Rajgunda – a serene alternate to Bir & Billing.
We all know about Bir & billing, famous for sunsets, quaint cafes, and paragliding, a perfect weekend retreat or a workcation destination. But, what if I told you that just 1 hour away from Bir is a place hidden in the serene landscapes where mountains seem to touch the sky, and stars seem to be an arm’s length away!!
I have been contemplating trekking to Rajgunda for the last 5 years, however, I delayed it for some other good time. So, this time when I was in Bir I finally decided to go for it. But, much to my dismay I was a little too late, I discovered that there is a road now which connects to this previously disconnected village.
Most of the travelers carry out a day trip to Rajgundha, but I would recommend you to spend at least a night or two to experience the magical sky laden with stars. You can see the Milky Way arched across the sky and if you’re a regular star gazer you can also spot constellations and star clusters. If you are planning a vacation for 4 nights, stay at rajgunda for 2 nights initially, and then 2 nights at bir.
How to reach Rajgunda
There are 2 routes to reach Rajgunda :
a) From Bir – Like I mentioned earlier, people used to trek from Bir to Rajgunda, but now there is a properly constructed road which is most preferable way to reach there. You can hire a taxi which will cost you around 1200-1500 INR OR you can hire a rental scooter, which will cost you ranging from 500-1000 INR, depending upon the touristic season.
b) From Barot – There is a road connectivity from Barot to Rajgunda. Options remains the same – taxi or a rental scooter. You can also make a circular route from Bir-Rajgunda-Barot or vice-versa. I, personally, prefer to visit from Bir because of the scenic views of billing, which comes enroute.
On my way to Rajgundha, I could feel getting closer to the raw and unspoiled beauty of nature. Rajgundha is a small serene village inhabited by less than 100 people, you can see the narrow winding lanes, and local temples and experience the laid-back village life.
Things to do while at Rajgunda
a) Relax by the River side – Uhl river, in its purest form, with crystal clear water, flows from the rajgunda valley. The river is so clear that you could see the details of the river bed despite it being really deep. It will take approximately 10 min drive from village (towards barot) to reach the river. It is one straight road, to avoid any confusion. I would suggest to take a walk to reach the river. There is a shortcut to reach the river bank, for which you should inquire from the locals. You can easily spend a few hours chilling by the uhl river.
b) Palachak trek – It is a 3-4 hour trek from rajgunda. Inquire about the starting point of the trek from anyone around the village. It is a narrow hike up from the main road, just 10 mins walk from the village. There are a plenty of beautiful & scenic spots while trekking towards palachak. You can let your hair down, and de-stress while enjoying the views of beautiful rajgunda valley & uhl river from any of these points, if you are not willing to trek for 4 hours, and back.
You will reach the first scenic spot just after hiking for 20-25 mins only. It will be a big rock, where you can sit back, lay down and groove, along with the pleasant views.
c) Hanumangarh trek – It is a short trek of about 1.5 hour from rajgunda. Inquire about the starting point ( before the main village, if you are going via bir) from anyone around the village. Personally, I have not done this trek, but locals proclaimed that it is a good 360 degrees of the valley from the summit. As the name signifies, there is a temple of lord hanuman up there. Just examine and inquire into the weather before doing this trek, so that you can enjoy a clear view.
d) Chill at Rajgunda (village & valley)– The views from your property (wherever you stay) are going to be enthralling. I remember from the time when I stayed at zostel, there is a small hill in front of the property, and the view from that hill is mesmerizing. It gives a beautiful view of the valley. I spent one complete day chilling at that point. So, even if you are not willing to trek or hike, you can easily spend 2 nights at this place, and you would definitely like to stay more.
Where to stay at Rajgunda
Currently, there are a few options to stay at Rajgunda. Other than the listed below, you can also check for stay options online.
a) Zostel – this is the finest property till date to stay at rajgunda. It has dorm beds, and private rooms, which can be booked online. They have a nice common area. The foremost advantage of staying here is that the view of the valley is amazing from this place.
b) Hawk mountain hotel, Himtek strays – These can be your second option, after zostel.
c) Camping – There are certain camping tents available at rajgunda. Thamsar Base Camp, Rajgunda cafe & camping are the famous ones.
Best time to visit Rajgunda
Although, the best time to visit rajgunda is summers i.e. April to June, but this place looks like a winterland during winters (January to March), since it receives heavy snowfall. You can also visit here between September till November too, if you enjoy winters in mountains. Notice that, the roads to rajgunda are closed during snow time.