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Barog is a hill station based in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh in India. Notably, this hill station is on a famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kalka – Shimla Railway and is about 60 Km from Chandigarh and 40 Km from Shimla. Historically, the place gets its name after Colonel Barog, a British engineer who started the work of building a tunnel in the Kalka Shimla railway. Present at 5110 ft, the natural beauty of Barog remains untampered despite all modernisations. Apart from trekking and camping, There are several other things to do in Barog, like sightseeing and more.
13 Things To Do In Barog For A Memorable Himachal Holiday
There are several things to do in Barog after you reach there. The following are some of the suggestions that could make your trip truly worth the travel:
1. Explore The Grave Of Barog
Photo: Bill Boaden / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Colonel Barog was tasked with building a tunnel in the region by the British Empire. As was the norm he started digging the tunnel from both ends to hasten the process but the ends failed to meet each other due to some miscalculations. This angered the top brass and Barog was demoted and fined. Unable to bear this dishonour, he committed suicide and was buried near his incomplete tunnel (tunnel no.33). The place is about 2 Km from the Barog railway station.
Location: Near Barog Railway Station
Major Attractions: Resting place of Colonel Barog, historical spot amidst pine trees
Suggested Read: Explore The Majestic Forts In Himachal Pradesh To Relive The History Again
2. Offer Prayers At Dolanji Bon Monastery
Photo: Mayor mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This magnificent monastery was built in 1969 by Abbott Lungtok Tengpai Nyima and since then it has been the pinnacle of Tibetan culture in Himachal Pradesh. If you visit Barog, this place is only an hour away and is just 5 Km by the Narag – Sarahan Road. Also known as the Yungdrung Monastery, this place houses about 120 monks. Apart from the aesthetic appeal of the place, it is famous for its Bon Dance performed during the New Year and other such occasions.
Location: Narag–Solan Road, Oachghat
Major Attractions: Tibetan Bon culture and stunning traditional architecture
3. Explore Jatoli
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
Jatoli has an ancient temple dedicated to Mahadev but that’s not the entire catch! It is also the highest temple in Asia and is just about 15 Km from Barog. Every year during the Mahashivratri, there is an annual fair around the temple premises that could be an experience of a lifetime. The temple is adorned with old architecture and interior decorations that will take you to a different era! The morning prayer with soulful chanting will fill your heart with devotion. This is one of the unmissable things to do in Barog.
Location: 7 km from Solan
Major Attractions: Tall Shiva statue and serene Himalayan backdrop
Suggested Read: Jatoli Temple
4. Choor Chandni Trek
Photo: Sunil Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most important things to do in Barog is to go to the Choordhar mountains and explore the Choor Chandni peak at night. The silver lining of the moonlight illuminates the mountain like some otherworldly wonder. While the peak is located in the Sirmour district that is about 72 Km away, Barog serves as the ideal base for this thrilling trek. This is a fantastic trekking option with the trekking route spanning about 15 to 40 Km based on your starting point to the peak. The peak which is about 12000 feet above the sea level is snow-covered throughout the year, making it one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Location: Begins from Barog or Sadhupul
Major Attractions: Panoramic Himalayan views
5. Visit Suketi Fossil Park
Photo: Vjdchauhan / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the banks of the Markanda River, this colossal park is the first Asian park built at the site where fossils were found. Inside this park, there are models of the already extinct giant elephant, Sabre-toothed tiger & giant land tortoise. You will also find many prehistoric animals as old as 8.5 million years old, made of fibreglass apart from various fossils. There is also a museum which tells the story behind each of these entities that once ruled the earth.
Location: Near Kala Amb in Sirmaur district
Major Attractions: Life-size models and fossils of prehistoric animals
Suggested Read: National Parks In Himachal Pradesh
6. Explore Karol Tibba
About 16 km away from Barog, Karol Tibba has a Kali temple located on a hill amidst the pine forests. To reach here you have to trek which will usually last for 2 to 3 hours. But the journey will truly be worth the effort, as you finally get to see the beautiful temple and the entire Solan village. Atop the ridge, where the temple is located, you will get an eagle view of the entire village present beneath the hill.
Location: Above Solan town
Major Attractions: Ancient caves and panoramic views of the Shivalik range
7. Explore Pandava Cave
Photo: Prashast1995 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This cave will come up on your way to the temple and in fact the Karol Tibba is well known for this. Legend has it that the Pandavas had resorted to refuge in this cave for a few days before the Battle of Kurukshetra. Also, the Pandava cave is the longest in Himachal Pradesh connecting Karol to Pinjore.
