Delhi / Chandigarh to Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh
Distance: approximately 550 km from Delhi, approximately 260 km from Chandigarh.
Duration: About 13 hours from Delhi, about 8 hours from Chandigarh.
Start your drive from Delhi or Chandigarh early in the morning after breakfast as it is a long journey and you require adequate rest before starting out on the trek the next day.
Enjoy the picturesque road trip to your beautiful destination as you cross scenic villages showcasing quaint cultures and local traditions.
Once you reach the pristine village of Jibhi, go exploring the surrounding jungles while there is still daylight.
Relish a delectable meal comprising local delicacies and rest the night in a small cottage here
Jibhi – Jalori Pass – hike to Serolsar Lake
Altitude: about 10,800 feet
Distance: about 6 km from Jalori Pass to Serolsar Lake
Duration: 2-3 hours from Jalori Pass to Serolsar Lake
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the village before setting out on a drive to the starting point if your trek at Jalori Pass.
Relish the fresh air and spectacular views from this high mountain pass located at a height of about 3,120 meters above sea level.
Catch glimpses of stunning snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance as well as a view of the upper Himalayas if the weather permits.
Pay your respects at the local temple at Jalori Pass and then start your trek to the Serolsar Lake.
Bask in the elevated beauty that you will witness once at the lake after hiking for almost 6 kms.
One of the highlights of the trek is the view from the 360-degree Viewpoint of the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan Range.
Start your descent all the way back to the village where you will enjoy a scrumptious dinner and rest in your cottage for the night
Visit to Jibhi Waterfall and return to Delhi / Chandigarh
Duration: 8 to 12 hours’ drive
After a filling breakfast set out to explore the nearby places and attractions around the village.
Visit the Jibhi waterfalls which is one of the most green and scenic places in the region and great for clicking some of the most memorable pictures.
Take a dip in the huge crystal clear waterfall pool that is very well maintained and is even appropriate for kids above 3 feet in height.
Start your drive back to Delhi / Chandigarh where you should reach by 7 or 8 PM. This brings you to the end of the Serolsar Lake trek
Lightweight backpack with rain cover
Since the Serolsar Lake trek is only a day long expedition, you can carry a small backpack or 20 to 30 liters day pack but one with sturdy straps, good hip and shoulder support as well as quick access pockets.
Good quality trekking shoes / boots
Get a pair of high quality trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support as you will need to do long hours of walking on undulated terrains. Shoes without strong grips are likely to hurt your feet.
Light snacks and water
Carry at least two water bottles of 1 liter each that can be refilled. Avoid carrying disposable plastic bottles to maintain the environmental balance here. Keep light snacks on you such as dry fruits, granola bars, peanuts, sandwiches, chocolates, energy drink powders, and preferably nothing that require water and fire to cook.
Documents
Keep all your necessary documents with you including your ID cards with photocopies, credit cards, and adequate cash.
Other essentials
There are several other small but important essentials that you should carry such as sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, rain coat, umbrella, or poncho, sun hats or caps, scarf, windcheater.
Medicines
Carry all our prescription medicines as well as a personal first aid kit. This should comprise ORS or electrolytes to keep you from dehydrating, crepe bandage for sprained joints, pain relief spray, anti-fungal cream, band aids, bandage, cotton, medicine for pain, indigestion, and fever
You have to first reach Jalori Pass from Delhi to get to the starting point of your trek. There are several different ways to do so:
By Air:The nearest airport to Jalori Pass is Chandigarh Airport which is around 277 kilometers away. Once you reach the airport, you can take a cab from here to reach Jalori Pass easily.
By Train:The nearest railhead to Jalori Pass is Jogindernagar Railway Station which is situated at a distance of about 95 kilometers from your final destination. Once you reach the station, you can take a taxi and reach Jalori Pass.
By Road:You can take a bus or drive to Jalori Pass through the Delhi via Shimla route, or the Delhi via Mandi route. There are several buses that you can avail from Delhi that can take you to Jalori Pass via the second route that goes through Mandi. You have to get off at Aut Tunnel and then take a local transport to Jibhi village. From here you can take a private cab or shared taxi to Jalori Pass.
The Serolsar Lake trek is an easy one with only one difficult section which is at the 360 degree Viewpoint. Follow the best tips that will help you enjoy great views, and get the most memorable experiences here.
To enjoy the best views of the surrounding mountain ranges including the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan Range, start your trek early in the morning.
Take a small detour from your set trail to visit the 360-degree Viewpoint for mesmerizing views especially at sunrise. After that descend back to the same route and continue on your trail to Serolsar Lake.
When you are trekking through the forests, take some time to look at some of the most rare and exotic birds that live here.
Carry some cash on you as you will come across numerous tiny tea stalls along the way that accept only paper money.
Carry your own tiffin box, mug, and cutlery to avoid buying and packaged food and thus avoid littering anywhere on the trail.
Visit the Budhi Nagin temple in the evening to witness the parikrama done by the local village population.
The trail is dotted with great resting spots right through it. Look out for these clearings to catch a breath.
Climb up the rock carved stairs that you will find on the opposite side of the lake. This will take you to a cliff and a breathtaking aerial view of the lake and its surroundings.
Fill your water bottles from the water sources available near the temple.
Go for the Serolsar Lake trek between the months of March and November for the best weather and experiences.
How long is Serolsar Lake Trek?
The Serolsar Lake Trek stretches for approximately 6 km from Jalori Pass all the way to the lake. It is a relatively easy trek and takes about 3 hours to complete.
How do I get to Serolsar Lake from Jibhi?
By Bus/taxi: Once you are in the village of Jibhi you can hire a shared cab or taxi for a round trip to Jalora Pass. From here you can start your trek to Serolsar Lake. You can also take a bus going towards Kulu and get off at your destination where you will reach after a ride of about 2 hours along steeply inclined roads.
How difficult is the Serolsar Lake Trek?
The Serolsar Lake Trek has been classified as an easy one day trek that does not involve very difficult climbs or tricky stretches. It can thus be undertaken by even beginner level trekkers with little or no experience in high altitude trekking.
What is the best time to do the Serolsar Lake Trek?
The best time to do the Serolsar Lake Trek is between the months of March and November when the weather remains cool, the skies clear, and the views are also great. The best time of the day to go on the trek is in the early morning so that you are in time to catch the beautiful sunrise.
What is the highest altitude of the Serolsar Lake Trek?
The highest altitude of the Serolsar Lake Trek is 10,800 feet above sea level. You have to trek about 5 or 6 kms to reach this point where you will find a beautiful lake that is also considered holy by the locals here.
Is it possible to trek Serolsar Lake solo?
Yes, the Serolsar Lake Trek can be done solo as it is a day long expedition and is relatively easy to complete. There are no challenging stretches and tricky parts anywhere in the trail that may require assistance from others.