Mani Mahesh Kailas

The Mani Mahesh Kailas and Mani Mahesh Lake is situated 26 KM from Bharmour in the Budhil valley, Chamba District, one of the chief pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh, the Mani Mahesh Kailas Peak is located in Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. It is one of the Panch Kailas Mountain mentioned in Sanatana Dharma and Shiv Puran. The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the foot of the Kailas peak (5659 mtr.). Every year, on the eighth day of the light half of the moon in the month of Bhadon, a fair is held at this lake, which attracts thousands of pilgrims who gather here to take a dip in the holy water. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this fair / yatra. He is believed to reside in Kailas. A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailas is considered to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snowfield at the base of the mountain is called Shiva’s Chaugan by the local people. Mount Kailas is considered as invincible. No one has so far been able to scale this peak despite the fact that much taller peaks, including Mount Everest have been conquered many times. One story goes that once a Gaddi tried to climb the mountain alongwith his herd of sheep. He is believed to have been turned stone alongwith his sheep. The series of minor peaks below the principal peak are believed to be the remains of the ill-fated shepherd and his flock. There is yet another legend according to which a snake also attempted to climb this peak but failed and was turned into stone. It is also believed that the devotees can have a view of the Kailas peak only if the Lord is pleased. Bad weather, when the peak is hidden behind clouds, is a sign of the Lord’s displeasure. At one corner of the Mani Mahesh Lake is a marble image of Shiva which is worshipped by the pilgrims who visit this place. After bathing in the holy waters, the pilgrims go around the circumference of the lake three times. The lake and its surroundings present a majestic view. The quiet waters of the lake carry the reflection of snowcapped peaks that carry over the valley. The Yatra is not just about religious faith—it is also an opportunity to witness stunning alpine landscapes, meadows, waterfalls, and snow-clad peaks. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual fulfillment or a trekker looking for an adventurous Himalayan trail, Mani Mahesh Yatra and Trek is a unique blend of both. A popular legendary tale explains that Lord Shiva created Mani Mahesh after he married Goddess Parvati and also performed penance on the banks of Mani Mahesh Lake. The most popular adopted route of the Mani Mahesh Kailas Trek is the Bhanrlour-Hadsar-Mani Mahesh route that includes a 13 kilometers track from Hadsar village to the Manimahesh Lake. Pilgrims also start trekking from Lahaul and Spiti pass through Kugti pass. Those coming from Kangra and Mandi take the Karwarsi pass or Jalsu pass via Tyari village, near Holi in Bharmour. However, the route from Chamba via Bharmour is the easiest one. About 1.5 KM short of Mani Mahesh Kailas & Lake fall two religiously important water bodies called Gauri Kund and Shiva Krotri whereas per popular belief Gauri and Shiva bathe respectively. The women pilgrims do take holy dip in Gauri Kund and the men pilgrims in Shiva Krotri before proceeding to Mani Mahesh Lake.