Tucked away in the eastern region of Himachal Pradesh, Pabbar Valley Tour covers untouched paradise filled with lush green meadows, apple orchards, snow-capped mountains, and gushing rivers. Unlike the commercialized tourist spots of Shimla and Manali, Pabbar Valley remains pristine and less crowded, offering travelers a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
Located 120 km from Shimla, Pabbar Valley is perfect for trekking, camping, angling, and adventure sports. The valley is named after the Pabbar River, which originates from the Dhauladhar ranges and flows through Chanshal Pass, Rohru, and Hatkoti, making the region a scenic delight for nature lovers.
This Pabbar Valley Travel Guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, including how to reach, the best time to visit, must-visit places, accommodations, distances, local cuisines, and activities.
How To Reach Pabbar Valley?
Pabbar Valley is well-connected to Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi via road, rail, and air.
By Road
Driving to Pabbar Valley is a scenic experience, passing through dense deodar forests, apple orchards, and snow-covered mountain peaks.
- From Shimla (120 km): A 4-5 hour drive via Kufri → Theog → Kotkhai → Rohru → Pabbar Valley.
- From Chandigarh (230 km): A 7-8 hour drive via Solan → Shimla → Kufri → Rohru → Pabbar Valley.
- From Delhi (450 km): A 12-13 hour drive via NH 44 through Chandigarh → Shimla → Rohru → Pabbar Valley.
HRTC buses from Shimla run daily to Rohru, from where you can hire a cab to explore the valley further.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station (120 km), connected via the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train. From Shimla, take a cab or bus to Pabbar Valley.
By Air
The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti, 140 km), but flights are limited. The better option is Chandigarh Airport (230 km), with regular flights from Delhi and other major cities.
Best Time For Pabbar Valley Tour
Pabbar Valley experiences different charms in each season, making it a year-round destination.
- Spring & Summer (March to June): The best time for trekking, riverside camping, and exploring apple orchards, with temperatures between 15°C to 25°C.
- Monsoon (July to September): The valley turns lush green, but heavy rains may cause landslides. Best for solitude seekers.
- Autumn (October to November): Perfect for photographers, as the forests turn golden and the air is crisp.
- Winter (December to February): Experience snowfall, frozen rivers, and skiing in Chanshal Pass, with temperatures dropping to -5°C to 10°C.
Recommended: Visit between March to June or October to November for the best experience.
Pabbar Valley Hotels & Resorts
Pabbar Valley Tour offers a mix of riverside cottages, homestays, and budget-friendly guesthouses, perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful stay in nature.
Luxury Resorts & Riverside Cottages:
- Chanshal Wooden Huts – A scenic wooden cottage stay with Himalayan views.
- Himalayan Eco Lodge, Rohru – A luxury riverside retreat with adventure activities.
- Apple Orchard Farmstay – A boutique farmstay amidst apple plantations and pine forests.
Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:
- Rohru River View Guesthouse – A budget-friendly stay overlooking the Pabbar River.
- Hotel Pabbar Retreat – A cozy mountain lodge offering warm hospitality.
- Theog Himalayan Inn – A great mid-range option for travelers exploring nearby areas.
Homestays & Eco-Lodges:
- Chirgaon Homestay – A traditional Himachali village stay with home-cooked food.
- Hatu Valley Homestay – A peaceful retreat surrounded by deodar forests.
Best Places To Visit In Pabbar Valley
Pabbar Valley is a hidden paradise, offering a mix of natural beauty, heritage sites, and adventure activities.
1. Chanshal Pass (4,520 m)
The highest mountain pass in the Shimla district, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and ideal for snow trekking and skiing in winter.
2. Rohru
A quaint town along the Pabbar River, known for trout fishing, apple orchards, and scenic camping sites.
3. Hatkoti Temple
A 9th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, famous for its ancient architecture and spiritual significance.
4. Chirgaon
A scenic village with majestic waterfalls, wooden houses, and a peaceful atmosphere.
5. Dodra & Kwar
Two remote Himalayan villages, offering stunning landscapes, wooden temples, and offbeat trekking routes.
6. Kharapathar
A secluded mountain peak, perfect for short hikes and nature photography.
7. Jubbal Palace
A heritage palace showcasing Himachali architecture, once the residence of the royal family of Jubbal.
8. Pabbar River
A pristine river ideal for trout fishing, river rafting, and riverside camping.
Pabbar Valley Tour from Chandigarh
Pabbar Valley is a 7-hour drive from Chandigarh, making it an ideal offbeat weekend getaway.
- Distance: 230 km
- Travel Time: 7-8 hours
- Route: Chandigarh → Shimla → Rohru → Pabbar Valley
2-Day Itinerary from Chandigarh
Day 1:
- Start early (6 AM) from Chandigarh.
- Breakfast at Shimla (Try Channa Madra & Babru!).
- Reach Pabbar Valley by noon and check into Himalayan Eco Lodge.
- Visit Hatkoti Temple & Pabbar River.
- Stay at Chanshal Wooden Huts.
Day 2:
- Early morning trek to Chanshal Pass.
- Lunch at Jubbal Palace.
- Explore Chirgaon & Dodra-Kwar Villages.
- Return to Chandigarh by evening.
Pabbar Valley from Delhi
Pabbar Valley is a 12-hour drive from Delhi, making it perfect for a long weekend escape.
- Distance: 450 km
- Travel Time: 12-13 hours
- Route: Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla → Rohru → Pabbar Valley
3-Day Itinerary from Delhi
- Day 1: Drive to Rohru & explore apple orchards.
- Day 2: Trek to Chanshal Pass & visit Dodra-Kwar Villages.
- Day 3: Explore Hatkoti Temple & return to Delhi.
Pabbar Valley Distances from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 450 km | 12-13 hrs |
| Chandigarh | 230 km | 7-8 hrs |
| Shimla | 120 km | 4-5 hrs |
| Manali | 250 km | 8 hrs |
Pabbar Valley Local Cuisines
Pabbar Valley offers authentic Himachali cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chana Madra – A rich yogurt-based curry.
- Siddu – A steamed wheat bun filled with ghee.
- Trout Fish – A specialty from the Pabbar River.
- Himachali Dham – A traditional feast served on special occasions.
Activities in Pabbar Valley
- Trekking to Chanshal Pass.
- Camping by the Pabbar River.
- Trout Fishing & River Rafting.
- Exploring Apple Orchards & Local Villages.
- Photography & Birdwatching.
Final Thoughts
Pabbar Valley is a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, offering adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re trekking in Chanshal Pass, fishing in the Pabbar River, or exploring ancient temples, this offbeat valley guarantees an unforgettable experience.
So pack your bags and explore the untouched beauty of Pabbar Valley! 🏔️🏕️✨
