Sarahan Travel Guide
Sarahan is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. At an average elevation of 2,313 m. the place is an important market for traders in the neighboring areas. An attractive town amidst apple orchards, it has pheasant breeding center nearby. The local bazar is very interesting where friendly villagers greet the travellers with a smile. Sarahan is also a stop on the trekker’s route. River Sutlej is the nearest river flowing through the small town. In the Puranas we find mention of Sarahan. The town is surrounded by high mountain peaks. A pilgrimage route encircles Shirkhand Mahadev peak which takes 7 days to go round. The panoramic view of the snow covered mountains is mesmerizing.
Sarahan the summer capital of Bushasar, is situated at a distance of 180 km from Shimla. Situated near the Naptha- Jhakri hydroelectric project, this town is bestowed with nature’s utmost beauty. Even during the summer, tourists gets the pleasure of snow-capped mountains views.
Legend goes that this district of Kinnaur was once ruled by Banasur. He was so fierce he could not be defeated. Goddess Bhimkali, is said to have killed him after a fierce battle. Moreover, the Pandavas on their way to Badrinath changed their route due to the fear of Banasur on the way.
April to June and then September to November is the best time of the year to go and enjoy a vacation at the quiet, calm and serene town.
Sarahan is also one of the finest trekking spots of the Himalayan Range. It is also the gateway to the untraversed beauty of the Kinnaur. However trekking is only possible in Sarahan in the months of April to june and September-October.
Sarahan has also been identified in the Puranas,as Sonitpur.
How to Reach Sarahan
- Air — The nearest airport is Chandigarh. Once you reach there, get a bus or hire a car for Sarahan
- Rail — Nearest big station is Kalka. From Kalka, hire a car to reach Shimla or Sarahan.
- Road — From Shimla, hire a car for your entire Kinnaur tour. Alternately take a bus from Shimla to reach Sarahan
Distance of Sarahan from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Shimla |
163 |
|
Chandigarh |
275 |
|
Manali |
232 |
Weather
Sarahan Temperature:
- Summer (Apr to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (8°C) to (30°C)
- Monsoon – (Jul to Aug) – Regular rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Sep to Mar) – Temperatures are low and range between (0°C) to (15°C)
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Sep to Oct are the best season for tourism
What to See In Sarahan
Bhimakali temple is temple that reflects the mixed cultures of Hindus and Budhhists. The two temples stand on a slope among apple and apricots orchards behind the market. Usually the hilltop Himachal temples differ in style from those on the plains in being dedicated local god and goddess instead of the major deities. Here it is dedicated to Durga as the destroyer of asuras (demons ) and has a Brahmin priest in attendance. The temple is built in traditional timber-bonded style.
This temple is said to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is situated 180 kms from the town of Shimla.
The Lanka Devi Temple
The Lanka devi temple is also quite famous a tourist spot around here.
It is a lovely small town which is known as the leading producer of vegetables especially cauliflowers in the region. The major fruits produced here include apples, cherries, apricots etc. People residing speak mainly Pahari or Hindi. Theog region has significantly contributed to the development of the popular ‘Pahari music.’ An annual summer festival is held in Theog for which reputed performers of local and national level are invited.
Other Details
What to Do
The travel enthusiasts can go visit the Shakti Kung Palace at Sarahan. Or you can go enjoy the evening arati at the 800 year old Bhimakali Temple. You can also admire the earth-quake proof architecture of the temple built in the 19th Century.
Where to Eat
Rooftop Restaurant at Hotel Shrikhand is a good place to have a meal and enjoy the surroundings
What to Buy
This is a remote place and nothing much you can buy from here
Get Around
Taxis are available, that are more than willing to take you to Sarahan and in and around the town. Though, it is advisable to travel via foot to feel the charm of the place.
Popular Tour Plans - Himachal Pradesh
1-3 Days
1. Shimla (2N/3D)
2. Manali (3N/4D)
4-6 Days
1. Shimla-Kulu-Manali (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Shimla-Kulu-Manali-Dharamsala-Dalhousie (10N/11D)
2. Kinnar (Shimla-Sarahan-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Shimla) (8N/9D)