Sainj Valley is a relatively less known destination located in the lower ranges of the Great Himalayan National Park, just 45 kilometers away from the Kullu Valley. This heavenly and serene destination in Himachal Pradesh is straight out of a fairytale with endless lush green fields and provides an experience of nature like no other place. This is a place that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. The natural beauty of the valley attracts nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts as there are trekking activities as well that you can be a part of.
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What is the Best Time to Visit?
The Sainj valley experiences annual precipitation of 1,387 mm. If you want to experience the beauty of snow-capped mountains, the months of January and February should be the time you plan your trip.
The months of April and May experience no precipitation but if monsoons aren’t a problem for you, the months July to September are also a good time to visit.
Modes of Travel Available
The Sainj Valley is a well-connected place and you can avail any mode of transport to reach this breathtaking location.
By Air
The nearest airport from Sainj valley is the Kullu-Manali Airport which is located at a distance of about 36 kilometers. From the airport, you will require a taxi or cab to reach Sainj Valley. Flights from all the major cities operate to and from the Kullu-Manali airport.
By Railways
No railway routes are connected to Sainj Valley as it is a tiny village. Your best bet would be the Chandigarh Railway station which is at a distance of about 235 kilometers. From there you can hire a taxi/cab. It takes about 7 hours to reach Sainj Valley from Chandigarh. But the good part is, you get to travel on a long scenic route.
By Car
If driving is your thing, then you will love the 10-hour drive from Delhi to Sainj. As the city gradually disappears and you enter the scenic and remote hills, it will be an experience like no other.
By Bus
You can take a bus to Sainj Valley or the village from Aut which is located nearby. There are regular buses traveling to Sainj from this particular place.
In conclusion, the Sainj Valley is a well-connected destination and there is nothing holding you back from experiencing its beauty. You can choose to travel by means that are convenient and budget-friendly for you.
Sainj Valley Best Places to Visit
Sainj Valley is a serene place, away from the loud cacophonous noises and the hustle-bustle of the city. It is surrounded by quaint cottages, endless meadows, and clean air that fills your lungs with freshness. There are many places in and around Sainj Valley that will make you experience nature like you never have. Following are some of the many places that you must definitely visit when in Sainj:
Shangarh Meadows
According to ancient tales, the Shangarh Meadows is the place where the 5 Pandavas spent their 13 years in exile. It is the place where Lord Krishna came to meet them. There are also many local fairs organized here. Apart from being a place that is historically important, it is extremely beautiful and is the perfect place for a fun trek.
Also, there’s a Mahadev temple called Shangchul Mahadev Temple which is quite well known.
Sainj Village
The Sainj village is also a place of great scenic beauty. Here you can unwind and relish the earth in its purest form. As this place isn’t very famous, it doesn’t attract a lot of tourists. It is a well-hidden paradise that is waiting to be discovered by nature-lovers.
Great Himalayan National Park
This park covers an area of about 1170 sq. km. and has more than 800 flora species and about 400 species of fauna. The Great Himalayan National Park trek is a great attraction for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The treks range from a single-day trek to one that lasts for weeks. But not all treks are for beginners and some can be quite difficult. The highest part of this park is at an altitude of 5,800 meters above sea level.
Pundrik Rishi Lake
The lake is named Pundrik after a Rishi and according to popular tales, it is said that he blessed the waters of this lake with immense spiritual knowledge. Therefore, this place is important to the locals and they don’t allow any tourist to touch the waters of the lake.
There are no tourist activities such as boating or rowing either. But, the stories surrounding the lake and the natural pristine beauty of the lake itself make it a beautiful destination to travel to.
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Where to Stay?
Now that you know how to travel and what to see in Sainj valley, next comes the question, “where to stay?”. Well, there aren’t a lot of hotels in the area but you can reside at a guesthouse or a homestay. The homestays in the village will make you feel at home and you’ll also get to enjoy the delicious local cuisines. It is quite budget-friendly and worth the price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you plan to get away from city life for a while and don’t want to end up in one of the countless tourist places with thousands of tourists crowding the place, the Sainj valley is the perfect destination for you. This virgin valley will surely leave you in awe of the natural world and will make you realize that you’re a part of nature, not an outsider.