Manimahesh Trek

Manimahesh is one of Panch Kailash Yatra. Manimahesh is a holy place for Hindus. Manimahesh is also known as Chamba Kailash. The religious significance of Manimahesh lake is next to that of the Mansarovar lake.

The Manimahesh Lake is situated close to Holy Kailash peak which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Manimahesh lake is located at an altitude of 4,080 m above sea level.

Manimahesh Lake is the venue of a highly revered pilgrimage trek undertaken during a specific period of the year. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this pilgrimage. He is believed to reside in Kailash. A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailash is considered to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva.

The snowfield at the base of the mountain is called Shiva’s Chaugan by the local people.

According to the mythological books, the lake was created by Lord Shiva after he married Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that Lord Shiva performed penance here for seven hundred years, and the water started flowing from his tangled hair which later took the form of a lake.

In the periphery of the lake, now there is a marble image of Lord Shiva, which is worshipped by pilgrims. The image is called the ‘Chaumukha’. The lake and its surroundings present an impressive view. There is also a small temple in the shikhara style on the periphery of the lake. A brass image of Lakshmi Devi known as ‘Mahishasuramardini’ is deified in the temple.

And thus, the trek to the Manimahesh lake has been termed as Manimahesh Yatra and the state government has also declared it as a state-level pilgrimage.

Manimahesh lake is approached from different routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul-Spiti come through Kugti pass. Some from Kangra and Mandi come via Kawarsi or Jalsu passes. The easiest route is from Chamba and runs through Bharmaur-Hadsar.

Beyond Hadsar, the pilgrims have to trek for 15 kms to reach Manimahesh Lake. Dhancho, Sundrasi & Gaurikund are the main stations that come on the way from Hadsar to Manimahesh Lake.

For the trekkers the journey to Manimahesh Kailash commences from the month of June and continues till early October. It is an easy-moderate level trek where beginner-level trekkers can also participate.

We are the most experienced & trustworthy operator of the ‘Panch Kailash Yatra‘, which includes the Kailash Mansarovar, Adi Kailash & Om Parvat, Kinnaur Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, Manimahesh Yatra and Manimahesh Kailash Parikrama.

How To Reach

People coming from Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala or any other city, Arrive Delhi first, then book a overnight train from Delhi for Pathankot. AC Sleeper volvo buses are also available from Delhi, taking 10-12 hours to reach Pathankot.

From Train: Nearest Railway Station is Pathankot Cantt. railway station which is 180 km from Bharmour and takes 6-7 hours.
From Airport: Nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra (230 km from Bharmour) but Amritsar Airport is also feasible.
By Road: Manimahesh is easily accessible by road except for the last 13 km which can be covered by trekking only. Pathankot – Banikhet – Chamba – Bharmour (180 km).
By Trek: Manimahesh is accessible by a 13-km trek from Hadsar, which is easy-moderate.
We recommend you to land at IGI Airport, New Delhi and take a train to Pathankot Cantt. Railway Station and start your journey by road to Bharmour. Bharmour is the town nearest to Manimahesh, where you can find proper accommodation for the night.

Distance of Nearest cities from Bharmour
Chamba (District Headquarters): 64 km
Kangra: 185 km
Dharamshala: 195 km
Manali: 410 km
Shimla: 425 km
Pathankot: 175 km
Amritsar: 295 km
Chandigarh: 435 km
Delhi: 650 km