Are you even a mountain lover if you aren’t looking for every chance to visit Himachal Pradesh? With valleys that seem to stretch endlessly, a culture that seems to smile at you with its hospitality and sunsets that stir the imaginations of lyricists, the state really does tug at the hearts of those who cannot seem to get enough of the hills. Now if you are nodding your head as you read all this, then it’s time that you head to this next treat in the state before it’s teeming with crowds everywhere. Shangarh.
Not too offbeat yet not too known, Shangarh is the right balance of cozy cafes and nooks that know no throngs of humanity. So, if you haven’t been here, it is time that you plan your visit! Let me tell you how.
How to reach
By Air: While the closest airport by air is the Kullu airport, flights to Kullu airport are limited and often not reliable with the weather. A better alternative is to fly down to Chandigarh and thereafter continue by road.
By Road: Take a volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh till Aut Tunnel. From there you can either take a local bus till Shangarh or a private taxi which costs approximately Rs.1,600.
I had arrived in Shangarh after celebrating Holi in Tirthan, so, I thought okay, celebrations are done. But heh one must know better while they are backpacking! Because in a backpackers hostel, you WILL make friends and you will end up doing things you didn’t expect to! My sister and I were staying at The Hosteller Shangarh. On our first night we sat around the bonfire getting to know travellers from other parts of the country. When the conversations flew and when it became 2am, ah, who knows? And, honestly, in that moment, that’s all that mattered. There was nowhere else to be, nothing else as inviting as that moment.
The next morning started quietly. Hmm Himachal had celebrated Holi on the 7th, surely nothing would happen on the 8th? Next minute, Himanshu had stepped out with a packet of colours. One dollop here, one dollop there, suddenly everyone broke out into a fight with colours! Rahul bhai (who as the chef at The Hosteller makes the best coffee you’ll get in Shangarh) beamed and joined us, urging us to even head to the meadows as we celebrated. This brings us to the quintessential question:
Things to do in Shangarh
1) Shangarh Meadows - The meadows are the centre of this Himachali hamlet, housing the Shangchul Mahadev temple amidst the stretch of green. Play a game of cricket with the locals or simply have a picnic upon the glorious grass.
2) Barshangarh Waterfall - For those who love taking idyllic walks, this town is the perfect getaway. Tiny trails unfold to pretty spots, like an easy walk to the Barshangarh Waterfall. The end has some rocks that you cross to reach the sigh of tall gushing creamy white falls.
3) Sara Lake Trek - Meanwhile, if you deem yourself an adventurer throw on those hiking shoes and head for a two day trek to Sara Lake. Bring in the joy of camping out as well to your trip.
4) Food Binging - While you will surely stumble upon cafes and their food, I urge you to try the local snack siddu - a stuffed bread to Himachali dham - a meal spread much like a thaali coming with an array of curries, vegetables and dishes prepared in the authentic style of the state, also varying from region to region.
5) Get in touch with yourself in quiet spots - Now if you want to curl up with a book, then this destination is the one for you. The Hosteller has a common room that is every book lover’s dream, with some classic picks to windows that let in that delicious winter Sun, you simply wouldn’t want to move. In fact, a fellow traveller would spend hours sprawled at the entrance area sketching the towering peaks around us dreamily.
Best of all, don’t plan too much and let yourself relish the moment during your time here.
Where I Stayed
So, what makes present day an ideal time to visit Shangarh is that it isn’t decked by lines of hotels everywhere you go. In fact, it’s more popular with the hostel culture. My sister and I had stayed at The Hosteller and if your heart melts over cute swings, then I would recommend it to you as well! Windows proudly carry the reflection of the mountain range right in front and for the ones on a workation the first floor gallery has glass window walls, letting you take in your scenic surroundings even when you are inside. Moreover you can expect daily bonfires where you get to meet new people with whom casual conversations just might make you revisit old memories.
So, dear fellow mountain lover, if you are thinking over your next Himachali getaway, make sure you think of a little gem called Shangarh.
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