Sojha Valley- An Island of Serenity

1. Sojha Valley, Himachal Pradesh : 3200 metres above sea level.

Distance from New Delhi 550 kms.

It was a happy miscalculation. The journey to Shoja Valley (with breaks) took almost 16 hours. If I were privy to that informatio earlier, I don't think I would have undertaken the journey from Delhi.

 

Shoja valley has everything that other hill stations lacks. Or rather it does not have many of the undesirable  aspects of most most hill stations.

For one, it has a sparse local population. For some odd reason very few tourists come here though it has all the attributes that people generally come looking for in hill stations- verdant hills, ridges, valleys to explore and spectacular view of the distant snow covered mountains.

The forests look untouched with scarce habitation. The three main ‘pollution’ which dog most hill stations- noise, smoke and filth  are pleasantly missing.Very few vehicles ply in this area.

The resort that we stayed in was close to a stream. You sleep and wake up to the cadence of the soft flowing waters over rocks. During the day time you can go angling (with prior permission) or just gambol about in the icy cold waters of the stream.

Beware:

The road here is narrow , at certain points only a single vehicle can traverse at a time.
In 2 days we spotted 3 snakes. The locals dismiss it saying that they are non poisonous.
Keep the doors of your room closed all the time, else you may find a species from the reptilian world curled up in your room.

snows heavily during winter. It is possible to come upto Shoja valley, but not beyond.

Places to See:

1. Jalori Pass

2. Serolsar Lake- 5 km trek from Jalori Pass

3.Raghupur Fort- 2 km trek from Jalori Pass.  
     

Very good place for trekking and mountain climbing, for all ages and gender. Carry a stick with you and beat the ground as you proceed. the place is infested with snakes. The locals claim that the snakes are of non poisonous variety.

The roof of the houses built on slopes provide an ideal basking place for this dog.

Three to four resorts are available, one of which is Nature's Lap Resort.  

Easy to locate the River by the sound of the gushing water. With local permission you are allowed to fish.

The water is not fast flowing. Bathing is possible in the cool fresh water.

In peak summer the days are pleasant and the nights are cold.

In winter it is possible to travel upto Sojha Valley but not beyond to Jalori pass owing to heavy snow falls.

Like all remote resorts, the place abounds with its share of weird looking insects, centipedes and lizards.

The picture here shows a 6 inch log slug. You see them climbing laboriously on the doors and windows.

And of course the friendly neighborhood dog is always there to accompany you.

The USP of the place- it is relatively unknown-you have the entire valley to yourself!