Serolsar Lake Trek: A Complete Guide to the Hidden Gem of Himachal Pradesh

Serolsar Lake is a pristine and serene lake nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, India. The trek to Serolsar Lake is a moderate and rewarding one, offering stunning views of the mountains, forests, and meadows. The lake is also home to a temple dedicated to the goddess Budhi Nagin, who is believed to reside in the lake. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to the Serolsar Lake Trek, covering everything you need to know, from how to reach, where to stay, what to pack, and what to expect. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find this trek to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

How to Reach Serolsar Lake

The base camp of the Serolsar Lake Trek is Jalori Pass, which is a high mountain pass located at an altitude of 3120 meters. Jalori Pass is accessible by road from different cities and towns in Himachal Pradesh, such as Shimla, Kullu, Manali, and Mandi. You can also reach Jalori Pass from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Amritsar by taking a bus or a train to Aut, and then hiring a taxi or a local bus to Banjar Valley. From Banjar Valley, you can either take another taxi or a bus to Jalori Pass, or trek for about 10 kilometers through the scenic villages of Shoja and Jibhi.

The road to Jalori Pass is narrow, steep, and winding, and can be challenging to drive on, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a experienced driver or a local guide who knows the route well. Alternatively, you can also opt for a trekking package from a reputed trekking organization, who will arrange the transport, accommodation, food, and permits for you.

There are a few options for accommodation near Jalori Pass, such as guest houses, homestays, campsites, and hotels. You can choose the one that suits your budget and preference, and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the local people. Some of the popular places to stay near Jalori Pass are Jalori Pass Camps, Jalori Heights, Jibhi Homestead, and Shoja Meadows. You can also find some eateries and dhabas near Jalori Pass, where you can taste the delicious local cuisine, such as siddu, madra, and thukpa.

Jalori Pass is not only the base camp of the Serolsar Lake Trek, but also a destination in itself. It offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, such as Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur. You can also visit some nearby places of interest, such as Shoja, Jibhi, and Banjar Valley, which are known for their natural beauty, culture, and heritage. Shoja is a quaint village surrounded by dense forests and apple orchards. Jibhi is a charming hamlet with a gurgling stream and a waterfall. Banjar Valley is a lush green valley with a rich biodiversity and history.

Serolsar Lake Trek Details

The Serolsar Lake Trek is a moderate and rewarding trek, suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The trek starts from Jalori Pass, and follows a well-marked trail through the forest of oak, pine, and rhododendron. The trek is about 6 kilometers long, and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete one way. The trek can be done in a day, or you can also camp near the lake for a night and return the next day.

The trek offers stunning views of the mountains, forests, and meadows, along the way. You will also encounter some clearings and huts, where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. The most challenging part of the trek is the steep ascent to the viewpoint, which is about 500 meters before the lake. From the viewpoint, you can get a 360-degree view of the Himalayan ranges, and also spot some birds and animals, such as eagles, vultures, and bears.

The lake is the main attraction and the highlight of the trek. It is a small and circular lake, with a diameter of about 100 meters. The lake is crystal clear and calm, reflecting the blue sky and the green trees. The lake is also home to a temple dedicated to the goddess Budhi Nagin, who is believed to reside in the lake. According to the legend, the goddess protects the lake and the surrounding area from any harm or pollution. The temple is a simple and white structure, with a red flag on the top. The temple is visited by many pilgrims and devotees, who offer prayers and flowers to the goddess.

The lake is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, after the trek. You can sit by the lake and admire the beauty and tranquility of the place. You can also take a dip in the lake, if you are brave enough to face the cold water. You can also explore the area around the lake, and discover some hidden gems, such as caves, springs, and flowers. You can also enjoy a picnic by the lake, and savor the fresh and organic food, such as fruits, nuts, and honey, that you can buy from the local vendors.

FAQs About Serolsar Lake Trek

There are some frequently asked questions about the Serolsar Lake Trek, that you might want to know before you plan your trip. Here are some of the answers to those questions:

Do I need a permit for the Serolsar Lake Trek?

