Barot is a village of a few hundred metres of road in the Uhl valley, in Mandi district at around 1,800 metres. It exists because of the Shanan hydel project: the British-era scheme that diverts the Uhl here and drops its water through the mountain to a power house near Jogindernagar. Almost everything in the village, from the colony buildings to the barrage and reservoir, is a product of that work, which makes Barot an unusual hill stop where industrial heritage and forest share the same few streets.
The valley has two other identities. It is a trout-fishing base, with a government breeding farm, a short angling season that runs from late August to the end of October, and a Fisheries Department permit system. It is also a gateway: Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary lies across the river, and trails from the villages around Barot lead to Dehnasar lake, Rajgundha and the high Dhauladhar country in Kangra and Kullu.
It is not a place for a checklist. The road in leaves the main highway at Ghatasani and climbs about 25 km through Jhatingri and Tikkan, much of it single-lane, so the journey is part of the visit. Facilities are simple, nights are cold, and winter snow can close the road. Come for two or three quiet days in spring or autumn, bring warm clothes and patience, and the valley rewards you with clear air, forest walks and very little noise.
Before you plan
Barot at a glance
- Best months
- April to June and September to NovemberApril to June and September to November; autumn is clearest and is the angling season. July and August are wet with landslide risk, and winter snow can close the road.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days2 to 3 days; add more only if you plan guided treks
- Airport
- GaggalGaggal (Kangra) Airport, DHM, or Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport, KUU; each is a long road journey of several hours. Chandigarh is the larger alternative.
- Railway station
- JogindernagarJogindernagar, the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley line from Pathankot, about 40 km from Barot by road; Wikipedia shows the code as JGNX
- Getting around
- Hire a taxi from Jogindernagar or MandiHire a taxi from Jogindernagar or Mandi; public buses run to Barot from Mandi, Jogindernagar and Palampur. In the village, walk.
- Daily budget
- Simple and modest: stays and meals…Simple and modest: stays and meals are basic, so costs depend mostly on taxi hire; confirm rates locally
- Senior comfort
- Limited: a long winding single-lane roadLimited: a long winding single-lane road, cold nights and basic facilities. Village sights are easy, but treks are not.
- Language
- Hindi and PahariHindi and Pahari (Mandyali) locally; English is limited outside tourist stays
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Barot: April, May, September, October. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Barot itinerary
One good day
1 day in Barot
Reach Barot in the morning after the long drive from Jogindernagar or Mandi. Walk to the Uhl barrage and reservoir while the light is clear, then visit the Fisheries Department's trout farm and ask about the angling season. Have lunch at a simple eatery that serves trout if it is in season, rest for an hour, and take a short afternoon walk along the Lamba Dug stream or the village road. Leave before dusk for the return journey if you are not staying, because the single-lane road is slow after dark.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Barot
Arrive by midday, check in and rest. In the afternoon walk to the barrage and reservoir, learn about the Shanan scheme and the old haulage trolley line, and visit the trout farm. Eat early and keep warm in the evening.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Barot
Break the journey at Jhatingri to see the palace remains and the forest road. Reach Barot, walk to the barrage and reservoir, and rest early.
Day-by-day plan →
