Situated in the Chotti kashi of Himachal Pradesh, Barot valley is famous for its trout fishing. It is a frequently a backpacker and day tourist destination. Many trekking trails pass through Barot, including trails to Bada Bhangal, Manali and Kullu.
Here three artificial lakes including one reservoir on Uhl river enhance the beauty of this magnificent hidden treasure as one enters the Barot village near Dhrangan. An old fountain channelizing the waters of Uhl erupting at regular intervals is another source of attraction. Just opposite the fountain, two centers of religious faith are situated. One is the temple of Dev Pashakot, the local deity of rain whereas the other is old temple which has been the witness to majority of couples of valley getting tied in marital bonds. The Thandi Golai ground on the way to old Mayot road is the camp site for trekkers. Rulling, the highest village in Mandi district is just an hour’s uphill trek falling in Lapas panchayat.
A haulage trolley of the British times connects Barot valley to Jogindernagar. This trolley link was set up to facilitate transport of construction material to Barot for a reservoir on Uhl river for Shanan Power House. The trolley was also sparingly used as a means of transport since Barot was not linked to a road till 1975. However, once the road connection was established, the trolley fell into a state of disrepair. It is currently owned and maintained by the Punjab State Electricity Board.
There are two reservoirs at Barot under Shanan power project. This project is dated back to 1924 constructed by a British engineer Col. Betty. You can see old machinery used in project. Barot also forms the gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary which lies across the Uhl. The sanctuary is home to the monal, black bear and ghoral.
There is also a tracking pass to Kullu (Manali) from Barot. The road to Barot branches off at Jogindernagar – Mandi highways at Ghatasani. It is situated 40 km from Jogindernagar and 66 km from Mandi. The nearest railway station is at Jogindernagar. If someone wants to have vacation away from crowd, noise, pollution, daily tensions then this is the best place to visit
