Jibhi Itinerary: A Guide to a Memorable Weekend Getaway

Lush green forests, breathtaking mountain views, glistering streams with pristine clear water, everything makes Jibhi a perfect hideout. Nestling in the serenity of Tirthan Valley in Banjar, Himachal Pradesh, this old-quaint hamlet is known for a myriad of reasons, making it a first choice for backpackers. If you are someone who is looking for a place where you can spend a weekend hiking, camping and stargazing, here’s a complete Jibhi itinerary for a weekend. Though this particular weekend itinerary of Jibhi is intended for two days only; however, you are free to change it as per your comfort and time.

This guide will take you on a memorable journey, traversing through thick pine forests to mountains and rivers. Let’s explore some of the unexplored and hidden gems of Jibhi, following this weekend itinerary, along with uncovering the local charm of this place. So, fasten your seatbelts as we are going on an unforgettable trip to Jibhi.

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A Complete Weekend Jibhi Itinerary – All You Need to Know for Offbeat Adventures and Hidden Gems

Table of Contents

Did you know that Jibhi came to be known as a tourist attraction in Tirthan Valley in 1992? An ex-Indo-Tibetan police (born in Jibhi) office opened up a homestay in Jibhi. Initially, the locals mocked his idea saying no one would come to Jibhi.

Known for its offbeat locations and hidden attractions, today, Jibhi has become a well-known name among the travelers’ community. I have known people who have spent months in or around Jibhi, and their experience has really thrilled me. However, I personally am the kind of person who doesn’t like crowded places, especially in the mountains in the Himalayas. My idea of traveling is to seek peace and isolation. And that’s the reason even after visiting Shangarh so many times; I didn’t plan to visit Jibhi on any weekend. But if you’re interested in visiting Jibhi, you can plan your trip using a Jibhi Itinerary to make the most of your time there.

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Jibhi is different from what I usually travel for. It’s crowded; it’s chaotic at times. Once, I was sitting in a cafe in Jibhi and there was a traffic jam for nearly 40 minutes with lots of honking and people around. And it wasn’t something I looked for, considering I live in Delhi NCR. But then, Jibhi is a serene place, contrary to it. Jibhi is tranquil and there are places where you can go, sit for hours without being disturbed. Isn’t that something everyone would love? You can use a weekend Jibhi itinerary for 2 days to make the most of your time there.

While I am writing this Jibhi itinerary for a weekend, I have already been to Jibhi twice. Once in Oct 2022, when it was my first time to this place, and the second was in February, when I spent a weekend in Shoja and clubbed Jibhi. Though the place is small, you can spend two good days exploring its major attractions. You can plan to explore other nearby places as per your time schedule, depending on your comfort. Also, two days are good enough to explore Jibhi. But I would recommend that you give at least three days so that you don’t burn yourself out and do things at a peaceful pace.

How to Reach Jibhi – A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas

If you are traveling to Jibhi from Delhi, you can take an overnight bus to Aut village. The best thing to do is to book a ticket in advance to Aut in any bus that goes to Manali/Bhuntar. Get down at Aut. If the bus leaves for Manali at 8 PM, you should reach Aut village in 10 hours. Now, from Aut to Jibhi, you have multiple options.

You can take a bus to Banjar from Aut. And take another bus to Jibhi from Banjar.
You can take a bus to Banjar from Aut and a cab from Banjar to Jibhi (~500 INR).
You can take a cab to Banjar from Aut (~500 INR) and a bus to Jibhi from Banjar.
You can take a direct cab to Jibhi from Aut (~1000 INR).

If you are budget traveling solo, this may disturb your budget a little bit. But you can even do a cab pool. You can speak with fellow passengers on the bus and make some good deals. If you reach the Aut bus stand early in the morning (say 5 AM or 6 AM), you won’t get a local bus. Local bus service starts around 7 AM. So, plan your Jibhi trip accordingly and see if your weekend Jibhi itinerary is flexible enough to survive any last-moment change.

Where to Stay in Jibhi – Hotels, Hostels, Homestays

When planning a trip to Jibhi, one of the first things to consider is where to stay. From cozy homestays and budget-friendly hostels to luxury treehouses and riverside campsites, Jibhi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re looking for privacy and peace or a more social atmosphere, you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring.

During my stay in Jibhi in Oct 2022, I had the opportunity to experience three different types of accommodation. While hostels are a great option for solo travelers on a budget, I prefer a bit more privacy and peace. Luckily, by booking in advance online, I was able to find some great deals on hotels. Take a look at all the places I stayed during my stay in Jibhi.

