About : Kunal Mahajan
About Jot Pass
At an altitude of 7,700 feet (about 2,350 meters), Jot Pass is a scenic mountain pass that connects Chamba Valley to the Bhandal Valley. A trek to the trails offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Dhuladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges.
* Distance from Chamba: \~22 km
* Nearby Hill Stations: Dalhousie (~37 km), Khajjiar (~25 km)
* Region: Dhauladhar foothills, part of the western Himalayas
Compared to other popular tourist places like Dalhousie or Khajjiar, Jot Pass offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Why Visit Jot Pass?
Jot Pass is known for its:
* Lush meadows and dense pine forests
* Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys and snow peaks
* Tranquil atmosphere with very few tourists
* Rolling pastures where local shepherds graze their flocks
* It’s also a photography delight—perfect for sunrise and sunset views over misty valleys
Travelers often use Jot Pass as a short stopover while exploring the Bairagarh–Sach Pass–Pangi Valley route, one of Himachal’s most adventurous drives.
How to Reach Jot Pass
By Road:
* From Chamba: The pass is about 22–25 km from Chamba town. The road winds uphill through forests and scattered hamlets.
* From Dalhousie: Drive to Khajjiar and then take the scenic link road to Jot Pass.
* Nearest Major City: Pathankot (approx. 120 km). Pathankot has the closest railway station and good bus connectivity.
By Air:
* The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal) near Dharamshala, about 170 km away.
By Train:
* Pathankot railway station is the closest railhead. From there, hire a taxi or take a bus towards Chamba.
Where to Stay
* There are no big hotels on the pass itself—it’s mostly untouched.
* Stay options are available in Chamba, Khajjiar, or Dalhousie.
* A few local homestays or forest rest houses may be found if arranged in advance, but carry your own food and water if planning a day picnic.
Best Time to Visit
* Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather, clear skies, blooming wildflowers.
* Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery but slippery roads—check weather updates.
* Autumn (October–November): Clear views of distant peaks; crisp air.
* Winter (December–March): The pass gets snowbound; access may be limited depending on snowfall. It transforms into a beautiful snowfield, but road conditions can be challenging.
Why Jot Pass is Special
Unlike crowded hill stations, Jot Pass is a slice of serene Himalayan beauty, perfect for travelers seeking solitude, raw mountain landscapes, and an authentic Himachali vibe. It’s ideal for a quiet picnic or a photo stop on a larger Himachal circuit.