Shoja Village

Tucked away in the tranquil Banjar Valley between Jibhi and Jalori Pass, Shoja Village (also spelt Sojha) is one of Himachal Pradesh’s best-kept secrets. A small hamlet situated at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet, Shoja offers postcard-perfect landscapes, pine-scented air, and the serenity of untouched nature.

Whether you’re a nature lover seeking silence, a photographer chasing Himalayan sunsets, or a traveller searching for an authentic mountain experience, Shoja Village is where the heart of Himachal beats slowly and peacefully.

Why Visit Shoja Village

Imagine waking up to the sound of chirping birds, the aroma of deodar trees, and the sight of mist rolling over pine-clad slopes — that’s Shoja, untouched and unhurried.

Shoja is located in the Tirthan Valley region and lies en route to the famous Jalori Pass, which connects the Kullu and Shimla valleys. Its location makes it an ideal stopover for those visiting Jibhi, Serolsar Lake, or Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP).

The beauty of Shoja Himachal lies in its simplicity, wooden homes with slate roofs, kind locals, cosy cafes, and trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and Himalayan viewpoints.

Unlike crowded destinations like Manali or Shimla, Shoja offers peaceful isolation, perfect for slow travellers and offbeat explorers who want to experience Himachal in its purest form.

Best Time to Visit Shoja Village

The best time to visit Shoja Village depends on what kind of experience you seek:

Summer (April – June): Ideal for trekking, nature walks, and photography. The weather stays between 10°C and 25°C, and the forests are lush and green.
Autumn (September – November): Perfect for clear skies, scenic sunsets, and exploring Jalori Pass or Serolsar Lake.
Winter (December – February): The village is blanketed in snow, offering magical landscapes — though roads may occasionally close due to snowfall.
Monsoon (July – August): The region becomes misty and romantic, but it can also experience landslides, so caution is advised.

For the perfect blend of accessibility and scenery, visit between April and November.

Things to Do in Shoja Village

Shoja might look small, but it’s packed with beauty and activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those seeking peace. Here are the top things to do in Shoja:

1. Visit the Waterfall Point

A short 1.5 km trail from the main road leads to Shoja Waterfall, hidden amidst dense forest. The sound of cascading water, birdsong, and the crisp mountain air make it a rejuvenating spot.

2. Trek to Serolsar Lake

Shoja serves as a perfect base for the Serolsar Lake Trek. The 5 km trail from Jalori Pass (just 5 km from Shoja) winds through rhododendron and oak forests to reach this mystical lake dedicated to Budhi Nagin Devi.

3. Raghupur Fort Trek

Another short trek starting from Jalori Pass, the Raghupur Fort Trek (3 km) leads to the ruins of an ancient fort with breathtaking 360° views of the Dhauladhar range. During spring, the meadows bloom with wildflowers.

4. Birdwatching and Nature Walks

Being close to the Great Himalayan National Park, Shoja is home to Himalayan monals, pheasants, and several songbirds. Take a slow walk around the village or nearby forest trails to enjoy the sounds of nature.

5. Bonfire Nights & Stargazing

Evenings in Shoja are best spent sitting by a bonfire, sipping local tea, and gazing at the Milky Way shining above. The clean air and high altitude make the stars appear brighter than anywhere else.

6. Relax in Local Cafes and Homestays

Shoja may be tiny, but it has a growing number of cosy cafes and mountain-view homestays offering home-cooked Himachali meals. Spend your mornings sipping coffee with a view of the Jalori ridges.

Nearby Attractions from Shoja

Shoja’s central location makes it a perfect hub to explore the surrounding beauty:

Jalori Pass (5 km): A high-altitude mountain pass with panoramic Himalayan views, ideal for snow lovers and trekkers.
Serolsar Lake (10 km trek from Jalori): A sacred and scenic lake amidst thick forests.
Jibhi (8 km): Known for its waterfall, treehouses, and riverside cafes.
Tirthan Valley (22 km): Home to the Great Himalayan National Park, ideal for trekking and camping.
Chehni Kothi: A centuries-old wooden fortress near Banjar showcasing Himachali architecture.

How to Reach Shoja Village

Shoja is well-connected yet offbeat, easily accessible but blissfully quiet.

By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu), about 60 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar (120 km).
By Road: Take a bus to the Aut Tunnel (on the Mandi–Manali Highway). From Aut, hire a taxi to Shoja via Banjar and Jibhi (26 km drive).
Self-Drive: The scenic drive from Delhi takes about 11–12 hours via the Mandi – Aut – Banjar route.

The roads are steep and winding near Shoja, but the views are worth every curve.

Where to Stay in Shoja

Shoja offers beautiful homestays, eco-lodges, and boutique stays that blend comfort with nature.

Banjara Retreat Shoja: A popular stay known for its panoramic views and hospitality.
The Hosteller Shoja: Perfect for backpackers and digital nomads.
Local Homestays: Families offer authentic Himachali stays with organic food and heartwarming hospitality.
Camping Options: You can camp near Jalori Pass or in forest clearings for a truly natural experience.

Tip: Stay at least 2–3 nights to experience the tranquillity of Shoja fully.

Responsible Travel Tips

Shoja’s charm lies in its untouched nature. Help keep it that way by following these travel ethics:

Avoid littering, carry your waste back.
Respect local customs and refrain from playing loud music.
Support local homestays and cafes instead of big resorts.
Don’t pluck flowers or disturb wildlife.
Travel slowly and engage with locals; they love sharing stories about their land.

Best Experiences in Shoja for Every Traveller

For Nature Lovers: Morning walks through misty pine forests.
For Adventure Seekers: Trekking to Raghupur Fort and Serolsar Lake.
For Couples: Watching the sunset over the Jalori ridges.
For Solo Travellers: Reading a book in a wooden homestay balcony with Himalayan views.
For Photographers: Capturing golden hour light on traditional Himachali homes and valley views.

Final Thoughts

Shoja Village is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling. A place where time slows down, clouds drift lazily, and nature heals your soul in silence.

Whether you come here for a weekend getaway from Delhi, a peaceful workation, or a stopover during your Jibhi–Jalori–Serolsar circuit, Shoja will leave a mark on your heart.

Shoja Himachal is for those who seek peace over parties, simplicity over luxury, and genuine connection over social media check-ins.

So next time you plan a mountain escape, skip the usual routes and head to Shoja, where the Himalayas whisper, and life feels beautifully slow.