Name: Shoja
Rating: 3.7

Jalori Pass, Shoja Overview

Nestled in the peaks of northern Himalayas lies the Jalori mountain pass, located between the districts of Kullu and Shimla. Perhaps one would recognise it better as the snow-covered summit in the Bollywood film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", where actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are seen trekking through the mountainside. The pass opens in the second week of March and shuts down in December due to snowfall.

Situated at a height of 10,800 feet above sea level, Jalori Pass is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Shoja. The leading road is narrow and extremely steep, not to mention uneven and full of potholes, making it a bumpy ride and sometimes it becomes difficult to drive the car even in first gear. Vehicles are prone to slipping due to frost during the winter, even after machines have swept away the snow.

The Jalori Pass Trek that starts from here is a moderate level trek seated amidst vast coniferous forests, and can be best covered between the seasons of mid-June to mid-October when traversing through the snow is an easy feat. The path leads to the nearby Serolsar Lake and 'Budhi Naagin' temple.

Jalori Pass Trekking and Sightseeing

Jalori Mata Temple: An expedition through Jalori Pass is fettered with places of worship. Located at a distance of approximately 3 km from the pass, this temple is a popular place of worship for the people in nearby villages.
Dhaluadar View: Snow-clad Dhauladhar mountain range is visible on clear summer days.
Shoja: The village of Shoja itself can be covered within 20-30 mins, with a short walk around the place exploring its people and culture. Shoja is also part of the Great Himalayan National Park, which consists of large conifer and oak forests, rivers and glaciers - a taste of which is offered at Jalori.
Long Treks: Several day treks, including the ones to Serolsar Lake, Budhi Nagin Temple, and Raghunathpur Fort originate in this tiny hamlet, making it the ultimate starting point for an off-the-beaten-track holiday.

Flora and Fauna at Jalori Pass

Situated high in the pristine state of Himachal Pradesh, the Jalori Pass houses a treasury of flowers, trees, and migratory birds explicitly found in this region. Positioned amidst a plethora of coniferous trees, the mountaintop is home to the Indian blue robin, nutcracker, white-throated tit, and yellow-billed blue magpie. Shrubs of Iris flowers, ferns and wild roses commonly festoon the grounds in the locale. The remaining fertile area is filled with fields of cauliflower, wheat, potatoes and other vegetables.

History of Jalori Pass

The road through Jalori pass holds a historical and strategic importance. It was constructed by the British to gain access to Kullu Valley. This calls for a mention of Penelope Chetwode, the daughter of a British Commander-in-Chief stationed in India during the late 1920's. Through her extensive voyages in the Kullu countryside, she immersed herself in the bounties of India and became a well-respected figure among local inhabitants for her knowledge and captivation with the terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Lady Penelope wrote a vivid account of her voyages in an epic travelogue called "Kulu: The End of the Habitable World", a title she explained in the following way-

"According to an ancient tradition, the original name of Kulu valley was Kulantpitha, meaning 'the end of the habitable world', and anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass, the boundary between Kulu and Lahaul, will understand this name."

Up in the highlands, the Jalori Pass is deeply rooted in its own stories. The 'Budhi Naagin' temple is an important place to visit while at the Jalori Pass. Legend has it that the Goddess 'Budhi Naagin', the Mother of Snakes, resides in the Serolsar Lake. She is said to have two birds as companions in the vicinity, who jointly protect the lake, keeping it clean and pure. Moreover, it is also believed that the Pandavas visited this place during their exile. Numerous little hamlets can be found in the surrounding area, each with their own distinct cultures.

Best Time To Visit Jalori Pass

The Jalori pass is abuzz with tourists from April to November every year. In winters, i.e. from December to January, the area receives about 150 cm of snow, making it almost impossible to cross over from one side of the pass to the other. It mostly remains closed at this time of the year and reopens around mid-March.

Tips For Visiting Jalori Pass

1. Refuel your vehicle before the Aut tunnel or keep a can of fuel in handy in case required
2. Homestays is the most favourable mode of accommodation in Shoja and can be easily found in the proximity.
3. Wear comfortable sports shoes for trekking
4. The trek route is quite isolated, so it may be advisable to travel in groups
5. It would also be prudent to bring snacks and drinking water with you during the trek, as there are only a few eateries in the area that serve tea, coffee and noodles.
6. Carry a trekking stick or umbrella for convenience.
7. Avoid if you have altitude sickness.

How To Reach Jalori Pass

The Jalori pass is most easily accessible from the cities of Delhi, Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Leh (only during July to October). The nearest airport is in Bhuntar town of Kullu Manali, about 75 km from Shoja. If you choose to travel by rail, Shimla has the closest railway station, from where you must catch a taxi or bus to reach the pass. The best way to arrive at the pass is via vehicle. Jalori pass is about 5 km from the town of Shoja, but the road is rocky and underdeveloped, making it a 30-min ride with the car.