Somewhere in Barot Valley, Himachal Pradesh 🌊🏔️

Barot Valley, Himachal Pradesh 🌊
Sometimes all you need is a river, mountains, and some quiet.

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 11 days ago
▲ 191 r/himachal

Somewhere in Barot Valley, Himachal Pradesh 🌊🏔️

Somewhere in Barot Valley, Himachal Pradesh 🌊🏔️
Just the sound of the river, mountains, and a little peace.
One of those places where you can sit for hours and do absolutely nothing.

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 11 days ago
▲ 166 r/Dharamshala+1 crossposts

The mountains disappeared into the clouds😍📍Dharmkot Himachal

The mountains disappeared into the clouds,
and somehow, all the noise disappeared too.
Just me, the mist, and a moment I’ll never forget. 🤍

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 25 days ago
▲ 143 r/himachal

Lost in the mist, found in the moment 😍

Lost in the mist, found in the moment

Location 📍- Gallu Devi temple Upper Dharamkot

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 27 days ago
▲ 100 r/jaipur

😍 Beautiful Jaipur in night ✨

Location 📍- near choti chopar

When the city sleeps, Jaipur’s heritage shines the brightest.

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 1 month ago
▲ 276 r/TravelVlog+1 crossposts

Got trapped at Gallu Waterfall during a flash flood. Rescued by locals after hours. Please don’t underestimate mountain weather.

I wanted to share something that happened to me on 27th June at Gallu Waterfall near Dharamshala. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, and I hope this post makes someone think twice before taking risks around waterfalls during the monsoon.
I’m a solo traveler from Jaipur. I had completed the Triund Trek on 26th June and stayed another night near Gallu. During my stay, I became friends with two college students from Amritsar. They wanted to visit Gallu Waterfall, and since I had already been there the previous day, I agreed to take them.
Around 12:30 PM we started the trek. It had already started raining, but it didn’t seem too dangerous. After about an hour, we reached the waterfall. There were already many tourists there. Some were swimming in the natural pool below the waterfall.
I don’t really know how to swim properly, but one of my friends does. We decided to stay only in the shallow area near the side.
While we were in the water, a woman wanted to cross the small stream to reach our side. The current looked normal, so I held out my hand and helped her cross safely. Another man also came over. Everything felt completely normal. We were just enjoying the freezing cold water.
About 5–6 minutes later, people sitting above the waterfall—including some locals from the nearby café—started screaming:
“Get out! Get out of the water! Hurry!”
At first, we had no idea why they were shouting. Nothing looked unusual.
Then, within seconds, the water level started rising rapidly.
We immediately ran out, but we had almost no time. The water became so powerful that we couldn’t cross back. We got stranded on the opposite side of the waterfall.
Within minutes, the water level had risen several meters. The calm stream had turned into a violent current.
There were 9 of us trapped on that side.
The fear on everyone’s face was obvious, especially the woman whom I had helped cross just a few minutes earlier. Most of us had left our clothes, phones, and bags on the other side. One man’s backpack and phone were placed on a rock very close to the water, and we watched helplessly as the water kept rising, hoping they wouldn’t be washed away.
There was no alternate route.
The families of some tourists were standing on the opposite side, completely helpless, watching us.
For the next couple of hours, we waited on the rocks, hoping the water level would go down. Instead, the rain continued and the current kept getting stronger.
We tried to stay calm. Most of us were young, so we kept talking to each other to avoid panicking, but deep inside everyone knew the situation was serious.
The biggest fear wasn’t just the water—it was the thought that if the rain continued in the upper mountains, the flash flood could become even worse. We didn’t know how long we’d be stuck there.
Luckily, one of my friends still had a little mobile network.
I called 100, connected with Himachal Police, and informed them that 9 people were stranded at Gallu Waterfall. They assured us the information had been forwarded for rescue.
Meanwhile, the families on the opposite side and the local people didn’t wait helplessly. They immediately started arranging ropes and looking for any possible way to rescue us before dark. In the forest, evening comes quickly, and all of us were shivering because we were soaked in freezing mountain water.
Finally, after a long wait, the locals managed to arrange ropes and a safety harness.
They threw the rope across to us.
We secured it, tied it around our waists one by one, and stretched another rope across for support.
One brave man volunteered to cross first. Everyone held the ropes tightly, and when he safely reached the other side, all of us finally felt hope.
The woman was rescued next because she was the only female trapped with us.
One by one, everyone crossed safely.
My friend and I stayed until almost the end to make sure everyone else got across first. I crossed second last, and he crossed last.
The moment all nine of us reached the other side safely, every single person thanked God. We also thanked the local people and the tourists who risked their own safety to rescue complete strangers.
Without their quick thinking and teamwork, I honestly don’t know what could have happened.
We even took a group photo afterward—not because it was a happy moment, but because it was something none of us would ever forget.
What I learned:
Never underestimate mountain weather.
A calm waterfall can turn into a dangerous flash flood within minutes.
If it’s raining, especially during monsoon, stay away from waterfalls and river crossings.
Listen immediately if locals ask you to leave.
Mountains are beautiful, but nature deserves respect.
I’ll always remember Gallu Waterfall—not just for its beauty, but for reminding me how quickly nature can change everything.
Stay safe, everyone.

