There are places you travel to, discover, and live but Jibhi… Ahh!! It must be felt. Good news: there’s a lot more in store.  

Travel happens for a variety of reasons, but we would like to believe that it all boils down to having a great time. Unfortunately, like the mermaids, the concept of an idyllic vacation is a myth as well. There’s nothing you can do about it. However, this does not mean you can’t have an awesome trip especially when you’ve such a beautiful location hidden somewhere in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Yes, we’re talking about a peaceful and serene vacation in Jibhi.

Jibhi offers a wonderful mix of short, easy trails; longer, more elusive trails deep into the forest that can only be explored under expert guidance; breathtaking waterfalls; and meandering rivers to explore. Here houses are made of wood and stone giving this place an ancient Himalayan look. There are several charming temples among these natural beauties, as well as unique villages which are only accessible by foot. Among them are Shringa Rishi Temple, Chehni Kothi, Balu Nag Temple, and Buddhi Nagin- Serolsar Lake.

Besides being a blanket of earthly beauty, it also offers an array of fun activities for fearless adventurers. There are a lot of beautiful nature trails scattered around this offbeat spot in Himachal. So, here we’re going to share with you the 11 best things to do in Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh. Perhaps you may be unaware of most things about this location. Wait! We have all the information you need here.

11 Best Things to do in Jibhi

 

1. Bird Watching
2. Take Blessings at Shringa Rishi Temple
3. Fun Treks
4. Healing Nature Walks
5. Fishing
6. Enjoy Nature’s Shower at the Waterfalls
7. Camping
8. Hike to Bahu village/Balu Nag Temple
9. A Day out to Mini Thailand
10. Explore Cafes
11. Stay in a Tree House

1. Bird Watching

Birdwatching is not about seeing birds, but about observing them live in their natural habitat. Besides experiencing the magnificent natural landscapes where these birds live, you’ll also hear those melodious sounds. And you’ll come home filled with happiness even if you don’t see anything extraordinary.

Probably the best place to witness exotic and domestic bird species is the Great Himalayan National Park in Tirthan Valley. You can reach GHNP in just two hours from Jibhi. The wilderness here is just unexplored and serene thanks to undisturbed forests. This area is a great place to see birds like white-capped redstarts, yellow-billed blue magpies, and brown dippers among others.

2. Take Blessings at Shringa Rishi Temple

Shringa Rishi temple is a 25-30 minute ride from Jibhi. It is located in Banjar’s Baggi village. The temple is named after Shringi Rishi, a chief deity in the Kullu valley.

According to Legends, in the Ramayana, Shringi Rishi performed a ritual for King Dasaratha of Ayodhya, which led to the birth of Rama and his three brothers. Thus, this temple is sacred to Hindu devotees in the region. Here, Rishi is locally known as Skirni Deo. This temple is built in a typical Himachali style, and they call it Kothi (temple of the ruling deity).

There are times when you don’t feel like talking to anyone or feel low. Happens to every single person. If you’re near here, just come to this place. It will be a break from it all. We’re sure the positive energies that you’ll get here will switch the buttons. In the month of May, local people and a group of priests visit the temple to perform pujas and rituals.

This temple should be on your bucket list while visiting Jibhi. Take a look at it yourself and believe what is felt and seen.

3. Fun Treks

There are multiple treks that you can do while you’re at Jibhi. Chehni Kothi trek, Serolsar lake trek, and Raghupur fort are must-try among them! 

Chehni Kothi Trek

A 45-minute hike from Shringa Rishi temple will take you to Chehni Kothi. There’s a parking lot near the temple from where the hike starts. The hike is quite steep so be ready for that. In between the hike, you’ll cross a picturesque forest, and once you’ve crossed that, Voila!!! you are at Chehni Kothi.

