The valleys of Himachal Pradesh are famous worldwide for their natural charm, but among them there are still some places which remain untouched and less-explored. Rohru town, located in the Pabbar Valley of Shimla district, is one such hidden paradise.
This town is about 107 km from Shimla, and as soon as you reach here, you feel a unique peaceful vibe. Rohru Himachal Pradesh is known for its apple orchards, trout fishing, ancient temples, and adventure treks. Local culture and hospitality make it even more special. If you are tired of the crowd of Himachal’s famous hill stations and want a raw Himachali experience, then Rohru is the best destination for you.
1. History & Cultural Significance of Rohru
The history of Rohru is connected with the princely state of Rampur Bushahr. In old times, Rohru and its surrounding areas were considered a royal hunting ground. Gradually, this area became famous for its horticulture revolution, and today it is one of the biggest apple production zones of Himachal Pradesh.
But it is not only horticulture, the cultural importance of Rohru is also very deep. The people here are known for their Devi–Devta traditions. The most famous is the Shikru Devta Temple Rohru, where a big fair is held every year. In this fair, people from surrounding villages bring the palanquins of their local deities, and the whole town becomes festive. Folk music, Himachali nati dance, and traditional rituals are still an integral part of the culture here.
In addition, temples in and around Rohru such as the Hatkoti Mata Temple (dedicated to Goddess Mahishasurmardini) and the Shikru Devta Temple are ancient and spiritual destinations that make Rohru a cultural hub.
2. Things to Do in Rohru
Rohru is not just a town, but a complete travel experience. Every traveler finds something special here — whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker.
🐟 Trout Fishing in Pabbar River
The Pabbar River, which flows through the middle of Rohru, is also called a fishing paradise. Here, rainbow trout and brown trout are found, which are a major attraction for fishing enthusiasts. The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has developed fishing spots here and proper permits are available. Even if you are not fond of fishing, sitting on the riverbank and enjoying peace is an unforgettable experience.
🌳 Apple Orchards Visit
The apple orchards of Rohru are world famous. This belt is also called the “Apple Bowl of Himachal Pradesh”. During the harvesting season in September–October, the entire valley shines with red and green apples. Nearby villages like Chirgaon, Seema, and Tikri are famous for apple cultivation. Tourists enjoy apple picking and can also buy fresh apples directly from local farmers.
🛕 Temples & Cultural Spots
- Shikru Devta Temple – The largest temple of Rohru town, the center of local faith and festivals.
- Hatkoti Mata Temple – Located 35 km from Rohru, this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mahishasurmardini is known for its stone carvings and unique architecture.
- Seema & Tikri Villages – Here you can experience original Himachali wooden houses and pure pahadi lifestyle.
⛰️ Trekking & Adventure Trails
Rohru is also an adventure hub, from where you can start many unexplored treks.
- Chanshal Pass (12,000 ft) – The snow-capped mountains and off-road jeep trails here are extremely adventurous. In winters, it turns into a snow paradise.
- Dodra–Kwar Valley – One of the most remote and isolated valleys of Asia, accessible through Rohru. The journey to reach here itself is a lifetime adventure.
3. How to Reach Rohru
Despite being in Shimla district, the connectivity of Rohru is quite good. You can easily reach here by road, air, and train.
- By Road:
Shimla to Rohru distance is about 115 km and the travel time is 5–6 hours. The road goes from Shimla – Theog – Kotkhai – Jubbal and then reaches Rohru. Regular HRTC buses and private taxis are available. - By Air:
The nearest airport is Shimla Jubbarhatti Airport, which is about 130 km from Rohru. Taxis are easily available from here. An alternative is Chandigarh Airport (~200 km), which provides better connectivity. - By Train:
The nearest railway station is Shimla (narrow-gauge line), which connects from Kalka. The journey from Shimla to Rohru has to be completed by road.
👉 This route itself is a scenic journey, where you will see apple orchards, pine forests, and the charm of winding valleys.
4. Best Time to Visit Rohru
The weather of Rohru carries its own charm throughout the year, but choosing the right season is very important for travel planning.
