About Manimahesh:
Manimahesh is one of the Panch Kailash which is in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh and the other Kailash are Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Shrikhand Mahadev in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, and Kinnaur Kailash in Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh.
The manifestation of the Lord Shiva is supposed to be a rock formation on top of the mountain that resembles a Shiva Lingam and is known as Manimahesh Shivling. The Mani Mahesh Peak is believed to be visible only to those who are lucky. If Lord Shiva is happy then the peak will be clearly visible and clouds covering the peak denote the displeasure of Lord Shiva.
Manimahesh’s etymology refers to a “gem (Mani) on the crown of Lord Shiva (Mahesh).” According to local lore, the moon rays reflected off the jewel can be seen from Manimahesh Lake on a clear full moon night. The Mani Mahesh Peak is also known as Chamba Kailash.
History of Mani Mahesh:
Lord Shiva is thought to have created Manimahesh after marrying Goddess Parvati, also known as Mata Girja. Additionally, it is believed that Lord Shiva paid deep penance here for seven hundred years and gave the Gaddis (the local tribes) a Chuhali topi (pointed cap), which they wear even today along with their other traditional clothing, the Chola (coat) and Dora (10–15 m long black cord). The Gaddis began referring to themselves as Shiva worshippers and named this mountainous region as “Shiv Bhumi” (Land of Shiva).
A Mythology narrates the story of Lord Shiva being deceived at Dhancho, where devotees spend a night on their route to Manimahesh Lake. On being delighted with the zeal of Bhasmasur, a demon and one of his devotees, Lord Shiva blessed him with the ability to touch anyone and turn them to ashes. Bhasmasur intended to use this blessing on Lord Shiva only. As a result, he went after Lord Shiva to touch him and destroy him. Shiva was able to get away and climb the waterfall at Dhancho to seek refuge in a cave behind the falling waters. As a result of Lord Vishnu’s intervention, Bhasmasur was unable to cross the waterfall and was deliberately killed. Since then, people revere the Dhancho fall.
Significance of Manimahesh:
The three Lords of the universe namely, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, are thought to have their residence in the region of Manimahesh. The Chamba Kailash is regarded as Lord Shiva’s heavenly realm. On the approach to Manimahesh Lake, a waterfall that can be seen at the Dhancho was said to be the heaven of Lord Vishnu. A mound that has a view of the city of Bharmaur is described as Bramha’s heaven.
The Gaddis also hold the belief that Shiva departs to the underworld and transfers power to Lord Vishnu after spending six months on Mount Mani Mahesh Kailash. Every year, the Gaddis mark Janmashtami, the eighth day of the month of Bhadon (August), the birthday of Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), as the day Lord Shiva passes into the underworld. Before the night of his wedding (February or March), Lord Shiva returns to Bharamaur from the underworld, and this day is known as Shivratri.
Location of Mani Mahesh:
Manimahesh Yatra happens in the Budhil Valley of the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The Mani Mahesh Yatra has been declared a State Level Pilgrimage by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Bharmour is the gateway to Manimahesh Shivling. The Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges surrounding the area make it a picturesque town. The Mani Mahesh Lake is located at a distance of 26km from Bharmour. The trek to Manimahesh Kailash starts from Hadsar and the yatries reach Manimahesh Lake after covering a distance of about 7 to 9 km.
The Mani Mahesh lake is located at an elevation of 13000 feet at the base of the Kailash peak. The height of the holy Mani Mahesh Kailash Parvat is 18,564 feet.
Tour Itinerary
Day – 1 Reception at Pathankot & drive to Chamba.(120 km by Taxi)
Chamba is an ancient town in the Chamba district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town is situated on the banks of the Ravi River. Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple. The Lakshmi Narayan temples complex, devoted to the Vaishnavite sect, includes the main Lakshmi Narayan temple, built in the 10th century by Raja Sahil Verman. Chamunda Devi Temple is located in a prominent position on the spur of Shah Madar range of hills, opposite to the Chamba town.
