The Manimahesh Lake is situated Twenty-six kilometers from Bharmour in the Budhil valley , one of the chief pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the foot of the Kailash peak (18,564 ft). 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 assemble here to take a dip in the holy water.
Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this fair / jatra. He is believed to reside in Kailash. A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailash 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.
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 Kailash 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 Manimahesh 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 snow capped peaks that carry over the valley.
Manimahesh is approached from different routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul-Spiti come through Kugti pass. Some from Kangra and Mandi come via Kawarsi or Jalsu passes. The easiest route is from Chamba and runs through Bharmaur. At present buses ply upto Hadsar via Bharmour. Beyond Hadsar, the pilgrims have to trek for 13 kms to reach Manimahesh.Between Hadsar and Manimahesh is an important halting place known as Dhanchho where pilgrims usually spend a night. There is a beautiful waterfall.
Mcleod Ganj to Rawa drive by jeep. From Rawa the route heads up to Bagga on a shepherd trail and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach Bagga. This place is located on a ridge and has a place to pitch the tents. A sarai is being constructed by the people to help the pilgrimage for an overnight stay at this place. Water can be had from a close by stream. There is thin vegetation around this place. Bagga offers panoramic views of the valley below and of the plains as well. O/N Stay at Tents.
It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Lamdal Lake from Bagga.A trek is being developed for the pilgrimage who visit Lamdal Lake. This is the shortest route to Lamdal and Gag Pass but very steep and arduous.Gag pass is located to the left side of the Bhim ghasutri Pass.
The climb is precipitous and demanding but negotiable.From the pass it takes only 30 Min to descend down to Lamdal Lake.The lake is the biggest in the hierarchy of mountain lakes in the Dhauladhar range. O/N Stay in a Tents.
After Lamdal we start trek to Kareri Lake after cross the Minkiani Pass 4250 meter. Kareri Lake is a small Gaddi Shelter with a small pond known as Sati Kund. O/N Camp at Kareri Lake.
After breakfast we start trek downhill to Kareri Village.The trail is covered with mixed forest Afternoon we reach at Kareri Village on the road head side.After having a lunch at Kareri Village we drive to Dharamshala. TREK ENDS.
Transport Options (Delhi – Mcleod ganj – Delhi)
For travel to Mcleod ganj and back one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is the Gaggal DHM, also known as Kangra Airport, or Dharamshala Airport and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Indigo, Alliance Air , Spice Jet.
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Mcleodganj that cost about Rs. 1200- 1500 per person. These buses depart from Majnu ka tilla every 30 mins. or so and take about 12 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details
Summer in Mcleod ganj extends from March to June when the temperature variation is recorded to be ranging between 23°c and 27°c. Mercury sometimes reaches up to 38°c but never goes beyond that. During winters the temperature can drop to -1° and the maximum temperature hardly goes up to 20°c.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications
The trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves steep ascents and rocky paths, but it's doable for beginners with decent fitness and preparation.
The best time is during August and September, especially around the Manimahesh Yatra, which starts on Krishna Janmashtami and ends on Radha Ashtami.
The trek is approximately 14-18 km one way, depending on the route. Most people take 2-3 days to complete it comfortably.
The most popular route starts from Hadsar village, which is accessible by road from Bharmour in Chamba district.
Not necessarily. While experience helps, first-time trekkers with good stamina can complete it with the right guidance and pace.