Palachan Valley in Himachal Pradesh

Pristine Palachan Valley in Himachal Pradesh

26/2/2025

Palachan Valley, a remote valley in Himachal Pradesh is named after the Palachan River that flows along it. Locally called Flachan Valley, it is adjacent to Tirthan Valley. Palachan River and Tirthan River both originate from the Tirath Glacier in the Great Himalayan National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Palachan River flows through the valley with hamlets like Galingcha, Mashiyar, Batahad, Barnagi, Sheel, etc. and finally merges into Tirthan River at Gushaini.
Palachan Valley happened to be one of my local explorations since I'm living in Tirthan Valley.

Having tea at Palachan / Flachan River, Himachal Pradesh

The roads of Palachan Valley lead to infinite views of the mountains that are densely covered with pine and cedar trees. They make Palachan Valley look lush green almost throughout the year.

Walking down the roads of Palachan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Palachan Valley is very sparely populated and not yet popular with the tourists, which gave me adequate opportunities to visit villages, meet the locals and learn their traditions. I couldn't resist walking along the pristine river and the heavenly bridges that lead me to some secret places.

Walking down the bridges of Palachan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The bridge lead me to a trail up a mountain and I kept hiking on it, as a part of my daily workout routine. I got some breath taking views of small hamlets perched on lush green mountains. The villages were flourishing with apple orchards, grean peas and barley cultivation. The mountain tops were covered with deodhar and pine trees against the vast blue sky.

Hiking up to the villages of Palachan / Flachan Valley

I met some interesting villagers who lived in 2 houses on the way to village Sheel. After a chat with them, I had to head back as the weather started getting bad. The snow clad mountains of the Great Himalayan National Park had started peeking out from this spot. I heard of more beautiful views from the topmost village, which I'll explore someday again.

Meeting locals at the villages of Palachan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

I stayed back in Palachan valley for a couple of days with my blogger friends who had come here for a weekend getaway. I woke up to these pleasing views of the valley in the rain when the hazy mountains layered up in the clouds.

Rains at Tirthan Anglers Retreat in Palachan / Flachan Valley

Tirthan Anglers Retreat is a cosy little resort in the valley, which is five minutes walk down the road near Barnagi. The resort is a hidden gem in Palachan valley.

Tirthan Anglers Retreat in Palachan / Flachan Valley

The sound of Palachan River that continuously flows next to the resort makes an indluging atmosphere for the ones who want to disconnect from the entire world and get lost into the oblivion of nature.

Palachan / Flachan river near Tirthan Anglers Retreat

Palachan River is home to trouts and Tirthan Angler's Retreat is a great spot for fishing. You can spend your entire day with your fishing rods and some catches, and enjoy the bonfire and barbecued trouts in the chilly evenings.

Bonfire at Tirthan Angler's Retreat, Palachan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Grilled Trouts at Tirthan Angler's Retreat, Palachan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The rains made such a pleasant ambiance for us to bond with each other in delighted moods. I got to share my heart out with my dear friends Sushmita Sarkar and Alka Kaushik - the ladies I respect for what they are.