Tourist Places in Sarahan

Introduction

Sarahan is a tiny village located in the picturesque Kinnaur valley. The area's main attraction is its untouched nature and serenity. Often, Sarahan is part of a larger itinerary that includes the valley. It is approximately a 3- to 4-hour drive away, so you may combine it with a trip to Shimla or Narkanda.

About Sarahan

Sarahan is a famous tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh's Sutlej Valley. It's in the area's apple orchards, surrounded by pine forests, small streams, rustic landscapes, and slate-roofed homes. The average altitude of Sarahan is around 2165 meters. The village is referred to as Kinnaur's "gateway."

Sarahan has a lot of myths and legends attached to it. One of the most famous is when the King of Kullu started a war with Bushair in the area. Bushair won the war, and the severed head of the dead King was brought to Sarahan and shown off to everyone.

The deceased King's family asked the King of Bushair to give them his head so they could carry out his funeral rituals, but the King said he'd only do it if they fulfilled three conditions:

• The people of Kullu agreed never to challenge his rule, which was one of the conditions.
• He had to promise to keep the land he'd taken.
• Sarahan wouldn't get Ragunath's (the chief god of the region) picture back.

The King of Bushair was prepared to attend the Dussehra event; therefore, all three conditions were approved. When he agreed to these conditions, Dussehra became a big regional event. After that, the picture of Ragunath was placed beside the statue of Goddess Bhimakali.

Tourist Places in Sarahan

1. Bhimakali Temple

Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh, is among the most sacred places for Hindus. It is thought to have been constructed in the last 800 years. The temple is renowned for its distinctive architecture, which combines Hindu and Buddhist designs. The temple is not open to the public except for very early morning and late evening during the aarti.

On the temple grounds, a new temple was constructed in 1943. The temple houses a statue of Goddess Bhimakali, who was a virgin as well as a woman. The compound also houses the Raghunath temple and the Narsingh shrine of Bhairon.

Bhimakali Temple is considered one of India's top Shakti Peeth or sacred places. Mythology says it's where Sati's left ear fell. Sati (the Hindu goddess of longevity) is the wife of Shiva. Another legend says that Brahamagiri, the famous Hindu guru, first appeared here with his wooden staff. Hindus celebrate Dussehra yearly at this place with a lot of enthusiasm.

2. Bird Park

One of the most well-liked places in the state to see birds is Bird Park. It is located near Sarahan's famous Bhimakali temple complex. The park serves as a breeding ground for pheasants. The monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, also breeds there. The monal is currently considered endangered due to poaching.

The male of the monal is very vulnerable due to its beautiful and valuable plumage. Males used to wear the crest feather of the monal as hat decoration before the state prohibited hunting in 1982.

3. Bhaba Valley

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in the Sarahan is Bhaba Valley. It is about 50 km from Sarahan and can be reached via the Wangtu originating Link Road. Visitors can take panoramic views of this beautiful valley surrounded by natural features such as a reservoir lake, alpine grasslands, and more. From this valley, trekking can be done to the Pin Valley in the area of Spiti district.

4. Gaura

Gaura is a picturesque town located 37 kilometres from the city of Sarahan in the district of Shimla. It is renowned for its lush vegetation and apple cultivation, which has earned it a reputation for its sweet aroma and taste.

5. Raja Bushair Palace

Raja Bushair Palace is 200 years old. The Rampur Rajas, who ruled over Kinnaur, built this palace. The interior hall has a huge flagstone. The doors are decorated with beautiful brass material. The old palace has many floors. It was built using cedar beams. There is a temple complex near the palace.

6. Shrikhand Mahadev

Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction, and he's worshipped at the top of this famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Shrikhand. It's said that Shiva used to meditate at this peak, and it's also said that the Pandavas of the famous Indian epic, "Mahabharata," used to hike to this peak.

Another tradition surrounding this place is that the locals say that the "Shivalingam," a statue of Shiva, is positioned at this summit. It's said to be connected with a miracle. Snow falls here all year round, but legend says it doesn't stay on the shiva lingam for long and melts away immediately. It's part of the great Himalayan National Park, so tourists can enjoy stunning views and lush greenery.

