Things to do in Pangi Valley
Places of Interest in Pangi Valley
A quick insight into the top destinations of Pangi Valley
Drive through Sach Pass
A journey full of adventures and stories
Nature Hikes
There are numerous hikes in Pangi Valley
Local Interactions
An engaging conversation in your cozy homestay
Places to visit in Pangi Valley
The moment you step in to the wilderness of the Pangi Valley, you simply feel like soaking in the surrounding beauty of the natural environment. Every stop you make your heart wants to spend a night or two there. Below we are listing a few places you may want to experience as you journey into this magical valley.
Prominent places in Pangi at a glance –
1. Todd Bungalow
This forest rest house in Purthi was constructed by British officer Todd. As you wander through the rolling hills, the Todd Bungalow emerges with its colonial charm whispering tales of a bygone era. Todd and his dog drowned in the Chandrabhaga river. Local residents and employees at the rest house say that Todd’s ghost still haunts the property.
2. Cherry Bungalow
Amidst the lush cherry orchards, the Cherry Bungalow stands as a haven of rustic bliss. As spring’s warm breeze stirs the blossoms, the air is filled with sweet promise. This idyllic retreat invites you to indulge in the simple pleasures: stroll through the blooming trees, savor local flavors, and let the gentle rustle of leaves lull you into tranquility.
3. Mindhal Mata Temple
Perched atop a hill, the Mindhal Mata Temple shines like a beacon, its sacred energy drawing devotees and wanderers alike. The temple’s intricate architecture and breathtaking vistas weave a tapestry of spiritual awakening. As the sun dips, casting a golden glow, the goddess’s benevolent presence envelops all, soothing the soul.
4. Cheni Pass
Cheni Pass unfolds like a canvas of majestic beauty, where snow-capped peaks stretch towards the sky and emerald valleys unfurl below. A pass that was used by older generations to enter Pangi from Chamba. As motorists use the Sach pass more often, the trails around Cheni are a trek enthusiasts paradise.
5. Sahli Inscription
The Sahli Inscription is a testament to the region’s rich tapestry. Many fountain slab inscriptions have been found in the Pangi valley and Sahli village has a prominent one among them.
6. Sidhani Dhar
This hamlet village is famous for indigenous flora and fauna, more importantly medicinal herbs. The region surrounding the village is a hotspot for Shilajit extraction, a mineral rich resin that has been used in ayurveda since times immemorial
7. 16th Century Stupa
Near Chasak Bhatori, the 16th Century Stupa stands sentinel, its weathered stones bearing witness to the passage of time. The gentle breeze carries the whispers of monks and the soft chanting of mantras. As the sun sets, casting a warm orange glow, the stupa’s tranquility envelops you, connecting you to the region’s sacred heritage.
8. Singh Mud Lake
Tucked amidst rolling hills and grassy meadows, Singh Mud Lake shines like a liquid mirror, reflecting the sky’s every hue. The water’s gentle lapping and the rustling of reeds create a soothing melody. As the stars begin to twinkle, let the lake’s serenity cradle you in peaceful slumber.
9. Sechu Tuan Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread across 390 sq. km, the Sechu Tuan Wildlife Sanctuary is an eco-sensitive zone. The major faunal species you can spot here are Himalayan Thar, fox, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, koklas, Himalayan ibex and even the elusive snow leopard. Yes! It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
10. Tilmil Pani
Near Dharwas, Tilmil Pani’s warm waters beckon, surrounded by hazelnut groves that rustle with every breeze. As you soak in the natural spring, let the therapeutic warmth seep into your soul.
11. Tundru Sword
Tundru Sword’s ancient quarry holds secrets of a bygone era, where Hudan ancestors crafted rock swords that told tales of valor. The rugged landscape and weathered stones whisper stories of resilience and craftsmanship. Let the wind carry you back in time, as you uncover the legacy of a forgotten art.
12. Chabi Waterfall
The Chabi Waterfall’s melodic roar echoes through the forest, guiding you through the scenic hike from Sural Bhatori. As the cascading waters create a misty veil, the surrounding landscape transforms into a mystical realm. Once you reach the water fall and sit on the stone slab adjoining the fall, you will lose track of time looking at the beautiful forest across the river bed. It is the perfect spot to write a story or make a marvelous sketch.
Pangi – Of time and trails
Knowing a little about the history of a region makes one curious and more eager to learn about the place and the culture, enhancing their travel experience. The earliest known evidence of human settlements in Pangi can be traced back to more than 1000 years ago. The stone inscription at Luj village corresponds to 1105 AD and the one at Salhi village dates back to 70 AD. It would be no wonder if someone stumbles upon ancient city ruins while on an offbeat trek in the Pangi region.
Sach Pass – A Journey to Seek Stories
View from Sach Pass
View of the Pangi valley as seen from the Sach Pass
How do we start a description of this beautiful pass ? For Stephan, Director of HECO, the Sach Pass is his second favorite after the Sirsir La in Ladakh.
The wonderful experience of the drive starts way before you are at the Sach Pass at an altitude of 4420m above sea level.
As you steer your wheels onto the winding road, the morning mist swirls around you like a reluctant goodbye from the valleys below. The road twists and turns, a serpentine path that unwinds through forests of deodar and pine. Sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows. The air vibrates with the sweet scent of earth.
As you climb higher, the trees give way to rugged outcrops, their granite faces etched with the lines of timeless stories. Waterfalls cascade down rocky gorges and you feel the wind whispering stories in your ear.The mountains close in, their peaks reaching for the sky like outstretched arms.
At the top, you feel the world unfolds like a map. The Himalayas stretch out before you, a majestic sweep of peaks and valleys. In that fleeting moment, you realise why it was worth crossing treacherous roads and unpredictable skies to reach the Sach Pass. It is not just a destination; it is a state of mind – a realm where the boundaries between earth and sky, self and universe, dissolve.
Nature Hikes in Pangi Valley
The Pangi Valley, like we have described already, is a treasure of natural beauty.
Every hamlet village and every sub valley that you visit will have multiple hikes to offer. And believe us when we say that these hikes are not random walks, but an experience to make you a story-teller.
Treks and Hikes in Pangi Valley
Dharwas – Sural trek
- Moderately challenging. Approx 30 km trail.
- Great for backpacking, exploring flora and fauna.
- Dense forests of Deodar and pine, serene hidden waterfalls along the trail.
- Altitudes ranging from 2400m to 3400m above sea level
Hike to Chabi Waterfall from Sural Bhatori
- Very easy hike from Sural village.
- An approx 30 min hike, potato fields and hamlet village enroute.
- A soul soothing view of the Chenab river and the forests across the river bed
There are plenty other hikes that you can engage in from the Sural and Saichu valleys
Chabi Waterfall
The waterfall is a 30 min hike from the village of Sural
Homestays in Pangi – Where Stories Happen
Day hike from Homestay
A day hike towards Sersank Peak from the homestay in Sural
We may have mentioned this multiple times across multiple pages, but, we simply cannot stop ourselves from mentioning, again and again, the hospitality and the warmth of the homestays and the SK Dhaba.
In spite of reaching the homestay at almost 9 PM, we were greeted with a warm smile. 9 PM may not seem much but it is, especially with freezing temperatures.
The beautiful conversations and local interactions that take place over a delicious dish of rajma or matar mushroom are one of a experience.
A day hike with your host, a healthy meal with local ingredients and a story on your travel journal before you head to the next destination.
You will not have any difficulty to find a decent homestay with basic amenities. Ensure you start the day early and take a stop well before it starts to get dark.
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