5 things to do in Jibhi (from a Chhet cottage stay)

Short answer: if you only have a few days in Jibhi, do these five: the short forest walk to Jibhi waterfall, the stone-and-wood tower of Chehni Kothi, a morning at Jalori Pass (3,120 m), the walk on to Serolsar Lake, and an afternoon by the Tirthan river, which starts inside the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park. All five are easy day plans from our cottages in Chhet, and pets are welcome on most of them.

This is our short list. For longer treks, Kulhi Katandi, Raghupur Fort and a 3–4 day plan, see the full guide to things to do and treks near Chhet and Jibhi.

The waterfall is about 1 km from Jibhi market, a 10–15 minute walk on a forest path. It is the easiest outing in the valley: go in the morning before the day-trippers, sit on the rocks for a while, and walk back for chai. If your dog is with you, keep them on a lead on the narrow path and near the water.

Chehni Kothi is a tall tower built in the kath-kuni style: alternating layers of stone and deodar wood, with no cement or nails. Kath means wood and kuni means corner, because the beams lock together at the corners. There is a temple inside the main tower, and the tower has a slight, Pisa-like lean. You reach it on about 1 km of forest footpath that starts close to the Shringa Rishi temple, so do both in one visit.

Lonely Planet notes that foreigners are not allowed inside the main tower. Whoever you are, follow the temple's rules and ask before you take photos. You will see very different figures online for the tower's age and height; the sources disagree, so we don't quote one.

Jalori Pass sits at about 3,120 m, roughly 1 hour's drive from Chhet. Go early for clear ridges. The road usually shuts after the first heavy snow, most years from mid to late November, so plan it as a flexible day. Our Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake guide has the season details, road tips and what to carry.

From Jalori Pass a trail runs about 5 km each way through oak forest to Serolsar Lake, with the Budhi Nagin temple on its shore. Keep the shore clean and quiet. Bring your dog along: guests have walked it with theirs. Keep yours on a lead near other walkers, grazing animals and the temple. Our kitchen can pack lunch or fresh Siddu for the day. Siddu is made fresh on request, so tell us the evening before.

The Tirthan river starts inside the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. You do not need a trek to enjoy it: an afternoon on the rocks by the water is one of the best things to do in the valley. If you want to trek inside the park's core zone, you need a permit first, from the GHNP head office at Shamshi or the range office at Shairopa in Tirthan Valley.

• Day plans: do the waterfall and Chehni Kothi on lighter days, and keep one full day for Jalori and Serolsar
• Road check: WhatsApp us the evening before a Jalori day and we will check the road with locals
• Getting here: overnight buses from Delhi go to Aut, then a local bus or taxi via Banjar; at our cottages you drive right up to the door, with free parking. See our Delhi to Jibhi guide and How to Reach
• Pets welcome: see our pet-friendly cottages guide