10 facts about Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Tirthan is an offbeat destination that has something for everyone. This quiet valley is ideal for trekking, fishing, wildlife watching, and discovering the unexplored hill villages. There’s also the option of doing absolutely nothing as you relax among the pine trees in the valley. So if you like to scout around uncharted terrain, pack your bags and head towards Tirthan.

Tirthan Valley derives its name from the Tirthan River, which winds its way through it. The pristine river originates from the icy cold glacial springs of Hanskund, a snow-capped peak in the verdant Great Himalayan National Park.

Perched at an altitude of over 1600 metres above sea level, the riverside retreat of Tirthan is an adventure-centric getaway blessed with a wealth of nature’s treasures. It is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

March to June and October to November are the best months to visit Tirthan Valley. January-February is also good for those who are looking for snow and can handle extremely cold conditions. It is in full bloom during spring.

In Tirthan Valley, almost all SIMs work but it is suggested to use Airtel (Calling), Jio (Internet) as they work best.
The Tirthan River traverses through some of the finest forests of the Western Himalayas before meeting the Beas River at Larji, alongside National Highway 21. Several quaint villages dot the picturesque banks of the river, with the villages of Gushaini (8 kms from the Greater Himalayan National Park) and Nagini being the most preferred stay options.

In Tirthan Valley, the locals still live in a traditional way, maintaining their ancient customs and following the age-old rituals of the local temples. The Shringi Rishi Temple at nearby Bagi has a beautiful statue of Rishi Shringi and intricate wood carvings that depict the 24 different births of god. There is also a highly revered temple of the eighteen gods of the Kullu Valley, who are the chiefs of the three hundred and eighty-four minor deities
One of India’s most well-kept secret fishing camps, the crystal clear glacial waters of the Tirthan River are home to an abundant population of rainbow and brown trout. The Himachal government has declared Tirthan River as an angling reserve and taken a decision not to allow any hydropower project on this river in order to maintain its rich aquatic biodiversity. A licence taken for trout fishing here gives permission to enjoy fishing in a 45 km stretch of the river that has oodles of points for fishing fanatics to set the base for angling in the valley.

The spring in the Tirthan Valley paints it into a mesmerising canvas of verdant woods, gurgling rapids and endearing little wooden bridges. Take long nature walks by the river covered in fog, wander off in the woods by yourself and get lost in the charm of Tirthan Valley. The valley’s scenic camaraderie with nature is sure to leave you yearning for more.

While there are several stay options in Tirthan Valley, the gorgeous wooden building of Raju’s Guest House in Gushaini is a tourist attraction in itself. Nestled in fruit orchards, this cozy rustic riverside home is reached by crossing the gushing Tirthan on a metal basket hung on a one-inch thick wire pulley – a scary but incredibly fun ride.
Siddu is one of the most enjoyable local cuisines of Tirthan Valley to be had with pudina chutney or the local desi ghee. The recipe has been passed down for centuries. It delicious piping hot, drenched in ghee and dipped in the homemade apple chutney. It is good for health if there is a proper balance of spices which anybody in the Tirthan household will be familiar with.

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