Village · Tirthan Valley and GHNP, Himachal
Chehni Kothi tower and Jibhi village
Walk 2 km up from the Jibhi road to Chehni village to see Chehni Kothi, a 17th-century kath-kuni tower temple about 45 m tall, then explore Jibhi's riverside timber houses and small waterfall.
Photo: Banchida · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsChehni Kothi stands above the Jibhi road in Chehni village, and you reach it on a well-used footpath of about 2 km through fields and forest. The tower is built entirely of alternating courses of deodar timber and stone, without mortar or metal, and rises much higher than any house around it. It is generally dated to the 17th century. It was partly damaged in the 1905 earthquake, and villagers repaired it.
The building is a temple of the goddess Bhagwati and is still used by the village. The interior is not open to visitors, so admire it from outside, and do not climb walls or enter temple areas without permission. Local rules may require you to remove leather items near the shrine. In good light, the long horizontal bands of timber and stone make it one of the most photographed buildings in the region.
Back on the road, Jibhi is a small village on a stream with wooden houses and homestays, a small waterfall a few minutes' walk away and cafés. It has become busier in recent years, but early mornings are still quiet. Combine Chehni Kothi with Jalori Pass on the same day if you start early, or make it a gentle half-day from Gushaini.
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Questions
Before you book
Can I go inside Chehni Kothi?
No. It is an active temple and the interior is not open to visitors. You can walk around the outside and photograph the tower from the village paths. Ask villagers before photographing the shrine area, and follow any posted rules.
How old is Chehni Kothi?
It is generally dated to the 17th century, though its exact origins are not recorded. It is built in kath-kuni style without mortar, and it was repaired after partial damage in the 1905 Kangra earthquake.
How hard is the walk to Chehni Kothi?
Easy to moderate. The path from the Jibhi road climbs about 2 km to the village, taking 45 minutes to an hour. It is uneven in places but suits most walkers. Sturdy shoes help after rain.