When you first enter the village, a five-story fortress constructed entirely of stone and deodar wood will greet you. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Jogini. Originally there were seven floors, but two of them were destroyed in the Kangra earthquake. Apparently, the tower was built in the 17th century to give vantage points over the surrounding valleys. Therefore, no staircase was built. As a substitute for a stairwell, a hanging staircase was used to lift people up; once they reached the fort, the staircase was pulled up so no one could enter. Today, things are different. A wooden staircase connects the temple to the outside world. It’s unclear whether you’ll be allowed inside. Luckily if you’re in, there are certain rules that you need to follow. Locals will inform you of this.

After you’ve visited the temple you can sit in one of the cafes in the village. Eat, relax and set back to Jibhi.

Jalori Pass/Serolsar Trek

It’s a 30-minute drive from Jibhi to Serolsar lake. Once you reach the top you’ll see the roads diverging. You’ve to take the road on the left side. It will take you to Seroldar lake. From there you’ll have to hike for about 1.5-2 hours.

As you walk along the path you’ll notice that gradually you’re walking into the forest, which protects you from both the sun and rain until you reach the lake. Once you reach the lake you’ll be stunned to see the lake’s beauty. It’s magical. It’s so clear that you can even see mirror images of the nearby cliffs and trees. Beside the lake is the temple dedicated to Goddess Buddhi Nagin.

When you find something in the woods of Himachal it probably has some religious significance. The same is the case here. It’s a sacred place. Whenever the locals visit the lake they mostly bring Ghee and oil to offer to the goddess. There is a belief that the Goddess is submerged in the lake and protects the entire area.

Five minutes away from the lake is an eating stall. It serves tea, coffee, snacks, and Maggi of course. Don’t you need some energy to return back? 

Raghupur Fort Trek

Getting to Raghupur Fort is like visiting any other beautiful place in Jibhi. Again, the hike starts at Jalori Pass. There are two paths leading to Jalori, as you recall. There is one to the left and one straight ahead. For Raghupur Fort, choose the path that goes straight.

This fort was built by the Mandi rulers to protect them from invasion. Getting to the summit of the mountain will take you approximately an hour or two. The path is covered with Oak and Rhododendron forests. You’ll love walking through them.

Once you’re at the top, your eyes will be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of all the valleys and mountains surrounding you. The cold wind hits your face and time literally stands still as you find yourself in the middle of complete silence. In front of you are the otherworldly views that’ll keep you occupied for hours. Trust us, you’ll be completely lost.

There’s a small stone temple nearby. Also, there is a cafe called Raghupur Vanvaas Cafe along the way. It serves as a resting point where you can relax, and enjoy some snacks. The cafe offers overnight tent stays. So if you wanna stay you can book one.

Read More: Get Cozy in the Mountains: The Best Homestays in Jibhi!

4. Healing Nature Walks

No matter how insanely cold or how knackered one would be, the body doesn’t need an alarm in nature! A silent walk in the woods of Jibhi is a journey to discover nature’s healing powers. Nature’s a big part of who we are. This is where we feel most comfortable. Even science has proven that our brains behave differently when we spend time in nature.

So what you’re gonna do is wake up early and after you’ve had your morning tea bring your walking shoes right into the woods. Spend some time in the quiet and reconnect with nature! Getting away from the stress of the city and urban life is essential for finding calm and balance. Almost all the homestays in Jibhi are in the midst of nowhere. So wherever you’re staying, ask your hosts to guide you the same. Don’t just do it for the gram pictures, do it for yourself. You’ll feel much better.

5. Fishing

Fishing is quite an experience that gives you a chance to relax, make memories, and enjoy a delicious dinner after all your hard work!

When you’re out on a vacation you probably don’t wanna sit inside and get fat eating snacks all day. There are a bunch of extracurricular activities to fill your spare time that boosts your individuality as well as your happiness. One of them is fishing. You just have to drive for one hour and reach the Tirthan valley. Yes, you’ll be fishing in the Tirthan river. The river originated from the glaciers of Tirth Top, some 4000 meters above sea level. Its origin in Tirth Top gave the river the name “Tirthan ”, and its banks became Tirthan Valley.

