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Location Overview
Manimahesh Lake – The Abode of Lord Shiva
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 4,080 m, is the pristine and serene Manimahesh Lake. The lake is situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh in India and is about 15 km from Bharmour. Every year, a large number of devotees visit the lake to take a dip in its holy waters and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The legend has it that when Lord Shiva was carrying the body of Goddess Sati, her earrings fell on the ground at this very spot. It is believed that taking a dip in the lake will wash away all your sins and bless you with good health and prosperity.
The beauty of the Manimahesh Lake is serene and breathtaking. The lake’s crystal clear waters reflect the snow-clad mountains, making it a sight to behold. During certain days of the year, devotees can even spot the reflection of Lord Shiva in the lake’s waters.
The famous Manimahesh Yatra is held every year on Janmashtami day (the birthday of Lord Krishna). Thousands of pilgrims travel from far and wide to take part in this annual pilgrimage. While on their journey, they are welcomed by priests at various temples near Manimahesh and greeted with flowers at Gauri Kund – a small pond situated just above the lake. On reaching the lake, devotees sing devotional songs, offer prayers, and take a dip in the holy waters.
Manimahesh Lake is also home to some rare species of alpine flora and fauna. It is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and thick forest cover that makes it even more appealing and beautiful. The best time to visit Manimahesh Lake is between the months of April-October during the summer season when there is less snowfall on the ground.
The Manimahesh Lake has something for everyone – from nature lovers to photography enthusiasts; from devotees to adventure seekers – this lake has it all! So if you’re looking for a spiritual journey or an experience like no other, then look no further than Manimahesh Lake. Take a break from your hectic life and soak in the beauty of this holy abode of Lord Shiva.
Getting There
The best way to reach Manimahesh Lake is by undertaking a trek from Hadsar (a village located about 10 km from Bharmour). The trekking route passes through some picturesque landscapes and takes you past several waterfalls, forests and meadows. You can also camp overnight at one of the many beautiful camping sites en route to the lake.
If you’re not up for a trek, you can also take a helicopter ride from Bharmour to Kugti helipad, which is about 5 km away from the lake. From Kugti helipad, it’s a short hike to Manimahesh Lake. Do keep in mind that the last few kilometers of the trek are quite steep and may require some effort on your part.
Things to Do at Manimahesh Lake
During your visit to Manimahesh Lake, you can go for long walks around the shores of the lake or just sit back and soak in its tranquil atmosphere. You can also click some stunning photographs against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
The best time to visit Manimahesh Lake is between August and September when a fair is organized near the lake in honor of Lord Shiva. During this time, you can enjoy folk dances and music performances by local artistes. You can also buy handicrafts and other souvenirs from the various stalls set up near the fairground.
Do keep in mind that sinceManimahesh Lake is located at a high altitude, it’s important to take proper precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, eat light meals and take rest breaks often during your trek up to the lake. Also carry warm clothes as nights can get quite chilly even during summers.
All said and done, a visit to Manimahesh Lake is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime! So make sure you add it to your travel bucket list!
If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful yet relatively unexplored destination in India, look no further than Manimahesh Lake! Located in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, this serene lake nestled amidst snow-capped mountains is truly a sight to behold! Soak in its peaceful atmosphere, click some stunning photographs or just go for long walks around its shores – however you choose to spend your time here, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
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Tour Plan and Itenary
Manimahesh Lake holds profound religious significance for Hindus.
- Abode of Lord Shiva: It is believed that Lord Shiva resides on the majestic Manimahesh Kailash Peak, and the lake below is his sacred bathing place.
- Manimahesh Yatra: Annually, a holy pilgrimage (Manimahesh Yatra) is undertaken by thousands of devotees, particularly during the months of August and September, culminating in a holy dip in the lake.
- Reflection of Shiva's Crown: A unique phenomenon is observed on clear days when the Manimahesh Kailash Peak's reflection, resembling a Shiva Lingam or Shiva's crown, is seen in the lake.
