Lord Shiva Trek in Himachal Pradesh

Manimahesh Yatra 2023

August & September 2023

₹ 17499 /- + 5% GST

Manimahesh Yatra 2023

via Bharmour

₹17499 /- + 5% GST

Pathankot -Pathankot

Batches: August & September 2023

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Manimahesh Yatra is a pilgrimage trek in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the toughest and most challenging treks in the region. The trek takes the pilgrims to the holy Manimahesh Lake, located at an altitude of 4,080 meters in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.

The Manimahesh Yatra is of great significance to the Hindus, and it is believed that Lord Shiva resides in the Manimahesh Kailash Peak, which is visible from the lake. The Yatra takes place annually, usually during the month of August or September, on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Janmashtami.

The Manimahesh Yatra is a 14 km trek from Hadsar, the base camp of the yatra, to the Manimahesh Lake. The trek is considered to be challenging due to the steep and rocky terrain and the high altitude. The pilgrims must be physically fit and mentally prepared to undertake the trek.

During the yatra, the pilgrims dip in the holy lake, offer prayers at the Manimahesh Temple, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The Yatra is a symbol of faith and devotion, attracting thousands of devotees every year.

The Manimahesh Yatra is also known for its natural beauty and scenic views. The trek takes the pilgrims through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Yatra is a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a memorable experience for the pilgrims.

Importance of Manimahesh Yatra

Manimahesh Yatra is one of the most significant and revered pilgrimages in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Manimahesh Yatra is devoted to Lord Shiva and is believed to be a highly spiritual and challenging journey that is a test of one's faith and devotion.

The Manimahesh Yatra is believed to have started in the 9th century when a local king, Raja Sahil Verman, had a vision of Lord Shiva who instructed him to establish a temple at the Manimahesh Lake. The lake is located at an altitude of 4,080 meters above sea level and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.

The journey to Manimahesh Lake involves a trek of around 14 kilometers through some of the most picturesque and challenging terrains in the Himalayan region. The trek starts from the town of Hadsar and passes through dense forests, steep ridges, and gushing streams.

The Manimahesh Yatra is believed to be highly auspicious, and it is said that a dip in the sacred Manimahesh Lake during the yatra can wash away all sins and bestow spiritual liberation. The yatra is also considered to be a significant cultural event that brings together people from different communities and promotes unity and brotherhood.

In conclusion, the Manimahesh Yatra is a highly spiritual and significant pilgrimage that is believed to be a test of one's faith and devotion. It is an opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Himalayan region and witness the unique culture and traditions of the local people.

Itinerary of Manimahesh Yatra

Here is a detailed itinerary of the Manimahesh Yatra:

Day 1: Arrival in Pathankot

Namaste! Welcome to Pathankot, the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point of your Manimahesh Yatra.

Upon your arrival at Pathankot railway station or airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Check in to the hotel and rest for a while. Later in the day, you can explore the local markets of Pathankot and enjoy the local cuisine.

Overnight stay in Pathankot.

Day 2: Pathankot to Bharmour (185 km/ 8-9 hours)

Start early in the morning from Pathankot and drive towards Bharmour, which is about 185 km away and takes around 8-9 hours to reach.
En route, you will pass through the towns of Banikhet, Dalhousie, and Khajjiar, which are popular tourist destinations known for their scenic beauty.
Stop for lunch at one of the roadside dhabas or restaurants.

Continue the journey towards Bharmour, which is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh and is the base for the Manimahesh Yatra.

Check in at a hotel or guesthouse in Bharmour and rest for the night.

Day 3: Acclimatization in Bharmour

On day 3 of the Manimahesh Yatra, you will spend the day in Bharmour to acclimatize to the high altitude. Bharmour is situated at an elevation of around 2,195 meters (7,200 feet), which is significantly higher than most plains and low-altitude areas. This day will help your body to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.

You can explore the local markets and visit the ancient Chaurasi Temple Complex, which has 84 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys.

You can also attend a briefing session by the local authorities to get important information and instructions about the trek to Manimahesh Lake. This briefing is essential to ensure your safety and well-being during the trek. You should also use this day to pack your bags and gear for the trek, check your equipment, and get ready for the journey ahead.

Day 4: Bharmour to Hadsar (13 km/ 1 hour) and trek to Dhancho

On day 4, you will leave Bharmour early in the morning and drive to Hadsar, which is located around 13 km away. Hadsar is the starting point of the trek to Manimahesh Lake. You can hire a pony or a palanquin (doli) from Hadsar to reach the base camp of Dhancho. The trek from Hadsar to Dhancho is a moderate one and takes around 4-5 hours to complete.

Once you reach Dhancho, you can rest and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. Overnight stay can be arranged in tents or guesthouses.

Day 5: Trek to Manimahesh Lake

After breakfast in Dhancho, start the trek to Manimahesh Lake (4 km/3-4 hours)
The trek begins with a gradual ascent through a beautiful meadow with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After about an hour, the trail becomes steeper and more rocky, with several switchbacks leading up to Gauri Kund, a sacred pond where pilgrims take a holy dip.

From Gauri Kund, the trail continues to climb through a steep and narrow valley, passing several rock formations and waterfalls. After another 1-2 hours of trekking, you'll reach the beautiful and serene Manimahesh Lake, nestled at the foot of the towering Manimahesh Kailash peak.
Spend some time here exploring the lake and its surroundings, taking in the breathtaking views, and offering prayers at the temple.