No, you do not need a permit for the Serolsar Lake Trek, as it is located within the Great Himalayan National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, you might need to pay a nominal entry fee at the park gate, which is about 50 rupees per person.

Where can I stay near the Serolsar Lake?

There are a few options for accommodation near the Serolsar Lake, such as guest houses, homestays, campsites, and hotels. You can choose the one that suits your budget and preference, and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the local people. Some of the popular places to stay near the Serolsar Lake are Serolsar Lake Camps, Serolsar Lake Homestay, Serolsar Lake Guest House, and Serolsar Lake Hotel.

What are the food and water availability on the Serolsar Lake Trek?

There are some eateries and dhabas near Jalori Pass, where you can taste the delicious local cuisine, such as siddu, madra, and thukpa. You can also find some vendors near the lake, who sell fresh and organic food, such as fruits, nuts, and honey. However, it is advisable to carry your own packed lunch and snacks, as the availability and quality of the food might vary. You can also carry your own water bottles, or refill them from the natural springs along the way. However, make sure to purify the water before drinking, as it might be contaminated by the animals or the pilgrims.

What are the safety precautions on the Serolsar Lake Trek?

The Serolsar Lake Trek is a safe and easy trek, with a well-marked and maintained trail. However, there are some safety precautions that you should follow on the trek, such as:

- Check the weather forecast before you start the trek, and avoid the trek during the monsoon and winter seasons, as the trail might be slippery, muddy, or snowy.

- Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, and carry a walking stick, to avoid slipping or falling on the trail.

- Carry warm and waterproof clothes, and a sleeping bag, if you plan to camp near the lake, as the temperature might drop at night.

- Carry a first-aid kit, and some basic medicines, such as painkillers, antiseptics, and bandages, in case of any injury or illness.

- Carry a flashlight, a whistle, and a compass, in case of any emergency or loss of direction.

- Do not litter or pollute the lake or the surrounding area, as it is a sacred and protected place. Respect the local culture and beliefs, and do not disturb the wildlife or the pilgrims.

- Inform your family or friends about your trek plan, and the expected time of return. Also, carry a mobile phone, and a power bank, and keep them charged, in case you need to contact them.

Serolsar Lake Trek Budget and Cost

The Serolsar Lake Trek is a budget-friendly and cost-effective trek, that can be done in a day or two, without spending much money. The trek can be done independently, or with a trekking package from a reputed trekking organization, who will arrange the transport, accommodation, food, and permits for you.

The cost of the trek will depend on various factors, such as the mode of transport, the type of accommodation, the season, and the duration of the trek. However, here is an approximate breakdown of the expenses that you can expect to incur on the trek:

Transport:

The transport cost will vary depending on the distance and the mode of transport that you choose to reach Jalori Pass. If you are travelling from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Amritsar, you can take a bus or a train to Aut, which will cost you about 500 to 1000 rupees per person. From Aut, you can hire a taxi or a local bus to Banjar Valley, which will cost you about 200 to 400 rupees per person. From Banjar Valley, you can either take another taxi or a bus to Jalori Pass, or trek for about 10 kilometers, which will cost you about 100 to 200 rupees per person.

Accommodation:

The accommodation cost will depend on the type and the quality of the accommodation that you choose to stay near Jalori Pass or Serolsar Lake. You can find some guest houses, homestays, campsites, and hotels near Jalori Pass, which will charge you about 500 to 1000 rupees per person per night, depending on the facilities and the season. You can also find some campsites near Serolsar Lake, which will charge you about 300 to 500 rupees per person per night, including the tent, the sleeping bag, and the food.

