Have you ever heard of Kailash Yatra? No, let me tell you – it is a yatra of five Kailash peaks in the Himalayas and is considered sacred as the abode of Lord Shiva. Name of Five Kailash peaks are Adi Kailash, Kailash Mansarovar, Kinnaur Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash and Manimahesh. Yatra to all these places is not trekking only, it is about spiritual connection with the almighty God and finding inner peace. Being not so easy, you will find not too many pilgrims visiting here.
However, the increasing popularity of religious tourism has drawn the attention of many devotees and genz to visit here and have darshan after a challenging trek. In this article, you will find all information about Manimahesh Kailash Yatra such as route, importance, location, when to do and how to do it.
About Manimahesh Kailash
One of the Panch Kailash- located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is a sacred yatra where the manifestation of Lord Shiva is present as a rock formation on top of the mountain that resembles Shivaling and is named Manimahesh Shivling. Partition of the word comes as Mani and Mahesh which means as Mani on the crown of Mahesh (Lord Shiva another name). It is said that only lucky people can see the top peak of this mountain if Shiva is happy and clouds do not cover that peak. A covered peak with clouds is a symbol of his unhappiness.
As per local lore, a reflection of the peak can be seen in Manimahesh Lake in the reflection of Moonlight. Manimahesh is also known as Chamba Kailash Peak and a local tribe named as Gaddi finds themselves as Shiva worshippers.
Location of Mani Mahesh Lake and Mount Kailash
Mani Mahesh Lake is located at 26 Km from Bharmour- the gateway to the yatra.
District: Chamba
State: Himachal Pradesh
Surrounded by Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, make this a picturesque town.
Key Highlights: Brahmani Mata Temple, Chaurasi Temple Complex, and Manimahesh Lake.
History and Significance of Manimahesh Peak Himachal
As per beliefs, it is said that Manimahesh is the abode of all three Gods of the Universe- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Dhanchoo Waterfall which lies on way of Manimahesh Lake is said to be the abode of Lord Vishnu while Bharmaur is for Lord Brahma. It is said that after residing for six months on Mount Mani Mahesh Kailash, Lord Shiva left this world and went to his heavenly adobe by transferring his powers to Lord Vishnu. In this context, every year locals at Manimahesh celebrate Janmashtami on the eighth day of Bhado Month.
On this occasion, there is a large fair held every year and known as the Manimahesh fair. Yatra dates are also designed for this peak by aligning them with festival celebrations. Gaddi also believes that Lord Shiva returns to Bharmaur from the underworld as the day is celebrated as Shivratri. Despite being at a lesser height than Mount Everest, it is claimed that no one is able to reach the peak of Mani Mahesh Kailash. There are many tales associated with it such as whoever has tried to ascend the peak has turned into stone and remains there as a cluster of mountains.
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How to Reach Manimahesh Kailash?
There are three main routes to reach Manimahesh Kailash:
- Lahaul-Spiti via the Kugti pass.
- Kangra and Mandi via Kawarsi or Jalsu passes.
- Bharmaur via Chamba
Chamba route is very famous as it is easily accessible by vehicle or trek. There are many options to reach Chamba via rail, air and road.
Manimahesh Yatra By Road: Take a bus or cab to Chamba directly from major locations such as Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Shimla etc. There are state-run Volvo Buses for Chamba from Delhi, Una, Pathankot and Chandigarh. Chamba to Bharmour distance is 60 km approx and takes 2.5 hours approx to reach. It is the base for the Manimahesh Yatra trek.
After reaching Chamba, the route for Manimahesh Yatra is: Bharmour- Hadsar- Dhanchoo- ManiMahesh.
You can also reach by public buses to Hadsar or could prebook the helicopter facility from Hadsar to Manimahesh Lake and vice-versa. To add more places to your trip, you can rent Delhi to Dalhousie Tempo Traveller explore the Mini Switzerland and then head to Bharmour.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Kangra Airport which is 120 km approx from Chamba, but it is operational with fewer flights. To reduce the travel time, you can take a flight to Amritsar Airport or Chandigarh Airport and book a tour package from there to begin the yatra.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Pathankot. Distance between Pathankot and Bharmaur is 163 km approx and takes 5-6 hours to reach.
