Nesto Stay and Cafe, Shoja Jibhi

Shoja sits 5 km beyond Jibhi, tucked into the Seraj Valley and surrounded by Himalayan ranges on all sides. Deodar and oak forests cover the slopes. The air smells like pine. On clear mornings, you can see snow-capped peaks from the village, and the valley below is nothing but green as far as it goes.

Nesto Stay and Cafe is a backpacker hostel right by the bus stand, at around 2,000 meters elevation. Dorm beds for solo travelers, private rooms for couples or anyone who wants their own space. The rooms are simple and warm, with mountain views and enough blankets to handle the cold nights.

The common room fits 20-25 people and that's where the hostel comes alive. Travelers swap stories, play board games, plan treks together. On cold evenings, the bukhari gets fired up. The wood-burning tandoor throws serious heat, and people gather around it with chai, talking until late. The café serves over 150 items. Paranthas, momos, thalis, pasta, pizza, pancakes. Breakfast through dinner.

From here, Jalori Pass is just 30 minutes up the road. Serolsar Lake is a 5 km trek through dense forest. Most days, the hostel organizes group hikes to the nearby waterfall, village walks through apple orchards, or café hopping back down to Jibhi. Evenings turn into music jams and card games. Clear nights mean stargazing with zero light pollution.

Nesto is a dry hostel. No alcohol, no drugs, zero tolerance. The vibe is social but grounded. A place to disconnect from the noise and actually be in the mountains.
Cards and UPI accepted. Check-in from noon. Perfect base for trekking, nature walks, or doing absolutely nothing surrounded by Himalayan forests and fresh mountain air.