things to do · serolsar lake
serolsar lake
serolsar is a small, still lake at around 3,100 metres, a 5 km walk from jalori pass through old oak forest. the locals hold it sacred, there's a temple to budhi nagin (a serpent goddess) on the bank, and the water stays oddly clean. the story goes that birds clear away any leaf that falls in.
the trek is mostly flat to gently rolling, well-trodden, and shaded almost the whole way. it takes about an hour and a half each way at an easy pace. you start from the dhabas at jalori pass and follow the ridge east through the trees.
at the lake there's the temple, a couple of seasonal tea stalls, and quiet. monkeys hang around, so keep your snacks zipped away. it's a good place to sit for an hour before walking back.
getting there
drive to jalori pass first (about 12 km from jibhi), then walk 5 km each way. allow 3 to 4 hours on foot, plus the drive up and back.
difficulty
easy to moderate. the altitude is the only real challenge, so take it slow if you're not acclimatised. fine for most people with a basic level of fitness.
best time
may to october. carry water and a windcheater. skip it right after heavy rain, when the trail turns slippery, and in winter when the pass is snowed in.
a tip
start early from jibhi so you're back at the pass before the afternoon clouds. there's no reliable food at the lake, carry your own and take the wrappers back.
it starts at the pass
you reach serolsar through jalori pass, so read up on the drive and the conditions first. raghupur fort leaves from the same spot if you want a tougher walk.