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Manimahesh Yatra Tour Package from Delhi
Day 1: Delhi- Pathankot (500 Km, 8-9 Hours)
Pick up in Delhi NCR and head to Pathankot via Ludhiana and Jalandhar route. It will take 8-9 hours to cover 500 km and reach Pathankot.
Another option is to take Vande Bharat Express train which takes only 5.5 hours to reach Here. Stay overnight in Pathankot.
Day 2: Pathankot-Bharmour (163 KM, 5-6 Hours)
The next morning, drive to Bharmour via Chamba. It will take 5-6 hours to reach here. Upon arrival, check in your hotel/camp and acclimate to high altitude.
Day 3: Bharmour – Brahmani Temple – Bharmour (6 KMs trek)
Start your trek and reach Bharmani Temple. After darshan return back to your hotel. Stay overnight.
Day 4: Bharmour – Hadsar – Dhanchoo (12 KMs drive and 6-7 KMs trek)
Your rented vehicle will take you to Hadsar- the beginning point of the trek. From here, you have to trek for 6-7 km to reach Dhanchoo. Stay overnight here in the camps.
Day 5: Dhanchoo – Manimahesh Lake / Gauri Kund (08 KMs trek)
Early morning, after breakfast, start trekking to Mani Mahesh Lake. After taking lunch then again started trekking to Mani Mahesh. Reach Mani Mahesh in the afternoon/Evening. Take a dip in the Mani Mahesh Lake and take blessings of Mani Mahesh peak. Dinner and overnight stay at Camps in Mani Mahesh / Gauri Kund.
Gauri Kund and Shiva Krotri are two religious ponds near Mani Mahesh Lake (around 1.5 Km) which are believed to be used by Shiva and Parvati.
Day 6: Manimahesh Lake / Gauri Kund – Hadsar – Chamba (14 Kms trek & 71 Kms drive)
After performing all rituals and bath in Gauri Kund, trek back to Hadsar- a long trek of 14 Km. After reaching there, hop in your vehicle and drive back to Chamba.
Day 7: Chamba – Khajjiar – Dalhousie – Pathankot Cantt (118 Kms drive)
Explore Khajjiar and Dalhousie in the daytime. Drop at Pathankot cantt for further journey. If the trip is Delhi to Delhi, the Vehicle with depart Chamba in the early morning- just after breakfast.
Note: For Booking the Manimahesh Yatra tour package from Delhi, you can take our all-inclusive package or just a Tempo Traveller on Rent to customize your trip accordingly.
Tips for a safe and memorable Manimahesh Yatra
- Plan your trip ahead and choose the right time to travel
- Be familiar with routes, duration and alternate routes too
- Prepare yourself mentally and physically
- Pack all essentials according to weather and remote conditions
- Stay hydrated and eat properly
- Accimlitalize your body for high-altitude location
- Follow all safety guidelines issued by local authorities
- Travel in a group or with an experienced Guide
- Be ready for flexibility in your plans and emergencies
FAQ
- What is the total trek distance in Manimahesh Yatra?
It is approx 23 km trek from one side to reach the Manimahesh Lake from Bharmour whereas it is approx 15 km trek to return to Hadsar.
2) How is the weather at Manimahesh Mount Kailash?
Summer at Manimahesh starts in April to June when the temperature lies between 12°C – 20°C in daytime and 0°C – 6°C in night. Best time for Manimahesh Yatra is June, August and September. There is heavy snowfall in winter that makes this region inaccessible.
3) Is the Manimahesh Yatra by car or tempo traveller safe?
Yes, it is safe to follow guidelines and drive in day time.
4) Is the Manimahesh Yatra very difficult?
The Manimahesh Yatra involves a trek of approx 23 km in 2 days and a return trek of 14 km. So, you must be ready for the challenges and physically ready for the yatra.