Jibhi on a Budget: How to Explore this Himalayan Paradise Solo

Lying in the Banjar Valley, all hidden, this place is the perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. Over here, not only will you be surrounded by meadows in summer or snow during the winters, but you can also experience hikes and history, all at the same time.

Below, I will give you a detailed, yet comprehensive guide for your Jibhi trip, which will cover everything, from planning the trip on a budget to seeing the maximum number of places within a span of just 3 days.

About Jibhi

Jibhi has picked up as a perfect tourist spot over the past couple of years. Earlier, there were hardly any guest houses or tourists visiting this tiny village. But with the increasing rate of awareness on social media and the beauty of Jalori Pass, the village has seen an increasing influx of tourists and travellers alike. If you do not want to just go to the cliched tourist destinations in Himachal and want to experience this state beyond Shimla and Manali, Jibhi should be on your list. 

Having said that, Jibhi is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy holiday! If you want to do nothing but just read a book beside the banks of the river, then Jibhi is for you. The place is surrounded by lush greenery, crystal clear streams, charming wooden houses and picturesque trails. When you are here, you will instantly feel at peace while you walk through the forest ground, soaking in the environment.

Best Time to Visit Jibhi

Well, what you want to witness depends a lot on the weather in Jibhi. 

I am a snow person and love winter. So, if you ask me, I would visit Jibhi between January to March; but, if you want to see Jibhi fully covered with greenery and flowers, then spring is the season for you. This is mostly between March and June.

Further, the meadows are adorned with blooms all around the village and the Apple Orchards are also best explored in this season.

Also, if you have a little extra time on hand, you can visit Tirthan Valley beside Jibhi. The distance between the two is just 16 km, and the weather of Jibhi and Tirthan Valley remains the same.

How to Reach Jibhi from Delhi?

The best way to reach Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh is by taking an overnight bus from Manali. There are several buses which travel to Jibhi from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi and from here you can get down at Aut, the next day. From there on, you can take a cab or a taxi to Jibhi. Alternatively, you have the options of flights and trains too. Let me break it down for you:

Jibhi By Air

The nearest airport to Jibhi is Bhuntar in Kullu. Although I won’t suggest you take a flight to this place, as it is costlier than any other alternative option.

Jibhi By Road

From Delhi to Jibhi by Bus

You can board an overnight bus from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate to Manali. From ordinary buses to Volvo, there are several options for you here. Manali is about 500 kms from Delhi, and on average, it takes 12 hours to reach Aut, which is close to Manali. Once you get down at Aut, you can take a shared taxi, which would cost you INR 1,000 to 1,200. It takes 1.5-2 hours to reach Jibhi. There are buses as well from Aut to Jibhi, but the frequency is quite limited.

From Delhi to Jibhi by Train

If you are planning to travel by train, Shimla is the nearest station to Manali. However, I would suggest you get down to Chandigarh instead, as you can easily find buses to Manali from here.

If you want to know how to have a fruitful solo experience on travel experience, read a few tips here.

The Map of Jibhi We Followed

Below I am listing a map of Jibhi that will show you how far the places are from each other, along with the distance from Aut.

Places to Visit in Jibhi

Places in Jibhi are quite close to each other. It is easy to commute on foot, and I recommend so, as you would not want to miss out on the surreal views. Besides, there is no better way to explore a place than walking. However, for far-off places, taking a taxi is the only option if you are not comfortable with hitchhiking. Let me help you with my itinerary that you can follow. 

Day 1

Chehni Fort

Chehni Fort feels like a watchtower with a rustic, vintage and ancient vibe to it.

Lying 7 kms from the Jibhi village, the fort is only accessible on foot. You may take a taxi for the first 5 kms. After this, the road bifurcates for Chehni village, from where you have to hike to the fort for the remaining 2 kms.

I assure you that you won’t regret the trek. It is beautiful and offers a panoramic view while walking through a thick pine forest. Talking about a bit of its history, the Chehni fort was built by the Himalayan king, Dadhiya. Originally, the fort had 15 floors but the earthquake in 1905 destroyed the fort leaving just 10 floors. Now, Chehni Fort is a five-storey structure.

Shringi Rishi Temple – Bagi Village

While moving towards Chehni Fort, you will cross the Bagi village, where this temple is situated. This temple is built in a similar architecture to that of the Chehni and is the presiding deity of Banjar Valley.

