The gentlest, most rewarding introduction to Seraj Valley — and the trail where ElSi's own first trek began.
Jalori Pass is one of the most accessible high points in this part of Himachal, reachable by road, which makes it a natural gateway into the quieter Seraj Valley beyond. From the pass, a well-loved trail leads through ancient deodar forest to Serolsar Lake — a small, still lake that local belief holds grants wishes to those who don't look back on the way there.
It's an easy walk by Himalayan standards, which is exactly why it works so well as a first day in the mountains, a family outing, or a gentle add-on to a longer Tirthan or Sainj itinerary.
This is also, for what it's worth, personal ground for us — Aditya and Khushi's first ElSi trek ran from Tirthan through this pass toward Shangarh.
Genuinely easy — well-graded forest trail, minimal elevation gain per kilometre, and suitable for most fitness levels, including families with older children.
Best time to go: March through November — one of the few trails in this reference guide that stays open across most of the year, since the altitude is comparatively low.
A gentle walk (roughly 5km one-way) through dense, old-growth deodar forest, gaining modest altitude to reach the lake. Most groups walk in and out the same day.
For those extending the trip, onward trails from the Jalori side connect toward Shangarh and Sainj Valley — ask us about combining this with a longer village-to-village route.
Combine with a multi-day walk toward Shangarh and Sainj Valley for a longer version of ElSi's own founding trek.
Starts with a conversation, not a booking. Tell us a little about you, and we'll take it from there.
Prefer to write or message directly? That works too.
