Land of Shiva - Chamba - Bharmour, Pangi - Manimahesh Yatra - Dhanchho -Sundrasi - Gauri Kund

 The Manimahesh Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to the foot of the Manimahesh Kailas located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. Manimahesh is supposed to have been created by Shiva after his marriage to Parvati. The name Manimahesh signifies the crystal/gem that sits on top of Shiva’s (Mahesh) head.

No one has ever been able to reach the summit of Manimahesh and it remains a mystery to human eyes.  Declared as a state-level pilgrimage by the government, the site is dedicated to Hindu God Lord Shiva and is considered the abode of the Hindu God. The journey commences on the day of Janmashtami and ends on the day of Radha Ashtami.
Not just pilgrims, this trek is attended by trekkers, nature lovers and mountain walkers from all over the world. Known to be one of the most beautiful treks in the world, the route boasts of sweeping panoramic vistas as the mountain peak is a virgin peak.  The Yatra purifies one’s soul and body.  A procession known as “holy Chhari” accompanies the yatra wherein pilgrims and sadhus carry holy sticks on their shoulders. The Chhari trek proceeds with the accompaniments of music and hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.

 The trek starts from the village of Hadsar that is a small distance away from Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. From Hadsar, the route leads to the hill village of Dancho. This trek can be undertaken even by amateur climbers as the slope is gradual and not very difficult. Here you can also find beautiful views of the Valley of Flowers and short bushy shrubs that have medicinal values.

 Manimahesh Lake is supposed to be the abode of the Hindu God Lord Shiva. It is believed that while Lord Shiva was performing penance here, a stream of water gushed out from his matted hair and took the shape of the lake. The lake, which is shaped like a saucer, has two different parts. The larger part is called ‘Shiv Karotri’ and has icy cold water.

Devotees believe that Lord Shiva used to take bath here.  The other, smaller part, is situated at a small distance and has comparatively less chilly and lukewarm water which is called ‘Gauri Kund’. Women are supposed to take a dip in the Gauri Kund. On the periphery of the lake is also situated a large marble image of Lord Shiva called Chaumukha that is worshipped by the pilgrims. There is also a small temple that is presided by Lakshmi Devi.  

The nearest airport is in Gaggal in Kangra which is at a distance of 170 km.
Nearest railway station is in Pathankot in Punjab.

From both these places, and also from neighbouring cities and towns, regular bus services are available that ply to and fro to Chamba. From Chamba, there are local buses and jeep services available that can take you to Bharmour.