The best thing about hiking in GHNP is that you get to see the mountains up close. Unlike many trails in Kullu-Mandi, where the hiker has to make do with the distant shadows of Dhauladhars and Pir Panjals, Sainj offers a unique spectacle. In a way, they have their own ‘personal mountains’ running parallel to the Kullu-Lahaul divide.
Thini Jot or, as it is popularly known as, Thini Top lies in the ecodevelopment zone of GHNP. While most of the focus of GHNP lies in the Tirthan Valley, this particular area that connects Sainj with Banjar remains more or less unknown to tourists.
But locals have been treading on this path since time immemorial. Every year, people from both sides (Banjar and Sainj that is) travel to Thini Top to pay obeisance at the feet of Joginis ‘stationed’ at the pass.
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We started our journey from Dharli Village assuming the pass to be at around 2800 meters. However, we ended up 600 meters higher than our expectations. On top of that, powder snow that had poured overnight made the last 600 meters even more difficult.
But as I have already said, Sainj offers a unique spectacle of its personal mountains and that made the climb worth it. There are four lakes hidden behind the snowy mountains overlooking the Shangarh meadow. Thini Top offered great views of the probable approaches that ‘would’ lead us to these lakes in near future.
Naresh, our guide trying to figure out the way ahead. From this point, one can either go to Deotha or simply go down this very hill and reach at Thani-Bagi Village. Trail to Deotha is less steeper but very long. Reaching Thani Bagi (or Thani Chari) from this point was really very taxing because of the steep gradient. We lost almost 1000 meters within 2 kilometers…
Unfortunately, none of us used our brains to click a photograph at the top for we were too engrossed in soaking all the vistas that welcomed us at the top.
Edited on 10.04.2019: Uday did manage to click a photograph at the top.
Please contact BawrayBanjaray or Sharad Tyagi if you’re looking for a cozy stay at Shangarh.
Contact Naresh at 7807413931 if you wish to hire his services as your guide.
Trivia
- Where is Thini Top located?
- In the ecodevelopment zone of Great Himalayan National Park near Shangarh
- What is the altitude of Thini Top?
- Google Maps suggest that it hovers around 3450-3500 meters. My gps recorded 3480 meters/ 11550 feet
- Is water available on the trail?
- Yes. Though the back side (towards Banjar) is water scarce. Make sure you have ample water left with you when you start your descent. The gradient is too steep
- Are there any tricky patches?
- Yes. A few too many. We had to negotiate rocky edges four times. I think with snow gone in a week or so, it would be less risky but in snowy conditions, it surely is a no go
- What is the best time to visit Thini Pass?
- May-June would be the best time if you want to avoid snow.
- Is there any .gpx file available for this trail?
- Yes. You can download it at Wikiloc [click on link to download .gpx file]