Shoja

Shoja - Whispers of the Woods

from Rs. 6,999/-

Shoja is for painters, writers and the connoisseurs of nature. The unwinding roads, the smell of the majestic deodars, and the blissful views of the serene Kullu Valley have the power to heal the weary traveler and the wretched soul.

  • Duration
    4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Vacation Type
    Leisure & Relaxation
  • Altitude
    8500 ft. approx.
  • Best Time to Visit
    Throughout the year, except rainy season (July-Aug)
Overview
Shoja is for painters, writers and the connoisseurs of nature. The unwinding roads, the smell of the majestic deodars, and the blissful views of the serene Kullu Valley have the power to heal the weary traveler and the wretched soul.

Located at an altitude of 8500 ft, the tiny hamlet is located gorgeously between Jalori Pass (5 kms) and Jibhi (7 kms) in the Banjar Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This makes it as a perfect base for some great day excursions.

When in Shoja, the offbeat soul in you is bound to be spoilt for choices. Go for a walk in the woods, or just sit idle and pen a prose perhaps. Its still untouched from the touristy eyes, and that's where its real beauty lies. It's the perfect place for wooded strolls, short treks, bird watching, and excursions to nearby alpine meadows and high altitude lakes.

'A tryst with Shoja' aims at setting your dream date with this ethereal hidden hamlet. Along with Shoja, you get the opportunity to explore some nearby marvels like the Jalori Pass, and the beautiful trek to the heavenly Serolsar Lake. You also explore Jibhi, a riverside hamlet famous for its waterfall, quaint cafes and fresh mountain vibe.

Your stay will be at the 'Mountain View', a cozy property located right at the edge of the ridge. Just grab a chair on its terrace, and get awestruck by the stunning 180 degree valley views. There wont be many better places to just watch the world go by...

How to Reach:
Delhi==>Chandigarh==>Mandi==>Aut(Take right before tunnel)==>Banjar==>Jibhi==>Shoja

Distance from nearby places:
Jalori Pass - 5 kms ; Jibhi - 7 kms ; Banjar - 15 kms ; Mandi- 90 kms ; Manali - 108 kms ; Shimla - 150 kms ; Chandigarh - 275 kms ; Delhi - 503 kms
Brief Details:
  • No of Days - 4 days / 3 nights
  • Vacation Type - Leisure & Relaxation
  • Max Altitude - 6500 ft. approx.
  • How to Reach : No roads. 2.5 hrs trek from Gushaini
  • Meals : Included (Simple home cooked vegetarian food)
  • Best time to visit - Throughout the year, except rainy season (July-Aug)
  1. Day 1 Reach Shoja.

    You will be greeted with welcome drinks upon arrival.

    We will keep the day light, as the long drive up the hills is energy sapping indeed. Post lunch, a guide will take you on a 'Forest Walk'. The area is home to many varieties of exotic bird species like Monal, Indian Blue Robin, White Throated Tit, Ultramarine flycatcher, etc.

    Return to the hotel for some hot evening snacks amidst the sombre golden rays of the setting sun. Relax in your comfortable rooms or grab some 'Me time' under the bright stars on the terrace.

    Sign off the day with a bonfire and dinner at the hotel.

  2. Day 2 Trek to Serolsar Lake

    Have a lazy and sumptuous breakfast. Put on your trekking shoes and get ready to experience a marvel of nature in its full glory.

    The 5 km drive up the narrow road from Shoja to Jalori Pass takes about 30 minutes to complete. Watch for the gradual change in scenery, as you reach Jalori Pass at an altitude of close to 11,000 ft.

    Jalori Pass connects the Kullu Valley to Shimla Valley. There are some tea shops which serve snacks and hot/cold drinks, catering mainly to the veichles plying between the Beas and Satluj Valleys.

    The trail leading to Serolsar Lake branches off from the Jalori temple nearby. You will just fall in love with the easy trek to the lake, passing through moss covered oak and rhododendron forest. Enjoy the beauty of the trek at your pace. You should be able to reach the shores of the pristine lake in about two and a half hours.

    The first look of the Serolsar Lake is bound to leave you spell bounded. There is a sacred temple of the goddess 'Buddhi Nagin' on one corner. It is believed that the Goddess Buddhi Nagin resides inside the lake, and is mother to 60 'Nag Devtas' of Himachal. According to some legends, Pandavas are believed to have visited the Serolsar Lake during their exile period, and planted rice here.

