Why Barot Valley is rising hub in adventure tourism?

Barot, a part of the Uhl river valley, is a small village situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Considered to be a diamond among the rough terrains, Barot Valley was initially developed for a hydel project over the Uhl river that has now become a rising tourist spot for travelers who have a longing for mountains. Barot Valley offers great opportunities to travelers who want to quench their thirst for adventure. Barot Valley trek, camping, and fishing are some of the popular activities of this area.

Barot Valley Also known as, “a trekker’s paradise”, Barot Valley is situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level. It is a new found tourist destination and is located about 67 kilometers away from Mandi. If you are a backpacker,this destination is perfect to backpack through for a day or so. The scenic landscapes are captivating, and the unpolluted air draws travelers from across the world for sightseeing and much more. The location is famous for its numerous trekking trails passing through the village and hence is a preferred trekking destination too.

Very few travelers know about Barot Valley and its unexplored and unexploited landscapes. For the ones seeking such virgin travel destinations, this is the place to be in the midst of the gorgeous state of Himachal Pradesh. The village of Barot came into the limelight when the Shanan Hydroelectric Project was proposed around 1922 in India. It was mainly to utilize the hydroelectric potential of River Uhl that gushes between Barot and Jogindernagar.

It is since then that the village has also been considered as a tourist destination, but not many know about this place. The forests around the village are mostly Deodar and Oak that grow in abundance in the region and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. One can choose to walk through the woods nearby and experience the charm of the village growing with each step they take. As one explores the region, they are bound to immerse in the tranquillity all around that makes them want to stay there forever.

Adventure Activities in Barot With an expansive area of beautiful lush greenery around River Uhl ,the valley is a hot spot for adventure sports. People craving for an adrenalin rush come here often to indulge in numerous adventure activities in the midst of this paradise. One can go rock-climbing on one of the hills,take a short breather and rejoice their achievement from atop before rappelling through to the base. The view of the Barot valley from the top of the hills is sure to mesmerize you. Whether you capture some pictures or not, make sure you fill your memory with as much beauty of the location as possible to keep going back to this happy place whenever you need it.

The trails in the valley also serve as great trekking trails for all levels of trekkers. Medium and advanced level trekkers can choose to camp in the dense Deodar and Oak forests or by the banks of River Uhl to experience nature in all its glory. The river crossing is another favourite between adventure lovers. With only a rope, the activity challenges your strength and focus. It is a perfect activity for team members as it demonstrates and helps build a significant level of team spirit.

Things To Do in Barot Valley

Fishing in River Uhl: Fishing in the Uhl River is popular in Barot. A trout breeding center makes it a perfect place for angling and over 30 kilometres of the river is used for this purpose.

Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary: Across the River Uhl is the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary which is also a great picnic spot for people searching for solace. The wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. If one keeps away from the dense parts of the sanctuary, one can really enjoy exploring the region away from the wild animals.

Recreational Trekking: Numerous trails around the valley of Barot are preferred for trekking. The Barot Himri Trek along the Mule Trail is quite famous. During winters, many visit Barot especially for Snow Trekking.

Corporate and Family Camping: Camping by the banks of River Uhl is another attraction in Barot. It is apt for corporate and family outings or for weekend getaways to escape the bustling city life.

Star Gazing: Travellers mostly visit Barot to get a stunning Star Gazing experience. Since the village is far away from the city lights and located in the midst of a valley, astronomers and stargazers visit the site often for star gazing.

Best time to visit Barot

The best time to visit Barot is between April and June, during the summers and between November and February, during winters as the weather is suitable for sightseeing and exploring the valley.

How to Reach Barot

The beautiful valley of Uhl, where Barot is located lies at a distance of 40 kilometers from the town of Jogindernagar and 66 kilometers from Mandi. One can avail public buses from Mandi, Jogindernagar, and Palampur to reach Barot.

There also are frequent buses plying to Kothikodh, Bada Gran, and Luhardi that pass through Barot.

The nearest Railway Station is the Jogindernagar Railways Station. Once can take public transport from the junction and reach the lush green valleys of Barot via NH154 in about 2 hours.

The nearest Airport is Kullu Manali Airport which is about 3.5 hours away from Barot. Tourists can take public transport or rent cabs to reach the stunning valley via the scenic NH154 and NH3.

Tips

1. Book your rooms in advance and confirm your stay before leaving for the trip.

2. Always trek and camp in groups.

3. Carry necessary camping and trekking gear including first aid kit, water, and snacks.

4. The climate is mostly cold and chilly, so carry enough warm clothes.

The distances from the different places:-

New Delhi to Barot: – 530 kms

Chandigarh to Barot: – 315 kms

Pathankot to Barot: – 170 kms

Dharamsala to Barot: – 110 km

Mandi to Barot: – 65 km

Palampur to Barot: – 80 km

Jogindernagar to Barot: – 40 km