Barot Valley Complete Travel Guide 2025

Located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Barot Valley is a small, picturesque village nestled beside the pristine Uhl River. If you’re seeking a secluded and less commercialised hill station in India, then Barot, Himachal Pradesh, offers the perfect mountain retreat. This hidden gem in Barot, Himachal, is renowned for its crystal-clear trout fishing waters, exceptional trekking opportunities, and serene camping experiences.

Barot Valley has rightfully earned its reputation as a “trekker’s paradise,” offering breathtaking trails that wind through dense forests and alpine meadows. The Barot Valley location provides an ideal base for exploring the unspoiled beauty of Himachal Pradesh’s wilderness.

Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to both Barot Valley and Winch Camp, destinations that can be perfectly combined in a single trip. This guide includes detailed information about costs, accommodation facilities, and additional trekking destinations you can explore near this magnificent valley.

Best Time to Visit Barot Valley

Barot Valley is a year-round destination, though each season offers unique experiences. However, it’s advisable to avoid travelling during the monsoon season due to potential landslides, despite the valley being at its most verdant during this time.

For Snow Enthusiasts: The Barot Valley’s best time to visit for snow experiences is between November and February, when the entire region transforms into a winter wonderland.

Summer in Barot Valley (April-June): The Barot Valley weather during summer is pleasant and mild, making it the most popular tourist season. Temperatures remain comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the valley’s natural beauty.

Monsoon Season (Mid-July to September): While the valley receives moderate rainfall that enhances its lush green landscape, travellers should exercise caution due to potential landslides on mountain roads.

Winter Season (October-February): Barot experiences spectacular snowfall, with December, January, and February offering the most pristine snow-covered landscapes. This is an excellent time for those seeking a winter retreat in the mountains.

How to Reach Barot Valley

From Delhi to Barot Valley

There are no direct transportation options to Barot Valley, requiring at least two transfers during your journey. While bus travel is the most economical option, several alternatives are available for travellers from different regions.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Barot Valley is Dharamshala Airport (Gaggal Airport), approximately 4 hours away by road. From Dharamshala, you can easily find shared cabs or buses to reach Barot Ghati, Himachal Pradesh.

By Road: 

Bus Route: The journey requires two transfers following this route: ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi → Mandi Bus Stand → Ghatasni → Barot Valley.

Both ordinary and Volvo buses to Mandi are readily available at the ISBT Kashmiri Gate. The journey to Mandi takes approximately 10-12 hours. From Mandi, catch a bus to Ghatasni (the first bus departs around 8 AM, the last bus at 2 PM). From Ghatasni, take another bus to Barot Valley.

The total journey time is typically 12-14 hours. While buses from Mandi to Ghatasni run frequently, connections to Barot Valley may require some waiting time. Alternatively, you can hire a shared taxi or hitchhike from Ghatasni to Barot Valley for a quicker journey.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Pathankot. It’s recommended to book train tickets well in advance through the IRCTC Website as seats fill up quickly. From Pathankot, there are no direct buses to Barot Valley. You must first reach Palampur, located 114 km away (a 3-4 hour journey).

From Palampur, numerous local buses operate to Barot Valley. You can also stop at Bir Billing, explore this renowned paragliding destination, and then continue to Barot Valley.

Accommodation Options in Barot Valley

Barot Valley Home Stay Options

The valley offers numerous authentic accommodation experiences through local families who provide warm hospitality and traditional Himachali cuisine.

Homestays in Barot Valley: These family-run establishments offer an intimate glimpse into local culture and lifestyle. Most Barot Valley homestay options include home-cooked meals featuring local specialities and trout preparations.

Malhotra Homestay, Barot Valley

Riverview Homestay, Barot Valley

Best Hotel in Barot Valley: While the valley maintains its rustic charm, several well-appointed hotels and guesthouses provide comfortable accommodations with modern amenities while preserving the area’s natural ambience.

The Barot Regency

Taj River View Hotel, Barot

Barot Valley Stay Options: From budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels, the valley caters to various preferences and budgets. Many establishments offer stunning river views and easy access to trekking trails.

Lake Paradise

Trekker’s Nest Riverside Resort

If you are planning to go to Triund, read our guide here.

Exploring Winch Camp from Barot Valley

The Khooni Ghati Route

One of the most adventurous routes to Winch Camp involves trekking through the famous ‘Khooni Ghati’ (Blood Valley). This challenging trail winds through dense forest areas and requires good physical fitness and proper preparation.

