Exploring the Hidden Gem of Himachal Pradesh: The Memorable Trip to Barot

 Exploring the Hidden Gem of Himachal Pradesh: The Memorable Trip to Barot

Located in the still, serene Uhl Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Barot is a place that perfectly weaves together natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Lush green landscapes, flowing rivers, and quaint villages - the gift that Barot unfolds is an enchanting reprieve from the cacophony of city life. For a glimpse of how my recent trip to Barot turned out to be worthwhile, here is the story.
How to reach Barot
It's a journey to reach Barot. The scenic village is approximately 66 kilometers from Mandi and 40 kilometers from the tourist town of Joginder Nagar. To reach this place, one has to take the winding mountain roads that go through dense forests and small villages with each bend offering lovely views of the Himachal landscape.

If you are traveling from Delhi or Chandigarh, then it becomes accessible through the bus or train to Mandi or Joginder Nagar and then one has to take a local taxi or bus to the place. The journey might be a little lengthy, but so was the eagerness one had for reaching such an out-of-the-ordinary place.
The Uhl River is ideal not only for adventure sports but also for trout fishing. People who wish to indulge in trout fishing and enjoy this thrilling sport make a visit to the Uhl River.
Barot is known for its river – Uhl. The Uhl River flows gently through the valley, which gives very peaceful feel to the atmosphere. If you are one of those fisher-folks, then Barot is one of the finest destinations for trout fishing in India. The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department operates a trout breeding center at Barot, where you can hire your fishing gears and try your luck with catching some trout.

It's always refreshing to see locals and tourists alike fish away, and for most, it is the perfect day out to fish in these peaceful waters. Even a non-fisherman might end up sitting at some of the many locations along the riverbank for a few hours just listening to the sound of moving water.

A Trek to the Rajgundha Village
Maybe it was the trek to Rajgundha-a remote village at an altitude of about 2,700 meters-or maybe it was something else. Situated at the base of the Pir Panjal Mountains, this trek begins from Barot and leads through dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and through scenic valleys, all contributing to a relatively easy and beginner-friendly trail.

Rajgundha is a small Himachali village where you can experience the local simple lifestyle. There are possibilities of booking very basic accommodations as well as homestays, and it is possible to interact with the local people and know more about their ways of living. Waking up to see the ravishing view of Dhauladhar from Rajgundha is a memory that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

Camping and Stargazing
For campers, there are plenty of scenic spots along the river and in the nearby forests. We pitched our tents by the riverbank and spent a fine evening with stargazing over a bonfire. The night sky is so clear, far from the city lights of Barot, that one can get a fairly good view of the stars and constellations and even shooting stars. Due to the gentle sound of the river flowing soft and water running absolutely softly against the evening hours, it was one of those quiet nights I had ever known.

Barot Hydro Project
Besides the above, Barot also has historical importance; it was initially constructed as a part of the Shanan Hydel Project, one of the oldest hydroelectric projects in India by the British in 1924. The power house is constructed near the Uhl River as an amazing structural engineering marvel and gives an outlook to the historical background. Visiting this project site and gaining a flavor of the contributions of this region for the hydroelectric power of India is indeed very interesting as well as educative.

A Local Himachali Sample
Local Himachali food is prone to richness in flavor, and here in Barot, you can avail a variety of tasty local dishes. We savoured siddu-the light puffed steamed bun stuffed with fillings-plus madra, a yogurt-based curry with chickpeas and spices. Generally, most guesthouses and homestays in Barot give home-cooked food, so you can relish the real flavours of Himachal.

Practical Tips for Visiting Barot
Accommodation: There are some lodges and homestays available in Barot, though camping is also allowed. Do book your stay in advance to ensure you get a good place, especially during the peak seasons.
Best time to Visit: The best months to visit Barot are during April to June and September to November. Avoid this region during the monsoon season as the trails become slippery and river swells a lot.
Basics: Pack lightly, but pack for warmth as well, as it can get chilly in the night time. Also, carry cash as there is hardly any ATM in Barot.
Roads: The roads are narrow in and around Barot. Drive at your own risk; hire local taxis or public transport.
Why Barot Should Be on Your Travel List
Though not as popular a destination like Manali or Shimla, that's just the beauty of Barot. It is a quaint village maintaining the perfect balance between nature and culture and adventure and solitude, presenting a blend perfect for travelers seeking to explore off the beaten tracks.

So out of the way is the place of Barot, but so unforgettable: a landscape of pristine beauty, a warmth of local hospitality that melted my heart away, and most importantly, peace – the kind that can only emanate from a place like Barot. So next time when you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh, do think about deviating from your usual path and discovering the serene jewel of Barot – where time seems to slow down and nature takes center stage.