Day – 2 Chamba – Bharmour – Same day Bharmani Temple (2 Km Trek) and Chaurasi Temple
After breakfast drive to Bharmour, formally known as Brahmpura, was the ancient capital of Chamba district. Bharmour is known for its scenic beauty and for its ancient temples. Chaurasi Templeis located in the center of Bharmour town and it holds immense religious importance because of temples built around 1400 years ago. Bharmani Mata temple complex is at the top of the ridge covered with full of pine and deodar trees situated 4 km from the Bharmour. The place is mainly known for Goddess Bharmani Mata one of the avatars of Durga Ma.
Day – 3 Bharmour – Hadsar – Dhancho (14 Km by Taxi then 6 Km Trek)
Early Morning drive to Hadsar. Trek starts from Hadsar. Ponies are also available here. Overnight stay in tents.
Day – 4 Dhancho – Manimahesh Lake (7 Km Trek)
Morning start trek to Manimahesh Lake through Banar Ghati. On way visit Shiv Ke Gharat, Sundrasi and Gauri Kund. First view of Kailash from Gauri Kund. Continue trek to Manimahesh Lake. Take holy dip in Lake. Manimahesh Lake is a high altitude lake (13,390 ft)) situated close to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak. Overnight stay in tents.
Day – 5 Manimahesh Lake – Dhancho – Hadsar – Bharmour (13 Km Trek then 14 Km by Taxi)
Morning take holy dip in Lake. Manimahesh Lake is a high altitude lake (13,390 ft)) situated close to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak. After puja trek back to Hadsar. After reaching Hadsar drive to Bharmour.
Day – 6 Bharmour – Chamba – Khajjiar – Dalhousie
Morning drive to Dalhousie Via Khajjiar. Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station in Chamba district. located approximately 24 km from Dalhousie. The hill station is surrounded by green meadows and dense forests. Khajjiar is situated at the base of the Dauladhar mountains, the tourists here can get panoramic views of the mountains. After spending some time here drive to Dalhousie.
Day – 7 Dalhousie – Pathankot
After breakfast visit Gandhi Chowk, Tibetan Market and drive to Pathankot.
Tour ends here!
Photo Gallery
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Need To Carry
- Advisory
- Confirmation Policy
- Cancellation Policy
- Inner Line Permits
- Accommodation
- All transportation services, including pick-up and drop-off
- Pure vegetarian meals, with breakfast and dinner provided at each destination
- Sightseeing and excursions as outlined in the package itinerary
- Basic medical facilities at the base, including oxygen cylinders for emergencies
- Any kind of Medical or Evacuation expense
- Extra Days Accommodation & Food Expenses in case of delay (if applicable)
- Personal Expenses or any medical / health check-up expense happens during the yatra
- Train Tickets
- Anything which is Not Mentioned in Inclusions.
- Back pack and rain cover (50/60 liter)
- Trek pants, T-shirts (Full sleeves), Wind and waterproof Jacket (Light and warm), Woolen Gloves and Thermal Inners.
- Walking stick (Advisable at least one)
- Torch
- Water Bottle (Two bottles of 1 liter each)
- Snacks (Energy bars, ORS and dry fruits)
- Personal Medical Kit (at least some needy stuff)
- Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
- Carry BSNL, Vodafone and Airtel. Out of three anyone will work for sure.
- Carry Aadhar card.
- Pay heed to the trek leader or instructor in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
- Avoid trekking during the nights.
- Before undertaking the trek, consult a physician.
- Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
- The trek takes place through eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.
- The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.
- In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
- Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking and a full refund will be processed.
- The amount received is Non Refundable.
- If reservation is cancelled minimum 15 days prior to Arrival we will give 3 months’ time to utilize the booking.
- Any cancellation /amendments done less than 15 days prior to arrival, then the total cost of the total number of rooms booked for the total number of nights will be charged as cancellation charges & no refund or credit note will be given.
- In case of a NO–SHOW the entire amount will be charged as retention.
