The Hidden Villages Of The Himalayas

Travel beyond the mainstream hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and visit the charming villages of Bir and Jibhi to get an insight into life as it’s lived in the high mountains of India.

- Japleen Kaur

THE BEST THING about Himachal Pradesh, apart from the incredible landscape, is its diversity. Every region, every district, every valley is so remarkably different from each other. Which is why the best way to experience this mountain state in all its glory is to go off-the-beaten path and travel to the interiors, to little villages where you can sample local delicacies, traditions, and culture, and get a peek into the way of life in the mountains. While Jibhi is remote and intimate, Bir is a lively place to be in. And both have plenty of different experiences to offer, each more enchanting than the other.

JIBHI

About three hours before one reaches the hill station of Manali, in the Banjar Valley of Kullu district, is the tiny village of Jibhi. With a homestay, tree house, tented accommodation or hostel every few metres, this little hamlet has slowly turned into a preferred offbeat destination. Surrounded by tall Deodar trees and magnificent mountain ranges, the valley is densely forested, and a beautiful part of the Great Himalayan National Park. There are several trekking routes inside the park that are perfect for anyone looking for an adventurous, week-long getaway. The Jibhi waterfall, a five-minute walk off the main road, has several wooden bridges along the way, making for a picture-postcard stroll—great for those who are not big on hiking, but still wish to soak in all that nature has to offer.