What is Shrikhand Mahadev?
The Hindu Mythology talks about Panch Kailash, namely Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand and Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, Mani Mahesh Kailash and Kinner Kailash in Himachal Pradesh. These 5 Kailash are considered to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva where he lives and meditates.
Undoubtedly the Shrikhand Kailash Trek is one of the most thrilling and challenging treks for adventure enthusiasts all over the world. The main attraction of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is the Shivalinga of Shrikhand Mahadev.
History of Shrikhand Mahadev
The word Srikhand derives from Sir Khandan because it is said that Ravana- the demon king used to perform deep penance here. He would cut his head as an offering to please Lord Shiva and Ravana eventually received the blessing of immortality from Lord Shiva.
According to a different legend, Bhasmasur had received a blessing from Lord Shiva to turn anyone into ashes. Bhasmasur took the advantage of this and attempted to destroy Bhole Baba. However, Lord Shiva managed to flee through Devdhank and take samadhi on the top of this large rock, which is now known as Shrikhand Mahadev Shivling. Lord Shiva emerged from this later when Mata Parvati and their children Lord Ganesh, and Lord Kartikeya underwent a difficult ordeal. The cracks on the Shrikhand Kailash Peak can still be observed.
Significance of Shrikhand Mahadev
Shrikhand Mahadev, one of the most arduous pilgrimages in India, is known for Lord Shiva in Hindu Mythology. The Shrikhand Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati and is sometimes confused with Kinner Kailash – one of the Panch Kailash. However, Kinner Kailash and Shrikhand Mahadev are two different yatras.
The 75 feet high Shrikhand Mahadev Peak on the top of an 18,570 feet mountain is considered to be a Swayambhu Shivalinga. The face of Lord Shiva is depicted by this gigantic Shivaling, complete with matted hair, eyes, and noes. Every year this holy peak of Lord Shiva is visited by many devotees of Lord Shiva. Even when the adjacent peaks are covered in snow, the Shrikhand Mahadev never gets covered with snow.
Where is Shrikhand Mahadev located?
The Shrikhand Mahadev is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Jaon Village is considered to be the base for Shrikhand Mahadev Trek. The site is considered of great importance by the followers of the Hindu religion, especially the devotees of Lord Shiva.
When going on the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, you can see ranges of Kullu, Jorkandan and Rangrik ranges of Kinnaur, and Hansbeshan and other surrounding peaks in the southeast of the Satluj river.
How to reach Shrikhand Mahadev?
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek starts from Jaon village. The pilgrims can reach Jaon village in the following ways:
Shrikhand Kailash by Flight
The nearest airport to reach Shrikhand Mahadev is Chandigarh Airport, located at a distance of 260 km (9 hours approx). Regular flights are available to arrive and depart from Chandigarh Airport. One can hire a cab or take a bus from here to reach Jaon village to start the trek to Srikhand Peak.
Shrikhand Kailash by Train
The nearest railway station to reach Shrikhand Mahadev is Chandigarh Railway Station, situated at a distance of 250 km (8 hours approx). One can also take a train to Kalka Railway Station, situated at a distance of 230 km (8 Hours approx).
Shrikhand Kailash by Bus
Regular buses of Himachal roadways as well as private companies are available between Delhi to Shimla and Chandigarh to Shimla. One has to further take a bus from Shimla to Rampur and then to Jaon village. Private as well as shared Cabs/ taxis are easily available from Chandigarh Airport/ Railway station to continue the journey further to Jaon village.
The Shrikhand Mahadev route that we follow is Chandigarh — Jaon Village — Singhgad — Thachru — Parvati Bagh — Nain Sarovar — Shrikhand Mahadev Peak — Parvati Bagh — Thachru — Jaon Village — Rampur Bushahr — Chandigarh.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Chandigarh to Jaon village
The first day starts with a scenic drive to Rampur via Shimla. Shimla has beautiful villages and towns like Shimla, Kufri & Narkanda. Enjoy the tranquil views. Dinner will be served at Jaon.
Jaon is a beautiful village surrounded by Himalayan range. One can admire the beauty of this village sitting amidst the lofty mountains, temples, wild flowers, verdant meadows and Rajmah fields.
Day 2: Jaon to Thachdu
After breakfast, start the trek early in the morning and get ready to walk. You will get to witness Shrikhand Mahadev from the Jaon village. After crossing Jaon, the first stop that comes Singhad after 3Km. Wait for team, enroll for trek, and rest at Singhad. The next destination which comes is Barati Nala. There will be a bridge, you need to cross and then steep ascent upto Thachdu which is the real test. Be slow & climb with baby steps, don’t rush and don’t walk alone. Hot lunch to be served enroute to Thachdu.
Thachdu is embellished with deodar forest and oak trees. We will be staying here in camps for the night at Thachru.
Day 3: Thachdu to Bheemdwar via Kali Top
You will be starting your day at 6am. After freshening up and having tea with some cookies, reach Kali top in 2 hours. There is a straight climb from Thachru to Kali top in the first 3Km. Breakfast would be served at Kali Top. Kali Ghati has amazing mountain landscapes of 360-degree view.
After delicious breakfast & start the trek towards Bheemdwar. Downhill to Bheemtalai which is around 1.5km away. Rest at Bheemtalai and start the trek again, the trail is both uphill and downhill. The next destination is Kunsha, hot lunch would be served enroute.
Kunsha is marvelous place with jaw dropping scenery. You can’t stop yourself by clicking pictures here. We move on towards Bheemdwar. The place is adorned with wildflowers and shrubs. We’ll reach Bheemdwar in the evening, early dinner will be served at the campsite Bheemdwar.
Day 4: Bheemdwar to Shrikhand Mahadev and return
Today we will start early in the morning. Put your headlamps and keep walking towards Parvati Bagh. Breakfast to be served at Parvati Bagh.
At Parvati Bagh you will notice a lot of Brahma Kamal. This place is located just below Shrikhand Mountain. After crossing Parvati Bagh, you will walk towards Nayan Sarovar which is like 2Km. It was believed that the lake was formed by the tears of Goddess Parvati. It remains frozen. Once you move ahead you will have the glimpse of Shrikhand peak and reach Bheembayi in some time.
The path is really tough at Bheembaie to walk as there are a lot of moraines and stone tunnels. In an hour you will reach the peak and your soul filled with immense joy. Do darshan and Arti around the peak. Seek blessings. Photographers will not stop taking photos of the mesmerizing views.
After the photo sessions, head back to Bheemdwar where we will be camping at same spot for the night. Dinner will be served at campsite.
There are two routes from Parvati bagh to reach Shrikhand Mahadev, it depends on snow conditions which one we are going to take, other than Nayan Sarovar path second one is short but steep. Trek leader will take the decision on which route has to be chosen.
Day 5: Bheemdwar to Thachdu via Kali Top
After a hot tea at campsite, start trek and descend towards Thachdu via Kali Ghati, Kunsha. We will do breakfast & lunch enroute. Night stay & dinner will be at Thachdu.
Day 6: Thachdu to Jaon
The trek ends here at Jaon and will be bidding bye to our mountain team taking along with us a lot of memories. Wake up early and start descending towards Jaon after having a hot tea at campsite. Breakfast & lunch enroute. Night stay will be at Jaon with Dinner.
Day 7: Jaon to Chandigarh
Our team will drop you off at Chandigarh Railway station from Jaon and then you can further plan out for the day according to your convenience. We’ll reach Chandigarh around 11pm in the late evening. Book further travel accordingly.
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- 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.
