Himachali Guide
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The pilgrim trail from Bharmour to the sacred lake at 4,080 m beneath Manimahesh Kailash, Shiva's abode in Chamba.
Duration
4 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max altitude
4,080 m
Distance
28 km
Manimahesh Kailash at a glance
The Manimahesh Kailash trek is a 4-day moderate trek in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,080 m over about 28 km. It starts from Hadsar, with pickup in Chamba. The best time to go is June to September. Guided departures with Himachali Guide start from ₹7,500 per person.
Manimahesh Kailash is one of the five Kailash peaks sacred to Shiva, and the lake at its foot has drawn pilgrims from Chamba and the Gaddi villages for centuries. The trail starts from Hadsar, a short drive above the temple town of Bharmour, and climbs beside the Manimahesh nala through forest to the meadow of Dhancho.
Above Dhancho the path steepens past the Bandar Ghati and Sundrasi to Gauri Kund, where women traditionally bathe, and finally to the lake at 4,080 metres. On a clear morning the 5,653-metre pyramid of Manimahesh Kailash is reflected in the water; locals say the peak hides itself from those who are not meant to see it.
Outside the Yatra fortnight between Janmashtami and Radhashtami the trail is quiet and the camps are empty. We run both quiet-season treks and a guided Yatra departure for those who want to walk with the pilgrims, with the langars and the night walks by torchlight.
4 days · tap a day to expand
Drive two and a half hours up the Ravi and Budhil valleys to Bharmour at 2,100 m. Visit the Chaurasi temple complex in the evening.
A short drive to the Hadsar roadhead, then a steady climb beside the Manimahesh nala through forest to the Dhancho meadow and its waterfall.
Pre-dawn start up the steep zigzags of Bandar Ghati, past Sundrasi and Gauri Kund to the lake at 4,080 m. Afternoon at the shrine and lakeside; camp a little below the lake.
Watch sunrise on the peak, then descend the whole way to Hadsar and drive back to Chamba by evening.
No. The lake is a pilgrimage site but the trail is a good mountain walk even if you are not on pilgrimage. Please be respectful at the lake: no swimming, and footwear is removed at the shrine.
The official Yatra runs for about two weeks from Janmashtami to Radhashtami, usually late August to early September, when thousands walk to the lake and free langars line the route. It is something to see, but crowded. If you want a quiet trail, pick a date outside the Yatra.
Day 3 gains about 1,800 m over 8 km, which is steep. We start before sunrise, walk slowly and carry oxygen. Reasonable fitness and a month of preparation are enough for most people.
Pathankot is the nearest railhead, about 3.5 hours from Chamba by taxi or bus. Overnight buses also run from Delhi and Chandigarh to Chamba.
3 min read
The route from Hadsar to Manimahesh lake, what changes during the Yatra, when to go and how to get ready for a climb to 4,080 metres.
Read article: A guide to the Manimahesh Kailash trek from Bharmour3 min read
Which Himachal treks to do in spring, the monsoon, autumn and winter, and which to skip, from the Dhauladhar above Dharamshala to the high passes of Lahaul and Spiti.
Read article: Best time to trek in Himachal, season by season
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