Swap Manali for Shoja – A Secluded Heaven in Himachal

Most people heading to Himachal Pradesh have Manali circled boldly on their travel map. It’s the go-to destination, packed with buzzing cafes, mall roads, and adventure junkies hunting for snow and selfies. But if you’re the kind of traveler who prefers whispering pines over crowded lanes, and crisp, untouched air over busy bazaars, then it’s time to shift your compass a bit. Just a few hours away from the chaos of touristy spots lies Shoja—a tiny, quiet hamlet tucked inside the Seraj Valley that feels like it’s been forgotten by time, in the best way possible.

Where Exactly Is Shoja?

Shoja, also spelled as Sojha, sits somewhere between Jalori Pass and the more visited town of Banjar, in Himachal’s Kullu district. It’s a part of the Tirthan Valley region, though often left out of mainstream guidebooks. Located at an altitude of around 8,700 feet, the village is surrounded by dense deodar forests, scattered wooden homes, and some of the most soul-soothing silence you’ll ever experience. While it’s not a big name like Manali, that’s precisely its charm. You don’t come here to tick off tourist attractions—you come to breathe, to slow down, and to remember what nature sounds like without background noise.

How to Reach Shoja

Getting to Shoja isn’t tough, but it takes a bit of effort, which is probably why it stays untouched by mass tourism. From Delhi, it’s about 500 km by road. If you’re coming by car, the route usually goes via Aut Tunnel (on the Delhi-Manali highway), from where you take a diversion toward Banjar. The last stretch to Shoja winds uphill in tight bends, flanked by thick forests and the occasional magenta rhododendron in bloom if you’re lucky to visit in spring.

For those relying on public transport, buses from Delhi can take you to Aut or Banjar. From there, a local taxi or shared cab will be your best bet. Though the road gets narrow and a bit tricky at points, especially after dark, the views that open up once you’re near Shoja are more than worth the bumps.

What to Do in Shoja

Now here’s where Shoja really wins hearts. There’s no checklist of things to do, and yet, somehow, your days feel full. The biggest activity here is doing almost nothing—and loving every second of it. Wake up to birds you don’t recognize. Sip chai on a balcony that overlooks pine valleys and distant snow lines. Watch clouds wrap around the hills like old friends.

That said, there are still a few gems around if you want to stretch your legs. The Jalori Pass, just about 5 km from Shoja, is a great place to start. You can hike from the pass to Serolsar Lake, which is a pleasant 5 km trek through oak and cedar woods. The lake is small, peaceful, and guarded by the temple of Budhi Nagin, which local folks believe protects the area. It’s a spot where the water stays crystal clear year-round, and the silence echoes if you whisper.

Closer to the village, you can also walk to the Waterfall Point, a short and gentle trek from Shoja. It’s nothing dramatic like big Himalayan waterfalls, but the kind that fits the place—quiet, cold, and surrounded by ferns and mossy rocks.

Another experience you shouldn’t miss is simply walking through the village. Talk to locals, spot traditional Himachali homes, and maybe sit down with an old man who’s happy to share stories you didn’t ask for. The hospitality in Shoja is genuine and unhurried. People won’t pitch you hotels or tours—they’ll just offer warmth, food, and directions with a smile.

Why Shoja Instead of Manali?

Let’s be honest—Manali has its own charm. It’s great for people watching, bustling cafes, snow adventures, and a lively scene. But with all that comes the traffic, the crowd, the constant honking, and overpriced corners trying too hard to be ‘boho’. Shoja, on the other hand, offers something rare these days—stillness. The air feels different here, cleaner somehow. The nights are darker, the stars brighter. Even the food, often simple rice, dal, and sabzi cooked over firewood, tastes like it’s been made with more care. It’s not about big resorts or curated experiences. It’s about waking up, walking a bit, listening to the wind rustle through the trees, and sleeping better than you have in weeks.

What’s Famous in Shoja?

Shoja is not famous in the traditional sense. You won’t find it trending on social media or packaged into tourist brochures. But among slow travelers, nature lovers, and those who’ve already done the usual Himachal loop, Shoja is quietly gaining a reputation as a soul-fixer. Its wooden guesthouses with slanted tin roofs, the smell of pine needles on sun-warmed ground, and that unmistakable sense of being away from everything—that’s what Shoja is known for.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Shoja depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s blooming flowers, soft sun, and chirping birds, then April to June is ideal. The valley is green, alive, and fresh. Autumn (September to November) brings golden trees and clear skies, great for trekking and photography. Winters (December to February) can be magical, with snow covering rooftops and trails—but come prepared, as temperatures drop sharply and roads can get slippery.

Monsoon (July to August) brings its own charm, but also comes with the risk of landslides in the region, so it’s best avoided unless you’re the kind that enjoys rain in remote hills.

Shoja isn’t trying to be the next big thing. It doesn’t want to compete with Manali or Shimla. It just is what it is—a quiet, clean, heartfelt place where time slows down and the world feels a little softer. For those tired of chasing itineraries and Instagram check-ins, Shoja offers a pause. A real one. And in today’s world, that’s not just refreshing—it’s rare.