Most travellers who base themselves in Naggar quickly tick off the Manali side of the valley. Fewer make the longer journey south into the Banjar Valley — and that is exactly why it stays so green and unhurried. Jibhi, Jalori Pass and the little lake of Serolsar are a wonderful change of scene if you have a full day, or better still a night, to spare.
Where it is and how to get there
Banjar lies south of Kullu, off the main Manali highway. From Naggar you drop down to the valley road, head towards Aut, and turn east into the Banjar and Tirthan side valleys. Jibhi sits at about 2,250 m and is roughly a four-hour drive from Naggar, so an early start makes all the difference. Jalori Pass, at around 3,120 m (about 10,800 ft), is a further 12 km of winding road above Jibhi.
Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake
The pass itself is a small saddle with a tiny temple, a few seasonal tea stalls and big views over two valleys. From here, the walk to Serolsar Lake is one of the gentlest rewarding treks in Himachal — about 5 km each way through old oak and rhododendron forest, taking two to three hours one way. The lake sits at roughly 3,100 m, ringed by tall trees, with the Budhi Nagin temple on its banks. The water is famously clear; locals will tell you leaves never seem to settle on its surface.
Practical tips
- Best season: April to June and September to early November. Jalori Pass receives heavy snow and usually closes through winter, so check road status before you set off.
- Start early: the drive is long and the pass road is slow. Aim to leave Naggar by 7 am for a comfortable day.
- Carry layers: even in summer the pass is cool and windy, and good shoes help on the lake trail.
- Fuel and cash: fill up near Kullu or Aut and carry cash, as fuel pumps and ATMs thin out in Banjar.
Because Banjar is a long haul, many people prefer to make it an overnight trip. If you'd rather keep it to a single day, focus on Jibhi's waterfall and the drive up to the pass, and save Serolsar for a slower visit. Either way, the deodar forests and quiet villages of the Seraj region show you a softer, greener side of the Kullu district.
If you're planning your Himachal trip around easy day trips and longer forays like this one, Ghar in the Hills in Naggar makes a calm, central base to come home to. Book your stay and let us help you plan the route — the hills are waiting.