Himachal Heritage & Ridge Circuit Solan to Sarahan via Hatu
10 Days • Temples, Apple Valleys & Forested Peaks Download ItineraryThis 10-day circuit traces the spiritual and scenic spine of Himachal — from the ancient temples of Hatkoti and Sarahan to the apple orchards of Rohru and the panoramic ridges of Narkanda and Hatu Peak. It’s a journey through quiet villages, forested climbs, and colonial echoes, perfect for those who seek depth, beauty, and offbeat immersion.
Trip Overview
Duration→10 Days
Best Season→March to November (Hatu Peak accessible; apple season peaks Aug–Oct)
Total Distance→~850–900 km
Vehicle Type→SUV / High Clearance (small cars possible but not ideal for Hatu stretch)
Difficulty→Moderate (steep climbs, narrow roads, remote stretches)
Permits→No permits required
Mobile Network→Jio/BSNL in towns; patchy or no signal in Sungri, Hatu Peak
Fuel Planning→Reliable pumps in Solan, Rohru, Rampur, Narkanda, Shimla
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Solan → Hatkoti
- Distance/Time: ~130 km 5–6 hrs
- Highlights:
- Drive through Chail and Kharapathar
- Visit Hatkoti Temple Complex — ancient Shakti shrine
- Adventure: Riverbank walk along Pabbar
- Stay: Hatkoti guesthouse
- Tip: Temple photography restricted inside sanctum
Day 2: Hatkoti → Rohru
- Distance/Time: ~25 km 1 hr
- Highlights:
- Apple orchards, riverside charm
- Visit Shikru Devta Temple
- Adventure: Short hike to Larot ridge (optional)
- Stay: Rohru homestay
- Tip: Try local red rice and siddu
Day 3: Rohru → Sungri
- Distance/Time: ~40 km 2–3 hrs
- Highlights:
- Forested climb to Sungri Ridge
- Panoramic views of Pabbar Valley
- Adventure: Sunset walk along the ridge
- Stay: Sungri cottage
- Tip: Carry snacks; limited food options
Day 4: Sungri → Rampur–Bushahr
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Drive along Satluj River
- Visit Padam Palace in Bushahr
- Adventure: Evening walk along Rampur ghats
- Stay: Rampur hotel
- Tip: Explore Bushahr’s wooden architecture
Day 5: Rampur → Sarahan
- Distance/Time: ~40 km 2 hrs
- Highlights:
- Climb to Sarahan — gateway to Kinnaur
- Visit Bhimakali Temple — fusion of Hindu-Buddhist styles
- Adventure: Temple architecture walk
- Stay: Sarahan guesthouse
- Tip: Modest attire required for temple entry
Day 6: Sarahan → Narkanda
- Distance/Time: ~100 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Forested descent to Narkanda
- Visit Stokes Farm (seasonal)
- Adventure: Apple orchard walk
- Stay: Narkanda
- Tip: Try Himachali thali at a local dhaba
Day 7: Narkanda → Hatu Peak → Theog
- Distance/Time: ~60 km 3–4 hrs
- Pass: Hatu Peak (3,400 m)
- Highlights:
- Trek or drive to Hatu Temple
- Views of snow-capped ranges and cedar forests
- Adventure: Hatu Peak trek (7 km one way)
- Stay: Theog
- Tip: Start trek early; carry water and snacks
Day 8: Theog → Kufri
- Distance/Time: ~40 km 2 hrs
- Highlights:
- Colonial-era charm, yak rides, ridge views
- Visit Himalayan Nature Park
- Adventure: Short hike to Mahasu Peak
- Stay: Kufri
- Tip: Avoid weekends for crowd-free experience
Day 9: Kufri → Shimla
- Distance/Time: ~20 km 1 hr
- Highlights:
- Visit Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road
- Optional detour to Annandale Army Museum
- Adventure: Sunset walk on The Ridge
- Stay: Shimla
- Tip: Book café dinner with valley view
Day 10: Shimla → Solan
- Distance/Time: ~50 km 2 hrs
- Highlights:
- Scenic descent through pine forests
- Return to Solan (trip end)
- Tip: Stop at Barog station for heritage photo
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Solan → Hatkoti → Rohru → Sungri → Rampur–Bushahr → Sarahan → Narkanda → Hatu Peak → Theog → Kufri → Shimla → Solan
Essentials to Carry
- Documents: DL, RC, insurance, ID proofs
- Clothing: Warm layers, rain jacket, trekking gear
- Footwear: Hiking shoes, sandals for temple visits
- Health: Basic meds, ORS, insect repellent
- Gear: Power banks, torch, offline maps, camera
- Misc: Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm, reusable water bottle
Insider Tip:
- Best season: March–June for bloom; Sept–Nov for clear skies
- Photography: Hatu Peak panoramas, Bhimakali Temple architecture, Sungri ridge views
- Local eats: Try siddu, red rice, and apple chutney in Rohru and Sarahan
- Eco-ethic: No littering on trails; respect temple zones
- Road caution: Sungri and Hatu stretches require slow, careful driving
Permits, fuel and checkpoints
- Permits:
- No permits required for Indian or foreign nationals
- Fuel:
- Reliable pumps: Solan, Rohru, Rampur, Narkanda, Shimla
- Top up before Hatu Peak leg
- Checkpoints:
- Occasional forest check near Hatu and Sungri
- Timing Tips:
- Hatu Peak best trekked before noon
- Temple visits close by 6 pm
