Overview
Two of Himachal's favourite slow-travel valleys in five days, with one car and driver from Chandigarh. Two nights in the Parvati valley give you Kasol's riverside cafés, Manikaran's gurudwara and hot springs, and the start of the Kheerganga and Tosh trails. Then you cross to the Banjar valley for two nights in Jibhi's wooden homestays, with Jalori Pass, the Serolsar lake walk and the old Chehni Kothi tower above. The long drives are on the first and last days; the middle three are short and relaxed. It suits couples, friends and families who want forest, rivers and quiet villages rather than snow points and crowds. Delhi pickups can be added at either end.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want quiet valleys, forest walks and riverside stays
- Chandigarhstart
- Kasol2 nights
- Jibhi2 nights
- Chandigarhend
- Two nights in Kasol with Manikaran's gurudwara and hot springs
- Optional walks towards Tosh, Kalga or the Kheerganga trailhead
- Two nights in Jibhi's wooden homestays among cedar forest
- Jalori Pass and the Serolsar lake walk
- One driver throughout, including the narrow valley roads
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Kasol
Chandigarh → Kasol~290 km · 7–9 hoursOvernight: Kasol
Leave Chandigarh early and drive up the Kiratpur–Mandi highway to Bhuntar, then about 30 km up the narrow Parvati valley road to Kasol. Arrive by late afternoon, check in, and walk along the river and through the cafés. The valley road is slow, so we plan to finish it in daylight.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Kasol → - Day2
Manikaran and the Parvati valley
Around Kasol~40 km · 2–3 hours with stopsOvernight: Kasol
Drive a few kilometres up to Manikaran for the gurudwara, the hot springs and the langar. In the afternoon, walk across to Chalal along the river, or continue by road to Barshaini for a short walk towards Tosh or Kalga. Fit walkers can plan Kheerganga as an overnight instead; tell us and we'll adjust.
- Day3
Kasol to Jibhi
Kasol → Jibhi~90 km · About 3–3.5 hoursOvernight: Jibhi
Drive back down the Parvati valley to Bhuntar, south to the Aut tunnel, then up the Banjar valley road for the last 28–31 km to Jibhi. Stop in Banjar for supplies. Arrive in time for a walk to the Jibhi waterfall and an evening on your homestay's balcony; some homestays are a short walk from the road.
- Day4
Jalori Pass and Serolsar lake
Around Jibhi~30 km · 1–2 hours of driving plus the walkOvernight: Jibhi
Drive about 12 km up to Jalori Pass at around 3,100 m, then walk roughly 5 km through forest to Serolsar lake and back. In the afternoon, visit Chehni Kothi, the tall stone-and-wood tower, about 7–9 km from Jibhi with a short final walk. Jalori is often closed by snow in winter; we'll suggest the Tirthan valley instead.
- Day5
Jibhi to Chandigarh
Jibhi → Chandigarh~265 km · 6.5–8 hours
Leave after breakfast, drive down the Banjar valley to Aut and join the highway south via Mandi and Bilaspur to Kiratpur and Chandigarh. We can drop you at Chandigarh airport, the railway station or any Tricity address, or continue to Delhi with an overnight if you prefer.
Choosing your stays in each valley
In the Parvati valley, Kasol has the most guesthouses, cafés and shops, and is reachable by car. Chalal, across the river, is quieter but reached only on foot. Manikaran has simple hotels near the gurudwara and hot springs, and Tosh and Kalga near the road's end suit travellers who want to be close to the trails, though some stays there need a walk.
In the Banjar valley, Jibhi's wooden homestays are the draw, many with balconies over the stream. Some are right on the road and others a few minutes' walk up through the trees. Banjar town has simpler hotels, and the Tirthan valley nearby has riverside stays close to the Great Himalayan National Park. Book ahead for weekends; both valleys are small.
- With small children or heavy bags, choose stays with road access.
- Ask your stay about hot water and heating in winter.
- Carry cash; ATMs are limited beyond Bhuntar and Aut.
Walking options for every fitness level
Every day in this plan has an easy option and a harder one. In Kasol, the riverside walk to Chalal is flat and short, while the trail from Barshaini towards Kalga or Tosh climbs steadily through forest and villages. Fit walkers can trade a Kasol day for an overnight at Kheerganga, about 12 km up from Barshaini.
Above Jibhi, the walk from Jalori Pass to Serolsar lake is roughly 5 km each way through forest, mostly gentle. The Chehni Kothi tower needs only a short final walk. If anyone in the group prefers not to walk, the driver can take them to viewpoints and cafés instead.
Why a car and driver suits these valleys
Both valleys are reached by narrow roads with passing places, and buses between them need changes at Bhuntar and Aut. With one car, you avoid the waits and the walks between bus stands with luggage, and you can stop at viewpoints, cafés and temples on the way. The driver also knows the road conditions each morning, which matters in the monsoon and winter.
Tour price by vehicle
Starting prices for the whole 5-day tour (car, driver, fuel, tolls, state taxes and the driver's night allowance). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book.
42
₹30,400
starting · full tour
63
₹37,900
starting · full tour
₹41,600
starting · full tour
₹66,600
starting · full tour
Included
- Same car and driver for all days
- Fuel, tolls and state entry taxes
- Driver's food, stay and night allowance
- Local sightseeing on the days shown
Not included
- ×Hotels, homestays and meals
- ×Guides for longer treks (such as Kheerganga)
- ×Parking and entry fees
When to go
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasol | January: Fine, check weather | February: Fine, check weather | March: Best time | April: Best time | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Monsoon, landslide risk | August: Monsoon, landslide risk | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Best time | December: Fine, check weather |
| Jibhi | January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Best time | April: Best time | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Monsoon, landslide risk | August: Monsoon, landslide risk | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Best time | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
- • March to June and September to November are the best months for both valleys.
- • December to February: cold, with many Kasol cafés closed; Jalori Pass usually closes with snow.
- • July–August: slides on the Parvati and Banjar valley roads are common; we keep a buffer and check each morning.
Frequently asked questions
Can we start from Delhi?+
Yes. Add a Delhi pickup with an overnight in Chandigarh, or drive straight through with a very early start.
Is this trip suitable for children?+
Yes. The walks are optional, and both valleys are quiet. Choose stays with road access if you have small children.
Can we include Kheerganga?+
Yes, as an overnight trek from Barshaini. Add a day and we'll drop you at the trailhead and collect you.
Which vehicle is best?+
An SUV is the practical choice on the narrow valley roads; a Tempo Traveller works for larger groups but is slower.
Can we swap Jibhi for Manali?+
Yes. Kasol to Manali is about 75 km; tell us and we'll rework the plan.
Is Jalori Pass open in winter?+
Often not; snow closes it for part of the winter. We'll replace that day with the Tirthan valley.
