{"id":968,"date":"2020-04-11T10:56:39","date_gmt":"2020-04-11T09:56:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mappingaway.com\/?p=968"},"modified":"2025-03-02T19:24:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-02T19:24:42","slug":"jibhi-hamlet-of-himachal-pradesh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mappingaway.org\/?p=968","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Jibhi: A Hamlet in Himachal Pradesh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This guide is perfect for independent travelers to explore Jibhi. Jibhi\"\"<\/a> is a quaint hamlet in Himachal Pradesh. On a sunny day, farmers plow the dried soil. The apple orchards are left with red leaves waving and a few rotten apples lying on the ground.\u00a0 After sunset, a few twinkles of lights blinking from the opposite hill. Smokes puff out between the Chimney\u2019s lips.\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Located in the Banjar Valley, the highway connects Jibhi with cities like Manali and Shimla. There’s no direct bus to Jibhi. Aut is the transit town where you take a taxi to Jibhi. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I spent one night in Jibhi on my way to Manali. Then I returned to Jibhi for 5 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best time to visit?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jibhi is worth visiting in every season. Summer and autumn<\/strong> are the best seasons for hiking and camping.
July – September <\/strong>Lush green mountains after soaking in the monsoon rain.
October – November <\/strong>witness the autumn color
December<\/strong>\u00a0– January<\/strong> are months for snow\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

2 to 4 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Things to do in and around Jibhi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explore the village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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After enjoying your homestay cooked breakfast, start your day early. In the summer days, the sun gets hot as soon as around 10 am. And in winter days, cold air envelops the valley after 4 pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the old trails created by villagers and their ancestors<\/strong>, you could easily spend a day on any of these trails.  Kath-kunni style<\/strong> houses are scattered on both sides of the valley. Terrace farming is created on mountain slopes since lands are scarce in the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another activity is to walk to the top of the mountain to have a panoramic view of the terraces.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Houses painted in vibrant colors add a characteristic to the seasonally changing landscape. Unique Kath-kunni style traditional houses are only found in this region<\/strong>, usually built in two storeys with a roof covered in stone pallets.\u00a0 Wooden stairs to the second floor and a simply decorated balcony are typical to these houses. The ground floor is usually for storage and the second floor is the living space. You can find a traditional handloom machine placed under the stairs in almost every household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temple architecture is similar to their houses and is built on slopes surrounded by apple orchards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most homestays are near the main road which bisects the valley, so you could easily hike both sides of the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sit by the river, read a book, or write journals.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Take a quick hike down to the river, idle away your time, reading a book, and listening to the many little birds and the steady flow of icy water stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look up to the treetops, it’s just you, blue sky, and the flowing river, surrounded by a forest. The colorful landscape is an attractive point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Morning Walk to Pine Forest & Bird Watching<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Woodpecker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

My first time spotting a woodpecker was in a pine forest in Jibhi. That made my day. The smell of pine brings calmness to my brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hike to Jalori Pass and Chehni village takes you through a dreamy forest. <\/strong>Start early to the misty sun and dewdrops in pine strands shining through the morning sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join an early morning tour for bird watching<\/strong>. Or do a solo hike to spot birds. One spot is near the Pushp Bhadra river<\/strong>, about 1 kilometer from Jibhi House Cottage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meet Shepherds on the way to Jalori Pass (3,291 meters)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Trekking Jalori Pass<\/strong>\"\"<\/a><\/a> is a must-do activity while in Jibhi. Three ways to make your Jalori Pass trek memorable: camping, meeting<\/strong> herds of goats, and a teashop on the hill. I made a half-day trip to the pass. On the way there, we were lucky to spot the former Himachal Pradesh state bird: Himalayan Monal. Its feather color is shiny and comparable to the colorful reef.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shepherds and their herds are everywhere in the Jalori Pass mountains. They don’t stay in one place. Follow them to their next meadow.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a cup of tea is a perfect way to wrap up this trek. Give yourself 30 minutes to 1 hour in this spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: <\/strong>You can do this day-hike independently. You will not get lost. A well-defined road shared by shepherds takes you to the tea shop, and walking back on the same road as the entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to get to Jalori Pass?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The pass closes every winter in December based on snow conditions.
