SEROLSAR LAKE

Located in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh, 78 km away from Kullu, is the magnificent Serolsar Lake. The lake is situated at an altitude of 10,170 ft, and you will need to embark on a 5-kilometer trek to reach the place.

The beautiful lake is surrounded by thick alpine forests from all sides and has a narrow walking trail surrounded by thick tall pine trees on the outer side. The water of the lake is known to have medicinal properties and is guarded by a fence surrounding it. Throughout the year, Serolsar Lake adorns itself with stunning hues, displaying a white shimmer in winter, and a harmonious blend of snow Springs and summers feature lush greenery, and a vibrant lushness is seen during the monsoon. Located on one side of the lake is a small temple of Budhi Nagin. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Budhi Nagin, the mother of Nagdev – the snake god and is known to be a pilgrimage place for locals.

For travelers seeking an enchanting escape, Himachal Pradesh packages often include visits to Serolsar Lake, offering a blend of natural beauty, spiritual tranquility, and an immersive experience in the lush, serene environment of the Himalayas.

Highlights

• Visit Serolsar Lake, a beautiful lake located amidst thick alpine forest, in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
• Embark on a 5 km trek on a scenic trail through pine forests to reach the lake located at an altitude of 10,170 ft
• Stop at the 360-degree Viewpoint during your trek to admire the breathtaking view of Pir Panjal range and the Great Himalayan Range.
• Reach the lake to admire the breathtaking view of the lake with its backdrop of lush green forests.
• Pray at the Budhi Nagin temple, a local pilgrimage place, situated beside the lake.

How To Reach

By Foot: You will need to go on a 5 km trek to reach Serolsar Lake. The trek will start from Jalori Pass, a high point connecting Shimla and Kullu valleys. 

By Car: Jalori pass is 73.4 km, 109.9 km and 130.5 km away from Kullu, Manali and Shimla respectively. To reach Jalori from Kullu by car or taxi, you will need to travel for 2h 37 min via NH305 and NH 3. To reach from Manali, you will need to travel for 3 hr 31 min via the same route. And to reach from Shimla, you will need to travel for 4 hr 29 min along the same route.

By Train: The nearest railway station is at Jogindernagar, which is 133.3 km from Jalori Pass. You can take a car or taxi from the railway stations and reach Jalori Pass in 4 hr 40 min via NH305, NH3 and NH154.

By Bus: You can take a bus to Banjar (19.9 km) or Jibhi(12 km), which are the nearest towns to Jalori Pass and hire a car or taxi to reach your destination. To reach from Banjar, you will need to travel for 1 hr 1 min via NH305 and to reach from Jibhi, you will need to travel via the same route for 34 mins.

Best Time To Visit

Saturday is the best day in the week to visit Serolsar Lake. If you visit on a Saturday, you will be able to watch the locals from surrounding villages coming to do the parikrama in the temple. You will also be able to witness the locals offer ghee and oil to the local deity as prayers. It is best to start your trek to reach the lake as early in the morning as possible so that you can also come back before it gets dark. Also, if you start early, you can reach the 360-degree Viewpoint just in time for sunrise. 

Other Essential Information

• Plan to start your trek early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from a 360-degree viewpoint.
• Make sure that you carry water with you, as there is no water source till you reach the temple.
• If you wish to return back on the same day, make sure you start by 3pm.
• Carry a first aid kit along in case you sprain your leg during trek.
• Pack some light snacks along as you may not get much food during the trek.
• Preserve the sanctity of the place by refraining from littering or causing any disturbance.