Food:

The food cost will depend on the type and the quantity of the food that you choose to eat on the trek. You can find some eateries and dhabas near Jalori Pass, where you can taste the delicious local cuisine, such as siddu, madra, and thukpa, which will cost you about 100 to 200 rupees per person per meal. You can also find some vendors near Serolsar Lake, who sell fresh and organic food, such as fruits, nuts, and honey, which will cost you about 50 to 100 rupees per person per meal. However, it is advisable to carry your own packed lunch and snacks, as the availability and quality of the food might vary. You can also carry your own water bottles, or refill them from the natural springs along the way.

Miscellaneous:

The miscellaneous cost will include the entry fee, the permit fee, the guide fee, and the tips that you might have to pay on the trek. The entry fee for the Great Himalayan National Park is about 50 rupees per person, and the permit fee for the Serolsar Lake Trek is about 100 rupees per person. The guide fee will depend on the experience and the service of the guide, and can range from 500 to 1000 rupees per day. The tips are optional, and depend on your satisfaction and generosity, and can range from 100 to 200 rupees per day.

The total cost of the Serolsar Lake Trek will vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but you can expect to spend about 3000 to 5000 rupees per person for a two-day trek, if you are travelling independently, and about 5000 to 7000 rupees per person for a two-day trek, if you are opting for a trekking package from Tripoto. Compared to other similar treks in Himachal Pradesh, such as Prashar Lake Trek, Kareri Lake Trek, or Bhrigu Lake Trek, the Serolsar Lake Trek is a cheaper and more value-for-money option, as it offers a similar level of difficulty, duration, distance, and scenery, but at a lower cost.

The Serolsar Lake Trek is a perfect choice for budget travellers, who want to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas, without burning a hole in their pocket.

Serolsar Lake Trek Tips and Tricks

The Serolsar Lake Trek is a enjoyable and memorable trek, that can be made even more fun and exciting with some tips and tricks. Here are some of the tips and tricks that you can follow on the trek, to make the most of your trip:

1. The best time to visit Serolsar Lake is from April to June, and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and clear, and the lake is full and sparkling. Avoid the trek during the monsoon and winter seasons, as the trail might be slippery, muddy, or snowy, and the lake might be frozen or dry.

2. The best spots to take photos on the trek are the viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayan ranges, and the lake, which offers a reflection of the sky and the trees. You can also take some candid shots of the wildlife, the pilgrims, and the locals, along the way.

3. The best food to try on the trek is the local cuisine, such as siddu, madra, and thukpa, which are made with fresh and organic ingredients, and have a unique and delicious taste. You can also try some fruits, nuts, and honey, that are grown and harvested by the local people, and have a natural and sweet flavor.

4. The best way to respect and appreciate the local culture and beliefs is to follow some simple rules and etiquette, such as:

- Do not litter or pollute the lake or the surrounding area, as it is a sacred and protected place. Carry your trash back with you, and dispose it properly.

- Do not disturb or harm the wildlife or the plants, as they are part of the natural balance and harmony of the place. Observe them from a safe distance, and do not feed or touch them.

- Do not enter or touch the temple, unless you are a devotee or a pilgrim, as it is a place of worship and reverence. If you want to visit the temple, ask for permission from the priest or the caretaker, and follow their instructions.

- Do not make noise or play music, as it might disturb the peace and tranquility of the place. Enjoy the silence and the sounds of nature, and respect the privacy and the sentiments of the other trekkers and the pilgrims.

- Do not take anything from the lake or the surrounding area, as it might be considered as theft or disrespect. Leave the place as you found it, or better.

The Serolsar Lake Trek is a perfect trek for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas, without spending much time or money. The trek is a moderate and rewarding one, offering stunning views of the mountains, forests, and meadows. The lake is a pristine and serene place, where you can relax and rejuvenate, and also visit the temple of the goddess Budhi Nagin. The trek is also a great opportunity to learn and appreciate the local culture and beliefs, and interact with the local people and the pilgrims.

