Jibhi: The Tale of my Escapade

Beep..beep..beep, the buzzer hits 5:00 am, I lay awake on my bed, trying my best to keep the noises in my head at bay. As each day passed, my fear of being stuck in a loop was gaining momentum. Everyday seemed to be a struggle. I realised that I had to get out, before the city had it's claws on me. If you think that this is a superhero-origin story, I'm sorry to disappoint you. This story is about finding "A Quiet Place" where I could reassess and restructure my life goals.

I didn't want to go somewhere that looked like Chandni Chowk during the holidays. So I searched for a place that never fell on a tourist map, yet had a scenic landscape that was trek worthy and possibly a freshwater lake. I found what I was looking for in Jibhi.

My trip to Jibhi was a journey of understanding and reconnecting with my inner self. Finding those small joys in life that I often forgot about and restoring the inner peace I lost over time. That is when I realized the true meaning of those Rajesh Khanna lines "Babu Moshai, Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi.” from his famous movie Anand.

Jibhi is a magnificent, mystic and ancient Himalayan village on the banks of the gurgling Tirthan river, a tributary of River Beas. Located at an elevation of 1600m, 51250 ft and 70 km from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. P.S. Let's take a moment to thank Google for those stats ;-) This place is deservingly gaining popularity among fellow travellers and gypsies like us, who embrace the hippie culture.

The valley changes its shape and form every season like an apsara changing her outfits. The summers, monsoons and winters in Jibhi are very different experiences altogether. But do keep in mind that, during the months of December and January the temperature falls way below normal, and the climate isn't very hospitable for travellers. Nonetheless, this place is a haven for both; the explorer and the aesthete in you.

Here is some fun stuff I did and can recommend in and around Jibhi.

Hiking

Go trekking on a trail that has been laid out by professional mountaineers or set out on making an unexplored virgin trail. Since there isn't much change in altitude in Jibhi, most of the region is categorized as 'easy to moderate' for trekkers. (Pro tip: Carry your water bottle and granola bars with you, just in case you might need them!) I would always recommend a professional to guide you as they have interesting bits of information and stories about their experiences that will make your trek even more memorable. So put on your hiking shoes when you travel to Jibhi.

Read a book and bathe in Serolsar lake

If you are a lazy person like me and would relish any opportunity to sit near a lake and read a book while enjoying the scenery, then this village has a place for you too. Serolsar Lake is located almost 6 km away from Jalori pass, hidden in a forest of pine trees. This charming lake is the perfect location for the aesthete in you. The lake is known for its medicinal properties and is believed to be holy by the locals (Pro tip: Positively, DO NOT LITTER insert incredible India bgm) Wash away all your negativities and rejuvenate your spirit with a dip in this awesome lake.

Forest Photography

A "mountainous" variety of flora and fauna can be found in the valley of Jibhi and the scenery is worth framing. So grab a few stills and videos that will take you back to Jibhi whenever you see them. If you are an Amateur photographer, beg your guide to help you! Alternatively, if you are the kind of person who lives in the moment, photograph these memories with your heart…

Trout Fishing

Why is fishing a must-try in Jibhi?
The hunt helps you relieve anxiety, strengthen bonds in relationships and let you peep into the depths of your soul. The pure joy and feeling of self-fulfilment when you finally make a worthy catch, would make for a tale that you could tell the next generations over and over again…
Growing up, we naturally forget about our childhood, that carefree you who used to spend time without looking at the dials on your watch. Fishing is a great hobby to pick up while at Jibhi cause there is plenty of fish in the river🙃

Level up Sensei

Yoga, meditation, forest therapy and sound healing are ancient restorative sciences that can be used for healing the triad of well-being; the mind, soul and body. To keep the body healthy, strengthen the mind and soothe one's soul, nothing works better than these age-old techniques when guided by a Guru. Jibhi is a perfect place to start mending your soul and empowering you from within.

The Art and Culture

The word 'him' is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘snow’, and 'achal' means ‘abode’. There are many references in Hinduism and Buddhism about its mystic beauty and why both the Vedic and Puranic gods are still worshipped here following the ancient rituals and rites. Jibhi is a treasure trove of rich local heritage, as manifested in its traditions, art and culture. The famed Budhi Naagin temple near the Serolsar lake is believed to be home to all naga deities, there are various mysteries and folklores of Naagin devthas that add to the beauty of the place.

At the end of my journey to Jibhi, I not only took home a fully rebooted version of myself but also many values and understandings of how I should tread forward in my life. I realised that my "Escapade" wasn't about escapism, it was about finding inner strength and facing my fears by taking a leap of faith. And finally, I could go back to sleep again and this time I woke up to a new me.