Jalori Pass, Kullu - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Shoja, 20 km from Banjar, 73 km from Kullu, and 79 km from Mandi, Jalori Pass is a high mountain pass situated at an altitude of 10,800 ft in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the major places tourist attracions in Kullu.

Jalori Pass is one of the favorite places for trekkers, bike riders, and adventure lovers. It comes on the way to Banjar Mountain ranges of the Himalayas. The mahakali temple known as Jalori Mata is a famous place visited by thousands of devotees. The area of Jalori Pass is a natural paradise to find the seasonal blossoms along with bountiful flora and fauna amidst the pristine solitude of the highlands.

Jalori Pass is the starting point for two easy but interesting treks which makes it a worthwhile place to visit. One is the Sareolsar Lake trek. A 5 km trek from the top of the Jalori pass brings on to the tranquil surrounding of Sareolsar Lake whose unpolluted water is crystal clear. This lake is tranquil and known for being the seat of local goddess Budhi Nagin. It's an extraordinary place to visit but there is no means of transportation so you have to go on foot. Another one is the Raghupur Fort trek which is 3 km from Jalori Pass. This picturesque fort was built by a Kulu king. The fort is surrounded by wide trenches with a small pond inside. The walls of the fort are marked by bullet holes from sieges.

It is locally known as Jalori Jot and it is typically accessible only between April and November. It receives as much as 20 feet of snow in the winters and the roads become inaccessible. The route usually opens around the second week of March every year and closes mid-December depending on the snow.

Accommodation is available at Shoja which is 5 km from Jalori Pass. There are two wonderful rest houses, one operated by PWD and the other by the Forest Department.