Our journey started early in the morning. We took a break along the way for food and refreshments. The roads were wide and in good condition, as we travelled towards Sainj Valley. We travelled along the Sainj River, which flows into the Beas, and reached Neuli. We then headed towards Shangarh. The road was very steep and muddy with no other cars in the vicinity. We walked the last 4 kilometers. The journey to Shangarh would be a little challenging for the tourists who have not visited the place before. You’ll have to either take a bus or a cab to reach the destination. The climb made us short of breath due to the high altitude. Shangchul Mahadev Temple a beautiful pagoda-style building, along the Shangarh meadows is a place where you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. The meadows, stretching wide and far, are believed to have been created by the Pandavas. A 2-minute walk from Shangarh village will lead you to the meadows. Locals believe that the deity of this temple protects the town and its people. There are beautiful views everywhere, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. The locals shared many legends about the place that link it to the Mahabharata. The village festivals are celebrated here, and all the villagers come together during these events. It was getting dark after spending some time here. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset before heading back to our accommodation.
Just like the Mahadeva Temple, another spot we shouldn’t miss is a short hike to the Barshangarh waterfalls. This waterfall is located 3.5 km away from Shangarh. You can either trek to the waterfall or take a cab. For adventure lovers, more challenging treks like the overnight trek to Lapha village and the Jiwa Nala Trek offer immersive experiences. The Thini Thatch Trek, a moderately challenging hike from Shangarh to an alpine meadow at 11,500 feet, provides stunning views and can be completed in a day or extended to two days with camping. Always talk to a local about the place, before you go trekking or take someone with you.
Our next stop was the Rupi Raila Waterfall in Rayila village, 14 kilometers from Shangarh. It was just 500 meters from the parking spot. The view of the waterfall was beautiful and calm. We could feel the refreshing mist of the falls even from a distance. I found this place very beautiful. Raila Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Sainj Valley and a hidden gem near Raila Village. The twin towers, clearly visible from the main road are located in Rupi Village. Located on a small hillock, there is a home next to it that looks after the towers. I have seen many YouTube videos and Instagram posts on these towers. It is said that these abandoned towers were home to many locals. There are many homestays and hostels in Shangarh. It's better to stay in Shangarh than in Sainj Valley. Cabs won't go close to the homestays here. You'll need to walk a bit through narrow lanes to reach them. The ideal time to visit Shangarh is from December to March and from April to June.
