Sarahan

Bhima Kali Temple

Sarahan is a village in the north-west of Southern Himachal Pradesh.

Understand

Sarahan is s fairly remote mountain village on the way into the Kinnaur Valley in Eastern Himachal Pradesh, about 7 km above the Satluj River.

Get in

By bus

There are a few direct buses to/from Shimla, but it is more practical to take any of the frequent buses between Shimla and Reckong Peo and get out in 1 Jeori on the main road (NH 22).

Jeori is connected with Sarahan by frequent local buses, the uphill journey taking 1 hr, cost ₹26 in a government bus and ₹60 in a private bus.

Get around

Shrikhand Mahadev peak, seen from Sarahan

See

• 1 Bhima Kali Temple (Shri Bhimakali Temple). This 800-year-old temple is the centre of the village, and it's possible to stay in the temple guesthouse. At one point in time, human sacrifices took place here, though thankfully, no longer. Free.  
• Sarahan Palace (Shanti Kunj) — Fantastic Raja architecture.

Buy

• Do try the locally grown apples, from some of the many surrounding orchards.

Eat

There are some simple dhabas near the temple and a couple of somewhat better hotel restaurants.

Sleep

• 1 Bhimakali Temple Guesthouse, right at the Bhimakali Temple, ☏ +91 1782 274248. Clean rooms, stunning views, pleasant balcony overlooking the temple courtyard. ₹350 and ₹550 (double with ensuite bathroom), dormitory is ₹75. 
• HPTDC Hotel, Opposite Bhimakali Temple, ☏ +91 1782 274234, sarahan@hptdc.in. Clean rooms, stunning views from rooms overlooking a valley. ₹1,600 (double with ensuite bathroom), cheaper and more expensive rooms also available. 12 bed dormitory is ₹200. 
• 2 Vasu Mansion Homestay, MDR19, Sarahan (Opposite PWD Sub division), ☏ +91 97368 64261. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Clean rooms, breakfast, with spectacular views across the valley. from ₹2,200. (updated Sep 2019)

Go next

• Shimla
• Sangla
• Kalpa