things to do · jalori pass
jalori pass
at around 10,800 feet, jalori pass is the high point of a jibhi trip, literally. it's about 12 km up from the village, where the road tops out at a small temple, a couple of dhabas, and a view that runs across ridge after ridge of the seraj valley. it's also the trailhead for two of the best short treks in the area.
the drive up is half the experience. the road is narrow and switchbacks through oak and cedar, and on a clear morning you can see the ranges folding into the distance. there's a small mahakali temple at the top and a few dhabas selling rajma chawal and chai that taste better than they have any right to at that altitude.
from the pass, two trails leave in opposite directions: serolsar lake, an easy 5 km walk east through forest, and raghupur fort, a steeper climb west to a ruined fort on a meadow. you can do either as a half-day from jibhi.
how to reach it
about 12 km from jibhi, 30 to 40 minutes by car or taxi. most homestays will arrange a cab. go early, before the clouds roll in and the dhabas fill up.
when it's open
april to november for sure. in deep winter (december to march) heavy snow often closes the pass, though that's also when it's most beautiful if the road is clear. always check locally before driving up.
what to do up there
the views, the temple, hot chai, and then pick a trek. serolsar lake is the gentle one, raghupur fort the harder, higher one.
a tip
it's cold and windy up here even in summer, carry a layer. and don't rush the drive, there's nowhere to overtake on most of it.
make a day of it
the pass itself is an hour, but the two treks that start here turn it into a proper day out. both are worth it.