Enjoy Tirthan

With over 550 different species, Himachal Pradesh has 45% of all India’s birds! No wonder ornithologists flock here. And one of the best places for birding is Tirthan. With their great variety of altitude and vegetation, both the Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and the Great Himalayan National Park have been designated IBAs (Important Bird Areas), which means here you have the greatest chance to see some of the rarest birds in India. You can either choose to camp and birdwatch (₹3,000 per person per day) or go on a guided ornithological day hike (₹1,000 per person for a group).

Contact your homestay or tour operator for a guide.

Unlike in a city, cycling in the Tirthan valley is both fun and healthy. It’s a great way to explore the area at your own pace and get some exercise at the same time.

Our guesthouses can arrange bikes and give you directions. Price is around ₹800 per day with a range of cycles including high-quality Firefox and Trek mountain bikes.

Tirthan trout fishing is legendary, with anglers coming from all over the world. When you visit us you have a chance to enjoy it too. All our guesthouses offer a fishing option in season (March–October), with prices from ₹500–1500, including providing equipment, a guide and arranging permits.

*Note that, as part of our commitment to eco-tourism, we only practise “catch and release” to sustain trout fishing in the Tirthan River and its tributaries.

Tirthan has a deserved reputation for multi-day treks, but local hikes and sightseeing are just as rewarding. Our tour operators can easily arrange cars for outings to Chehni towers, Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake or to visit the charming local villages. Alternatively, take a local guide for a day (approximately ₹600) and explore.

We recommend the walk to Chehni Kothi (5 hours, 12km in total), the gentle but long hike to the GHNP gate and Hippo Falls (6 hours, 16 km to and fro), and the afternoon outing to the wonderful local Choie waterfall (45 mins, 2.5 km).

Your guesthouse can easily arrange a guide and offer further suggestions.

Two rivers cut through the mountains here: the Tirthan, after which the area is named, and its tributary the Falachan. Their white waters offer so many leisure opportunities including the famous fishing, but if you want a genuine thrill try river crossing. Attached by a safety harness you fly across the raging water on a fixed line as the freezing spray hits your face. Unforgettable!

This adventure sport is available year round except in monsoon. Ask at your homestay or book it with a tour operator. Price is around ₹250 per person and open to any healthy individual over ten years of age.

Climbing is a unique way to make your trip to Tirthan even more unforgettable. Imagine the feeling of scaling a genuine Himalayan rock face! We’ll provide the ropes and equipment as well as expert guidance—your safety is paramount.

Enquire at your guesthouse or book directly from a tour operator. Price is around ₹250 a head depending on group size and open to any healthy individual over ten years old.