If you are attempting this route without a guide, the haulage system of Khooni Ghati serves as a reliable directional reference leading up to Headgear Camp. Once you reach Headgear Camp, you’ll find a 3-kilometre horizontal rail track extending to Winch Camp.

Alternative Routes to Winch Camp

Easier Local Route: Local residents are familiar with a less strenuous path to Winch Camp. This alternative route offers a more gradual ascent with well-defined trekking pathways, making it suitable for trekkers of various skill levels.

Joginder Nagar Route: Another viable option begins from Joginder Nagar, offering a different perspective and trekking experience.

Guided Trekking: You can hire a local guide who can provide insights into the area’s flora, fauna, and cultural significance while ensuring your safety on the trails. This would not just be informative but also a safe way to trek.

Places to Visit in Barot Valley

Uhl River

The pristine Uhl River flows directly alongside Barot Valley, creating a serene backdrop for your entire stay. You can enjoy your meals at riverside restaurants and cafes, with many Barot Valley homestay establishments offering dining areas with stunning river views. The gentle sound of flowing water provides a natural soundtrack to your mountain retreat.

Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary

Located across the Uhl River from Barot, Himachal Pradesh, the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. If you are lucky, you may spot the magnificent Himalayan Monal (Himachal’s state bird), Asiatic Black Bears, and the elusive Ghoral (Himalayan chamois). The sanctuary is best explored during early morning or late afternoon when wildlife activity is at its peak.

Barot Temple

This ancient temple, situated on the banks of the Uhl River, requires a scenic 10-minute downhill trek from the main Barot Valley location. The temple offers spiritual solace and panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The peaceful location makes it an ideal spot for meditation and photography.

Shanan Hydel Project

The historic Shanan Hydel Project is the foundation of Barot’s existence and a testament to engineering excellence. Built in 1924 by British Colonel Betty, this hydroelectric project continues to operate today. The facility offers insights into early 20th-century engineering and the region’s industrial heritage, making it a fascinating visit for history enthusiasts.

Things to Do in Barot Valley

Trout Fishing

Barot Valley is renowned throughout Himachal Pradesh for its exceptional trout fishing opportunities. Fishing licenses are available for approximately INR 150 to INR 200, and can be obtained from local authorities or your Barot Valley homestay hosts. You can choose between visiting established trout farms or obtaining permits for river fishing in designated areas of the Uhl River. The best times to go fishing are early morning and late evening. Your local guides can provide you with equipment and expertise, and thus, you need not worry about either. Some homestays in Barot include trout fishing packages. So, make sure to ask your host about it. 

Trekking Adventures

Barot Valley truly lives up to its reputation as a “trekker’s paradise,” serving as the starting point for numerous Himalayan adventures. You can access some of Himachal Pradesh’s most spectacular trekking routes from here. 

Popular Trekking Routes from Barot Valley:

• Bada Bhangal Trek: A challenging multi-day trek through remote villages
• Kullu Valley Trek: Connect to the famous Kullu region through mountain passes
• Manali Circuit: Extended trekking routes leading to the adventure capital
• Bir Billing Trek: Journey to Asia’s premier paragliding destination
• Kothi Trek: Explore pristine alpine meadows and glacial valleys

Nature Camping

Instead of traditional homestays in Barot Valley accommodations, you can opt for riverside camping along the Uhl River. This experience offers an unparalleled connection with nature, allowing you to fall asleep to the gentle sounds of flowing water and wake up to stunning sunrise views over the valley.

Additionally, you can go for the following activities while you are in Barot:

• Photography Tours
• Bird Watching
• Cultural Walks
• Yoga and Meditation
• Star Gazing

Barot Travel Guide: Stay and Itinerary Along with the Winch Camp Trek

Itinerary

Day 1 – In Barot

You will reach Barot Valley around noon if you start from Delhi at night. Relax and take a little rest in the hotel today. Mostly, your Barot Valley stay will be next to the Uhl River, which is extremely relaxing. Soak in the green surroundings, walk around the village, and during the night, sit beside the bonfire near the river stream and watch star trails creating magic above.

Further, the Barot Valley homestay we stayed in served us food, including both lunch and dinner. So we had to do nothing but relax. Also, the food was mouthwatering and delicious.

Accommodation

We stayed in the River View Homestay. You can contact Mr. Amichand Thakur at 09418763841 or 09736550312 to check for availability. 

Day 2 – Winch Camp

Winch Camp can be reached from Joginder Nagar, and most of the travellers take this route only. However, if you want the best of both places, try reaching Winch Camp from Barot, Himachal and follow the route that I followed.

