What if you were told that there is a quaint little traveller’s haven hiding in the vastness of the Himalayas, just some 45 km from Kullu? Hidden in the serene Kullu Valley, this offbeat place in the Himalayas, Sainj valley offers the diversity of various life forms in its purest and raw form. If you search for the Sainj Valley on the internet, you will find just a handful of posts about this heaven in the hills, and this is what makes this place so special. Still an offbeat destination to visit in Himachal Pradesh, Sainj valley remains untouched by the modern-day travellers’ capitalism. In the footsteps of Great Himalayan National Park, the remote villages in Sainj Valley are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. The Great Himalayan National Park which was created in 1972 to protect wildlife serves as a major tourist attraction, situated in a close proximity. There are also numerous small villages you can explore in the valley, which will surely leave you hitched to this place.
Sainj is More than a Place to Visit…It is a Humanitarian Experience
Local traditions and customs are an experience to witness. No words can describe how peaceful and social the locals’ lives are. There is a great tradition of the valley that every newlywed bride is adopted by a villager, after which they share a bond of brother and sister. Traditions like these make this valley not just a place but a complete humanitarian experience.
How to Reach Sainj Valley?
You can board a bus from Delhi to Aut (Delhi-Manali route). Get down at Aut and board another bus bound for Sainj Valley. You can also hire a taxi from Aut which will cost around 500 bucks for Sainj Village.
Best Time to Visit Sainj
Although beautiful throughout the year, Sainj valley offers some breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains during the month of January and February. July to September is also a great option for those who want to explore the Himalayas in monsoon.
So, before you start daydreaming about this Himalayan heaven, let’s explore all the things you can do in Sainj Valley.
1. Trek to The Great Himalayan National Park
As the name suggests, The Great Himalayan National Park is spread over 754 square km and is home to more than 830 plant species and 400 fauna. The park’s lowest altitude is 1700 metres above sea level and it reaches up to 5800 meters above sea level making it one of the best treks of India. You can choose from moderate to hard climbs which may last for 9 days. The climb takes you through different terrain and you can experience the variety of flora and fauna present in the Great Himalayan National Park. Most of them are offbeat trails so you would need a guide to help you in difficult situations.
2. Relaxing amidst the beauty of Sainj Village
The Sainj Village opens its homes to travellers with a warm smile and hospitality you won’t forget. Somewhat an offbeat place in Himachal and still untouched, you won’t find the lanes of the hotels to stay. But that is what makes this experience so beautiful. You can choose either between living in the GHNP guest house and living in a homestay. Both have its perks but one thing is for sure that the warm hospitality of the village will leave you wondering about humanity. Also, don’t miss out on delicious finger licking local cuisine served by the locals.
3. Soaking the Sun In The Meadows Of Shangarh
Believed to be a holy ground where Pandavas spent their exile, the meadows of Shangarh lives up to all the hype of its beauty. An 11 km trek from Sainj village, the moderate trail would be worth reaching to this green paradise. If you are lucky you would be able to witness the local fairs being organized, which is a festive event for the entire valley. There is also a temple situated in the meadows which is a major tourist attraction for the locals.
4. Hearing the stories of Pudrik Rishi Lake
Synonymous with the divinity of the lands, the Pudrik Rishi lake holds religious importance to the locals. The Pudrik Rishi lake is sacred and no one is allowed to touch the water. Not your usual lake, you would see a layer of greenery on the lake. If you ask a local about the history of the lake, he/she would tell you the tales, which will make you believe in the divinity of the village. Experiences like these will make it one of the best places to go in Himachal.
5. Hearing The Inside Tales Of Local Villages
There are numerous small villages in the Sainj valley and each of them is beautiful than the last ones. They don’t see many tourists around so, you will be given a special treatment. The locals are welcoming and the valley itself is rejuvenating. Be ready to come back with a bag full of apples and stories.
6. Counting waterfalls
Himachal is known for its never-ending trail of waterfalls. If you start counting the number of waterfalls you came across on a trek, you might lose count. The valley offers nature in its purest form with flora and fauna prospering in their natural habitats. You will stumble across numerous picturesque waterfalls as you ascend the Sainj valley.
7. Night gazing and rejoicing over the bonfire session
The one thing that you don’t witness much in metro cities during the night are stars. Well, the picturesque star trails amidst the background of never-ending mountains will be a hit on your social media profiles. So, light up the bonfire and take out your camera and capture the night as it progresses.
The Sainj valley not just offers scenic beauty but it also offers its heart. The local people and the breathtaking beauty of this place will hold you captive forever. So, don’t miss out on this experience of a lifetime. Pack your bags and explore the unexplored Sainj valley.
Well, if you’re looking for such adventure tours in offbeat places like this, you can contact us at Tour My India. You can call us at +91-9212553106 or send us your queries at info@tourmyindia.com and we’ll get back to you with best travel packages where you can pick the one that suits you the most. For any queries, feel free to post your questions in the comment section below.
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