- 🌸 Summers (April – June):
This is the most popular time when the weather is pleasant. Unlike other hill stations of Shimla district, summers here are mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C–25°C. Apple orchards appear lush green and trekking trails are open. - 🌧️ Monsoon (July – September):
During this season, Rohru and its surrounding villages turn lush green. The Pabbar River flows in full swing, but roads can become slippery due to heavy rains. For photography and apple orchards, this is a magical time. - 🍂 Autumn (September – October):
This time marks the apple harvesting season in Rohru. The town and villages are filled with red apples, and local fairs and festivals are also celebrated the most during this period. - ❄️ Winters (November – February):
If you are fond of snow, then winters in Rohru are nothing less than a fairytale. Chanshal Pass and surrounding mountains get covered in snow, and the temperature drops as low as -5°C.
👉 Overall, the best time to visit Rohru is April–June and September–October.
5. Where to Stay in Rohru
Rohru town is famous for its simplicity and hospitality. You will find stay options here for every budget — whether you prefer hotels, guesthouses, or homestays.
- 🏨 Hotels in Rohru:
There are several mid-range and budget hotels in the town that provide comfortable stays. These are perfect for family travelers and groups. - 🏡 Homestays in Rohru:
If you want to experience the Himachali lifestyle and culture closely, homestays are the best option. Local families offer authentic pahadi food and a home-like environment. - 🌲 Guesthouses & Forest Rest Houses:
Himachal Tourism rest houses are also available around Pabbar Valley, which are affordable and ideal for a peaceful stay.
💡 Tip: During the apple season and trekking season (April–June and September–October), Rohru gets quite crowded, so advance booking is recommended.
6. Local Food & Shopping in Rohru
Like every town in Himachal, Rohru has its own special culinary flavor. The taste of local Himachali dishes and fresh produce is truly unique.
🍲 Local Food
- Siddu: A steamed dish made from wheat flour, served with ghee and dal.
- Rajma Chawal: The rajma of Rohru is famous for its distinct taste.
- Trout Fish: Fresh trout from the Pabbar River, served fried or tandoor-style, is a must-try dish for foodies.
- Traditional Himachali Dham: If you get the chance to attend a local festival or function, tasting dham is a must.
🛍️ Shopping in Rohru
Rohru town doesn’t have a big market like Shimla, but there are still a few things worth buying:
- Apples & Dry Fruits: You can buy fresh apples and dry fruits directly from orchards.
- Handmade Woolens: Local women knit woolen caps, shawls, and socks, which make perfect winter souvenirs.
- Wooden Handicrafts: Himachali-style carved wooden items can be found in small shops around Rohru.
👉 The real joy of shopping here is that everything is authentic and locally made.
7. Nearby Visiting Places from Rohru
Rohru town is surrounded by tourist spots that make you want to extend your stay for a day or two more. If you are planning a trip to Rohru, don’t miss these nearby attractions:
- 🛕 Hatkoti Mata Temple (13 km):
Located in Jubbal Valley of Shimla district, this ancient shaktipeeth is dedicated to Goddess Mahishasurmardini. Known for its stone carvings and pagoda-style architecture, the temple on the banks of the Pabbar River feels absolutely divine. - ❄️ Chanshal Pass (48 km):
About 37 km from Rohru, Chanshal Pass (12,000 ft) is a paradise for adventure lovers. Covered in snow during winters and perfect for off-road jeep rides and trekking in summers, this pass offers spectacular views of the Dodra–Kwar Valley. - 🏔️ Dodra–Kwar Valley:
One of the most remote valleys of Asia, accessible via Rohru. Though reaching here is challenging, once you arrive, the experience is unforgettable. Wooden houses, traditional Himachali culture, and untouched natural beauty make it a must-visit. - 🌳 Chirgaon & Tikri Villages:
These villages near Rohru are famous for their apple orchards. Chirgaon is one of the biggest apple-producing belts of Himachal, while Tikri is known for pahadi architecture and a calm environment.