Jibhi/Tirthan region has a suitable climate for Trout to grow. There are two types of fish found in the Tirthan River, one is brown and one is rainbow. The brown trout requires fresh and clear water to survive, and that’s exactly what it is famous for.

You just need a fishing rod and bait for fishing and you’re good to go. Don’t worry, just ask around for the same (probably your hosts). And if you’re a newbie, there will be fishing trainers to teach you all about the equipment. So, get out of your homestay and go fishing. Don’t forget your camera!

Read More: Best Hostels in Jibhi For Backpackers and Budget Travellers

6. Enjoy Nature’s Shower at the Waterfalls

The waterfalls in Jibhi, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh are a sight to behold, with their cool, clear waters cascading down the mountain cliffs. They are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a peaceful and serene escape from the bustle of daily life.

Chhoie Waterfall

Those who have always dreamt of waterfalls that are set against scenic backdrops will love this place. On foot, it takes about 45 minutes to get to the fall from the main road. The Chhoie waterfall is hidden between massive mountains and as we said earlier the hidden places in Himachal are considered to be sacred. This one is no different. The waterfall is named after a local deity Chhoi Mata. There is a tree just before the waterfall where the locals come to pray.

When you trek through the woods it is easy to get lost but thanks to a couple of signboards along the way, they’ll help you keep on track. Hiking in the mountains and seeing the river flow will be a delightful experience. The Chhoie waterfall is almost three times as big as the Jibhi waterfall. It looks like a graceful silk curtain slithering through the rocky ridges as it cascades down. Even from a distance, hazy sprays can be felt from the flowing water. Water at the waterfall’s base is clean, cold, and safe to drink. Sit, relax, and take a bath (but be cautious), splash around, and have fun. 

Jibhi Waterfall

A day at Jibhi Waterfall which is situated deep inside a forest is the perfect way to spend time with your friends and family in Jibhi. It’s not that far from Jibhi. A 10-minute drive from any Jibhi homestay will take you there.

There is a well-paved stone path that leads you to the fall, which is surrounded by small water streams. The sounds of water gushing through the streams is so enchanting that you’ll feel like staying there for hours. Throughout the trail, you’ll cross several small wooden bridges that’ll make for a nice backdrop for your gram pictures. The water here is clean but it’s freezing. Carry towels to get soaked up. If you’re here with your partner you can spend some ‘Us’ time here.

Read More: The Top 9 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh

7. Camping

The best part of your vacation isn’t just taking part in the coolest activities, but also sleeping in beautiful spaces. Imagine spending winter nights in nature with the ones you love! It’s understandable! Have you thought about camping, especially mountain camping? Camping in Jibhi is a profound experience that leaves you breathless and humbled. Those ancient mountain peaks dominate the landscape. You’ll never forget that tiny feeling you get when you stand among them.

There are many campsites in Jibhi where you can enjoy the true camping experience. Camping always brings a whole new set of restrictions, responsibilities, and packing lists. Before you decide to camp here check all of these to have a hassle-free stay. And make sure you leave no traces behind! Happy camping!

Read More: 10 Stunning Campsites in Jibhi for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

8. Hike to Bahu Village/Balu Nag Temple

After driving 30 minutes from Jibhi, you’ll reach Bahu village. The road may not be that smooth, but the views of snow peaks en route are worth it. Bahu village is blessedly quiet. All you do here is nothing except stare at those beautiful views it has to offer. In this serene setting, you would like to read a book, listen to music, enjoy the view, and soak up the serenity.

Once you reach the Bahu pond, you must hike for 45 minutes to reach Balu Nag Temple. Bahu pond is where SheshNag Temple is situated and where the hike to Balu Nag temple begins. You’ll be walking through the deodar forest. It takes approximately 2.5 km to complete the hike. You’ll be lucky if a dog will accompany you to the temple.

And there you are, at the top with a serene and delectable ambience. On one side, you’ll find a restrained pond and on the other, you’ll find the temple. The temple is entirely made of wood and sits on a stone base. On top of the hill, you’ll find another wooden shrine, it’s pretty isolated. It is not a shrine honouring deities but rather one for road safety. You’ll see a tree stacked with tires, steering wheels of abandoned cars, and some old relics. 

