SARAHAN

Soaked in nature's beauty, Sarahan is flanked on the banks of the meandering Sutlej River. Located amidst Deodar forests, Sarahan was the ancient capital of the mighty Bushahr. It's a belief that Sarahan is the Shonitpur of old times, and this was the place, where Banasura once ruled.

The place provides some good opportunities for trekking and some spectacular view of the Ranwin Village and the Bashal peak. Far below in the valley and miles out of its source in Mansarovar, tumbles the river Sutlej. Around Sarahan itself there are fields and orchards, small villages and unusual architecture, thick forests and fast-flowing streams.

PRIME ATTRACTION

TEMPLES
Bhimakali Temple: The Bhimakali temple is built in Indo-Tibetan architectural style, it is one of the finest examples of Himachali architecture and is dedicated to Lord Narsingha and Lord Raghunath. This temple is the main attraction of the region and is decorated silver. Apart from the main deities, this temple has images of various Hindu and Buddhist Gods. It is also one of the last few surviving temples made entirely of timber.   more...

Lanka Vir Temple: Situated next door to the Bhimakali temple, this was where human sacrifices were made long ago to please Goddess Bhimakali. The bodies were apparently thrown into the well nearby.

OTHERS
Shrikhand Manadev Peak: Once in Sarahan, one beholds a range of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and one of them is the Shrikhand Peak. The rather peculiar thing about this peak is that it is only one, whose tip remains uncovered with snow. In the evening, sunrays adorn the peaks and the sight is simply stupendous.

EXCURSIONS

Gaura: About 37-km from Sarahan lies the picturesque village of Gaura known for its apple orchards. Rampur: A busy commercial town, Rampur has plenty of Hindu and Buddhist temples, including the Raghunath, Ayodhya, Narasingh and Dumgir Buddha temples. There's also the Padam Palace built in a charming mix of Indian and colonial styles. It is also having the Nathpa-Jhakri hydel power project, which is going to be the largest in Asia.

ADVENTURE

Trekking: Sarahan is the base for some of Himachal's finest treks and is also the doorway to Kinnaur's untrammeled beauty. The more popular ones are those going to Badahal, Sangla and Shrikhand Peak. The treks are however open only between April and June and September-October.  more...

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The airport nearest to Sarahan is Jubbarhatti in Shimla . From Shimla , Sarahan is at a distance of 175-km. One has to then take a bus or a private taxi to go to Sarahan.

Rail: Another alternative is to take a train to Shimla and then take a private taxi or a bus run by the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation to Sarahan.

Road: There is no airport or railway station at Sarahan; so, the only access is by road.

PLACES TO STAY

Places to stay in Sarahan include HTPDC's Hotel Srikhand, Temple Rest House and Snowview.

CLIMATE

The temperature ranges from 10-25°C in April to June. The days are very pleasant and light woolens are sufficient but early mornings and late nights get a little chilly, so one heavy pullover is required. The season from September to November is colder and requires heavy woolens.

NEARBY CITIES

Gaura: 37-km
Shimla : 175-km