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 1 month ago

My Solo Trip Guide: Jaipur → Dharamshala → McLeod Ganj → Gallu → Triund 🏔️

My Solo Trip Guide: Jaipur → Dharamshala → McLeod Ganj → Gallu → Triund 🏔️
If you’re planning a solo trip from Jaipur to Himachal, here’s my personal itinerary and a few tips that made my journey much smoother. Hopefully, this helps you plan yours.
🚌 Getting There
I took a Ram Dalal bus from Jaipur to Pathankot.
Departure: 4:00 PM (Jaipur)
Arrival: Around 5:30 AM (Pathankot)
Fare: Around ₹2,000
You can also travel via Jaipur → Delhi → Dharamshala, as there are several direct Volvo buses from Delhi. That’s another good option if you prefer direct connectivity.
🚍 Pathankot to Dharamshala
From Pathankot Bus Stand, take a local auto or taxi to ISBT Pathankot.
From there, board a Himachal Roadways bus to Dharamshala.
The journey takes around 2 hours, and you’ll usually reach Dharamshala by 9:30 AM.
📍 Where I Recommend Staying
Most people book hotels in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj.
I wouldn’t.
Instead, I highly recommend staying near Gallu Mata Temple.
Why?
Because it’s peaceful, surrounded by pine forests and mountains, much less crowded, and it’s the starting point for both the Triund Trek and Gallu Waterfall Trek.
It genuinely feels like you’re living in nature instead of a tourist town.
🏡 My Stay – Sagar Cottage
I stayed at Sagar Cottage, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
What I liked:
Just a few minutes from the Triund trek starting point.
Perfect location for Gallu Waterfall.
Morning clouds literally pass in front of your room.
Beautiful views of McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot from the rooftop.
Peaceful surroundings with almost no traffic.
The stay isn’t luxurious, but it’s clean, comfortable, and the hospitality is amazing.
I paid around ₹1,000 per night, which I felt was completely worth it.
The food was homemade, delicious, and affordable.
My favourites were:
☕ Coffee
🍳 Omelette
If you’re a non-vegetarian, they also prepare homemade local-style meals that make you feel like you’re eating with family.
🥾 Triund Trek
If you’re planning Triund, staying near Gallu is a huge advantage.
After trekking for hours, the last thing you’ll want is another long taxi ride back to your hotel.
Since my stay was just a few minutes away, I could simply return, rest, enjoy the mountain weather, and relax.
🚶 Exploring Nearby Places
One thing I loved about staying here was that almost everything was accessible.
Dharmkot Market: Around 30 minutes downhill by foot.
McLeod Ganj Main Square: Around 45–50 minutes walk.
The walks themselves are beautiful because you’re surrounded by forests and mountain views.
❤️** Places I Visited
Dalai Lama Temple
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
McLeod Ganj
Dharmkot
Triund Trek
Gallu Waterfall
🌿 Don’t Skip Dharmkot
This became one of my favourite places.
The vibe is completely different from McLeod Ganj.
You’ll find lots of Israeli cafés, peaceful streets, amazing mountain views, and a slower pace of life.
Spend a few hours café hopping, try the local food, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
🚡 Dharamshala Ropeway
If you want to visit Dharamshala city, take the ropeway from McLeod Ganj.
Travel time: Around 12 minutes
Round-trip ticket: Around ₹850
The views during the ride are absolutely worth it.
🚖 Returning
For my return journey, I hired a cab directly from Gallu Mata Temple to Dharamshala ISBT.
It cost me around ₹1,000, and it was much more convenient than changing multiple local buses with luggage.
⚠️
One Important Advic**e
I also had a serious incident at Gallu Waterfall during the monsoon, where a sudden flash flood left nine of us stranded for hours before locals rescued us.
Because of that experience, I strongly recommend:
Avoid waterfalls and river crossings during the rainy season.
Mountain weather changes within minutes.
Always listen to local advice.
No photo, reel, or adventure is worth risking your life.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to experience peace, forests, mountain views, and the real Himachal—not just crowded tourist markets—I genuinely recommend staying near Gallu Mata Temple instead of Dharamshala city.
It made my solo trip unforgettable, and I’d happily stay there again.
Travel responsibly, respect nature, and enjoy the mountains. 🏔️❤️