    Have your packed lunch in the heavenly surroundings of the lake. Explore the beautiful setting and take an auspicious circle of the revered lake. You then start the journey back to Jalori Pass.

    Return to your hotel by evening and enjoy the hot snacks. Receed to your comfortable bed after a hearty dinner.

  3. Day 3 Excursion to Jibhi

    Today you take the opposite route from the previous day, and descend close to 3000 ft to reach the beautiful little hamlet of Jibhi.

    Located in the heart of the Banjar Valley, the sleepy riverside village of Jibhi is like a picture perfect postcard. Thick cedar and pine forest, a gentle stream passing through with wooden houses scattered all along ; it has still managed to retain an old world charm, far away from the modern mayhem and the commercial eyes.

    Head straight to the Jibhi waterfall. You will just fall in love with the trail leading to the fall, with small wooden bridges welcoming you all along the way. A gentle walk of not more than 10 minutes, and you will be standing covered in mist, with the chirping of birds now overpowered by the gushing waterfall.

    Post lunch, you will try your hand at the most popular activity in this region, Angling. The streams of Banjar and Tirthan Valleys are renowned for their Himalayan trouts. So just grab a quaint little riverside corner, and try your luck for the 'Catch of the Day'. Our guide will help you out with the technicalities involved.

    Return to Shoja in the evening for tea and snacks. Enjoy your last night in the wilderness of Shoja with a lazy dinner on the terrace.

  4. Day 4 Return from Shoja

    All wonderful things come to an end. After breakfast, say goodbye to your wonderful hosts.

    But don't loose heart..The charm of Shoja is bound to call you back to relive the magic..Once again.

Shoja
Shoja

Mountain View

Shoja
Inclusions
- 3 nights accommodation in Shoja
- Meals on all days (Starting from lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last morning)
- Forest Walk in Shoja, Trek to Serolsar Lake and excursion to Jibhi ; inclusive of veichles and guide.
- Angling permit and equipment in Jibhi.

Exclusions
- Transportation Cost from Delhi to Shoja and return.
- Personal expense of any kind.
- Any other thing not mentioned in Inclusions.

Total Package Costs Rs. 6,999 /-*



Terms & Conditions:

Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek - 50% refund
- Cancellations between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek - 25% refund
- Cancellations less than 20 days to the start of the trek - No refund

If a trek is canceled at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances / govt. restrictions / weather conditions (like landslides, rain, earthquake, strikes, bandhs, etc), 'The Offbeat Soul' will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.

Cancellations requests are entertained only on mail.

Refund Policy
The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days

Safety
Though maximum efforts are made to ensure the safety of the trekkers, 'The Offbeat Soul' will not be responsible for any injuries, both physical or mental, caused directly or indirectly in the trekking activities.

All participants are requested to download the 'Risk Form' and get it along with them on their respective treks.

It is understood that while registering yourself for any trek, you are well aware of the all the risks involved in high altitude trekking. You have taken efforts to understand what AMS (Acute Mountain sickness' is, and you are in a good state to manage your altitude related emergencies.

Fitness
When you register for the trek, it is presumed that you are in a perfect physical and mental condition to undertake the rigours of a high altitude trek with low oxygen levels. We assume that you are able to jog a distance of 5 kms in 30 minutes.

The Offbeat Soul has the right to ask a trekker to discontinue the trek at any point if he/she does not meet our expected fitness requirement. In this case, the trekker will be accompanied by our staff back till the base camp.

Last minute changes / Delays
It may happen under some extreme circumstances, that there may be some last minute changes in the planned itinerary. The trek may start a day later or end a day earlier due to volatile climatic conditions, political restrictions, or any other reason. In such cases, The Offbeat Soul is not liable to refund the trek, either fully or partly. The participant cannot ask for compensation for any injury, loss or damage due to such changes.

- Drinking and Smoking are strictly prohibited during the trek. You will be disqualified from the trek with immediate effect if found flouting the rules.
- The Offbeat Soul is not responsible for any loss or damage of your belongings or equipment on the trek.
- Any damage to the equipments by the participant, other than the normal wear and tear, will be billed to you. Our decision on such matters will be final and binding.