Shangarh, A Unique Meadows in Great Himalayan National Park

Shangarh

Shangarh is a hidden jewel in the Sainj Valley of Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh. Shangarh is a remote village of Kullu becoming popular a day, having picturesque views all around.

The beautiful meadows surrounded by a thick forest of cedars have been the best gift of nature, Shangchul Mahadev Temple, the local deity, situated on one side of the sloping ground. As per local, this ground is private property of Shangchul Mahadev and camping and tenting are prohibited in the premises ofthe  ground.

Shangarh Village lies under the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), is about 7 KM above Ropa. Shangarh has a small market with no hotels and guest houses, even though there are many home stays and forest department rest houses. Shangarh has a very nice climate in summer and is situated in the dense forest of pine and cedar. Nature has blessed Shangarh with both hands. Shangarh’s main attraction is the ground, which is surrounded by forest, it offers panoramic views of many Himalayan layers. Domestic cattle, kids, and oldies are often seen enjoying the meadows, spending leisure time here in the calmness, and observing nature is one of the unique experiences.

There are similar meadows in the nearby places like Lapah. There is a waterfall around 1KM from Shangarh, as we trek above Shangarh to the top of the mountain, we can witness a more picturesque view of the Great Himalayan National Park and high peaks of the Himalayas.

Famous Treks to and from Shangarh

1. Shangarh to Lapah – It’s about 7-10 hours trek from Shangarh to Lapah village, this trek is easy and can be done in one day, there are some guest houses at Lapah or camping sites as well. As per local, there are many similar meadows in Lapah and various flowers and vegetation.
2. Ropa to Shangarh – The off route choice to reach Shangarh from Ropa is to trek from Ropa, which is about 5 KM and can be done in 5-6 hours, even though it is a very steep trek passing through the forest and 2 villages. Trekking via road can be 7 KM.
3. Shangarh To Shumga Thach – This few hours trek from Shangarh to the top of the mountain peak offers a full valley view. Snow bound mighty high Himalayan peaks can be observed from here as well. On the other side of Shumga Thach, one can view the Tirthan valley of GHNP.

Ropa to Shangarh – The hairpin road from Ropa to Shangarh is about 7 KM, it’s a forest road and the condition is not good at all. It is very rough and steep at several points. This road is best for four-wheel drive, it may be risky for bike riding, it is better to avoid travelling via two-wheelers. There is a bus plying between Sainj and Shangarh everyday as well.

Some of the pictures from Shangarh, when we were there, the weather was not good, that’s why we didn’t have good and clear photos of this beautiful place, I will add some more pictures soon, whenever I have another trip to Shangarh.