Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Tatwani or Tatapani is a natural open hot water spring. The cold glacier water flowing from Bajinath turns hot near a place named Tatwani, which is located 25 Km from Bir. bathing in the natural open hot water spring was a wonderful experience.
To know how to reach this precious gem of a place, the hiking details and how accommodation works, and the ATM and network availability, keep reading; we’ve compiled a blog just for you!
Tatwani Hot Spring Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Best Time To Visit Tatwani Hot Spring
The best time to visit Tatwani hot spring is between April and June, November and October. The temperature is highly pleasant during these months, letting you get the best out of this place.
How To Reach?
To reach Tatwani hot springs, the travel on the road is close to 25 km from Bir, after which one needs to hike for 3 km. Unfortunately, no buses or public transport are available to reach the hike’s starting point. Your best option would be to rent a two-wheeler or a car, based on the number of people in your group.
Google Maps should help you direct your way to the Tatapani hot springs. The newly laid roads make your journey much more comfortable. You would come across scenic waterfalls and wild monkeys along the way, making it an interesting and engaging ride. The road ends at the Greenko Gate, wherein the Binwa Hydropower project is being set up.
You can park your vehicles at the side of the road and begin your hike (we’ve mentioned further details below) towards the direction arrow on your right.
Network Availability
An intermittent signal was observed on both the Airtel and Jio networks. We are not sure about the other networks’ availability.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available only at Bir. It is best to withdraw cash before you start your journey, as online payments are not accepted. There is no entry fee, and just as a tip, you might want to grab some snacks or food in the hut located en route.
Languages Spoken
Hindi is understood and spoken by the native people of the region. Their official language is Himachali, Kangri, or Pahadi.
Parking Availability
No dedicated parking space is available at the hike’s starting point. You’ll have to park on the side of the road near the Greenko Gate.
There are no petrol bunks or fuel stations en route. Be sure to fill your tanks at Bir.
Restroom Facilities
You are completely dependent on nature once you start from Bir. There are no proper sit-in restaurants or paid restrooms on the way.
Where To Eat?
There are shops in the village of Deol Khas where you can grab some snacks, water, and drinks. After crossing Deol Khas, there are no shops. So, our suggestion? Stock up!
There is a hut on the midway of the hike known as Silent Valley Cafe and Camping, where you can buy snacks and have piping-hot Maggi, chai, or Rajma Chawal (boiled rice with kidney beans) with tomato chutney for lunch. The auntie at the shack will prepare the lunch while you enjoy your hot bath and return.
We had Maggi before going and Rajma Chawal for lunch on our return. The taste was good, and the best part was unlimited rice for INR 150 (approx).
Where To Stay?
Tatwani Hot Spring is a short day hike from Bir. But if you want to slow down, you can camp for the night near the Silent Valley Cafe and Camping. There are no restrictions on pitching your tent in or around the cafe. But, if you’re pitching your tent somewhere else, check with the locals about the wildlife in the area.
We stayed at The Bunksters Bir. It is a nice spacious property that felt like home. Here are a few other recommendations.
- The Hidden Tribe
- The Bunker Bir
- Chokling ArtHouse: The Treasure of Himalayas
- La Maison, A Boutique Bed and Breakfast
- The Himaal, Bir
- North Wind 57
Things To Do In Tatwani
Tatwani is a pilgrimage place for the locals. The Hindu temple near the hot water springs is often visited by the villagers nearby.
Hiking Details
Entry Fees: Free
Permission: Not Required
Camping: Allowed. You can camp at the Silent Valley Cafe and Camping.
Timings: Open 24*7.
Duration: 2 hours for the ascend, 1 hour to descend
Min-Max Altitude & Elevation Gain: 1793 m – 2118 m, 325 m
Hike Distance: 2.96 Km one way
Water Resources: There are no natural water sources en route. You can get your thirst quenched at the alpine hut called Silent Valley Cafe and Camping.
Difficulty Level: Easy, highly subject to your fitness level.
Terrain: Forests, rocks, and boulders.
Wildlife: We spotted a few monkeys and cows.
Hiking Route:
Start your hike as directed on the board next to the Greenko Gate. Climb up the rocks on the visible trail. The first rest stop is a shelter with seating built. Keep following the huge metal water pipe for a few meters until the water pipe crosses the stream via the bridge built across.
For the first few meters, cement steps can be seen followed by a trail route. Keep going straight, and ascend a few more meters to reach the alpine hut, Silent Valley Cafe, and Camping.
You can spend some time, have breakfast, stock up your snacks, order your lunch, and proceed. A descent followed by an easy trail walking for about 20 – 30 minutes will lead you to the Tatwani hot water spring.
At The Tatwani Hot Spring:
A Hindu temple overlooks the hot spring if you descend a bit to the crystal clear hot water flowing down the stream. The huge boulders create small pool-like structures, making it the perfect spot to cozy up in the hot water. Explore around and hop on into these pools. But be very careful with the slippery algae found near the rocks.
You can also dip at the closed water pool near the temple. The water is super hot there, flowing through the inlet and exiting via the outlet.
The way back is the same. During ours, we saw a very scenic sunset while descending the snake roads.
Important Points To Remember
- The use of plastics, smoking, and drinking of alcohol is prohibited.
- As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Leave it better than it was before.
- Direction marks are not marked along the trail. But the route is pretty much straight until the very end. So, a guide is not required for this hike.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the heat.
- Carry a poncho or a raincoat.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- A spare set of clothes to change after bathing and a towel.
If you find this guide helpful, do leave us a comment below.
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