The Great Himalayan National Park, Jalori Pass, Shojha Overview :
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), is one of India’s national parks, is located in Kullu region in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The park was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 1,171 km2 at an altitude of between 1500 to 6000m. The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species, including approximately 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects. They are protected under the strict guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972; hence any sort of hunting is not permitted. In June 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Committee granted the status to the park under the criteria of “exceptional natural beauty and conservation of biological diversity”.

Nestled in the peaks of northern Himalayas lies the Jalori mountain pass, an undiscovered beauty located between the prominent towns of Kullu and Shimla. With scenic views of the snow-capped Himalayan landscape and the fresh mountain air to surround you, the hike through Jalori Pass has much to offer with exquisite flowers, birds and the environment for a surreal experience. The path leads to the nearby Serolsar Lake and ‘Budhi Naagin’ temple, which not only caters to the needs of the perpetual trekkers but also offers an escapade for nature fanatics and religious devotees. At a height of 10,800 feet above sea level, the trail through this mountain pass is relatively untouched as a tourist attraction, possibly due to the hype surrounding the roads to reach this pass. And it is completely justified.

Although the Jalori Pass is a mere 5 kilometers from the hamlet of Shoja, it is not for the faint-hearted. The road is narrow and extremely steep, not to mention uneven and full of potholes, making it a bumpy ride. Vehicles are prone to slipping due to frost during the winter, even after machines have swept away the snow. Sometimes it becomes difficult to drive the car even in first gear. However, if you have even a tinge of adventure within you, this pass is worth all the hassle. Once you reach the pass, the trek winds through the faraway mountain range, providing a quiet respite from the bustle of everyday life. It is a moderate level trek seated amidst large coniferous forests, and can be best covered between the seasons of mid-June to mid-October, when traversing through the snow is a manageable feat. The pass remains closed during the winter months of December to January due to heavy snowfall.

Things to carry:
The place is all famous for trout fishing (Angling). If you are read freak you can carry books, if you like to play music then carry instruments with you, if you like to chat just come here and open your chatterbox around a bonfire with your mates, if you like to fish take your fishing kit with you or can get there as well. The destination is ideal for anything that makes you feel relax from the day to day life, so come and enjoy fullest.