8. Travel Tips for Rohru Visitors
- 🎣 Permits for Trout Fishing: A proper permit is required for fishing in the Pabbar River. These can be easily obtained from the Himachal Fisheries Department.
- 🧥 Pack Warm Clothes: Even in summers, evenings get a little cold, and in winters, the temperature can drop to -5°C.
- 💰 Carry Cash: ATMs are limited in Rohru, and the network is sometimes weak, so carrying cash is advisable.
- 🏨 Book Stay in Advance: During the apple and trekking season, hotels and homestays fill up quickly.
- 🚌 Local Transport: HRTC buses are available, but for remote spots like Dodra–Kwar, a local jeep or taxi is the best option.
9. Our Experience in Rohru
My trip to Rohru was truly unforgettable. I stayed with my friend here, but I also realized that the town has many hotels, homestays, and guesthouses available, making it perfect for all types of travelers.
Early morning, I went for a walk along the Pabbar River — the sound of water and the peace of the valley touched my heart. After that, I tried trout fishing, which is Rohru’s specialty. During the day, we visited the Shikru Devta Temple and got to experience Himachali culture closely.
The most enjoyable part was wandering in the apple orchards — walking among the red and green apples felt like stepping into a postcard. The locals were friendly and helpful; they even offered us freshly plucked apples from their orchards.
Overall, the experience of Rohru was peaceful and gave me an authentic Himachali feel. This town is truly a hidden paradise that one must visit at least once.
✨ Final Wrap-Up
Rohru is a perfect mix of nature, adventure, culture, and spirituality. From trout fishing in the Pabbar River to exploring apple orchards, from visiting ancient temples to trekking at Chanshal Pass, every corner of Rohru has something unique to offer. Add to that the warm hospitality of the locals, and you have a destination that is both memorable and refreshing.
👉 If you are planning to skip the crowded hill stations of Himachal, then Rohru town should definitely be on your travel list.
Rohru Town Location, Photos & Video
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Beautiful Pictures Of Rohru Town
Location Of Rohru Town
❓ FAQs about Rohru
Where exactly is Rohru located in Himachal Pradesh?
Rohru is a scenic town located in the Pabbar Valley of Shimla district, about 115 km from Shimla. It lies on the road connecting Shimla–Theog–Kotkhai–Jubbal, and is surrounded by apple orchards, rivers, and lush valleys.
Why is Rohru famous among tourists?
Rohru is famous for its apple orchards, trout fishing in the Pabbar River, ancient temples, and treks like Chanshal Pass. Unlike crowded hill stations, it offers a peaceful and authentic Himachali experience.
Which temples can I visit near Rohru?
The most popular temples are the Shikru Devta Temple in Rohru, and the Hatkoti Mata Temple (35 km away) dedicated to Goddess Mahishasurmardini. Both are culturally significant and host vibrant fairs and rituals.
What activities can travelers enjoy in Rohru?
Travelers can enjoy trout fishing, apple orchard tours, cultural experiences, and trekking adventures. Popular trails include Chanshal Pass and the Dodra–Kwar Valley trek, which are full of natural beauty.
How is the road condition to Rohru from Shimla?
The road journey from Shimla to Rohru takes about 5–6 hours, passing through Theog, Kotkhai, and Jubbal. The route is scenic with pine forests and apple orchards, but during monsoons the roads can become slippery.
What is the best time to visit Rohru?
The best time to visit Rohru is April–June for pleasant weather and trekking, and September–October for apple harvesting season. Winters (Nov–Feb) are ideal for snow lovers, while monsoon is best for lush greenery.
Are there good stay options in Rohru?
Yes, Rohru offers budget hotels, homestays, and Himachal Tourism rest houses. Homestays are the best choice to experience Himachali lifestyle and local food, while guesthouses near the valley provide peaceful stays.
How far is Chanshal Pass from Rohru and what is it famous for?
Chanshal Pass is about 37 km from Rohru and is located at a height of 12,000 ft. It is famous for its snow-covered peaks in winter, off-road jeep rides, and trekking trails in summer, offering panoramic valley views.
