Himachal Pradesh >> Mandi >> Tatapani
Tatapani, 164 km from Chandigarh, and just over an hour away from Shimla (54 km) on the Naldhera-Mandi road, is one such location. Another less crowded, more interesting and only slightly longer route is via Barotiwala to Sabathu, then up to Arki and Dhami before following the winding but almost deserted military road (constructed after the 1962 
war) to Basantpur and Tatapani.
As its name suggests, Tatapani is known for its hot waters, curative sulphur springs that surface on the right bank of the Sutlej and drain into the river. At just over 700 metres (2300 feet) above sea level, Tatapani can be uncomfortably warm in peak summer. As if in compensation, the icy waters of the Sutlej ensure that even the peak summer nights are cool. Frequent showers too take some of the bite out of the dry heat.
On the plus side, the swift river enveloped by steep gorges through much of its trajectory is gentle in this stretch with silver beaches and sheltered coves, where the visitor can cool off. There are scenic pathways upstream of the river to a waterfall and to Shiv Gufa, a stalacite cave with 81 shivlings 4.5 km away in the picturesque Saroor Khud, on the edge of the Sutlej gorge.
For the avid angler the Sutlej is teeming with fish. The silt in the river, specially in peak summer, however, can be an inhibiting factor. The clear green waters of Saroor Khud offer more rewarding prospects provided the local dynamite man hasn’t beaten you to the sport. Tatapani is also a prominent gateway to the enchanting Jalori pass (Tirthan river region) .With changes all around it, the sleepy village has begun to come out of its long hibernation. Since last spring, a local lad has begun to offer trips on a raft down the Sutlej.
war) to Basantpur and Tatapani.As its name suggests, Tatapani is known for its hot waters, curative sulphur springs that surface on the right bank of the Sutlej and drain into the river. At just over 700 metres (2300 feet) above sea level, Tatapani can be uncomfortably warm in peak summer. As if in compensation, the icy waters of the Sutlej ensure that even the peak summer nights are cool. Frequent showers too take some of the bite out of the dry heat.
On the plus side, the swift river enveloped by steep gorges through much of its trajectory is gentle in this stretch with silver beaches and sheltered coves, where the visitor can cool off. There are scenic pathways upstream of the river to a waterfall and to Shiv Gufa, a stalacite cave with 81 shivlings 4.5 km away in the picturesque Saroor Khud, on the edge of the Sutlej gorge.
For the avid angler the Sutlej is teeming with fish. The silt in the river, specially in peak summer, however, can be an inhibiting factor. The clear green waters of Saroor Khud offer more rewarding prospects provided the local dynamite man hasn’t beaten you to the sport. Tatapani is also a prominent gateway to the enchanting Jalori pass (Tirthan river region) .With changes all around it, the sleepy village has begun to come out of its long hibernation. Since last spring, a local lad has begun to offer trips on a raft down the Sutlej.
