Serolsar Lake

Published on November 07, 2024

Serolsar Lake: The Sacred Alpine Jewel of Tirthan Valley

High above the clouds, at the end of a gentle 6-kilometre forest walk from Jalori Pass, lies Serolsar Lake (also called Sargalsar or Seruvalsar)—one of Himachal’s most serene and spiritually significant high-altitude lakes. Nestled at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft) in a meadow ringed by ancient deodar and blue-pine forests, the lake remains untouched by motorable roads, plastic shops, or loud music. Local legend says it is guarded by the goddess Budhi Nagin, whose temple sits quietly on the lakeshore, and no leaf is allowed to float on its crystal surface—nature itself obeys the myth.

Here’s everything you need to know about this magical place, written freshly and based on the latest 2025 updates, visitor experiences, and local knowledge.

Location & Altitude

• Exact location: Jalori Pass → Shoja → Serolsar trailhead (Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh)
• Altitude: 3,120 m (10,240 ft)
• Distance from Jibhi: 14–16 km by road to Jalori Pass + 6 km trek (one way)
• Coordinates: 31.5331° N, 77.4910° E

History & Legend of Budhi Nagin

The most beautiful story belongs to the locals of Shoja village. Centuries ago, a devastating flood threatened the Seraj valley. Goddess Budhi Nagin appeared in a dream to a villager and asked him to carry her idol in a palanquin without looking back. He walked for days until he felt tired and accidentally looked behind— the palanquin turned into stone at that very spot. That stone became the small temple on the lake’s edge, and the goddess chose Serolsar as her permanent abode. Even today, villagers believe no one can throw a stone or leaf into the lake and make it float; nature removes everything within minutes. Villagers from nearby Shoja and Chehni still walk up every year during the Budhi Nagin Jatra to offer milk and prayers.

How to Reach Serolsar Lake

Route from Delhi → Aut → Jalori Pass (505 km, 12–14 hrs by road) → 6 km trek Best overnight stop: Jibhi or Banjar

Step-by-step from Jibhi

1. Jibhi → Jalori Pass (14 km, 45–60 min by car/taxi, ₹800–1,200 one way)
2. Park at the Jalori Mata Temple parking
3. Start the well-marked 6 km forest trek (2–2.5 hrs uphill, moderate grade)

By Public Transport HRTC bus to Anni → shared jeep/taxi to Jalori Pass → trek

Trek Details

• Distance: 6 km one way (12 km round trip)
• Duration: 4–5 hrs round trip (including rest)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (well-paved stone path most of the way)
• Elevation gain: ~350 m from Jalori Pass
• Trail highlights: Rhododendron tunnels (March–May), oak-deodar forests, panoramic views of Kullu and Shimla ranges

Entry Fees & Timings 

• No entry fee for the lake
• Jalori Pass parking: ₹50–100 (private lots)
• Best visiting hours: 6 AM – 4 PM (start early to return before dark)
• Open year-round except heavy snowfall (Jan–mid March, pass sometimes closed)

Weather & Best Season

Season	Temperature	Conditions	Recommendation
March–June	5°C to 20°C	Rhododendrons in bloom, clear skies	BEST time
July–September	10°C to 18°C	Lush green, occasional rain	Good, but carry rain cover
October–November	0°C to 15°C	Golden oaks, crisp air	Excellent for photography
December–February	–10°C to 5°C	Frozen lake, heavy snow	Only for experienced trekkers

Infrastructure & Facilities 

• Well-maintained stone trail built by the Forest Department
• Small tea stalls and Maggi points at 2 km and 4 km marks
• One basic Forest Rest House at the lake (2 rooms, ₹1,000–1,500/night, book via Banjar Forest Office)
• Clean pit toilets near the temple
• No electricity, no mobile network after Jalori Pass (enjoy the digital detox!)

