Important Details
About Shila
The Shila Village is a village hidden in the Parvati Valley and not many people know about it. It is located in the pastel green slopes of the mountains and lies 7 kilometers ahead of Manikaran. The village is an escape from the touristy hamlet of Kasol and gives you an opportunity to stay right in the lap of nature. The neon green slopes of the valley are a visual treat and with sunlight peeking through the clouds and lighting a patch of the mountain is truly out of the world scene. every now and then a cloud system engulfs the valley and turns it into a mystical paradise. The village has a hippie friendly atmosphere and a paradise for someone who loves nature. This village is unlike any experience you will have in the valley.
How to reach Shila
Kasol to Shila
To reach Shila from Kasol you will have to board the bus going towards Barshaini from Kasol.You will be passing by Manikaran and Lapas Village. From Manikaran the trailhead to the Shila village is around 7 Kms. The trail starts at Unchdhar. You can tell the bus conductor to let you off at Unchdhar and he will be more than happy to do so. After getting out at Unchdhar ask the locals about the start of the trailhead. From here you will be able to see the village of Shila located in the green pastel moutain slopes of Parvati Valley. The trek to Shila from Unchdhar takes one and a half hours. It is relatively easy even for beginners. You will be able to see the valley open up as you gain more height. It truly is a sight that will be etched in your heart forever.
Shila in winters
Shila turns into a snow white paradise for a short span during the winter months. But remains high and dry for the rest of the winters. Since Shila is 7-8 Kilometers ahead of Manikaran the valley gains altitude gradually and receives a fair bit of snowfall during the winter months. However, the snow usually melts off within 2-3 days of snowfall. So if you want to see snow you will have to plan your trip in accordance with the weather forecast.
Best Time to visit Shila
Kasol-Shila Itinerary
Day 1: Kasol to Unchdhar by bus. Unchdhar to Shila village trek ; 1.5 hours
Day2: Stay at Shila Village
Day3: Shila to Kasol
Note: If you do find yourself visiting Shila it makes greater sense to stay there for more than one day.
Stay in Shila
A lot of stay options have emerged in the Shila village in recent times. You will not have any problems finding a stay in Shila. You can perhaps look at our database to find a suitable homestay option at Shila. It is a fairly budget-friendly village in the valley. Not many people know about it. So it’s not highly commercialized, yet.
Shila Temperature
The winter months start form November, the entire landscape turns cold and dry. Snow hits the valley by the second week of December and then periodic snowfalls keep on happening and cover the surrounding areas with thick snow. The road to Tosh might at times get closed to vehicular traffic in the winter months but one can always walk from Barshaini to Tosh. Winter also brings a few hardships like inconsistent power supply and difficulty to navigate in the snow. But again it’s all a part of the experience which you will not get in the summer months.
Treks around Shila
Shila has one fine trek originating from it. The Saur Kundi Pass. The Saur Kundi Pass connects the village of Shila with Grahan Village which lies on the other side of the mountain. It is the route that the people of Grahan and Shila used in ancient times to do trade. Now locals do use it. But not very often. If you have prior experience in navigating through Himalayan terrain and can read and comprehend terrain maps then you will have no problems negotiating this trek. However, if you don’t, please take a guide with you. You’ll surely find one in the Shila Village.
FAQ's
How much does it cost to reach Shila from Kasol?
It takes a mere 30 INR to reach Shila Village from Kasol via bus. Get down at Unchdhar and trek to Shila
Shila village trek Distance and Time?
It takes one and a half hour to complete the trek to Shila Village from Unchdhar.The trek distance is 2.5 Kilometers
Shila Village Temperature?
The temperature in Shila Village dips down to 5 Celsius at night during Summers.In winters it might drop to -5 Celsius at night.
Homestay prices in Shila?
The Shila village is a rather economic place to stay. On average, the homestays charge around 500 INR for a night. Charges may vary with food combos.
Share with Friends
Table of Contents
All villages of Parvati Valley
Hikes. Fun. Friends