Manimahesh Lake

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!