Dos and Donts: Some Tirthan Valley Guidelines to Follow

Tirthan Valley Guidelines

There are a few places in this world which will make you feel relaxed and truly at peace. These places will give you a break from the modern, fast-paced world, giving you a chance to rejuvenate and regain the spark that you have previously lost.

 

And well, one such amazing place is Tirthan Valley which is situated at the south end of the Kullu valley.

 

About Tirthan Valley

 

A hill station which is situated at a height of 1600 meters and is 8 km away from the Great Himalayan National Park. Tirthan Valley is known to have a rich diversity of flora and fauna which makes this a beautiful place for explorers and adventure-seekers.

 

Here, you will be greeted by the famous Tirthan River and a gorgeous landscape which will instantly make you feel at home. The gorgeous mountain tops here overlook the pristine and magical Tirthan river flowing through the valley.

 

But, that’s not all. Apart from the stunning views, this place is also ideal for people who like trekking, wildlife watching, fishing, and camping, and so on.

 

Gorgeous flowers on Tirthan Valley Trek
Gorgeous flowers on Tirthan Valley Trek

 

I recently visited this mesmerizing place for a traveler’s meet which was organized by Stay On Skill where I learned a lot about this place. We engaged with the locals here and discussed the steps that they are taking to implement eco-tourism here. In this article, I have mentioned a few Tirthan valley guidelines that the locals would like you to follow here.



This will not only help you in getting a truly authentic feel of this place but will also make sure that you don’t damage the environment of this valley during your visit. It is high time that we adopt sustainable traveling methods if we truly wish to admire such beautiful destinations.

 

Why Do We Need to Follow Tirthan Valley Guidelines While Visiting This Place?

Tirthan Valley is one of the few untouched places in India which is why it is still pristine and lovely to visit. There aren’t any dams made over the river and the locals take extreme care while interacting with their surroundings. This is why this place still has an abundance of flora and fauna and is home to many amazing wildlife creatures like bears, leopards, fishes, birds, etc.

 

They practice ecotourism here to ensure that the travelers can really, truly enjoy an authentic experience here while protecting the valley at the same time.

 

Due to the effort of the locals, Tirthan Valley is relatively clean and not as polluted or crowded as a few other cities/towns in Himachal Pradesh. This is why it is important that we, as responsible travelers, make sure that we don’t disturb this delicate balance.

 

We need to remember that nature is here to let us experience its beauty and abundance. So, it is important that we follow the Tirthan Valley guidelines specified by the locals to keep it intact when we are exploring this gorgeous place. If we don’t, then soon this place will be turned into other crowded touristy places as well and will lose its unique charm and magic.

 

Tirthan Valley Guidelines to Follow

 

Things to Avoid When Visiting Tirthan Valley

A few things that you should definitely avoid doing here are as follows:

 

Don’t Come to Get High Here

Let’s face it, a lot of us often head towards the mountains when we feel like having a party and loosen up a little. And, while having fun is good, smoking up and getting high in the mountains is not only stupid but downright dangerous. You could encounter several dangerous animals in your high state and get injured. Or, you could create a ruckus and disrupt the quietness and sanctity of the valley.



Tirthan valley is a place where you can relax and meditate but it is not suitable for people who are looking to just get high. So, one of the most important Tirthan valley guidelines to remember is not come here with the mentality to get high on alcohol or drugs. Instead, you should come here to get high on life itself.

 

Kasol and Malana are popular spots for getting high in Himachal Pradesh but Tirthan Valley is still protected from it all, keep it that way.

 

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZ8oc8HFs2/

 

Don’t Make a Lot of Noise While Staying in the Valley

A lot of us who have lived in cities our whole lives are not accustomed to the quietness of the mountains. As a result, we often end up making a lot of noise. This can often scare away the fauna here and can also alarm the locals who live here.


So, please refrain from shouting or making too much noise while you are here. Instead, listen to the loud river sounds and revel in the beauty of the mountains.