Later, trek back to Dhancho for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Darshan and pooja at Manimahesh Lake

This day is dedicated to darshan (worship) and pooja (offering) at Manimahesh Lake, which is considered a holy site by Hindus.
Take a dip in the lake and perform the pooja with the help of a priest.
Spend some time around the lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the serene atmosphere.
You can also explore the nearby caves and temples, which are considered to be of great religious significance.

Day 7: Trek back to Dhancho

On Day 7, you will trek back to Dhancho from Manimahesh Lake, covering a distance of about 14 km. The trek will take around 6-7 hours. You will retrace your steps through the same route that you took while going up. Once you reach Dhancho, you can relax and spend the night there.

Day 8: Trek back to Hadsar and drive to Bharmour

On day 8 of the Manimahesh Yatra, you will trek back from Dhancho to Hadsar and then drive back to Bharmour. The trek from Dhancho to Hadsar takes about 1-2 hours. Once you reach Hadsar, you can take some time to rest and freshen up before starting your drive to Bharmour.

The drive from Hadsar to Bharmour takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Upon reaching Bharmour, you can check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the local market or simply relaxing. You can also take this opportunity to perform any pending rituals or visit any other nearby temples. Overnight stay will be at Bharmour.

Day 9: Bharmour to Pathankot

On day 9, you will depart from Bharmour and travel back to Pathankot, which is the end point of the Manimahesh Yatra. The drive from Bharmour to Pathankot takes about 8-9 hours and covers a distance of approximately 185 km.

Once you reach Pathankot, you can take some rest and explore the local markets for souvenirs or local cuisine. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Ranjit Sagar Dam or the Dhruva Mata Temple.

This concludes the itinerary for the Manimahesh Yatra. Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Included in the package

✅ Accommodation for (5) nights on a Double / Triple share basis as per itinerary in hotel and tents
✅ All transportation and sightseeing as per itinerary.
✅ All meals as mentioned in the Itinerary.
✅ Services of Guide, Cook, and Helper, during trekking.
✅ Tent, Sleeping bags, Mattress, Camp Fire.
✅ Walkie Talkie for emergency contact basecamp to the road head
✅ Permit & entry fees
✅ Porterage of camping equipment and meals during the trek.
✅ Shikhar Travels Trek Manager.
✅ First aid kit with oxygen cylinder
✅ Toilet Tents, Dome Tents, Kitchen Tents, etc.
✅ 01 Snack per day, Boiled drinking water in Camp.

Not included in the package

✅Lunch during road transport

✅Any meals during road transport

✅Forest entry fees, permits

✅Pony or Potter charges anywhere

✅Any personal expenses, Tips

✅Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Cancellation

If your trek gets called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.) we will not refund your money. Instead of money, Walking The Himalayas will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. You can easily redeem that voucher for the same amount for any of the treks available at the same price.

In case you wish to cancel your trek please email us at help@walkingthehimalayas.com

Cancellation charges are based on the total trek fee, irrespective of the amount paid either full or partial.

The cancellation policy of Walking The Himalayas is based on the original booking time and the original start date of the trek.

If you cancel a trek before 30 days of trek start date and get a full refund after deduction of 1.99% payment processing fee.
If you cancel a trek before 15 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 20% of the total trek fee.
If you cancel a trek before 10 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 40% of the total trek fee.
If you cancel a trek before 5 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 60% of the total trek fee.
The Trek fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 4 days before the trek start date.

Trek cancellation due to weather:

In case of an incomplete trek due to weather conditions, you can opt for the same trek again throughout your lifetime on all our fixed departures for the same trek.
This attempt only covers the trek fee and will not include any rentals or the transportation amount paid earlier.
This is non-transferable.

Q&A

How much does Manimahesh Kailash Yatra cost?

The cost of the Manimahesh Kailash Yatra can vary depending on various factors such as mode of transportation, accommodation, food, and other expenses. Here is a rough estimate of the cost:

Transportation: The cost of transportation from your place of origin to Pathankot and then to Bharmour can range from INR 5,000-10,000 (approximately $70-$140) depending on the mode of transportation (bus, taxi, or private car).

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Budget hotels and guesthouses in Bharmour can cost around INR 500-1000 (approximately $7-$14) per night, while more luxurious options can cost up to INR 3,000-4,000 (approximately $42-$56) per night.

Food: The cost of food can also vary depending on where you choose to eat. Street food and local eateries can cost around INR 100-200 (approximately $1.50-$3) per meal, while restaurants and hotel dining options can cost around INR 300-500 (approximately $4-$7) per meal.

Pony/Horse: Hiring a pony or horse to ride during the trek can cost around INR 2,000-3,000 (approximately $28-$42) per day.

Other expenses: Other expenses such as entrance fees, temple fees, and other miscellaneous expenses can cost around INR 1,000-2,000 (approximately $14-$28).

Overall, the total cost of the Manimahesh Kailash Yatra can range from INR 20,000-30,000 (approximately $280-$420) per person for a 9-day trip. However, the cost can vary depending on the mode of transportation, accommodation, food, and other expenses.

How many days are required for manimahesh yatra?

Typically, it takes around 5-7 days to complete the Manimahesh Yatra, including the trek to and from the Manimahesh Lake. However, this may vary depending on the route and the pace of the individual trekker. It is also advisable to take an additional day or two for acclimatization, especially if the trekker is coming from a lower altitude.