- Janmashtami Connection: The yatra traditionally begins on the fifteenth day after Janmashtami (around August/September), when the Gaddi tribals, along with other pilgrims, carry a holy staff (Chhari) to the lake.
Manimahesh Lake is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
- The trek to the lake typically starts from Hadsar (or Bharmaur).
- Bharmour is approximately 60-70 km from Chamba town.
Reaching Manimahesh Lake involves a combination of road travel and trekking:
- By Road to Bharmour/Hadsar:
- The nearest major towns accessible by road are Chamba and then Bharmour.
- From Chamba, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Bharmour.
- From Bharmour, you can take a local shared taxi or bus to Hadsar, which is the roadhead and the starting point for the trek.
- By Trek from Hadsar: The trek from Hadsar to Manimahesh Lake is approximately 13-14 kilometers (one way) and takes about 6-8 hours for an average trekker.
- Helicopter Service: During the peak yatra season, helicopter services are available from Bharmour to Gauri Kund (a few kilometers before Manimahesh Lake), significantly reducing the trekking distance.
The best and safest time to visit Manimahesh Lake is during the summer and autumn months, specifically from June to mid-October.
The Manimahesh Lake trek is considered of moderate difficulty.
- Terrain: The trail is well-defined but involves significant ascents, rocky paths, and sometimes muddy or slippery sections, especially after rain.
- Altitude: The high altitude (4,080 meters) can pose challenges for those not acclimatized.
- Duration: It takes 6-8 hours one way from Hadsar, often done over two days with an overnight halt at Dancho or Bharmour.
- Bharmour: As the base town, Bharmour has several guesthouses, hotels, and homestays.
- Hadsar: Basic guesthouses and dhabas are available.
- Dancho: A common overnight halt point, offering basic tented accommodation, dhabas, and sometimes temporary structures.
- Gauri Kund: Very basic temporary shelters and dhabas during the yatra season.
- Manimahesh Lake: No permanent accommodation directly at the lake. During the yatra, temporary tented camps and common shelters are set up by local organizations and the government. These are very basic. Pilgrims often carry their own tents or use communal shelters.
During the Manimahesh Yatra (peak season), the Himachal Pradesh government and various volunteer organizations set up basic facilities:
- Medical Camps: For emergencies and basic health checks.
- Langar (Community Kitchens): Free food is served by various organizations.
- Temporary Shelters: Basic tented accommodations.
- Police/Army Posts: For security and assistance.
- Porters/Ponies: Available for hire from Hadsar for luggage or for those who cannot trek the entire distance.
The most common overnight halt point on the Hadsar to Manimahesh trek is Dancho (or Dhanchoo). It is located approximately 6 km from Hadsar and offers temporary tented accommodations, dhabas (small eateries), and langars (free community kitchens) during the yatra season. Some pilgrims, especially those arriving early or those who prefer to acclimatize longer, may stay at Hadsar or even Bharmour.
Manimahesh Lake is a glacial depression, formed by the melting snow and ice from the surrounding mountains, primarily the Manimahesh Kailash Peak. Its waters are pristine and extremely cold. The unique setting in the Pir Panjal Range, surrounded by high peaks, contributes to its dramatic landscape and glacial origin.
Mobile network connectivity is extremely limited or non-existent at Manimahesh Lake and for significant stretches of the trek beyond Hadsar.
- Bharmour: You will find decent network coverage from major Indian providers (Airtel, BSNL, Jio) in Bharmour.
- Hadsar: Connectivity may be sporadic.
- Beyond Hadsar: Expect little to no network. BSNL is often cited as having the best, though still unreliable, coverage in remote Himalayan regions. It is advisable to inform your family/friends about limited connectivity before you start the trek. Carry a power bank or extra batteries as charging points are scarce.
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18.5°C / 65.3°F
Clear
Humidity: 41%
Wind: 10.4 km/h
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