reddit.com
u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 1 month ago

My Solo Trip Guide: Jaipur → Dharamshala → McLeod Ganj → Gallu → Triund 🏔️

My Solo Trip Guide: Jaipur → Dharamshala → McLeod Ganj → Gallu → Triund 🏔️
If you’re planning a solo trip from Jaipur to Himachal, here’s my personal itinerary and a few tips that made my journey much smoother. Hopefully, this helps you plan yours.
🚌 Getting There
I took a Ram Dalal bus from Jaipur to Pathankot.
Departure: 4:00 PM (Jaipur)
Arrival: Around 5:30 AM (Pathankot)
Fare: Around ₹2,000
You can also travel via Jaipur → Delhi → Dharamshala, as there are several direct Volvo buses from Delhi. That’s another good option if you prefer direct connectivity.
🚍 Pathankot to Dharamshala
From Pathankot Bus Stand, take a local auto or taxi to ISBT Pathankot.
From there, board a Himachal Roadways bus to Dharamshala.
The journey takes around 2 hours, and you’ll usually reach Dharamshala by 9:30 AM.
📍 Where I Recommend Staying
Most people book hotels in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj.
I wouldn’t.
Instead, I highly recommend staying near Gallu Mata Temple.
Why?
Because it’s peaceful, surrounded by pine forests and mountains, much less crowded, and it’s the starting point for both the Triund Trek and Gallu Waterfall Trek.
It genuinely feels like you’re living in nature instead of a tourist town.
🏡 My Stay – Sagar Cottage
I stayed at Sagar Cottage, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
What I liked:
Just a few minutes from the Triund trek starting point.
Perfect location for Gallu Waterfall.
Morning clouds literally pass in front of your room.
Beautiful views of McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot from the rooftop.
Peaceful surroundings with almost no traffic.
The stay isn’t luxurious, but it’s clean, comfortable, and the hospitality is amazing.
I paid around ₹1,000 per night, which I felt was completely worth it.
The food was homemade, delicious, and affordable.
My favourites were:
☕ Coffee
🍳 Omelette
If you’re a non-vegetarian, they also prepare homemade local-style meals that make you feel like you’re eating with family.
🥾 Triund Trek
If you’re planning Triund, staying near Gallu is a huge advantage.
After trekking for hours, the last thing you’ll want is another long taxi ride back to your hotel.
Since my stay was just a few minutes away, I could simply return, rest, enjoy the mountain weather, and relax.
🚶 Exploring Nearby Places
One thing I loved about staying here was that almost everything was accessible.
Dharmkot Market: Around 30 minutes downhill by foot.
McLeod Ganj Main Square: Around 45–50 minutes walk.
The walks themselves are beautiful because you’re surrounded by forests and mountain views.
❤️** Places I Visited
Dalai Lama Temple
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
McLeod Ganj
Dharmkot
Triund Trek
Gallu Waterfall
🌿 Don’t Skip Dharmkot
This became one of my favourite places.
The vibe is completely different from McLeod Ganj.
You’ll find lots of Israeli cafés, peaceful streets, amazing mountain views, and a slower pace of life.
Spend a few hours café hopping, try the local food, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
🚡 Dharamshala Ropeway
If you want to visit Dharamshala city, take the ropeway from McLeod Ganj.
Travel time: Around 12 minutes
Round-trip ticket: Around ₹850
The views during the ride are absolutely worth it.
🚖 Returning
For my return journey, I hired a cab directly from Gallu Mata Temple to Dharamshala ISBT.
It cost me around ₹1,000, and it was much more convenient than changing multiple local buses with luggage.
⚠️
One Important Advic**e
I also had a serious incident at Gallu Waterfall during the monsoon, where a sudden flash flood left nine of us stranded for hours before locals rescued us.
Because of that experience, I strongly recommend:
Avoid waterfalls and river crossings during the rainy season.
Mountain weather changes within minutes.
Always listen to local advice.
No photo, reel, or adventure is worth risking your life.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to experience peace, forests, mountain views, and the real Himachal—not just crowded tourist markets—I genuinely recommend staying near Gallu Mata Temple instead of Dharamshala city.
It made my solo trip unforgettable, and I’d happily stay there again.
Travel responsibly, respect nature, and enjoy the mountains. 🏔️❤️