If you are looking for a comprehensive and engaging guide to the Serolsar Lake Trek, you can check out Tripoto, who offer the best trekking packages and services, at the best prices. Tripoto is a trusted and reputed trekking organization, who have expertise and experience in the field. Tripoto will arrange the transport, accommodation, food, and permits for you, and also provide you with a professional and friendly guide, who will ensure your safety and comfort on the trek. Tripoto will also provide you with some testimonials and reviews from previous trekkers, who have enjoyed and appreciated the trek.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan and book your Serolsar Lake Trek with Tripoto, and get ready for a memorable and enjoyable experience. You can visit their website, or contact them on their phone number or email address, to get more details and information about the trek.

Hurry up, and book your trek today, before the slots get filled up. Serolsar Lake awaits you!

Serolsar Lake Reviews

Suraj Bajaj

290 Followers

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Did you ever believe in love at first sight? No? Me neither until i stepped out of my bedroom the following morning in Gushaini. It was sight that would always remain etched in my memory until off course i see something more beautiful:P. The home stay was located right above the pearl white Tirthan river surrounded by the mountains on all sides. The early morning sunshine was struggling to penetrate the mighty Himalayas as we were tucked deep within the valley. A mild fragrance of the adjoining vegetation on the slopes could be smelled in the air. We exchanged the morning greetings with the caretaker lady and gave a go ahead to serve the breakfast. The food although being modest tasted more delicious and fresh owning to such unadulterated surroundings. We played with the home stay's pet dog Tuffy as he kept circling around wagging his helicopter tail. We shared the cab to Jalori pass (start point for the Serolsar lake trek) with our fellow guests at the home stay that reduced out cost by half. The roads from Gushaini to Jalori pass were narrow and steep, ideal for only a single vehicle to traverse at once. We went past apple orchards and numerous fruit cultivation on the slopes of Shoja, Jibhi and other small villages on our route. We even tried the local delicacy "Siddhu" at a local shop that was indeed something unique. It tastes best when freshly prepared and consumed. We started our trek from Jalori pass after visiting the adjacent Mahakali temple at the junction. The 6 km trail was well defined with no other travelers around when we started our trek to the mystic lake. The air carried extreme chill as we could sense our breathing getting heavy while walking. The trail is almost flat till the water body with almost negligible ascends that makes it suitable for all classes of tourists. The entire path is covered by the fallen autumn leaves from the adjacent tall trees that were our constant companions throughout the trek. The trails passes through the moss covered oaks and rhododendron forests with intermittent rock passes and thorny vegetation. The sunshine never felt so good on our numb faces and it was such treat to walk on this deserted trail nested in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. There were a couple of shops that serves tea and snacks as we approached the lake. A pathway into the mountains is cut to access this hidden gem of nature. I remember the exact details of the first sight of the Serolsar lake that glistened green bathed in a bright sunshine. It had a round circumference around it that led all the way up to an elevated point on one side from where the entire lake could be captured in a single frame and yet another elevated point where rested a small temple dedicated to Budhi Nagin (Old snake goddess) who is believed to reside in the lake. The lake is surrounded by the Kharshoo trees on all the sides giving it a picturesque setting. The lake is holy to the locals in the valley and is believed to have medicinal properties. It also believed that the birds around the lake won't even allow a single leaf to fall in it and hence keeping the water still and clear. We gave it some time to embrace the beauty and vibe of the place that once was visited by the Pandavas during their exile. We walked up the ridge opposite to the temple to capture some amazing panoramic shots after which we resorted to have to the nearby shops on the way for some Pet-Puja. We even stopped for a while on the way back to climb a steep slope up the way towards the north side. The spot gave us a bird's eye view of the those coniferous oak forests and majestic layers of the fold mountains to a distance. The lone hut on the ground made the landscape complete for being ready to be captured on a canvas. We were privileged to have a conversation with an old shepherd on our way who told us the stories of the past. The wildlife residing in the mountains and importance of preserving the culture around the valley which was slowly on the verge of extinction due to the infiltration from the cities. After spending ample amount of time on our way back to the the y -point where our ride was parked, we were quickly on our way towards Gushaini. We stopped at a village named Jibhi by the side of a stream while our driver went ahead to drop our friends at their stay. The evenings are always in a hurry in this part of the world as its pitch dark before 6 pm. We were still at a considerable distance from our destination as our cab driver drove on those slopes like a maestro. We reached Gushaini right on time for the dinner ready to be served hot and tasty. We went to our beds immediately to rise early for the trek to the gates of The Great Himalayan National Park.