9. A Day Out at Mini Thailand

Everyone likes to walk amidst the lush greenery and cool breeze. To calm the mind and take a break from the daily lifestyle, everyone needs to be somewhere in the middle of nature. A natural place helps in giving positive vibes to our minds and removes all the stress. One such place is here in Jibhi and it’s called Mini Thailand. The name was given by the tourists but locals refer to this place as kuli katandi and veer ki aar.

From Jibhi you’ve to walk around 250-300 meters towards Jalori Pass and you’ll reach the place from where you’ve to start the hike. On the left side, you will find a yellow sign for Forest guest house. To find this hidden gem, you must trek downhill 500 meters from a road near that forest rest house board.

Its beachy, relaxed vibes remind you of Thailand. This explains the fancy name of the spot. It would be appreciated if you left as if she hadn’t been touched by you. We know you will. 

P.S. Interested ones can swim and the rest can simply sit in the shallow area and enjoy the sun.

Read More: Explore the Most Enchanting Places in Jibhi   

10. Explore Cafes

We’re sure you’ll agree, when we talk about our wish list or things we love doing, there is this common hobby among us all. This isn’t about watching Netflix all day or adding items to a cart on shopping apps. It’s an itch for discovering restaurants and cafes, where the best coffee, delish desserts, and delicious savouries are served generously with superb aesthetics in every corner of India.

Jibhi has a lot of Cafes. In an era where cafe culture is everywhere and competition is growing almost every day, Jibhi does not disappoint. It has some amazing cafes that shouldn’t be missed at all! From desserts to pizzas you’ll find everything here. You know what you can even try the local food here. Siddu with desi ghee to be precise. If you know what they are, you love them, right? Wondering which are some of the best cafes in Jibhi? Check these out: Cafe Jungle valley, Reverberate cafe, Great Himalayan cafe, and Jibhi Delight cafe.

Read More: Cafes in Jibhi: 10 Awesome Places to Sink Your Fork in!

11. Stay in a Tree House

Almost all of us grew up dreaming of having a treehouse in our backyards. Lucky were those who lived out their fantasies. As we grew up, the dreams may have faded away but we never stopped dreaming. Did we? Jibhi is just the perfect spot for living in a treehouse and allowing yourself to disconnect from city life. You’ll not only escape city life here but also disconnect from your palm-sized devices (smartphones) that you think you can’t survive without. We’re not kidding. Come here and experience it yourself. Not to mention, you’ll get some incredible views from the balcony where you would want to sit, relax or maybe read a book. So, be ready to be high up in the trees, away from the rest of the world!

Read More: Treehouses in Jibhi that You’ll Want to Stay in Forever

Whether you’re looking for some quiet time with nature with your family, and friends, or alone, Jibhi is the perfect place for you. We absolutely give this place a big thumbs up. What’s the point in not doing that? At the end of the day, aren’t we all looking for peace of mind?

This hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh will stun you with its brilliance. The destination isn’t as well-known as Kullu or Manali but don’t let the hypes fool you. And with these umpteen things to do in Jibhi, you’ll keep yourself occupied the whole day. Several places are far but when it comes to beauty nothing will disappoint you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days are enough for Jibhi?
If you want to explore more of Jibhi, you can easily spend seven to ten days there.

2. Is Jibhi worth visiting?
Absolutely yes. Pine trees surround the place, and beautiful shapes of rocky hills and this are what make this place serene. 

3. What is Jibhi known for?
It’s the lush green landscape and the shady pine trees that cover the place. Well, it’s famous for other tourist places like Jalori pass, Raghupur fort, Jibhi waterfalls, and Serolsar Lake. 

4. Why is Jibhi called Mini Thailand?
Because it has a place deep inside the forest which has the vibe of Thailand and that’s why tourists named it Mini Thailand. Locals call it kuli katandi and veer ki aar.