 

Don’t Use Plastic Bags

One of the worst habits of us travelers is to purchase food products or items in plastic bags and then throw it on the roads. This is not a good habit, regardless of where you are, but this is particularly harmful to the valley. How?



Because when you throw away plastic bags, bottles, etc. while trekking, a lot of animals often end up chewing up this stuff. Reducing single-use plastic waste is one of the most important sustainable travel steps.

 

And if you do take plastic with you, then make sure you don’t throw it on the road and carry it back with you.

 

Don’t Go Alone for Trekking or Adventurous Activities

Another one of the most important Tirthan valley guidelines to follow is to not go trekking alone.

 

We often think ourselves to be really experienced trekkers or travelers and might feel that solo trekking is a great idea. But, trust me; it is not wise, especially in this part of the valley. Because there are many animals living here, who prowl around the valley. So, you are putting yourself in grave danger when you are trekking or going out alone here.



Another reason why you should avoid going off alone is that there isn’t a network signal in a lot of areas. So, if you get injured or stuck somewhere, no one would know how and where to find you. Also, always go in a small group and take a guide with you when going to explore off the area.

 

 

Greath Himalayan National Park Trek
GHNP Trek, Tirthan Valley

 

Also Read: Kheerganga trek in Himachal Pradesh

 

Don’t Shout Near the River

Now, this point might sound a little weird to you but there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this. You see, the villages who stay near the river, often get alarmed when someone is shouting. They presume the person to be in danger. So, if you repeatedly shout or be loud near the river, the villages will be fooled into thinking that you need help.



If this happens repeatedly, then after some time they will ignore your noise, even if you actually need help. So, please avoid making too much noise near the river and just enjoy the river flow calmly and quietly.

 

Don’t Persuade or Ask the Locals to Sell their Land/Business

Tirthan valley is different from other popular spots in Himachal. How? Because there are barely any hotels or resorts constructed here. This is because locals opt to open local businesses, instead of selling their land to some stranger.



So, if you ask them to sell their land to you, it could really upset them.

 

Just enjoy your time in this small, pristine valley and don’t discuss any proposal for buying the land for them.

 

Avoid Playing Loud Music in your Car

Yes, this one is of the most important tirthan valley guidelines to remember. You might feel that playing music is not really harming anyone, but that is not true. You are disturbing the environment of the valley and also scaring away the animals and the birds which live here. Sure, you can play soft music while driving in the car but there is no need to play discotheque songs at a loud volume while traveling to this place.

 

Don’t Waste Water

One of the top tirthan valley guidelines to remember is to not waste water here.

 

Enjoy Rhododendron Sharbat in Tirthan Valley
Enjoy Rhododendron Sharbat in Tirthan Valley

 

We all are already aware of the water scarcity that the country is facing, especially the hills. Recently, Dharamshala and Shimla faced a water shortage issue and there wasn’t water for the locals to use for their daily jobs too.

 

While Tirthan Valley isn’t facing any such issues right now, it is always better to be careful with your water usage. So, avoid water wastage at the place you stay and use it judiciously for your purpose.

 

Things to Do When Visiting Tirthan Valley

Here are a few things that you should consider doing when visiting this captivating valley, so as to make your trip more amazing.

 

Help the Locals by Sharing their Stories

Since Tirthan Valley is still not a popular tourist spot, a lot of people are hesitant to come here. This is good and you can help in keeping this place an offbeat place which offers a local Himachali experience to the travelers by spreading the stories. Interact with locals and learn what their vision is about this place. And then help them in any small way that you can.



This is a great way to show your gratitude for the hospitality that they would be providing to you.

 

Stay in Homestays for a Truly Authentic Experience

 

Tirthan Valley Trek
Tirthan Valley

As I said earlier, there are barely hotels or resorts in this area which is good for local tourism. Instead, you will find here amazing homestays and camps which will provide you a truly rustic feel. There are a few places besides the riverside too so, you will surely enjoy your stay here.