The Wolf Girl

56 Followers

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Once everyone started feeling 'okay' we started moving again. 5mins of downhill trek and there it was! The lake, pure and magnificent. Towards my left at a higher altitude was Mata ka Mandir and all around me there was this splendid aura that was wrapping around me. Its forbidden to enter the lake. We walked along the entire circumference of the lake. It started raining heavily and heavenly. I decided to get drenched in the rain and capture this moment. Every raindrop felt pure here. Every bird chirping felt like a melody. There was the sound of the breeze and the rain that felt like an orchestra. Indeed, it was nature's way of playing some music. We climbed up the stairs to the mandir and halted until the rain stopped. In the meantime, me and my friends tried 'bidi' for the first time (all credits to Aman bhayyia). Once the rain stopped, we climbed back to the place where we ate maggie, chocolates and tea. And the drill was repeated again. We also rolled some 'malana creme' (Hash). There is a different kind of fun when you trek after smoking up. On our way back laughters didn't stop, stories were narrated again, memories were made. My friend fell down on the staircase and we just couldn't stop laughing. Her ass was artistically covered with mud. Trekking back was also a task. The reason this trek is also difficult is because it requires mental stamina more than the physical stamina. On our way back we did make a few halts. In fact, plenty halts. We didn't rest at one place for more than 3-5mins (so that the body does not relax too much) but we did take breaks after every 20mins. Finally, we were back to the basecamp at 6pm. I was really hungry (didn't eat when we were at Serolsar). Maggie and chai it was. Soon we were back in our Traveller and was now heading back to the resort. The drive was exciting. Aman bhayyia is preparing for a Rally from past four years. He is planning to drive or race or journey on one of the most dangerous roads in the world - Shimla to Ladakh. His practice sessions are with people like us. It was quite exciting for me and my best friend. Others on the other hand did seem to be worried or concerned. On our way, Aman bought chicken for us to cook. Others stacked up their alcohol stash. We reached at around 9pm, refreshed ourselves and in the meantime the bonfire was lit. Some light music today with whisky drinks in hand. Me and my friends bumped into two Royal Enfield lads. There bike was a beauty. They were too I guess :D. A boomerang joint session with them, and we were set to stuff ourselves with loads of good food and great sleep. I resorted back into my room finding my friend soaking her feet in hot water. I joined her. We both rewinded our day and felt blessed to have experienced this. Tomorrow is the last day and we both knew we didn't want to go back to reality. This was a happy place. This is where our souls were at peace. Since me and my gang didn't plan to end it so soon, we decided to take a stroll in the night. At around 1am-2am we grabbed our cell phones, switched on torches and left to explore. I must say it was scary. We kept walking and suddenly felt something besides our legs. My friend screamed and when we looked around it was Jumpy! A sigh of relief and we knew now we are safe. Everything felt spooky and creepy at this hour of the night. Other dogs kept barking - a sign for Jumpy to stay away from their territory. Jumpy was on high alert and I think so were others. My other two girlfriends saw something and they decided to go back. I didn't see anything, and I totally believe they had gone nuts. We came back halfway to the resort and then had a huge discussion as to whether they were nuts or well they were idiots ! Trekking makes you tired and you sleep within seconds. Day3 had officially ended for us.

