My Journey to Jibhi - A Hidden Gem in Himachal Pradesh

 From Sleepless Nights to Mountain Top: Our Drive to Jibhi

It was 2 AM at Lovely Professional University, and while everyone else slept, ten of us were wide awake  full of excitement and adventure in our hearts.

We just hired five bicycles, filled our tank with fuel, and without even having breakfast, we set out. I had not slept for over 36 hours, but the idea of pedaling through the night towards the Himalayas was enough to keep me going and awake.

The instant our cycles hit the highway, the still of the night turned into laughter and revving engines. The wind was chilly, the road deserted, and our vigor unbridled. We screamed, sang, and laughed through the darkness  with Google Maps as our sole guide and our love of freedom.

Of course, the journey had its share of moments of confusion. We made a couple of wrong turns, got lost once or twice, but that was all part of the excitement. Along the way, we watched mountains gradually waking up, rivers shimmering in the nightlight, and waterfalls unfolding like silver ribbons along the side of the road. Every turn revealed something new and it was impossible not to pull over for a photo.

Breakfast in the Hills

By 7 AM, we were finally hungry. We stopped at a small roadside dhaba that stood at the foot of hills.We were all tired, dusty, but as soon as we settled with parathas, chai, and pahadi Maggi, everything was perfect.That hot chai in the chilled mountain air it was not tea, it was comfort.

While we ate, the sun came up in the valley, casting the sky orange. The scenery was enchanting, and for a short while, the world seemed utterly motionless.

A brief respite later, we resumed our journey halting frequently, sometimes to take photographs, sometimes to suck in the mountain air.

When we arrived in Jibhi

Hours after, exhausted but exhilarated, we finally arrived in Jibhi. None of us had pre-booked rooms, so we started looking around the village. Wooden houses, greeny hills, and a soft river greeted us.We looked at some homestays and found the ideal one  a small wooden cottage with a river running right next to it.

The moment we dropped our bags, we ran to the river. The water was freezing cold  so cold that I couldn’t step in at first. But after a few minutes, my body adjusted, and soon I was standing waist-deep, laughing as the current rushed past. Everyone joined in, splashing, shouting, and forgetting all the tiredness of the road.

It was absolute bliss  the kind that words cannot even do justice to.

After we finally emerged, we sat on the riverbank with chai and snacks, the gurgle of the water sounding like music. The scenery, the serenity, the giggles all felt just right.

Dinner, Music, and Peace

As the evening approached, we cleaned up and went out to scout around the village for food. We walked down the hill and inquired if any dhabas were open most had shut early, but we finally spotted a tiny joint serving hot food.

While having our meal, we noticed a couple of local children dancing and singing in their own Himachali manner. Their exuberance and rhythm made the evening all the more special.

As we drove up to our homestay, the valley was hushed except for the river's sound. In bed, hearing that serene flow, I thought this was more than a vacation. It was a memory I would never lose.

Day 2 — Whispers of the Hills and the Serenity of Jalori Pass

The day dawned gently with the soft hooting of birds and the quiet roar of the river at our abode. I woke up at the crack of dawn, went outside, and for the first time in months, felt peacefully serene.

The mountain wind caressed my face, the sky was bright, and the valley below seemed to be emerging from a dream.

Following a refreshing bath and light breakfast, we prepared for the day — since today was our trek day.

The Road to Jalori Pass

We began our ride towards Jalori Pass, the entrance to one of the most serene treks in Himachal. As we rose in elevation, the scenery kept improving  clouds passing along side us, valleys extending endlessly, and the air getting cooler with every bend.

We couldn't resist stopping at each vantage point, clicking pictures, and immersing in the magic that surrounded us.

Along the way, we even picked fresh apples directly from the trees, interacted with some friendly mountain canines, and giggled like little children again.

When we finally arrived at Jalori Pass, we left our bikes behind, collected our strength, and started the trek.

The Trek — Challenges, Views, and Calm

The walk was long and sometimes challenging. The trail twisted through thick forests with towering pine trees, with the sound of crunching leaves all around.

At times, the ascent seemed to have no end  steep climbs, sharp turns, and a cold that sharpened with each step. A few of our friends decided to retire halfway, too exhausted to proceed, but some of us persisted.

We walked over tiny streams, assisted one another over rocks that were slick with moss, and just kept on going. We'd stop every few minutes to breathe and survey our surroundings and every panorama was worth the work. Ryan and I finally arrived at the summit — Serolsar Lake.Serolsar Lake — Stillness Beyond Words

There it was — a tiny, crystal lake surrounded by towering deodar trees. The water was too still that it seemed like a mirror reflecting the sky.

By its side stood a little temple for the local god, partially contributing to the tranquil atmosphere of the area.

I remained there in silence for a couple of minutes, allowing the silence to seep in. The air was chilling, but my heart was pumping warmth.

I forgot all about it for a moment — no tension, no racket, no rush. Just tranquility.

It seemed like the mountains were whispering, "You've made it. Breathe." 

We descended after a while. Some of our friends who had turned back halfway were at the bottom waiting for us with big smiles as we hobbled back exhausted but elated.

The Last Night — Bonfire and Goodbyes

That night, in our homestay, we chose to cap our trip with a bonfire.

Soft music played in the background, the laughter of the people resounded, and we danced near the fire, exhausted but exhilarated. The stars in the sky were shining bright, and the river running alongside us sang its perpetual melody.

It was our final night in Jibhi — a blend of joy and wistfulness. We had encountered rivers, waterfalls, tunnels, valleys, and challenges that taught us more than we ever imagined.

The following morning, we loaded up, checked out, and started our ride home to college — hearts full, minds refreshed, and souls touched by the Himalayas.

Reflection

Traveling teaches you things no classroom ever could.

This trip wasn’t just about reaching a destination — it was about the people, the laughter, the silence, and the lessons hidden in the journey.

Jibhi gave me more than memories; it gave me moments of peace I’ll carry forever.