Shoja

About

Shoja is a tiny apple-orchard village tucked just below Jalori Pass (3,120 m) in the Banjar Valley. While Jibhi gets most of the attention from travellers, Shoja offers a quieter atmosphere with forest lodges, orchard walks, and the best road access to the Serolsar Lake trek. The meadows near Jalori Pass are carpeted with wildflowers in summer and offer excellent stargazing at night.

Highlights

• starJalori Pass (3,120 m) — 2 km from Shoja, meadows and snow peaks
• starSerolsar Lake — 5 km forest trek from Jalori Pass
• starRaghupur Fort ruins — 5 km trek from pass, mountain views
• starApple orchard walks in bloom (April) and harvest (September)

Nearby Attractions

Gallery

Local Experiences

• exploreTrek to Serolsar Lake through sacred oak forest
• exploreStargazing at Jalori Pass (minimal light pollution)

Food & Drink

• restaurantShoja Retreat restaurant — local Himachali food
• restaurantRoadside chai at Jalori Pass

Where to Stay

• hotelThe Shoja Retreat (₹2,500–4,500/night)
• hotelForest homestays (₹1,200–2,000/night with meals)

Travel Tips

• lightbulbRoad beyond Jibhi to Shoja is narrow — manageable in standard car
• lightbulbBest combination: Jibhi + Shoja + Jalori Pass in one trip

Frequently Asked Questions

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