Pradesh, India |
How to Reach
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By TrekA popular trekking route starts from Jhatingri, approximately 6–8 km behind Barot. The hike to the ridge takes 6–8 hours on foot. Ram Himachali+1
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By VehicleYou can also proceed by off-roading from Jhatingri, though access may be difficult during monsoons or heavy rainfall—so it’s best to check with accommodation providers beforehand. Ram Himachali+1
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Colonel's Highland Retreat Fula-ri-Dhar, Barot Valley, Mnadi, Himachal Pradesh, India |
Accommodation & Highlights
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Colonel’s Highland Retreat
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Colonel's Highland Retreat Fula-ri-Dhar, Barot Valley, Mnadi, Himachal Pradesh, India |
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Camp 360 Fularidhar (Roshanlal’s Camp)A more rustic, immersive option atop the ridge—ideal for those seeking solitude. It offers tents, home-cooked meals, and even a glass cabin. A prime location for trekking, camping, and access to a paragliding take-off point at Bir-Billing. Tales of the Hidden Trails
Activities & Surrounding Attractions
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Trekking & Nature TrailsThe ridge offers incredible trekking with views across Joginder Nagar and Barot valleys. Longer trails extend toward Bir, offering a spectacular ridge walk. Tales of the Hidden TrailsThe Hill Gypsy
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360° VistasKnown locally as “360,” Fula ri Dhar provides a full-circle view of the surrounding valleys—ideal for photography, sunrise/sunset watchers, and nature lovers. The Hill GypsyWikipedia
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Camping & StargazingWhether at the camp or retreat, the nights here offer clear skies, bonfires, and peaceful camping. The Hill GypsyTripoto
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Winter Views Colonel's Highland Retreat Fula-ri-Dhar, Barot Valley, Mnadi, Himachal Pradesh, India |
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Nearby OptionsFrom this base, you can also explore:
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Barot Valley itself (23 km, around 40 minutes by road)
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Parashar Lake (about 72 km / 3 hours away)
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Baijnath (around 42 km / 2 hour away)Paragliding at Bir is another exciting option nearby. Tripoto
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Quick Summary
Feature | Details | ||
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Location | Ridge south of Barot in Mandi district | ||
Meaning | "Hill of Flowers" | ||
Views | Mandi & Kullu hills, View Dhauladhar range tail (District Kangra) | ||
Access | Trek from Jhatingri (6–8 km, 4-5 hrs) or off-road (14 km) | ||
Stay Options | Colonel’s Highland Retreat (comfortable), Camp 360 Fula-ri-dhar
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Activities | Trekking, camping, paragliding access, star-gazing | ||
Nearby Attractions | Barot Valley, Parashar Lake, Baijnath, Bir paragliding |
Recommendation
If you're traveling from Solan or nearby, this makes for a refreshing escape. You could either:
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Plan a multi-day trek and camp out for total immersion.
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Or stay at Colonel’s Highland Retreat for comfort and easy access to nearby attractions plus Himalayan views.
Feel free to ask if you'd like help finding trekking guides, accommodation details, or suggested itineraries!
Have a great Journey!
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