From Dehradun to Himachal: My experience exploring Jibhi, Shoja, and Shangarh (And why you need a high-clearance SUV right now)
Coming from Uttarakhand, the mountains have always been my first love. This last month, I decided to cross over and explore a different side of the Himalayas Himachal Pradesh. I planned an itinerary covering Jibhi, Shoja, and Shangarh.
Here is an honest breakdown of my experience, the cafes, the treks, and a massive warning about the current road conditions.
🚩Jibhi & Shoja (Days 1–5)
• The Road Hell: The road leading to Jibhi is in terrible shape right now. Even though road construction is actively going on, looking at the tracks made me constantly question myself: "Kya mai sahi ja raha hu?" (Am I even on the right path?). Luckily, I was driving my XUV700, so the high ground clearance saved the day. But looking at the craters, I kept thinking about how difficult it would be for anyone bringing a hatchback or a low-clearance sedan.
• Cafe Hopping: Once we settled in, Jibhi was a vibe. We spent time exploring local cafes and went to Pink Panther, which was honestly great. In Shoja, we visited Ghar Cafe and Firgun to see if they lived up to the internet hype. Turns out, the hype is absolutely real! Both cafes offer completely different vibes, but both are excellent places to unwind.
• The Highlight - Raghupur Fort: We did the trek up to Raghupur Fort, camped at the very top, and woke up to the morning sunrise. Trust me, watching the sun rise above the peaks from up there makes every bit of the effort worth it.
🏔️** Sha**ngarh
• Shangarh was our final stop. By this time, we were already mentally prepared for bad roads, so we made sure to leave early.
• The Drive: The roads were perfectly fine up until the dam. But the final 10 km stretch after that was an absolute nightmare. It's incredibly narrow at several points, only one vehicle can pass at a time. After a hell of a stressful drive, we finally made it.
• The Vibe: If you want to work, chill, and experience slow village life, Shangarh is paradise. It is incredibly peaceful, and the local people are exceptionally polite. We stayed for 4 days and loved every quiet moment of it.
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My Final Thoughts on the "Bad Roads"
- Looking back, the trip was incredible, minus the roads. But I realized something: maybe those terrible roads are a blessing in disguise. If the roads become smooth and perfect, these hidden gems will get overcrowded, over-commercialized, and lose their peaceful charm, just like many other popular hill stations.
- While we can't (and shouldn't) stop tourism because local livelihoods depend on it, we must change how we travel. Keeping the mountains clean and staying polite should be every traveler's duty. Respecting local communities and their culture is non-negotiable.
5 Golden Rules If You Are Planning This Circuit:
Travel Early & Verify: Always start your drive early in the morning. Check with local stay owners or villagers about the current road and weather conditions before heading out.
Drive Safe: Don't rush. Keep your eyes on the track, drive safe, and take your time to enjoy the views.
Respect & Cleanliness: Keep the places clean. Pack your trash back with you and respect the local culture.
Avoid Night Driving: Seriously, do not drive on these stretches after dark.
Be Patient: Keep your cool and be patient with the terrain and oncoming traffic.
Overall, a beautiful trip with some core memories.
Jai Badri Vishal! 🙏✨