Thinking of planning a weekend Jibhi itinerary to help you make the most of your time there? Well, it’s a good idea to have things planned. I am someone who loves unplanned travels. But, with so much to see and do in this beautiful mountain town, having a well-planned itinerary of Jibhi can help ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the must-see attractions.

1. Rudrani Cafes & Stays

I booked it online in advance for two days (weekend) and got a good deal. The place is good enough; they have a beautiful rooftop cafe, and an indoor play area. You can sit, relax and work in the cafe. The food was brilliant. Overall, it was a budget-friendly stay at Rudrani Cafe & Stays. The owner is such a beautiful soul. He asked the chef to drop me at Jalori Pass. Thus, he arranged my pick and drop without any extra cost.

2. Books & Flowers Cafe & Stays

Located opposite Rudrani, is Books & Flowers Cafe and Stays. Quite a happening place I must stay. The owners are wonderful people. Hamid, the person who is the soul of this place, keeps this place alive with his hospitality and poetry. I met some good people here. I spent a night with others in the cafe, singing and just having a good time. I planned to stay here for two nights. This cost me double what I paid at Rudrani.

3. Ozark House

After spending two nights at Books & Flowers, I moved to Ozark House for a night. It was my last night in Jibhi. I didn’t have much to do then. So, I just relaxed and roamed around. Ozark is located near Jibhi Waterfall. Turns out I met the owner at Books & Flowers last night. Ozark also cost me the same as what I paid at Books & Flowers.

Where to Eat in Jibhi – Big Cafes and Local Eateries

So, the next important question that may come to your mind is what to eat and where to eat in Jibhi. Well, I am answering your question in this Jibhi itinerary. So, all the hotels and homestays have restaurants. However, you can even go out and search for something that fits your taste buds. I also did that, not that the food at the place I ate was bad but because I wanted to explore more of Jibhi’s cafes. I had a few recommendations. Books & Flowers was also a recommendation when I was strolling around and asked a group of travelers. The group also recommended one more place.

1. Old School Cafe Jibhi

You will get to hear a lot about this place. This was the second place that the group recommended to me. I ordered black coffee and chili potato. You need to cross the river stream to reach the cafe as it is located on the other side. So, a small hike down the road and you will reach the cafe. Sit inside or out, as per your comfort.

2. The Pink Panther Jibhi

If you are a 90s kid and remember the iconic cartoon show Pink Panther, that’s the inspiration behind this cafe. And this place is a gem in Jibhi. Pizza, smoothies, coffees and cakes, this place has everything for you. The ambiance is pleasant and the sitting arrangement is perfectly matched with the vibes.

3. Hope Cafe Jibhi

If you are looking for a local experience, your hope is Hope Cafe. I came here for dinner on my last day. And by that time, the cafe was getting wrapped up for the day. However, it’s a happening place when you come here during the evening.

4. The Enzo’s Coffeehouse & Bistro

This one is located close to Hope Cafe and has a nice-aesthetic ambiance. It has a good sitting arrangement which I really liked. I sat here for some good thirty minutes and had a turmeric smoothie or shake (I don’t remember). But it was delicious.

Other than these, all the places where I stayed also had restaurants.

Things to do In Jibhi – A Weekend Guide to the Best Activities and Adventures

Jibhi is a traveler’s paradise, especially for backpackers. Treks, waterfalls, and whatnot. The local market caters to the daily needs of the locals as well as the travelers. It’s a small market but good enough for travelers to pick essentials. I planned to, but I didn’t, as I don’t usually put on heavy woolen stuff. I did buy a purse and some fridge magnets from a local shop located near The Ozark.

Here are the top travel activities to do in Jibhi. If you are in Jibhi for a weekend, make sure that you don’t miss them. And if you miss them, your Jibhi adventure is not complete.

1. Jibhi Waterfall

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the enchanting Jibhi Waterfall in the old Himalayan region of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Follow the well-maintained path, cross charming wooden bridges over water streams and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Take a refreshing dip in the small pool below the waterfall and create memories that will last a lifetime.

2. Mini Thailand

Discover the hidden gem of Jibhi, Mini Thailand, a tranquil spot located in the heart of Tirthan Valley. Surrounded by pretty pines and deodar trees, this secluded paradise is known for its stunning scenery and peaceful surroundings. Follow a 10-minute trek through tall pines and narrow roads to reach this enchanting destination, where a stream runs across two giant rocks. Experience serenity and create meaningful and memorable experiences at Mini Thailand of Jibhi.

