Rohru Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Rohru

Pabbar Valley, situated in Rohru, is a popular destination among tourists as it is an ideal location for different types of adventure sports like trekking, skiing, camping, paragliding and hand gliding. The valley rests on the banks of the Pabbar river, which is famous for mahseer and trout fishing. The months between October and April are considered ideal for fishing in the Pabbar Valley. The valley is located amid lakes, streams and mountains, which add up to the beauty of the place. Some of the famous treks here are the Chanshal Trek and the Kuper Valley Trek. Travellers can avail sports packages from local travel agents and tour guides here. In addition to this, accommodation in the form of tents can also be availed here. Jeep Safari, another way to explore the region, is available for tourists here.

Shikru Devta Temple, devoted to the Hindu deity Shikru Devta, is one of the most prominent tourist spots of Rohru. Its location in the heart of the town makes it an easy place to find. Although the Shikru Devta Temple can be visited at any time of the year, a large number of tourists flock to the temple during an annual fair, which is organized in the month of April.

Chirgaon Village, situated at a distance of 15 km from Rohru, is one of the noted tourist spots in the region. Mandi, Dhamari, Seema, Tikri and Sandhsu are some of its nearby popular areas where fishing can be taken up. Adventure lovers can also visit Larot, which is close by Rohru.

This place serves as a trekking base for Sarahan via Tacklech, Dodra to Nichar and to the Sangla Valley. The whole region is surrounded by dense forests and shrubs, which further enhance the wild beauty of the place. Travellers might come across some of the ancient temples which are counted amongst recommended tourist spots located in proximity to the region.

Chanshal Range, located at an altitude of 4520 m above sea level, cuts the Dodra Kawar Valley from Rohru. Some of the peaks of this mountain range are about 5200 m in height. This place is considered as an ideal destination for adventure lovers and is noted for slope skiing.

Owing to the popularity of sports in the region, the government of Himachal Pradesh has proposed to build a ski resort in the area. The place is open for tourists only between the months of May and October and remains closed for the most part of the year, particularly during winters.

Dodra and Villages of Rohru, though situated just a few kilometres away from each other, do not share a connecting road. These places are noted for their wide varieties of wild flowers, medicinal herbs, cedar, birch and dense forests of flowering rhododendron. Beautiful waterfalls and fast-flowing streams further enhance the beauty of the two places. With the Sharangcha Peak for a backdrop, wooden temples and beautiful wooden art by the natives of the region, the visit to Dodra is quite memorable for the sightseer and art lover. Adventurers can also take up a trek from Tikri to Kwar via Larot, a distance of about 45 km. Sudash, Larot, Sungr and Dhanwari are areas here noted among tourists for trout fishing.

Hatkoti is a picturesque village located 105 km from Shimla, on the banks of the Pabbar river, at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level. Two mountains streams, namely, the Bishkulti and the Raanvti, merge into the Pabbar at Hatkoti. The colour of water of the river is greyish here, which, according to a legend, is because the river oozes out poison. Hatkoti is also a noted pilgrimage site for Hindus as it lies on the confluence or sangam of three water streams. According to Hindu mythology, this place bears religious importance. This is the place where a duel between Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and his consort, Goddess Parvati, was carried out.

Travellers can also find beautiful temples with wooden doors and stonewalls here showcasing the artistic excellence of an ancient era. The presence of these temples earned Hatkoti the title of the Valley of Stone Temples. Trekking, mountaineering and rafting are also popular among visitors to Hatkoti.

Hatkeshwari Mata Temple Complex is a prominent tourist attraction of Hatkoti. This temple is a fine example of the architectural style of the 6th and the 9th century AD. Enshrined within it is a bronze idol of Mahishasuramardini, one of the incarnations of the Hindu deity, Durga. The idol has eight arms and is shown sitting on the back of a lion.

On one hand she holds a spike which is piercing through the heart of a demon named, Mahishasura. Ashwin Navratra and Chaitra Navratra are two of the popular Hindu festivals celebrated in this temple during which it is thronged by devotees from far-flung areas.

The presiding deity is presented with flowers, halwa, walnuts and rice as offerings along with a goat or a sheep, which is sacrificed in honour of the deity. Another temple, dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva, sits on the gateway of the complex.

A dharamshala, a rest-house and granaries are situated inside the complex of the temple. The temples were said to originally feature domes shaped like 'shikaras' which were later changed in the late 19th century into the wooden pagodas that can be seen today.

Giriganga Temple, situated on the banks of the river Giriganga, is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites of Rohru. According to a legend the temple was built by Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the author of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, around 5500 years ago.

The temple is situated amid dense forests that become covered in snow during the winter season. Adventurous visitors can take up hiking routes that pass through the thick woods of Deodar from here.

Sunpuri Hills, situated at the centre of the Hatkoti valley, is considered to be a sacred site by the natives of the region. Locals also know the place by the name of Ardhnarishwar. A beautiful temple, devoted to the Hindu deity Mahishasuramardini whose stone carved idol is enshrined in the temple, is situated here.

There are other temples located close to the Sunpuri Hills, which according to folklore, were built by the Pandavas of the Hindu mythology. Due to this belief the temples have also earned the name of Panzo Pandoora Ghaurdoo, meaning houses of the Pandavas.

Fishing is one of the most popular activities among tourists in the region of Rohru. The city is located on the banks of the Pabbar river, which is famous for trout fishing. Both rainbow trout and brown trout are available in this river.