. Drive your car to the pass.
. Go with your tour guide and camping
. Take a public bus to the pass<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chehni Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Once was an isolated village in remote Himachal Pradesh, now a well-defined trail takes you through pine forest to the village. It’s a historic gem in the valley<\/strong>. This village is the best example to observe the Himalayan culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two iconic buildings, namely the Chehni Fort<\/a> and Krishna Temple,<\/strong> represent the local architectural style, known as kath-kunni style, built in a similar structure and era, between 200 and 400 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But their functionalities have changed. As a defensive fort, Chehni Fort converted into a temple dedicated to the local goddess, Jogini.<\/strong> The stairs made from one tree log are another impressive structure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Interior of the Krishna Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another tallest building in the village is the 5-story<\/strong> building, which was once the old residence of the Chehni village rulers, now converted to the\u00a0<\/span>Krishna Temple<\/strong>. The priest and his family occupy the first two floors. I liked the interior craftsmanship of this residence. The granite floors are so cold in winter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spend a little more time to walk around the village. Houses are close to each other. It’s easy to observe the villagers’ lifestyle. In spring, the landscape welcomes the blossom season, and the green farm. The autumn will witness grain harvest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I arrived at 10 am. Villagers had already finished most of the daily chores and the kids were in a makeshift school which was just under the Cheni fort. Don’t forget to pack snacks and water! Then walk back to Jibhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip<\/strong>: Fagli Festival \/ Masked Dancers from Feb 12 – 15 in Kullu\/Banjar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to get Chehni Kothi?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Begin your trek from Shringa Rishi Temple<\/strong>\"\"<\/a> takes about 1 hour. Take public transport to Bagi village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek from Bihar village to Chehni<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Homestay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best way to experience Jibhi is by staying in a local guesthouse. The cozy guesthouse and home cook meal is another level of a luxurious stay in Jibhi.<\/strong> Many guesthouses owned by locals mushroomed in this tiny village with similar wooden interior design and balcony to overlook the valley. Jibhi\u2019s village center is where most grocery shops and a state bank are located. The listed guesthouse is about 1km from the center.<\/strong> In a peak season, it might be difficult to select a quiet homestay for an extensive stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lenna\u2019s Place \/ Wilderness Home Jibhi <\/strong>\"\"<\/a> The property is on the main road, easy access. Leena and Lalit are great hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I crossed\u00a0Jibhi House \u2013 Cafe & Cottages\u2019<\/strong>s\"\"<\/a>\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0backyard to the main road on one hike; I told myself I\u2019d stay here if I come back. It owns a serene backyard looking down to the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norwegian Wood Cafe & Cottages<\/strong>\"\"<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>is a tucked-away cottage from the main road. Another cottage is\u00a0Apple Tree Cottages,<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0enclosed in a farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mudhouse Jibhi, by E-Living Project<\/strong>\"\"<\/a>,<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is an absolutely budget place to stay, offers dormitories and has a Tirthan river view. And\u00a0The Hidden Burrow<\/strong>\"\"<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping in Jibhi or around during summer and autumn is a must-activity. There are many camping grounds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to get to Jibhi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in the Banjar Valley, the highway connects Jibhi with cities like Manali and Shimla. There’s no direct bus to Jibhi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a bus from Shimla or Manali to Aut. Aut is the transit town where you take a taxi to Jibhi. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to go after?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bahu<\/strong>\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/a>\u00a0is a nature gem about 7km from Jibhi. If you continue the road,\u00a0Sarandi<\/strong>\u00a0is found in 6km, famous for two temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentials Packing List<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hiking or comfortable shoes
Day trip backpack
Water bottle 
Book\/travel journal
Camping gear
Seasonal jacket 
Coffee\/snacks 
Medicines <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Useful Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n