Rajgundha Valley is a stunning and serene valley located beyond Barot in the Dhauladhars. It’s home to several small villages, including Kukkar Gundha, Rajgundha, and Baragran.Bir Billing To Rajgundha Trek is popular among locals and trekking enthusiasts. Rajgundha Village, perched at an altitude of approximately 2700 meters, can only be reached by trekking. It’s nestled within the Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary and offers breathtaking views of lush green forests and snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains.
The population of Rajgundha is small, and the primary occupation of the residents is farming. The village is renowned for nearby treks like Palachak Valley, and Thamsar Pass, and Bara Bhangal. The best times to visit are spring, summer, and winter, andwith the latter offering a snowy, offbeat experience. During winter, locals typically move to lower villages and return in the summer.
How to Reach Rajgundha Valley:
Bir Billing To Rajgundha Trek :
First, get to Bir.
By Road: Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Bir, covering 520 km in around 12 hours. You can also find buses from Chandigarh, Kangra, Mandi, and Dharamsala to reach Bir. Shared taxis are available at these locations.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Pathankot (150 km away) and Chandigarh (280 km away). You can hire a private/shared taxi or take a government/private bus to reach Bir.
By Flight: The nearest airports are Pathankot and Gaggal. Taxis and buses are readily available from both airports.
After reaching Bir, take a taxi to Billing, the trek’s starting point. Billing is 20 km from Bir and has a good road connection. From there, you’ll embark on a 14 km trek to Rajgundha village.
From Barot:
To reach Rajgundha via Barot, you need to get to Baragran village, situated 20 km ahead of Barot. The motorable road goes up to a point near Baragran village, from where Rajgundha is just 3-4 km away. Currently, road construction is underway to connect Rajgundha village to Bir Billing by road.
Until then, you can take your vehicle or a taxi to Baragran village and walk 3-4 km to reach Rajgundha. Buses are also available to reach Baragran village from Barot.
Suggested Itinerary for Rajgundha Valley Trek:
Day 1: Reach Bir or Mandi by bus, then hire a taxi to Baragran and walk to Rajgundha.Day 2: Explore Rajgundha and its surroundings.
Day 3: Trek to Billing and enjoy paragliding. Optionally, you can take a taxi to Bir.
Day 4: Explore Bir, visit monasteries, or rent a bicycle to explore the area.
Trekking Routes to Rajgundha:
From Billing: The trek from Billing to Rajgundha is 14 km and relatively easy, with a gentle incline. The trail is well-paved and wide, passing through scenic forests. In March and April, you can enjoy the beauty of rhododendron flowers. The trail doesn’t branch off, so you don’t need a guide. The Bir Billing to Rajgundha trek is popular among locals .
From Baragran: There isn’t a traditional trek; you simply walk uphill for 3-4 km from the last motorable point to reach Rajgundha.
Hanumangarh Trek:
Hanumangarh, a unique place nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, might sound a bit like the more well-known Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, but it’s a whole different world. This Hanumangarh sits amidst the breathtaking Dhauladhar Ranges, and it’s an absolute paradise for adventure seekers.
Hanumangarh is perched atop a mountain just 5 kilometers away from Rajgundha Valley. Rajgundha and Kukargundha are like two peas in a pod, offering beautiful natural scenery. The upper part of the village is known as Rajgundha, the main village, while the lower part is Kukargundha.
Rajgundha has about 30 houses, and Kukargundha boasts 25. These two villages are connected to each other, but there’s no road access. The only way to reach them is by trekking. The valley is a haven for all sorts of plants and wildlife. You’ll spot a variety of birds and trees here.
In the past, this area was part of a wildlife sanctuary, but now it’s been transformed into farmland. The houses here are constructed using traditional materials like mud and stone. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people here. They spend around six months in these villages and then move to other places to protect their livestock from the heavy winter snowfall.
Best Time to Visit Rajgundha Valley:
March, April, May, September, and October are the best months for lush greenery and pleasant weather.
If you want to experience snow, visit in December, January, or February.
ATM & Mobile Connectivity in Rajgundha Village:
There are no ATMs in Rajgundha, so get cash in Bir or Barot.
Airtel and Jio 4G signals are available in Rajgundha, but connectivity may be weather-dependent.
Things to Do in and Around Rajgundha Valley:
Stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
Explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about their culture.
Take forest walks in the dense forests.
Stroll along the Uhl River, enjoy the clear water, and relax.
Try trout fishing in Barot.
Don’t miss paragliding in Bir Billing, Asia’s 2nd highest paragliding site.
Places to Visit Near Rajgundha Valley:
Barot, known for trout fishing.
Bir Billing, a paragliding hotspot with monasteries and tea gardens.
Baijnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Palampur, a serene hill station with tea gardens and mountain views.
Trekking Options Near Rajgundha Village:
Menthoo Lake, an easy 3 km hike through a forest.Hanumangarh, a steep 4 km trek to the highest point in the area.
Palachak Valley, an 8 km trek from Rajgundha with lush meadows and camping spots.
Thamsar Pass Trek, a high-altitude pass with incredible mountain views.
Bara Bhangal Trek, a multi-day trek for experienced trekkers.
Dehnasar Lake Trek, a 3-day trek to a high-altitude glacial lake.
Accommodation in Rajgundha Village:
Zostel is one of the best places to stay, offering basic amenities.
Camping options are also available.
Food Options in Rajgundha Village:
There are no restaurants or cafes in the village. Your best option is to eat at your hostel or guesthouse, as they usually have in-house kitchens.
If you’re seeking an untouched destination for relaxation and hiking, Rajgundha is an ideal choice. Whether you want to explore or do nothing at all, this village offers a unique experience. I hope you enjoy your visit!
