Offbeat India: 5-day Sainj Valley Itinerary!
Things to know before you start planning and the Best Time to Visit:
The Great Himalayan National Park spans four valleys: Tirthan Valley, Parvati Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley, and the lesser-known Sainj Valley.
Parvati & Tirthan Valley have got a lot of tourist attention, while Sainj Valley remains relatively untouched, perfect for those looking for serenity and peace, with just a few tourists venturing there.
It's still a bit off the grid, making Google Maps unreliable in this area. So, you'll need local guidance to explore the valley and its nearby hikes
The valley comprises three major villages: Shangarh (the most famous, where I spent most of my time), Upper Nehi, and Raila.
The locals are incredibly friendly, making it a very safe destination in general but especially for female solo travelers, as I have experienced myself.
Sainj Valley offers something unique every season, but my favorites are Spring and Autumn when you can fully appreciate the vast meadows. If you're a snow enthusiast, winter is ideal for witnessing the snow, although accessibility is limited, and only experienced drivers and vehicles may reach it.
How to Reach?
The best way to reach Shangarh Valley is by taking an overnight bus from Delhi, you will reach Aut early morning by 7-8 AM, and from here on you can either take a cab or a bus to Sainj Valley and then a cab or bus from Sainj to Shangarh.
The bus only runs once a day, around 4:30 PM so please schedule your travel accordingly. I would highly recommend taking a cab instead, it costs Rs 1800 - 2000 for a 4 people taxi and reduces hassle. You can reach out to me for my personal contacts if needed.
Where to Stay?
I highly recommend booking your stay at Plant Pot Cafe & Homes in Shangarh, they have the best view of the mountains and the valley. Also, the food at their cafe is spectacular and they have vegan options as well. You can reach out to them on Instagram at @plantpotcafeandhomes or reach out to me for their contact information. They are not available on any booking platforms at the moment and you have to contact the owners to book your stay, which for me was really special as you get to build a relationship with them and don't just visit as a guest.
If you are looking for a more social getaway, then you can prefer staying at Zostel, Shangarh. They have more of a valley view, the food is good and the people are great as well. Here you can meet many fellow travellers.
If you are booking Zostel, consider booking it through my link here by clicking on the Check Prices button - this way I earn a little bit for my work at no extra cost to you.
Budgeting?
The place is extremely budget-friendly, a 7-day trip to Sainj Valley can be done under Rs 15000 or $180.
I splurged a little bit more on food and beverages so it costed me around Rs 19000 overall.
Stays - Dorms are anywhere between 600-800 or $6 - $7 and Boutique Mountain View Rooms cost from 2800-3500 or $35- $40 per night.
The great hack is that most places to visit around comprise nature, making them absolutely free!
The Ultimate 5 Days Itinerary:
Day 1:
Once you reach, freshen up and go have chai/mocha/hot chocolate per your preference at the Plant Pot Cafe, don't forget to take a stroll around the beautiful property or just sit at the swing and take in the mesmerizing views from the property.
Take the day slow, have a walk around the property, visit the sunset point nearby in the evening, and do not forget to stargaze at night.
Day 2:
On second day, you can have a picnic at Plant Pot, and then late afternoon visit the famous Shangarh Meadows. Come back to hot chocolate and cozy feeling at their Cafe. You can also have a movie night with the entire Plant Pot family.
Day 3:
Have a full breakfast and then leave for Barshangarh Waterfall, if you are visiting with your family or people who do not like walking a lot, you can take a taxi to the starting point of the waterfall and then it is around a 30-45 minute hike depending on your speed.
As you hike down, you will meet Pandit Ji, do have maggi and chai here - it is so good and hear stories from Pandit Ji.
Get back to Plant Pot for amazing conversations over dinner.
Day 4:
After 3 days in Shangarh, today you can leave for Raila. Visit the Raila waterfall, and the Twin Towers and then go watch the sunset in the Bhatkanda meadows. These meadows are maintained and such a bliss, just lie down and take in the scenery - I had never experienced something so serene.
The villagers around are friendly, in case you want to ask about the history or some drinking water and food.
You can also stay in Raila if you want, although the stay options that I provided above in Shangarh are the best - so I decided to come back after spending the full day in Raila
Day 5:
On day 5, you can either pack your bags and leave for Delhi or if you want to extend your stay.
Here are multiple hikes around the valley that you can go for:
- Pundrik Rishi Lake
- Sara Lake Trek
- Ganjau Thatch & Thini Top
Need a customized Itinerary to suit your travel preferences and style? book a consultation call with me through my services page or request a customized Itinerary!
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