Things to Do at Serolsar Lake

1. Sit in silence by the temple and watch the lake’s mirror-like surface

2. Offer milk at Budhi Nagin temple (available at the stall)
3. Walk the complete parikrama (circumambulation) of the lake
4. Photography – especially the reflection shots at sunrise/sunset
5. Birdwatching: Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, warblers
6. Overnight camping (only with prior permission from forest officials)

Accommodation Options

• Jalori Pass: Few basic homestays & dhabas
• Shoja (5 km before pass): Mudhouse Hostel, Shoja, Whoopers Boutique Resort
• Jibhi (14 km down): Treehouses & riverside cottages (best base for multi-day trips)

Safety & Responsible Travel Tips

• Start trek by 11 AM latest to return before dark

• Carry water (1.5–2 litres), snacks, warm jacket, raincoat
• Wear proper trekking shoes – the path can be slippery after rain
• Do not throw anything in the lake (respect local belief)
• Take all waste back; no bins at the lake
• No drones allowed near the temple without permission
• Solo women travellers report feeling very safe – locals are protective of the goddess’s abode

Nearby Attractions to Combine (2–4 day itinerary)

Day 1: Jibhi → Mini Thailand → Jibhi Waterfall Day 2: Jibhi → Jalori Pass → Serolsar Lake trek → night at Shoja Day 3: Shoja → Raghupur Fort (5 km trek) or 360° view point → Chehni Kothi → back to Jibhi Day 4: Relax or trout fishing in Tirthan River
 

Serolsar Lake: Unveiling the Mystical Depths of Tirthan Valley's Crown Jewel

Expanding on the foundational guide, we'll immerse deeper into Serolsar Lake's enchanting world—drawing from 2026 traveller accounts, eco-conservation updates, and local lore. This extension covers the vibrant biodiversity teeming in its forests, invigorating activities beyond the trek, inviting overnight options, essential safety protocols, and seamless ways to weave in neighbouring wonders for an extended Himalayan sojourn.

Flora and Fauna: A Living Tapestry of Himalayan Biodiversity

Serolsar Lake sits within the ecologically rich buffer zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO site pulsing with life. The 6 km trail from Jalori Pass meanders through a canopy of towering deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara), blue pines (Pinus wallichiana), and kharshoo oaks (Quercus semecarpifolia), their branches heavy with moss and lichen that filter the crisp air. Spring unleashes a riot of rhododendrons (Rhododendron arboreum)—Himachal's state flower—in fiery reds and pinks, alongside wild orchids, ferns, and medicinal herbs like brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha, used by locals for centuries in traditional remedies. Meadows burst with alpine flowers: Himalayan blue poppies, edelweiss, and potentillas, creating a floral carpet that supports over 300 plant species in the vicinity.

Fauna thrives in this sanctuary, with the dense forests sheltering elusive residents like the Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), and barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis). Birders delight in spotting over 100 species, including the iridescent Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus)—India's national bird—koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha), cheer pheasants, and warblers flitting through the understory. The lake's edges host aquatic life like brown trout (introduced for angling) and native mahseer fish, while butterflies and small mammals like pikas add to the symphony. In 2026, the forest department initiatives have ramped up anti-poaching patrols and native sapling plantations, ensuring this biodiversity hotspot remains a haven. Visitors are urged to observe from afar to avoid disturbing habitats.

Activities: From Spiritual Sojourns to Serene Explorations

Serolsar Lake's allure extends far beyond the arrival; it's a canvas for mindful pursuits. The signature 6 km trek (moderate, 2-3 hours uphill) rewards with panoramic vistas of the Kullu-Shimla ranges, oak-shaded paths, and sudden meadows where shepherds graze sheep—perfect for novice trekkers or families. At the lake, embark on a gentle parikrama (1 km circumambulation) around its fenced shores, pausing at the Budhi Nagin Temple for ghee offerings (available from stalls) and quiet meditation amid the mirror-like waters.

Photography shines here: capture dawn reflections of snow-capped peaks or autumn's golden oaks framing the lake. Birdwatching peaks at sunrise, with guides spotting monals amid the ferns. For deeper immersion, join yoga sessions by the water's edge or forage for wild berries (with locals). Adventurers can extend to nearby Raghupur Fort ruins (2.5 km from Jalori) for history-tinged hikes, or try ethical trout fishing in Tirthan streams (permits ₹200/day). In summer, wildflower hunts reveal hidden herbs; winters offer snowshoeing for the hardy. Cultural highlights include Saturday pilgrimages with locals, sharing pahadi tales over siddu (steamed wheat bread) picnics. For 2026, eco-camps host stargazing under unlight-polluted skies, blending adventure with introspection.

Accommodation: Rustic Havens Embracing the Wilderness

Overnighting elevates Serolsar into a multi-day retreat, with options clustered around Jalori Pass and Shoja for easy access. At the lake, the Forest Rest House (2 rooms, ₹1,000-1,500/night) offers basic wooden stays with stunning views—book via Banjar Divisional Forest Office (advance required). For camping enthusiasts, designated sites around the lake (₹300-500/tent) provide dome tents, sleeping bags, and bonfires, managed by eco-operatives.