About Winch Camp

Winch Camp is the highest settlement in Joginder Nagar Valley at an altitude of 2,400 meters. This Killer Valley used to take people from Headgear Camp to the Barot village through its steep gradient. The slope is actually 90 degrees in some places. But back in the day, in one of the incidents, the car got overloaded with people, and the ropes broke. Everyone in the car died, except one. Hence the name ‘Khooni Ghati’.

The carriageway connects Joginder Nagar Valley to Barot Valley, and in between, there are several stations. Although in Himachal Pradesh, the trolley is managed by the Punjab Government.

Trekking Path

Have breakfast in Barot and carry some snacks and water before leaving for Winch Camp. It is important to carry food along because there are no shops on the way to Winch Camp.

It takes 3–4 hours to reach Winch Camp from Barot, Himachal Pradesh. The hike is not difficult, and if you are with a local, he can guide you through an easier path. Since we did not have a guide, the haulage was our guide.

You can, in fact, pitch your own tents and spend a night here. I would strongly suggest you do this, as the sunrises and sunsets from up here are amazing! Do not miss it! Imagine reaching a height from where you can see the entire Joginder Nagar and Mandi, as well as watching the sunset while sipping away your warm tea.

Further, you can contact a trekking company as well. There are many tours that leave for this trek from Joginder Nagar to Winch Camp. You can contact them instead so that they can make arrangements for your stay (more details below).

Day 3 – Exploring Barot

Leave early in the morning from Winch Camp to try trout fishing and other activities. Today, you can explore Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Barot Temple, and the Shanan Hydel Project.

Accommodation in Barot and Winch Camp

In Barot

There are many homestays in Barot Valley and hotels that you can book right on the spot. In fact, we went in the month of March, and at that time, only a handful of tourists were in the village. I stayed in the River View Homestay, which faces the Uhl River. The family is really sweet and homely. Their food is marvellous. Also, the stay is really comfortable and cheap.

In Winch Camp

Since there is no accommodation available here, carry your tents along. You can either carry your own tents or rent them from Mandi itself. Tents are easily available for rent in Mandi along with sleeping bags.

If you are not comfortable camping alone in this place, contact a trekking company. There are several companies that can arrange camps for you here.

What you can do is search for a tour that is going to Winch Camp from Joginder Nagar and contact them to ask about the cost for just the stay instead of opting for their whole package. This will be cheaper, and you won’t have to skip on Barot as well.

Typical Cost

Accommodation

Barot: River View Homestay will cost you less than INR 500/-, and their meals will cost another INR 100–200/-
Winch Camp: If you are taking your own tent to the Winch Camp, this cuts the cost further

Bus

Depending on your preference, you can either take an ordinary HRTC bus to Mandi, which costs INR 500/-, or if you want your journey to be comfortable, take a Volvo bus that will cost about INR 1,000/-.

Buses to the rest of the places are fairly cheap. The total bus cost to reach the Barot Valley location won’t be more than INR 500/-.

From Mandi, you can head out to some other places in Himachal like Kasol, Kheerganga, Prashar Lake, Tirthan Valley, Manali, etc.

From Mandi, you can head out to some other places in Himachal like Kasol, Kheerganga, Prashar Lake, Tirthan Valley, Manali, etc.

Additional Tips

ATMs: Please take out cash from Mandi itself because ATMs are not available in Barot. 

Petrol Pumps: Mandi again is the nearest place to find a petrol pump. So do not forget to fill your tanks if you have your own vehicle. 

Network: You will get a network in Barot, Himachal Pradesh, from all service providers, but none in Winch Camp. Most homestays and hotels now offer Wi-Fi connectivity, though speeds may vary.

Medical Facilities: Basic medical facilities are available in Barot Valley, but serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Mandi.

Permits: No special permits are required for Barot Valley, but carry valid identification documents.

To wrap things up, I will highly recommend that you trek to Winch Camp from Barot itself. Not only will you get to see two places at the same time, but the route is far more picturesque and beautiful. You will also get to witness the dramatic Khooni Ghati on the way; something you shouldn’t miss while exploring Barot, Himachal.

Barot Valley is a really quaint and peaceful place, and one can never return from here without feeling refreshed and grounded. It is truly a hidden gem in Barot Ghati, Himachal Pradesh, and something every traveller should experience at least once. With the help of this guide, you can easily plan your trip within a budget and explore both Barot Valley and Winch Camp Trek without missing out on the essence of either.

I hope this helped you and that you’re now eager to explore both these beautiful places together. Do comment below if you have any queries about the trip or need recommendations for the best hotel in Barot Valley or homestays in Barot Valley. I’d love to help you plan your adventure!