Rajgundha Valley Trek via Thathi Village

Hidden deep in the Dhauladhar range, the Rajgundha Valley trek via Thathi Village is a journey into one of Himachal Pradesh’s most untouched alpine landscapes. This route follows ancient Gaddi shepherd trails, passing through forests, high meadows, and remote settlements before opening into the vast, silent bowl of Rajgundha Valley.

Trek Overview

Start Point: Thathi Village (near Barot / Joginder Nagar side)
End Point: Rajgundha Valley
Altitude: ~3,200 meters
Distance: ~10–12 km (one way)
Duration: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Thathi Village – The Last Settlement

The trek begins from Thathi, a small high-altitude village surrounded by terraced fields and thick deodar forests. It is the last permanent village on this route. From here, the road ends, and the trail immediately starts climbing gently uphill. The air feels cooler, quieter, and noticeably purer.

Forest Section

As you leave Thathi, the path enters dense oak and deodar forests. Sunlight filters through tall trees, and the trail winds steadily upward without being too steep. This section is peaceful, often accompanied by birdsong and distant streams. Occasional clearings provide glimpses of surrounding ridges.

High Meadows & Shepherd Trails

After a few hours, the forest thins out into open alpine meadows used by Gaddi shepherds during summer. These rolling grasslands are dotted with temporary stone huts and grazing sheep. The views widen dramatically, revealing snow-clad Dhauladhar peaks and deep valleys below. This is one of the most scenic parts of the trek.

Entering Rajgundha Valley

The trail finally descends gently into Rajgundha Valley, a broad and majestic high-altitude basin. Traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and grazing grounds give the valley a timeless feel. Surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, the valley feels isolated from the modern world — quiet, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful.

What Makes Rajgundha Special
- Remote, rarely visited Himalayan valley
- Traditional Gaddi culture and architecture
- Vast green meadows in summer, snow-covered landscapes in winter
- Complete silence and a strong wilderness vibe
- Incredible night skies with minimal light pollution
Accommodation
- Camping (most common option)
- Basic homestays or shepherd huts (seasonal availability)
  Facilities are minimal — expect simple living and warm hospitality.