reddit.com
u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 1 month ago
▲ 114 r/himachal+2 crossposts

Got trapped at Gallu Waterfall during a flash flood. Rescued by locals after hours. Please don’t underestimate mountain weather.

I wanted to share something that happened to me on 27th June at Gallu Waterfall near Dharamshala. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, and I hope this post makes someone think twice before taking risks around waterfalls during the monsoon.
I’m a solo traveler from Jaipur. I had completed the Triund Trek on 26th June and stayed another night near Gallu. During my stay, I became friends with two college students from Amritsar. They wanted to visit Gallu Waterfall, and since I had already been there the previous day, I agreed to take them.
Around 12:30 PM we started the trek. It had already started raining, but it didn’t seem too dangerous. After about an hour, we reached the waterfall. There were already many tourists there. Some were swimming in the natural pool below the waterfall.
I don’t really know how to swim properly, but one of my friends does. We decided to stay only in the shallow area near the side.
While we were in the water, a woman wanted to cross the small stream to reach our side. The current looked normal, so I held out my hand and helped her cross safely. Another man also came over. Everything felt completely normal. We were just enjoying the freezing cold water.
About 5–6 minutes later, people sitting above the waterfall—including some locals from the nearby café—started screaming:
“Get out! Get out of the water! Hurry!”
At first, we had no idea why they were shouting. Nothing looked unusual.
Then, within seconds, the water level started rising rapidly.
We immediately ran out, but we had almost no time. The water became so powerful that we couldn’t cross back. We got stranded on the opposite side of the waterfall.
Within minutes, the water level had risen several meters. The calm stream had turned into a violent current.
There were 9 of us trapped on that side.
The fear on everyone’s face was obvious, especially the woman whom I had helped cross just a few minutes earlier. Most of us had left our clothes, phones, and bags on the other side. One man’s backpack and phone were placed on a rock very close to the water, and we watched helplessly as the water kept rising, hoping they wouldn’t be washed away.
There was no alternate route.
The families of some tourists were standing on the opposite side, completely helpless, watching us.
For the next couple of hours, we waited on the rocks, hoping the water level would go down. Instead, the rain continued and the current kept getting stronger.
We tried to stay calm. Most of us were young, so we kept talking to each other to avoid panicking, but deep inside everyone knew the situation was serious.
The biggest fear wasn’t just the water—it was the thought that if the rain continued in the upper mountains, the flash flood could become even worse. We didn’t know how long we’d be stuck there.
Luckily, one of my friends still had a little mobile network.
I called 100, connected with Himachal Police, and informed them that 9 people were stranded at Gallu Waterfall. They assured us the information had been forwarded for rescue.
Meanwhile, the families on the opposite side and the local people didn’t wait helplessly. They immediately started arranging ropes and looking for any possible way to rescue us before dark. In the forest, evening comes quickly, and all of us were shivering because we were soaked in freezing mountain water.
Finally, after a long wait, the locals managed to arrange ropes and a safety harness.
They threw the rope across to us.
We secured it, tied it around our waists one by one, and stretched another rope across for support.
One brave man volunteered to cross first. Everyone held the ropes tightly, and when he safely reached the other side, all of us finally felt hope.
The woman was rescued next because she was the only female trapped with us.
One by one, everyone crossed safely.
My friend and I stayed until almost the end to make sure everyone else got across first. I crossed second last, and he crossed last.
The moment all nine of us reached the other side safely, every single person thanked God. We also thanked the local people and the tourists who risked their own safety to rescue complete strangers.
Without their quick thinking and teamwork, I honestly don’t know what could have happened.
We even took a group photo afterward—not because it was a happy moment, but because it was something none of us would ever forget.
What I learned:
Never underestimate mountain weather.
A calm waterfall can turn into a dangerous flash flood within minutes.
If it’s raining, especially during monsoon, stay away from waterfalls and river crossings.
Listen immediately if locals ask you to leave.
Mountains are beautiful, but nature deserves respect.
I’ll always remember Gallu Waterfall—not just for its beauty, but for reminding me how quickly nature can change everything.
Stay safe, everyone.

