Barot is the kind of place travellers find when they are tired of crowds. Set at around 1,830 m in the Chuhar Valley of Mandi district, beside the glacier-fed Uhl River, this small village offers pine forest, a trout hatchery and walks that follow an old hydel project. It makes a fine side trip if you are exploring central Himachal beyond the Kullu Valley.
Where it is and how to reach
Barot is roughly 40 km from Joginder Nagar and about 65 km from Mandi. From Ghatasni on NH 154, a scenic road of around 25 km winds up through the pines to the village. The road is narrow with tight bends, so drive slowly and give way to descending buses. Landslides can briefly block it in monsoon. Joginder Nagar is the nearest narrow-gauge station, on the Kangra Valley line from Pathankot, and Bhuntar is the nearest airport for most visitors coming from Kullu.
Trout fishing on the Uhl
The Uhl holds rainbow and brown trout, and the state fisheries department has run a trout hatchery at Barot since 1959. Anglers need a day licence from the local fisheries office, which has cost about Rs 100. Buy it before you start, respect minimum size rules and release young fish. Angling is generally closed during the monsoon months of July and August, so check dates before you plan around fishing.
The Shanan hydel project
Barot's most unusual sight is the engineering history. The hydel scheme, proposed by Colonel B.C. Battye in 1925, diverted the Uhl through a tunnel towards Joginder Nagar. Visitors can walk along the old tracks and see the penstocks and the reservoir dam. A haulage trolley once carried equipment up the steep slope and now runs on restricted maintenance schedules, so do not count on riding it. Some areas belong to the power utility, so follow signs and ask before entering.
Things to do
- Walk the riverside paths at dawn or dusk when the forest is quiet.
- Visit the hatchery to see how trout fingerlings are raised.
- Day-hike to nearby villages such as Multhan and Poling.
- Photograph the dam and the pine ridges, especially in soft evening light.
Best time to visit
March to June and September to November are the best months. July and August bring heavy rain and muddy water, while December to February is cold, with snow on higher ridges.
Practical tips
- Withdraw cash in Mandi or Joginder Nagar, as ATMs in Barot can be unreliable.
- Carry a warm layer even in summer, as evenings turn cool.
- Fill your tank and keep snacks handy, since services are limited.
- Stay overnight if you can. The valley is best without a rushed schedule.
If you're looking for a base in Naggar for the rest of your trip, Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay right in the village. Book your stay to wake up to valley views after your offbeat adventures.
Barot rewards those who slow down. Pack a rod or just a good book, plan a night or two, and enjoy a side of Himachal few visitors see. When you are ready to plan the Kullu Valley leg of your trip, contact Ghar in the Hills and we will help you build an itinerary.