Location: Situated on Karol Tibba
Major Attractions: The cave is believed to be used by the Pandavas during exile
Suggested Read: Tabo Caves
8. Tour The Colonial Town Of Dagshai
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
This old cantonment town, in fact, one of the oldest, is of great significance to the colonial history of India. There used to be a prison during British rule where every prisoner was imprinted on his head and thus the name of the town was “Dagshai”. The central jail that used to hold these prisoners still exists today and has been transformed into a memorial. Apart from that, the town has a church from the British era, the Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, which is worth exploring.
Location: Near Solan Town
Major Attractions: A colonial cemetery, historic jail museum, and scenic vistas
9. Offer Prayers At Shoolini Devi Temple
Photo: Bhanu Sharma Solan / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Ma Durga, the great Hindu Goddess, this ancient temple is just 8 Km from Barog. During June, the Shoolini fair is celebrated, and devotees from various parts come to the temple. The idol is taken in a palanquin and carried throughout the city with joy and grandeur. This festival and the temple are one of the best things to see in Barog, Don’t miss the chance while on the Trip.
Location: Located in Solan city
Major Attractions: Revered temple dedicated to Goddess Shoolini and hosts an annual fair in June
Suggested Read: Devi Temples In Himachal Pradesh
10. Stay At Barog Camping Grounds
Photo: Derek Harpe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Indulge yourself with nature at the Barog’s Camping grounds and explore the nearby grounds and villages. Surrounded by giant trees and a clear view of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, Barog campaign grounds provided exceptional views and tranquil mornings to the campers on the site, making it one of the most offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most sought-after things to do in Barog by tourists from all over the world. experience nature resolves first-hand in Barog.
Location: Near Pine Hill Eco Camp, Barog
Major Attractions: Forested camping experiences with bonfires and valley views
11. Hike To Gilbert Trail
Photo: ßlåçk Pærl / Wikimedia Commons
Barog unveils a charming hiking trail that invites you on a journey along the Gilbert Trail. This moderately demanding route, steeped in history and dotted with native flora, offers a refreshing escape from the village’s calm ambience. As you meander through verdant paths, the trail provides ample opportunity for bird-watching and quiet contemplation, with scenic valleys and gentle slopes lending both challenge and beauty. Ideal for both novice and experienced hikers, this enchanting trail enriches your list of memorable activities in Barog, making it one of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh.
Location: Located near the Kasauli Club
Major Attractions: Lush forests and panoramic Himalayan views
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh
12. Picnic At Renuka Lake
Photo: Sidharth Maithani / Shutterstock
Renuka Lake offers a delightful retreat for a leisurely picnic set against an enchanting natural backdrop. Nestled amid gentle, rolling hills and framed by verdant woodland, the lake’s placid surface reflects a tapestry of clear skies and lush trees, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty. With a soft breeze and the cheerful chirping of birds, it is the perfect setting for relaxing with friends or family. Enjoy a quiet outdoor meal on the grassy banks, and let the tranquility of the surroundings rejuvenate your spirit and calm your mind.
Location: Sirmour district (around 60 km from Barog)
Major Attractions: Boating, temples, and a mini-zoo
13. Explore Barog Tunnel
Photo: Swarnabha Das / Shutterstock
Barog Tunnel stands as one of the most enchanting historical highlights in Barog. Carved through the rugged hillside as part of the famed Kalka-Shimla railway, it offers a quiet glimpse into colonial ingenuity and the perseverance of its builders. As you wander through its cool, ambient passage, you become immersed in local lore and the spirit of adventure. The gentle echoes and intricate design evoke the dedication of those who once paved the way for modern transport. A visit here blends quiet reflection with a nod to Barog’s vibrant past, making it a truly unforgettable encounter with history.
Location: Kalka-Shimla Railway near Barog Station
Major Attractions: Famed for its eerie history and scenic charm
Suggested Read: Trekking In Himachal
Barog is a magical blend of history, mythology, religion and culture along with a lot of nature and trekking. The options are so many that the thought of “Okay, now what to do in Barog?” will never cross your mind! This also means a good organisation of the itinerary and that is much possible with an experienced agency like TripXL.
Cover Photo: Anup Sadi / Wikimedia Commons
