Barot

Barot is a picturesque village and tourist destination in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, situated about 65 to 66 kilometers from the district headquarters, Mandi, and 40 km from Jogindernagar. Nestled in a small valley formed by the Uhl River and surrounded by the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Barot sits at an elevation of approximately 1819 meters (6001 feet).

Originally developed in the 1920s for the Shanan Hydel Project, it was difficult to access until a road was opened in 1975. The area features terraced fields, thick cedar and pine forests, and includes attractions like a trout breeding center on the Uhl River, where fishing and angling are popular.

Barot serves as a gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, home to animals such as the monal, black bear, and ghoral. It is also a favored spot for trekking, nature sightseeing, and enjoying peaceful, scenic surroundings, with accommodation options suitable for backpackers and day visitors. The landscape includes the Uhl barrage and reservoir, and nearby historical remnants such as the summer palace of the former rulers of Mandi. Barot’s charm lies in its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and relatively quiet tourist experience compared to more commercialized hill stations.