Barot is a mesmerisingly lovely village set in the tranquil valleys of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi District (67 kilometres distant). It is a relatively new tourist place to visit from our Resort in Palampur, but that is still relatively remote. Trekking, camping, and trout fishing are all popular activities. Travellers flock to Barot because of the stunning landscapes, and pollution-free atmosphere and the nearby Uhl river. It is suitable for both single and family vacations.
Barot has recently grown in popularity as an angling location. Trout are bred in the Uhl River, and there are a few fish farms in Barot. The Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, located across the Uhl River, is home to goral, Himalayan black bears, and pheasants. As one enters the Barot village near Dhrangan, three artificial lakes, including one reservoir on the Uhl river, add to the grandeur of this unique hidden treasure. Another point of interest is an antique fountain that channels the waters of Uhl and erupts at regular intervals.
The Barot Valley is the entrance to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to black bears, ghorals, and monals. When the Shanan Hydroelectric Project was developed in India in 1920, the valley was thrust into the spotlight. It was primarily to take advantage of the River Uhl’s hydropower potential as it flows between Barot and Jogindernagar. Since then, the town has been promoted as a tourist attraction, but few people know its existence. The woodlands around the settlement are primarily made up of Deodar and Oak trees, which are abundant in the area and support a diverse range of flora and animals. The village’s attractiveness can be experienced by walking in the nearby forests. The temperature in the Barot Valley is moderate, meaning it is neither sweltering in the summer nor too cold in the winter.
At an elevation of 6,000 feet, Barot Valley was created for a hydropower plant across the Uhl River. Still, it has since become a popular tourist destination for mountain lovers. Travellers looking to satiate their thirst for adventure will find plenty of options in the valley. Barot is also a starting point for trails like Bara Bangal, Palampur, and Bir-Billing, and a resting point for the Kullu – Joginder Nagar hiking route. These treks run through deep forests of tall Deodar and Chile trees and were once the most popular shepherding paths in Kangra Valley.
The average annual temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius. The Barot valley can be visited at any time of year from our resort in Palampur, except during the monsoons. The area receives a lot of rain due to the extensive trees. Camping in the Barot Valley is another popular outdoor activity for visitors. The Thandi Golai camping site is located 1.5 kilometres from Barot’s main market. It feels like being in the calmest and most tranquil spot in the world, where one can relax in the arms of nature and be free of the world’s muddles.
Two different faith centres are located directly across from the fountain. The first is the temple of Dev Pashakot, the local rain deity. The second is an older temple that has seen most valley couples tie the knot. On the approach to the old Mayot road, the Thandi Golai ground serves as a tent site for various trekkers organised by the trekking organisers. Mandi district’s highest village is only an hour’s uphill hike from Lapas panchayat.
Due to the favourable climate and temperature, the best time to visit Barot is between May and June. Mandi, Joginder Nagar, and Palampur are all accessible by public bus from Barot. At a reasonable price, regular taxi services are also available.