ashank gujar

8 Followers

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Once upon a time, a Brahmin from a nearby village cam to visit a lake, named Serolsar Lake, which is 5 kms of a walking distance from Jalori pass.While he was taking a stroll around the lake, he drowned himself. Serolsar Lake is the residence of the Budhi Naagin – the mother of all Nags, dieties of Himachal like Shesh Nag, Kamru Nag, Ghunda Nag, Mahu Nag to name a few and she lives in her golden palace at the bottom of the lake. The Budhi Nagin didn’t let the Brahmin drown and saved him. She even allowed the Brahmin to stay in her golden palace. After 3 years the Brahmin wanted to go back home, but he was asked to not tell anyone about the Budhi Nagin’s palace The Brahmin’s family, who assumed him to be dead, was jubilant on seeing him after 3 years. Everyone kept asking him about his whereabouts for those 3 years but he kept dodging that question. But one day, he reluctantly told his family & friends where he was for those 3 years, and as soon as he did that, he died. His family & friends were shocked. They wanted to go and figure out about the mystery of the lake. But on the way, they met with an accident and died too. It is believed, that ever since then, any of the Brahmi’s descendants who have attempted to visit the lake have never been able to. Surprisingly, no geological study has still been able to accurately calculate the depth of the lake. Maybe because the Budhi Nagin wants to stay peacefully in her Golden Palace. If you want to offer your prayers to the Budhi Nagin, do so at the temple located next to the lake,do not venture into the lake, she doesn’t like people taking a dip in it, or standing on it when it’s frozen. The locals worship their deity and the lake. If they see you getting in the lake, it may hurt their sentiments. That's the last thing you'd want to do.

Aditi Sawant

7 Followers

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Yummy breakfast filled my tummy and I was all geared up for the day. As I was traveling solo I didn't miss a chance of interacting with the locals and getting to know the area better . One of the locals helped me get a free ride to the Jalori pass , well they say na Best things in the world are Free that's what I experienced that day. what an awesome journey full of twists and turns on the narrow road to Jalori pass with Snow on both sides of the road . Jalori pass which is famous for the Kali Mata Mandir is also the starting point for few treks . There are two popular treks which most of the travellers visit , the 360 degree view point and the Serlosar Lake. These two treks are in different directions, 360 degree view point is 20-30 min hike slightly steeper while Serolsar Lake is a 5 km trek( one way) through the woods. Most of the visitors are not aware that one can trek down from the 360 degree view point to the Serlosar Lake , thank fully I had tagged along with a group who had opted for a local guide who knew this route. The view from the 360 degree view point was magical you can see numerous mountain ranges and valley all around you and the snow patches just added to the beauty. With too much contentment we trekked down to the Serlosar Lake which is considered Sacred by the locals. The lake has a temple which is visited by the locals often . The Serolsar lake is super clean and there are mystical stories about the lake which the locals keep on reiterating. The trek to the lake was a walk with few ascents and descents in between . We reached back to Jalori Pass a bit late around 5:30 pm by that time all the local buses had left and I had to take a privatecabto my Homestay.

Lovleen Kaur

215 Followers

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On the wee hours of our second day, we checked into our next homestay - a treehouse by the river! As dreamy as it looked from the outside, the treehouse had a cute, cozy interior that led to a balcony offering a spectacular view of the river. Shortly after that, we rushed to take a taxi to Jalori Pass, which is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Jibhi. Jalori is the nearest mountain pass from Jibhi, located in the Kullu Valley. To reach there, one can also take a local bus, that runs every few hours, the first one starting at around 8:30 am. Our eyes were glued at the spectacular views as we winded through the treacherous turns to finally reach the Jalori pass. The journey took about 45 minutes. The pass offers two trails going in the opposite directions - a 6-km one leading to the Serolsar lake and another 3-km one leading to the ruins of the ancient Raghupur fort. We decided to, first, take the one leading to the Serolsar lake. The uphill journey began to unveil gradually as we carved our way through the realms of ice and rock, surrounded by dense forests. Overall, the trek was an easy one. However, the last kilometer was relatively tougher due to melted snow and occasional hailstorms. In about two and a half hours, we reached the Serolsar Lake, whose shimmering waters reflected the blue of the sky and green of the pine forest. The lake is said to be holy and is visited by numerous pilgrims from nearby villages.