7. Banjara Retreat

Banjara retreat is located 7 km from Jeori, in Sarahan. It is famous for its beautiful apple groves and panoramic views over Shrikhand Peak. The hideaway is located on NH22 and is open year-round.

8. Sarahan Palace

The Sarahan Palace is one of the finest examples of Tibetan architecture. This palace belonged to Bushair lords, who used to rule in the area. It was a major trading hub for the Tibetan people during India's medieval past. It is also known as Shanti Kunj. The house is the royal family's residence when visiting the area and is not accessible to tourists. Only those on the outside can see it.

9. Darang Ghati

Darang Ghati is 932m above sea level and about 1.5 hours drive from Banjara retreat. It attracts tourists due to its beautiful landscapes and woodlands.

10. Lanka Vir Temple

The historic Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan's courtyard houses the Lanka Vir Temple. There is a Shiva temple beside the Bhima Kali Temple that is frequented on Mondays by followers of Lord Shiva.

11. Jeori

Sarahan is located 14 km from Jeori on NH22 in the Shimla area. People from all over the world visit this hot spring.

12. Apple Orchards

The apples from Kinnaur are renowned for their superior quality. The greatest apples in the world are thought to come from Kinnauri. If you've never seen an apple orchard before, Sarahan has a lot of them. The apple harvesting season begins in July and lasts until at least September. If you are there at this time, you will see the orchards in full bloom and have the opportunity to sample some delectable local apples.

13. Kufri Fun World

Kufri is one of the few kid-friendly places in Sarahan, with only a few neighbourhood clubs having one or two slides. However, if your children visit Kufri, they will have much fun. There are several attractions and fun activities for kids at Kufri Fun World. Kids can enjoy snow biking and snow skiing in the winter at Kufri. At 2800 meters, Kufri is located in a spectacular setting. While having fun, take some pictures of the snow-capped mountains.

14. The Great Himalayan National Park

Sarahan is near the Great Himalayan National Park and Govind Pashu National Park. Rich regional vegetation and animals may be found in both parks. The Great Himalayan National Park is located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. The height range of the 1171 km Great Himalayan National Park is between 1,500 and 6000 meters. It launched in 1984. The three nearest parks to Sarahan are MehraGarden, Manj Baun, and ACCPark.

15. Deo Tibba

Deo Thibba is the highest peak in the Pir Panjal range. It stands at 6006 meters above sea level. Deo Tibba is a popular trekking destination. Many trekkers aim to reach the peak at 6000 meters or higher. Ali Ratni Tibba, Devachan, Kullu Pumori, Dharamasura (also known as White Sail), and Papsura are just a few of the tall, snow-capped peaks seen from the Deo Tibba summit. The Deo Thibba summit has religious significance. The locals believe that this summit is where their deities meet.

16. Hampta Pass

Sarahan is just 58.4 km from here. The best trip for first-timers is the Hampta Pass because it is breathtaking and easy to reach and hike. There are so many various types of landscapes to be seen. There are lakes, huge valleys, beautiful forests, and deserted areas. It is a photographer's dream.

The Hampta pass connects Lahaul and Spiti with the most beautiful Kullu. It exposes you to the district's rich flora, unique Himalayan bird life, and beautiful meadows. People from all over the globe come here for an exciting adventure to save their souls and hearts.

17. Dodital Lake

Sarahan is 60.6 kilometres away. Due to its high elevation of over 10,000 feet, Dodital Lake (also known as Dhundi Lake) in Uttarakhand is a well-liked hiking location. This high-altitude freshwater lake is surrounded by woodlands abundant in plants, animals, and bird life and is tucked away behind tall deodar trees.

The walk to Dodital is around 22 kilometres long, commencing in the Uttarkashi district near Sangam Chatti. Beyond Dodital, at a distance of roughly 5 kilometres, is Darwa Top. Although a challenging ascent, its strategic elevation of 13,616 feet above sea level provides the ideal vantage point for taking in the Garhwal Himalayas' breathtaking natural splendour.