3. Serolsar Lake Trek

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Serolsar Lake Trek, a popular day trek in Tirthan Valley. Starting from Jalori Pass, the highest altitude point that connects Kullu valley and Shimla Valley, this easy trek takes you through dense pine and deodar forests, with clearings that make for perfect resting spots. After a series of gradual ascents and descents, you’ll reach the stunning Serolsar Lake, situated at an altitude of 10,170 ft and guarded by thick tall pine trees on all sides. Take in the breathtaking views of Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayan range from the 360-degree viewpoint and experience the serenity of this hidden gem.

4. Raghupur Fort Trek

Step back in time with the Raghupur Fort Trek, a scenic 3 km hike from Jalori Pass. Believed to have been built by Mandi rulers to protect themselves from invasion, this historic fort offers breathtaking views of the Great Himalayan National Park and the surrounding valleys. Trek through lush green oak and rhododendron forests and reach the top of Raghupur Fort, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Experience the thrill of adventure and the serenity of nature on this unforgettable trek.

Other than these, there are a lot of places you can visit near Jibhi, such as Chehni Kothi in Bini village and Chhoie Waterfall in Sharchi village. Lambhri crystal cave, Shriranga Rishi temple, The Great Himalayan National Park, etc. are some other exciting places you can visit near Jibhi.

What Should Be the Budget for a Weekend Trip to Jibhi?

So the budget is another essential aspect of any trip. I usually do budget trips and don’t intend to spend much, especially on hotels. I’m out of the room most of the time, and it’s just the night when I will be using the room entirely. So, it makes no sense to spend extra on hotels. Also, I don’t look for luxury when I’m in the mountains. I mean, the mountains themselves are a symbol of luxury.

Here is the budget breakup for a weekend as per my Jibhi itinerary.

Activity	Expenditure
Bus (Delhi to Aut)	1000 INR (2000 INR both ways)
Bus (Aut to Banjar)	50 INR (100 INR both ways)
Bus (Aut to Jibhi)	100 INR (200 INR both ways)
Cab (Aut to Banjar)	500 INR (1000 INR both ways)
Cab (Aut to Jibhi)	1000 INR (2000 INR both ways)
Hotel/Homestay	1000 INR per night (2000 INR for two nights)
Hostels	300 to 500 INR per night (600 to 1000 for two nights)
Meal	200 INR per meal

So, this is an average breakdown of a weekend trip to Jibhi. Now, you can calculate the lump sum based on what you do, where you stay and where you eat. Food in Jibhi is slightly costlier. So, that’s something you will have to see yourself. You can have a variety of cuisines in Jibhi, such as North Indian, continental, Chinese, etc. I am a North Indian vegetarian; that’s who I am.

Which Is the Best Time to Visit Jibhi During Weekends?

Jibhi is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between the months of October and May when the weather is pleasant and cool with a crisp breeze flowing. The months of March to May are considered peak season, with temperatures rarely going above 30 degrees. I visited Jibhi in October and February. I am someone who sweats a lot. So, while I was trekking during both the visits, I was sweating. Make sure that you pack winter clothes during these months.

I hope this weekend Jibhi itinerary for two days has answered all your questions and cleared everything about food, accommodations, things to do, etc. If you still have any doubt and need help with planning your Jibhi adventure on weekends, let me know. Drop a comment or mail me and I will try to provide you a solution.

3 thoughts on “Jibhi Itinerary – A Weekend Guide to Exploring this Hidden Gem in Tirthan Valley”

Nidhi says:

October 14, 2023 at 3:51 pm

Books and Flower Cafe:

Worst experience that could ever be.
Food wise: very less quantity of soup. Bad taste of pizza.
Hospitality wise: They say they are pet friendly but does not give animal anything to eat. Maybe they give only pet to eat and not stray animals.
For an hour 3 dogs were roaming around for food. They did not gave anything to eat to those pet. After irritating us for an 45 minites for food when lastly our food came, dogs jumped for food. Afterwards, we went inside they came for food in the room too. Lastly, we did not eat and gave all food to those dogs.
The onwer there said they are pet friendly and i can’t complaint the dogs. Also they wont shoo them away and taunt you for not giving them food. Neither will they. The thing is a human must not go and eat in this cafe because they will first starve animals and then you.

1. Rajat Kumar says:
  
  October 15, 2023 at 5:22 am
  
  Hi Nidhi
  
  I feel sorry for the kind of experience you had at this cafe.
  Thanks for visiting and taking time to share what you felt with us.
  Stay happy
  Stay safe
  
Madhur says:

August 29, 2024 at 9:42 am

Amazing information shared with us about jibhi … if somebody planning for jibhi trip and need cab or car for the trip then my suggestion is wapcabz