Shoja is a quaint village in the lap of Himachal Pradesh known to travellers for its magnificence and tranquil beauty. The village is situated in Banjar valley and lined by charming woodwork temples and craftsmanship. The region boasts stunning views and offers a break from the monotony of the humdrum of life outside. Shoja is a unique destination because it is hidden amidst lush forests and wilderness, frequented by precious fauna and scenic beauty. Adventure enthusiasts find it an enticing combination of unexplored territory, picturesque valleys, and dense pine and deodar forests. The place is also the perfect hub for birdwatchers and a delightful destination for your next summer retreat. It’s the perfect getaway to beat the summer heat and traffic beeps!
Shoja And Its Rich History
The quaint village is believed to be the abode of a local deity. Also, it hosts many wooden temples that tourists can visit to immerse themselves in true Himachali tradition. The village was once part of the now-ancient Silk Route and an important cultural and lingual exchange source. The place was once lived in by Mandi rulers who built forts and other sites of attraction here, which tourists can still visit. The land is a picturesque harmony of history and nature alike.
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Culture In Shoja
Shoja is a village of vibrant culture and traditions. People of varied faiths live together, often practice agriculture, and celebrate occasions joyously. A well-known community festival is that of Fagli, which marks the transition of seasons from winter to spring. People in the region speak quite a few languages, and although the usage of Pahari is prominent in daily life, most locals are fluent in Hindi and English as well. The villagers are hospitable and welcoming as long as the tourists do not litter the place or cause damage to their natural heritage, and are an important part of making the stay of travellers a joyful one.
Cuisine In Shoja
Food in Shoja is an important part of the natives’ culture and varies from one eatery to another, but trout is a famous delicacy enjoyed in the village.
Ghar 1964: In the homestay, you can savour a homemade thali that comes with rice, rotis, sabzi, dal or rajma, and sabzi for a meagre price. Take advantage of their well-known hot cocoa.
Odin Hostels & Cafe: Well-known for its delectable Dal Makhani, along with other Indian cuisine, served in the warm atmosphere of the place.
Rustic Cafe: Delicious meals are served at this vintage but cosy cafe.
Firgun Cafe: Slightly more expensive but offers delicious pizzas, peri-peri fries, and white pasta with mushrooms among others.
Manzana Woodlet Cottage: The place has a Subway where guests can eat sandwiches while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
You can also find local Himachali cuisine and traditional North Indian breakfasts at the roadside stalls in the region.
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How To Reach Shoja
Shoja can be accessed by several routes, which vary considerably depending on the starting point. It is advisable to kickstart your journey by flying out to a place like Delhi or Chandigarh, which are well-connected cities, and then continue the adventure by hopping on an overnight bus to Aut, a small metropolis in Himachal Pradesh. It’s a long journey, normally taking approximately half a day, so carry your favourite books and movies along. Once in Aut, you have a variety of options to reach Shoja. You can catch a bus directly to the place, with the primary one leaving around 7:00 a.m. and others following in approximately an hour. Travellers can also catch a cab directly to Shoja. The ride offers comfort and scenic views of the village as you travel in peace and privacy.
Places To Stay In At Shoja
Shoja provides a variety of options for visitors looking to stay; these options range from hostels to hotels. Of these, the most famous is The Hosteller Shoja, a delightful resting place for people craving a warm atmosphere and a home away from home. With high-speed internet and top-notch staff services, the place is a haven for workers and students looking to unwind and work simultaneously. It embodies a staycation with comfortable and luxurious rooms and stunning views that one can enjoy even from a distance. Another melting pot of tales and travellers is a resting spot called Ghar 1964, run by a traveller. The homestay offers warmth, companionship from other tourists, amazing daily food, and a comforting bed at night. Shoja offers plenty of hotels, restaurants and cosy eateries to keep the travellers warm and filled. A few of the above-mentioned spots allow pets, but many don’t, so be sure to call beforehand and confirm!
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Tourist Hotspots To Visit In Shoja
Enjoy the pleasant weather and visit the top tourist hotspots in Shoja. Here are the details of the activities that you can perform on the next visit.
1. Camping And Backpacking At Raghupur Fort
Begin your trip in Shoja with a fun hike to Raghupur Fort; the short trail provides a lovely blend of natural beauty and adventure to its travellers. The fort has a stunning view of the entire valley and is a famous spot for photography. The mountains of Spiti Valley, the Dhauladhar range, the Kinner-Kailash range, and even the peaks of Uttarakhand are visible on a clear day from this peak. Campers staying here must pay a nominal fee which includes the cost of their breakfast and dinner.
2. Fishing And Rafting In Tirthan River
Water lovers can find a fun abode in the crystal clear river of Tirthan, which runs through the village’s Himalayan National Park. It is a famous spot for river rafting and fishing and a scenic spot for photography as well. There are quite a few cosy cafeterias around the area, too, for when you’re tired and need a little boost!
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3. Shoja Waterfall
Just a few kilometres from Shoja is an exquisite waterfall known for its cool and refreshing water. Many tourists visit the place with their families to enjoy the beautiful view and splash around in the rejuvenating water.
4. Lake Serolsar
Trekking to Serolsar Lake from Jalori Pass is an encouraged activity where a few locals or guides travel with the tourists to the stunning water body. It offers a day full of spectacular views and walking past scenic sights. This serene, glistening lake — surrounded by tall oak and deodar trees — is considered the home of a local goddess. If you get an early start, you can enjoy the lake’s tranquil beauty when it is undisturbed in the morning and return home by the evening since the trek is only a few hours long.
Further Read: Trekking Near Manali
Filled with breathtaking sights and a calming atmosphere, Shoja could be your new favourite destination. Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see Shoja make sure you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shoja
What height above sea level is Shoja?
Shoja is at a height of 2368m above sea level and has pleasant weather. One can visit this stunning place for a soothing time with their loved ones.
What should I wear in Shoja?
The weather in the place varies depending on the seasons but it’s recommended that you carry a pair of trekking shoes along with warm clothes and sunscreen on you.
What language is spoken in Shoja?
Most people in Shoja speak Pahari but can fluently comprehend and converse in Hindi and English as well. So you can speak any of the preferred languages and interact with the locals.
What food is Shoja famous for?
Shoja is well-known for its Trout dishes so be sure to try those if you enjoy fish! These are available in the local markets at budget-friendly prices.
How many days are enough for Shoja?
A two to three-day trip is advised to explore the village. But you can take many more days to cover the major places and create memories by capturing multiple photos.
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