Base in Shoja (5 km downhill): Mudhouse Hostel (₹2,000-3,500/night) features cosy dorms and valley panoramas; Whoopers Boutique Resort (₹4,000-6,000) adds luxury glamping with home-cooked thalis. Jalori Pass dhabas double as budget homestays (₹1,000-2,000). For broader comfort, Jibhi (14 km away) boasts riverside treehouses like The Hosteller Jibhi (₹1,500-4,000) or eco-cottages at Rock Top (₹3,000-5,000), including trek shuttles and pahadi meals (trout curry, madra). Peak season (May-Oct) books fast via apps; daily budgets range ₹2,500-5,000/person, covering stays, meals, and guides.

Safety Tips: Treading Lightly in Sacred Heights

Serolsar is welcoming yet demands Himalayan respect—moderate treks suit most, but preparation is key. Start by 9 AM to beat crowds and shadows; the path's stone steps can get slick in up rain. Essential kit: trekking shoes, layered thermals (nights dip to 0°C even in summer), rain poncho, 2L water, energy bars, first-aid (blister plasters, altitude meds), and a walking stick. Check IMSD weather apps for landslides (monsoon risks) or snow (winter closures Dec-Mar).

No swimming—sacred waters prohibit it, plus hypothermia threats. Stick to marked trails to evade bears (noise-makers help); inform your homestay of plans. Solo travellers (including women) praise the safe, community vibe—ponies (₹500-800) assist kids/seniors. Eco-etiquette: No plastics, carry out waste, remove shoes at the temple, and avoid drones near sacred sites (fines ₹500+). For emergencies, Jalori's PHC (5 km) or Banjar hospital (25 km) are reachable; BSNL offers a spotty signal—offline maps essential. In 2026, rangers patrol more frequently, enhancing security.

Nearby Attractions: Crafting a Tirthan Tapestry

Serolsar anchors a constellation of treasures, ideal for 3-5 day loops from Jibhi. Start with Jalori Pass (0 km): At 3,120m, its temple and 360° vistas of four valleys (Kullu, Tirthan, Shimla, Kinnaur) dazzle—stargaze or paraglide (₹2,000/session).

Raghupur Fort (2.5 km trek from Jalori): Ancient stone ruins atop meadows whisper medieval tales, with wildflower picnics. Chehni Kothi (8 km from Shoja): A 17th-century wooden tower, Himachal's tallest, offers valley panoramas via short hikes. Tirthan Valley (20 km): Riverside camping, trout angling, or Great Himalayan National Park entry (₹200/day) for deeper wildlife spotting.

Mini Thailand (15 km via Jibhi): Jungle pools for tropical dips. Chain an itinerary: Day 1 Jibhi waterfalls; Day 2 Jalori-Serolsar; Day 3 Raghupur-Chehni; Day 4 Tirthan relaxation. These form eco-circuits, minimising carbon footprints.

Attraction	Distance from Serolsar	Trek Time	Highlights
Jalori Pass	6 km (downhill)	1-1.5 hrs	Temple views, valley panoramas
Raghupur Fort	8.5 km (via Jalori)	1 hr	Ruins, meadows, history
Chehni Kothi	13 km (via Shoja)	2 hrs	Wooden architecture, vistas
Tirthan Valley	20 km (road)	N/A	Fishing, riverside walks
Mini Thailand	21 km (via Jibhi)	30 min trek	Secluded pools, forests

Quick FAQ – Serolsar Lake 

Q: Can I reach the lake by car? No. The last 6 km is only on foot.

Q: Is the trek difficult for kids/senior citizens? Moderate. Kids 8+ and fit seniors manage easily; ponies available till 1 km before the lake (₹500–800).

Q: Can I swim in the lake? Strictly prohibited – both religiously and ecologically.

Q: Is an overnight stay possible? Yes, in the Forest Rest House (limited rooms) or with special camping permission.

Q: Best month for rhododendron bloom? Mid-March to mid-May – the entire trail turns pink and red.

Q: Any mobile network? Zero after Jalori Pass. Inform family beforehand.

Q: Is snow guaranteed in winter? Yes, December–March. Jalori Pass gets 2–4 feet of snow; the lake often freezes.

Serolsar Lake is not just a destination; it is a pilgrimage for the soul. The silence is so deep that you can hear your own heartbeat echoing off the mountains. Come with respect, leave with peace.