Of all the walks that begin at Jalori Pass, the climb to Raghupur Fort is the one that rewards the least effort with the biggest views. In just a few hours you leave the road behind, weave up through mossy oak and rhododendron forest, and emerge onto a vast open meadow scattered with the tumbled stones of an old hill fort — with the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges laid out on every side. It is one of Himachal's most dramatic yet least-crowded historical spots.
The fort and its story
Raghupur Fort — locally Raghupur Garh — sits at around 3,600 metres on a broad ridge above the pass. Little of it survives beyond ruined ramparts, but the setting more than makes up for it. The fort is believed to have been built by the rulers of Mandi as a defensive outpost against invasion, its walls following the natural rim of the meadow. Today it's a place to wander among old stones, spot the snow peaks on the horizon, and understand why anyone would fortify a spot this high.
The trek
- Start: Jalori Pass, at 10,282 ft (about 3,120 m), reached by road from the Banjar valley.
- Distance and time: Around 3 km each way; a comfortable pace is two to three hours round trip, including time at the top.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — a steady forest climb with one or two steeper sections, suitable for reasonably fit first-timers.
- Terrain: Oak and rhododendron woods giving way to open alpine meadow; muddy after rain.
How to reach Jalori Pass from Naggar
From Naggar, drive down the valley to Aut, turn into the Banjar valley and climb via Jibhi and Shoja to Jalori Pass — roughly three to four hours in all. Many trekkers base themselves a night in Jibhi or Shoja to start early. If you'd rather combine walks, the popular trail to Serolsar Lake and its Budhi Nagin temple sets off from the same pass in the opposite direction.
Best time to go
May–June and September–November are ideal: pleasant days, clear air and either fresh green or golden autumn forest. Avoid the peak monsoon, when the trail is slippery and views vanish into cloud. In winter, heavy snow closes Jalori Pass altogether, so the fort is out of reach until spring. Carry water, a windproof layer for the exposed meadow, and sturdy shoes.
Naggar makes a natural launch point for the Banjar valley's treks, and Ghar in the Hills is a comfortable homestay to rest before and after a day on the trail. Set out early, take your time on the meadow, and let Raghupur's quiet ruins and endless horizon be the highlight of your Himachal trip.