My days in Sarkidhar were somewhat structured. Though just like my other trips, this one was also unplanned. The only thing that I had planned was the online booking that I had done. Moreover, there wasn’t much information available online when I searched for things to do in Sarkidhar. So, I planned to explore it by myself. The point is, not many people visit this village. However, the homestay owner told me he has also hosted foreigners and even showed me the photographs.
I visited Sarkidhar in April, and it was kind of hot at that time. Though it rained and the weather became pleasant. The days were hotter than nights which were peaceful and beautiful. Watching the clouds and the stars sitting at the terrace with the bonfire is such a wonderful experience. I had spent two days already there and still wasn’t fully aware of the activities to do in Sarkidhar.
Certainly, planning is an essential aspect of a journey. If you don’t plan, you end up missing out on certain things. I did, on some of my trips, since I traveled without any proper plan. However, one thing was sure that I would be trekking in Himachal Pradesh. So, whenever I visited Himachal Pradesh, I was ready with my trekking kit, at least the basics.
When I reached Sarkidhar, I was honestly a little disappointed. One, it wasn’t that green, and second, it was hot. I had been traveling to comparatively higher altitudes of Himachal Pradesh. So, this reason looked a little different from what I had been to already. For a moment, it didn’t even look like those places. Yes, the village is based on hills. And there are valleys, but not everyone. The village is a part of Mandi district, and snowfall is a rare phenomenon here. Even Dhosi Hills looked far more greener than this.
Read Here – Shangarh in Snowfall
April was my last month of WFH, and all I was doing was working from 9 to 6. However, I had reached Sarkidhar on Saturday morning, so I had Saturday and Sunday to roam around and explore some parts of the area. After that, I started roaming around during the morning and evening hours. I would wake up early and go trekking. Then in the evening, I would go to the cave side and roam there.
Explore Buddhist Caves in Sarkidhar
Rewalsar is known for its connection with Buddhism and has three monasteries. However, there are Hindu temples and a gurdwara as well. This is the place where Guru Rinpoche meditated and later left for Tibet. Sarkidhar also has several Buddhist Caves where monks live and meditate. There’s a nunnery also. These caves are often closed with doors and locks. These caves are scattered in different places.
Naina Devi Mandir at Hilltop of Sarkidhar
One of the most famous attractions of Sarkidhar is Naina Devi Temple. Located on the top of a hill at 1830 m above the sea level, one can get breathtaking views of the Bahl Valley, Pir Panjal Range, etc. There are bus services to the temple. However, I hiked from the homestay. There are shortcuts on the way if you plan to walk to the temple. There are shops in the temple vicinity and a guest house as well. The shops don’t accept UPI payment (when I visited), and also, there is no water source on the way.
Spend Some Time at the Lakes
The most prominent thing about the village is the lakes. It is said that the village has seven lakes. The name of the village means sar means lake, and dhar means hill (hill of lakes). Only three lakes are present now, and the rest of the others are dried. Kunt Bhyog is the largest lake that remains full of water and fish. I would visit there early in the morning. A walk to this lake early in the morning is among the most beautiful things to do in Sarkidhar.
Take a Walk to Rewalsar
The road distance from Rewalsar to Sarkidhar is nearly 9-10km. Though there are regular bus services during the day, if you want to walk, there’s a shortcut. While roaming around the Buddhist caves in Sarkidhar, I came across a narrow path going down from the hill and asked some people. I was told it was a shortcut to Rewalsar. This town is the main market, and you will find many monks. So, people visit it for all basic necessities. There is a lake in Rewalsar as well.
Hiking in Sarkidhar
One of the most adventurous things to do in Sarkidhar is hiking. There are treks which you can do. Ensure that you take a guide with you. And don’t roam into the woods after dark. I was told that the village has some wild guests (the big cats). Every night someone far away would thump drums or something to scare them away from the village. I would trek almost 5-6km every day. The only challenge is the water. A 1L water bottle won’t last long.
Things to Remember Before Visiting Sarkidhar
Make sure that you have enough cash when you come to Sarkidhar. Though local shops have started to accept UPI payments but still at places, you will require cash only. Rewalsar is the main town. And, for every basic requirement, that’s where you have to go. So, it’s better to pack accordingly. There is no medical shop, departmental store, clinic, fruit shops, etc. Everything is in Rewalsar. There were no restaurants in Sarkidhar (when I was there). You will only get a local tea+snack shop. Also, there is a Maggi stall on the way to Sarkidhar from Rewalsar. Next to that stall, after a few hundred meters, there is a sweet shop where. Wherever you roam around or hike to the temple, make sure that you carry enough water. Chances are you won’t find a water source on the way…