18. Thanedar

Thanedar, a peaceful and cosy getaway close to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, is 71.3 kilometres from Sarahan. Thanedar is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers. It is situated at an altitude of 7.250 feet. The main attractions of Thanedar are a small town, a church, a lake, and a couple of temples. The first apple trees were planted in Thanedar by a social worker named Samuel Stokes in 1916.

19. Baspa River

Baspa River is 72.7 km from Sarahan. The Baspa is a tributary river of Sutlej. Long-lasting glaciers feed the river and start near the border between India and Tibet. The river forms one of the finest valleys in the Himalayas, known as the Baspa or Sangla valley. Pine and oak woods on the hillsides line the river's banks. The region is home to several lovely villages, including Chitkul and Rakcham.

20. Kamru Fort

Sarahan is about 79.5 km from here. The Lord Buddha statue is placed at the gateway of the wooden Kamru fort, which stands 2600 meters above sea level. The tower-like fort has a beautiful wooden balcony, which is worth seeing. It is believed that the fort was built in the 15th century. The third floor of the fort houses an idol of the goddess Kamakya Devi. Hence, the fort got its name Kamakya Devi fort. From the tower, you can see the Sangla Valley and Baspa River. In Himachal Pradesh's Sangla Valley, it is one of the greatest structures.

21. Gushaini

Gushaini (sometimes spelt Goshaini) is the ideal destination for those seeking an action-packed vacation. It's 81 kilometres from Sarahan and the perfect spot for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and trekking. You can start your trekking journey in Chalogi or Mungla villages, where you can spend a leisurely day talking to the locals. Gushaini and the Great Himalayan National Park are separated by about 20 kilometres.

22. Bering Nag Temple

Sarahan is about 83.8 kilometres from here. The most famous of these is the Bering Nag Temple. It gets a lot of pilgrims during the August or September Phulech (Fulaich) Festival. It would be best if you abode by the priests' directions. Bering Nag Temple celebrates the snakes that coil around Lord Shiva's shoulders. Due to the influence of Tibetan Buddhism on the region, Buddhist pagodas inspired a temple made only of stones and wood. The temple contains many precious stones and is said to have a golden dome.

23. Tirthan Valley

Tirthan is 83.9 km from Sarahan and is the most popular tourist spot near Kullu. It's named after the river that gives it its name. The Tirthan River gives water to Tirthan Lake, a perennial river with clear, glacial waters. Tirthan River begins in the Himalayas. It is a fantastic place for hikers. Tirthan Lake has many trout fish, so it's a great spot for anglers. Along the winding road leading to Tirthan Valley, you'll find many beautiful farms, woods, and sleepy villages. It is the ideal location to meet people, such as visitors and hikers. The Himalayan Trout House on the banks of the Tirthan River is the perfect place to camp.

Ideal Time to Visit Sarahan

All year long, Sarahan experiences a moderately comfortable climate. Here, winters are long, and summers are brief. The region has a lot of rain during the monsoon season, as well as a lot of snowfall in January and February. Choose the best time to visit here based on the kind of vacation you want.

If you want to see a lot of snow, schedule your vacation around late December or early February. The greatest family trip times are in April, May, and June. You may visit the bird sanctuary from October to June if that's what you have in mind.

How to Reach

• By Road
  Buses may take visitors to Sarahan who want to explore the place. Regular bus services are offered from Delhi and Shimla to Sarahan. Several Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus routes connect surrounding cities with Sarahan. From Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi, travellers can also use cabs and jeeps to go to this location.
• By Train
  The closest Sarahan railhead is at Kalka Railway Station. Approximately 84 kilometres separate the location from Shimla Railway Station, which is connected to all the main Indian railway stations. From the stations, a taxi or cab may transport you to Sarahan.
• By Air
  The closest airport, situated 175 kilometres from Sarahan, is Jubbarhatti Airport. Major cities like Kullu, Shimla, Delhi, and Mumbai are easily accessible from this airport by frequent flights. From the airport, taxi and cab options are available to get to Sarahan.