Jalori Pass

What it is

The road pass at the head of the Banjar valley, where the Tirthan side drops away to the Sutlej side: a meadow at the top of the road, a temple, a row of dhabas, oak and fir on both flanks. The two walks that make it a day leave from the dhabas. It is the valley's trailhead and its viewpoint, cold in every month and clearest in October.

Getting there

From Banjar, 21 km and 40 minutes up the pass road through Jibhi and Shoja; a taxi is typically ₹1,500–2,500 one way as of September 2026 and waits at the top while you walk. The valley bus runs through on some days. The road goes on down the far side; the pass is the top of it.

The two walks

East, Serolsar lake: about 5 km along an easy ridge path through the forest — 103 minutes up and 71 down by our measure — to a round lake with the Budhi Nagin temple on its bank. West, Raghupur Fort: 1.8 km and 47 minutes up, 22 down, steep, to a grass-topped ruin with the valley on one side and the ranges on the other. Both start at the dhabas; neither needs a guide in clear weather; both are exposed at the top.

Staying at the top

In season the dhaba families pitch tents on the meadow and quote on the day; the dhabas do dinner and breakfast. A sleeping bag of your own is the difference between a night and a cold one. The adventure sampler sleeps here between the lake and the fort.

When to go

April to June and September to November; October for the clearest air and the oaks turning along the Serolsar ridge. Snow shuts the road in spells between late December and March — the October–November plan takes the pass in its best light, the winter plan as far as the plough allows.

Plans that include this

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1 night · 2 days · First visitWalks & treks

Jibhi and Jalori Pass in two days — the stream, the gorge and the waterfall, then the climb to Raghupur Fort

Two days at Jibhi: the gorge at Mini Thailand and the waterfall on the first afternoon, Jalori Pass and the climb to Raghupur Fort on the second, with times.

Best Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov

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2 nights · 3 days · First visitClassic

Three days in the Tirthan valley — the river, Jalori Pass and Serolsar lake, then Chehni Kothi and Jibhi

The classic three days in the Tirthan valley: the river at Gushaini, Jalori Pass and the ridge walk to Serolsar lake, Chehni Kothi and Jibhi on the way out.

Best Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov

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2 nights · 3 days · FriendsAdventure

The Tirthan valley's activities in three days — the park's ecozone on a permit, a rod on the river, a night under canvas at Jalori, and the fort at dawn

Three days of everything the Tirthan offers on foot: the park's ecozone on a permit, a rod on the river, Serolsar lake, a tent at Jalori, the fort at dawn.

Best Apr–Jun · Sep–Oct

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2 nights · 3 days · CouplesSnow

Jibhi in winter — snow on the pass road, a frozen-edged waterfall, Shoja by the fire, and Chehni Kothi in the cold

Jibhi and Shoja in December to February: the waterfall with ice on its edges, the pass road as far as the plough has been, Chehni Kothi in the cold, what shuts.

Best Jan–Feb · Dec

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2 nights · 3 days · PhotographersAutumn

Jalori Pass in October and November — Shoja as the base, Serolsar at dawn, Raghupur at sunrise, and Bahu lake on the way down

The Jalori ridge in its clearest months: Shoja as the base, the ridge walk to Serolsar lake at sunrise, Raghupur Fort at first light, Bahu lake on the road.

Best Oct–Nov

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3 nights · 4 days · FriendsClassic

Jibhi with friends — four days: the waterfall, both Jalori walks with a night at Shoja, then the river and the Chhoie fall

Four days in the Tirthan valley for a group: Jibhi's waterfall, Raghupur Fort and Serolsar lake from Jalori Pass with a night at Shoja, then the river.

Best Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov

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