Route library · Weekend · Mountains
Delhi to Tirthan Valley
The Tirthan Valley runs off the Kullu highway at Aut and almost nobody turns in. It is a quiet river valley of trout pools, apple orchards and timber homestays, ending at the gate of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the gentlest, greenest weekend rides into Himachal.
Send to WhatsApp Download GPX Plan this trip Notes verified September 2026 · something changed?
At a glance
- Round trip
- About 940–1,020 km
- Riding time
- 9–10 hours each way — a long day, split if you can
- Nights
- One works; two is relaxed
- Start point
- Delhi (via Chandigarh, Bilaspur and Mandi)
- Highest point
- About 1,600 m at Gushaini; the GHNP trails climb far higher on foot
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Easy roads all the way; the length is the only real demand.
- Surface
- Chandigarh–Mandi–Aut is good NH; Aut–Banjar–Gushaini is a narrow but mostly sealed river road
- Best season
- March to June and September to November. The monsoon can flood the river road; winter is cold and quiet with occasional light snow at Gushaini.
The ride
Delhi → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Aut, then leave the Kullu highway and follow the Tirthan river up through Banjar to Gushaini, where the road ends and the national park begins.
There is not much to "do" and that is the point: walk to the Chhoie waterfall, try trout fishing with a permit, cross the river footbridges to the homestays, and take a day walk into the GHNP buffer with a local guide. Jibhi and Jalori Pass are a short ride away if you want to combine.
Day by day
Delhi to Gushaini
The long day: Delhi → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Aut → Banjar → Gushaini (10–11 hours). Fuel at Mandi and Aut. Sleep by the river.
The valley day
Chhoie waterfall, a guided walk into the GHNP buffer, trout pools, and the wooden villages. Slow, green, quiet.
Gushaini to Delhi
Down to Aut and the long highway home. Leave at first light.
Fuel & services
- Fuel is easy to Mandi and at Aut and Banjar.
- Fill up at Aut before turning into the valley — the Tirthan road has no reliable pump beyond Banjar.
- Gushaini and the villages around it have riverside homestays and small lodges, several family-run. Book ahead. Signal is weak in the valley.
Road & conditions
Chandigarh to Aut is fast NH. The Tirthan road from Aut is a narrow river-valley road, mostly sealed, with some rough and washed-out patches and a few single-lane bridges. It is not technical, but the monsoon can put water and debris across it — check locally if you ride in the wet.
Bike, fuel & getting help
- Suggested bike
- Fine on a well-maintained 150–200cc commuter.
- Fuel gap
- One long stretch without a pump — fill up before it and top off where you can.
- Spare fuel
- Carry 3–5 litres of spare fuel.
- Emergency & logistics
- The nearest well-equipped hospital is the valley/district town, one to two hours off; signal is patchy above the bazaar; carry the group lead's number and an emergency card.
Best time to ride
March to June is green and the river is full but crossable. Mid-September to November is clear and settled. Winter is cold and very quiet, with the odd dusting of snow. Avoid July and August — the Tirthan can flood its road.
What to add to your kit
Beyond the standard ride kit: a warm layer for the river evenings, shoes for the waterfall and buffer walks, and cash. Nothing technical.
Ride this with a group
We run Tirthan as an easy green Himachal weekend — the long day paced and split, riverside homestays booked, and a waterfall-trail clean-up as the service action.