The homestays and the camps are really homely and offer delicious food as well along with some amazing views. So, opt to stay in the homestays/camps for a true Himachali experience. I stayed in Sunshine Himalayan Cottage in Tirthan Valley which was located next to the Tirthan River. And trust me, it was one of the most peaceful locations that I have ever stayed in.

 

Read our review about the Sunshine Himalayan Cottage Homestay to understand why it is a good choice for staying in Tirthan Valley.

 

Give Plastic Bags/Bottles to your Homestay Owner

While it is advisable to not use plastic bags or bottles, sometimes you mightn’t be able to help it. Don’t worry, you can still protect the valley by handing over the plastic items to your homestay owner once you return back to your room. All the homestay and shop owners collect plastic items and other garbage every day. And then, they take it to the Kullu waste management system every week in a truck.



So, all you have to do is carry your waste back to the place you stay and hand it over to them. Rest, they will take care to make sure the valley stays clean. Sounds simple enough, right?

 

Drink Lots of Liquid While Trekking or Hiking

Although Himachal tends to be cool for the most part, sunny days can be harsh and slightly energy draining. So, it is important that you take water with you to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid purchasing new water bottles; instead, fill the old plastic bottles with water. You can even ask the place you stay at to provide you with bottles so that you can take it with you on the trek.



But, don’t forget to bring the bottles back.

 

Be Careful while Bathing in the River

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlswOrEjSFB/

 

Tirthan River is really cool and clear and makes an excellent place to take a bath and enjoy. However, it is important that you choose a lagoon area which would be safe to bathe in. The current is strong in many places and the rocks can be a little slippery. So, please be careful while bathing or swimming in it.



Also, avoid going alone in the water and inform a few people when you are going into the river.

 

Also Read: Jibhi Travel guide

 

Keep All the Emergency Contact Numbers for the Area

According to the Tirthan Valley guidelines, you should have all the important numbers saved in your mobile. This will allow you to contact locals in case of any emergencies. Keep the local police number, medical facility number, TTDA number, etc.

 

Keep Your Homestay Owner Updated about your Plans

And most importantly, let your homestay owner know about your plans. Tell them your schedule so that they would know to look for you, in case you go missing. Trust me, you don’t want to go exploring the valley without informing someone. Because, if any mishap happens, only the locals will be able to find you and help you out.

 

Traveling in the mountains is great but it is important that you are careful and responsible. Respect the mountains and they will return the favor.

 

Also Read: 13 Best Things to Do in Tirthan Valley

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Arjun Tuli
5 years ago

Great points Rachita and amazingly written. Especially the “don’ts of Tirthan Valley” are of immense importance, given the effort put in by the locals to take care of the valley. Wish that this blog reaches more and more people.

Debanshu Ghosh
Debanshu Ghosh
4 years ago
Reply to  Rachita Saxena

Thank you Rachita. This article is very important and helpful to all who loves nature. Thanks a lot.

nomllers
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Debanshu Ghosh

Thanks a lot, Depanshu! 🙂

Just a few things which can help us be more environmentally conscious.

Davinder Bahl
Davinder Bahl
5 years ago

You wrote from heart. I will make sure to post on our website if you permit so that our guests admire and follow. Thanks a lot on behalf of Tirthan Valley Stay and our group “ Nature Lovers” Davinder

Davinder Bahl
5 years ago

How about posting it on our website? Do you permit?

Davinder Bahl
5 years ago

Thanks! Can you email blog to info@tirthanvalleystay.com

Bharat Dua
Bharat Dua
4 years ago

Really great stuff, can you please tell how many days would be sufficient to visit Tirthan Valley?

nomllers
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Bharat Dua

Hi Bharat,

Ideally, 3-4 days should be enough to have an amazing time here. Of course, you could always stay longer. 🙂