Jibhi Waterfall

Jibhi waterfall, one of the hidden gems of Jibhi, is located right in the middle of the forest where no vehicle can go inside. Surrounded by lush green forests and charming wooden bridges, this cascading waterfall offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The short trek to reach the waterfall takes you through dense pine forests and moss-covered rocks, adding to its mystical charm. The sound of gushing water and the cool mist in the air create a refreshing experience, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.

Day 2

Serolsar Lake

They say that after every hurdle is a reward worth fighting for. This is what the trek to Serolsar Lake rewards you with. The base of this trek is the Jalori Pass, following which you will witness stunning views of mountains, meadows and a pristine lake. 

The trek is 5 kms from Jalori Pass. This lake is surrounded by thick forest and is considered sacred. There is a small Buddha Nagini as well beside the lake. 

Jalori Pass

Want to explore a pass in the Western Himalayas? Jalori Pass at a height of 10,500 feet is just 12 kms from Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh. A high-altitude pass in Jibhi, Jalori, is a serene pass to experience the best of high-altitude scenery and the Himalayan ecosystem. To reach this pass, you first have to reach Shoja, from where you have to traverse to the Jalori pass. Do keep Jibhi’s weather in consideration while planning a trip to Jalori, as during the winter, the pass usually closes. The Jalori Pass trek is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts too, if they want to witness the surreal landscapes of Himachal, beyond the bustling cities. 

You can check out our other list of hill stations if you are not sure where to go for your perfect holiday, the hill stations – Top Hill Stations in India That We Have Visited So Far.

ATM and Network Availability in Jibhi

Network

Airtel 4G and Jio work the best in Jibhi. Although there will be a few areas like Serolsar lake or Chehni Fort where the network is weaker, you will get a decent network in the rest of the places, good enough to even take video calls or your work meetings without getting interrupted. 

ATM

I would suggest you withdraw cash in Delhi or Manali itself, as the ATMs in Jibhi are not very reliable. Although ATM facilities are available but the safest option is to take cash with you.

Where to Stay in Jibhi?

Jibhi, being an emerging tourist spot has many options for accommodations. 

Budget Stays: Ideal for backpackers and budget travellers who want an affordable yet comfortable stay close to nature.

• Mudhouse Hostels is a popular backpacker hostel with dorms and private rooms, ideal for solo travellers. 
• The Blue Stream Cottage is a budget wooden cottage with a scenic location by the stream, perfect for a quiet retreat.

Mid-Range Stays: Great option if you are with a group and looking for comfort without splurging too much.

• Rock Top Inn & Café – A cosy wooden stay with stunning mountain views and an in-house café serving delicious food.
• The Hidden Burrow – A beautiful riverside property with wooden cottages and a relaxed vibe, perfect for nature lovers.

Luxury Stays: For those who want premium comfort, scenic views, and exclusive experiences to take a break. 

• The Lost Escape – An elegant wooden cabin-style retreat with panoramic valley views and personalized services.
• Rudra Homestead – A luxurious boutique stay with spacious rooms, glass windows, and a tranquil environment.

Where to Eat?

Mostly, the place where you will be staying will provide you with food options. I love staying in a homestay for such reasons because you get to try the local delicacies. Apart from this, there are many restaurants and dhabas that provide you with an entire meal for a very cheap price.

Typical Cost of the Trip from Delhi to Jibhi

Transportation Cost

You can find buses to Manali for about INR 1,000. If you are looking for comfortable transport in Volvo buses, the price would go up to INR 1,500. Further, you can get cheaper transport from the Aut. From Aut, you can take a shared taxi that would cost INR 1,000 to 1,200 per taxi and would take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Jibhi. There are buses as well from Aut to Jibhi, however, the frequency is very limited.

Food Cost

If you eat in dhabas or restaurants, you can easily manage your food expenses in INR 500 per day. Moreover, there are many homestays that offer food in their stay options as well.

Accommodation

Homestays would cost approximately INR 500 to INR 1,000. You can check a few options in the link below for stays.

Jibhi is a beautiful place and a perfect hill station for a weekend getaway from Delhi. But do ensure that you do not pollute it and take your plastics away. The locals here are very concerned with plastic consumption, and our hills are vulnerable. Let us make sure that we do our bit to preserve it and travel responsibly.