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 1 month ago
▲ 321 r/TravelVlog+2 crossposts

Got trapped at Gallu Waterfall during a flash flood. Rescued by locals after hours. Please don’t underestimate mountain weather

I wanted to share something that happened to me on 27th June at Gallu Waterfall near Dharamshala. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, and I hope this post makes someone think twice before taking risks around waterfalls during the monsoon.
I’m a solo traveler from Jaipur. I had completed the Triund Trek on 26th June and stayed another night near Gallu. During my stay, I became friends with two college students from Amritsar. They wanted to visit Gallu Waterfall, and since I had already been there the previous day, I agreed to take them.
Around 12:30 PM we started the trek. It had already started raining, but it didn’t seem too dangerous. After about an hour, we reached the waterfall. There were already many tourists there. Some were swimming in the natural pool below the waterfall.
I don’t really know how to swim properly, but one of my friends does. We decided to stay only in the shallow area near the side.
While we were in the water, a woman wanted to cross the small stream to reach our side. The current looked normal, so I held out my hand and helped her cross safely. Another man also came over. Everything felt completely normal. We were just enjoying the freezing cold water.
About 5–6 minutes later, people sitting above the waterfall—including some locals from the nearby café—started screaming:
“Get out! Get out of the water! Hurry!”
At first, we had no idea why they were shouting. Nothing looked unusual.
Then, within seconds, the water level started rising rapidly.
We immediately ran out, but we had almost no time. The water became so powerful that we couldn’t cross back. We got stranded on the opposite side of the waterfall.
Within minutes, the water level had risen several meters. The calm stream had turned into a violent current.
There were 9 of us trapped on that side.
The fear on everyone’s face was obvious, especially the woman whom I had helped cross just a few minutes earlier. Most of us had left our clothes, phones, and bags on the other side. One man’s backpack and phone were placed on a rock very close to the water, and we watched helplessly as the water kept rising, hoping they wouldn’t be washed away.
There was no alternate route.
The families of some tourists were standing on the opposite side, completely helpless, watching us.
For the next couple of hours, we waited on the rocks, hoping the water level would go down. Instead, the rain continued and the current kept getting stronger.
We tried to stay calm. Most of us were young, so we kept talking to each other to avoid panicking, but deep inside everyone knew the situation was serious.
The biggest fear wasn’t just the water—it was the thought that if the rain continued in the upper mountains, the flash flood could become even worse. We didn’t know how long we’d be stuck there.
Luckily, one of my friends still had a little mobile network.
I called 100, connected with Himachal Police, and informed them that 9 people were stranded at Gallu Waterfall. They assured us the information had been forwarded for rescue.
Meanwhile, the families on the opposite side and the local people didn’t wait helplessly. They immediately started arranging ropes and looking for any possible way to rescue us before dark. In the forest, evening comes quickly, and all of us were shivering because we were soaked in freezing mountain water.
Finally, after a long wait, the locals managed to arrange ropes and a safety harness.
They threw the rope across to us.
We secured it, tied it around our waists one by one, and stretched another rope across for support.
One brave man volunteered to cross first. Everyone held the ropes tightly, and when he safely reached the other side, all of us finally felt hope.
The woman was rescued next because she was the only female trapped with us.
One by one, everyone crossed safely.
My friend and I stayed until almost the end to make sure everyone else got across first. I crossed second last, and he crossed last.
The moment all nine of us reached the other side safely, every single person thanked God. We also thanked the local people and the tourists who risked their own safety to rescue complete strangers.
Without their quick thinking and teamwork, I honestly don’t know what could have happened.
We even took a group photo afterward—not because it was a happy moment, but because it was something none of us would ever forget.
What I learned:
Never underestimate mountain weather.
A calm waterfall can turn into a dangerous flash flood within minutes.
If it’s raining, especially during monsoon, stay away from waterfalls and river crossings.
Listen immediately if locals ask you to leave.
Mountains are beautiful, but nature deserves respect.
I’ll always remember Gallu Waterfall—not just for its beauty, but for reminding me how quickly nature can change everything.
Stay safe, everyone.

u/Acceptable-Mouse3243 — 1 month ago