What is ManiMahesh Kailash
ManiMahesh Kailash or Chamba Kailash is a mountain peak or parvat, a Hindu Pilgrimage site at the height of 18550 ft above sea level in Budil Valley, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh India.
ManiMahesh Kailash also known as Chamba Kailash is fifth in terms of importance in a series of mountain peaks collectively known as Panch Kailash in the Himalayas.
The first one is Mount Kailash or Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet(China), the second is Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand, the third is Shrikhand Mahadev, the fourth is Kinner Kailash, and Mani Mahesh Kailash is the fifth in Himachal Pradesh.
ManiMahesh Lake
ManiMahesh Lake is a high altitude natural lake in the foot area of Mani Mahesh Kailash Peak. Mani Mahesh Lake holds highly spiritual value in Hindu Dharma as Lake Mansarovar of Kailash Mansarovar.
Every year on “ASHTAMI” of “SHUKLA PAKSHA” (The eighth day of the new moon) in the month of Bhadon (August and September) this lake area hosts a fair dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mata Girija (Mata Parvati) which attracts hundreds of tourists and pilgrims.
Where ManiMahesh Kailash is located
ManiMahesh Kailash is located in the Pir Panjal range where Budhil Valley starts 26 km away from the Bharmour sub-division of the Chamba district in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
ManiMahesh Kailash altitude
This is an altitude table of ManiMahesh Kailash Peak, the Lake, and other surroundings.
S.NO. | Name | Altitude | |
Meters | Feets | ||
1 | Mani Mahesh Kailash | 5653 | 18550 |
2 | Mani Mahesh Lake | 4082 | 13000 |
3 | Gauri Kund | 4080 | 13390 |
4 | Kamal Kund | 4267 | 14000 |
5 | Dhanchho waterfall | 2300 | 7546 |
6 | Hadsar | 975 | 3200 |
ManiMahesh Kailash yatra
When ManiMahesh Kailash yatra starts
When..? ManiMahesh Kailash Yatra starts. Yatra starts from Janmashtami and ends on Radhashtami.
ManiMahesh Kailash’s yatra usually takes place around the middle of August to the middle of September.
In 2024 the ManiMahesh Kailash yatra started on 26 August and ended on 11 September.
The whole official climbing season wrapped up in just the span of two weeks only. There are several reasons some of them are:-
ManiMahesh Kailash elevation
ManiMahesh Kailash elevation is 18550 feet and Mani Mahesh Lake elevation is 13000 feet.
ManiMahesh Kailash Yatra elevation is quite high so this yatra happens for a very short time due to its high elevation and difficult terrain. The mountain and the valley where the Lake is situated is a highly sensitive area.
Long stretches and Steep slope
The stretch between Hadsar and Mani Mahesh Lake is slightly steep for 13 km in the rain it feels like walking on glass with oil poured on it.
Stone pelting, moraine, and harsh environment
The area of 6 km from Dhanchho waterfall to Gaurikhund is a high altitude area and some of the area is highly stone pelting zone which is not recommended to trek or stay in the rainy season.
Best time to visit ManiMahesh Kailash
The best time to visit ManiMahesh Kailash is when the snow from the season has melted down and fresh hasn’t come yet, the time that usually meets the conditions is somewhat around the end of August and starting of September.
Although the weather and these conditions are unpredictable, I would say that one cannot visit the abode of lord Shiva without his invitation.
How to reach Mani Mahesh Kailash
The Hadsar town which acts as a base camp for the pilgrims is in the Pir Panjal Range of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh near Bharmour sub-division of Chamba district.
The best route short and very well connected to the transportation is via Chamba.
In Hadsar village pilgrims can get their documentation and medical done and then start their trek.
Accessibility
Mani Mahesh Kailash Kailash is accessible by every mode of transportation here is the short detail of the nearest Airport, Railway station, and bus station.
Mani Mahesh Kailash nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Kangra. Kangra is only around 130 km from Chamba and 200 km from Hadsar. There are loads of cabs, shared taxis, and cabs available here for Mani Mahesh Kailash.
Mani Mahesh Kailash nearest Railway station
The nearest railway station is Pathankot which is only 120 from Chamba and around 190 km from Hadsar. You can hire cabs for Mani Mahesh Kailash from Pathankot. Government buses are also available from Pathankot up to Hadsar.
Mani Mahesh Kailash nearest Bus station
There are various options if you are planning the road trip first and the most pocket-friendly is by the Government buses. The nearest bus station is Bharmour and there are so many government bus services for Hadsar from Bharmour bus station. There are many bus services for Chamba, Chandigarh, and Delhi direct from Bharmour bus station.
Mani Mahesh Kailash Bike Ride
This is the most adventurous mode of travel and my personal favorite. The curvy Himalayan roads of Himachal Pradesh, breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, and the feeling of chilled breeze on the route to Mani Mahesh Kailash Kailash are unparalleled.
The freedom of your own itinerary and time stamp, no boundation of waiting for buses, trains, or flights, and no worry of keeping up with them are second to none.
Mani Mahesh Kailash yatra is a high-elevation trek thus the weather conditions are very harsh here and affect the peak area very often but the officials and the locals know the place very well and guides always take care of pilgrims and trekkers.
Pony and Horses are available for those who cannot trek, but frankly not recommended.
Hadsar is very well connected to the transport services and is accessible from almost every big and small city and town.
Distances of Hadsar from the main cities
Delhi 680 km
Chandigarh 450 km
Chamba 78 km
Pathankot 190 km
Mani Mahesh Kailash from Delhi route
We’ll consider Our country capital Delhi as a starting point for the Mani Mahesh Kailash route.
- Air → Delhi Airport → Kangra Airport → Chamba → Bharmour → Hadsar(trek starts here) → Dhanchho(waterfall) → Sundrashi → Gauri Kund → Mani Mahesh Lake.
- Train → Delhi → Ambala → Ludhiyana → Pathankot(last train station) → Chamba → Bharmour → Hadsar(trek starts here) → Dhanchho(waterfall) → Sundrashi → Gauri Kund → Mani Mahesh Lake.
- Bus → Delhi → Ambala → Ludhiyana → Pathankot → Chamba → Bharmor → Hadsar → Dhanchho → Sundrashi → Gaurikund → Manimahesh.
- Bike → Delhi → Ambala → Ludhiyana → Pathankot → Chamba → Bharmour → Hadsar(trek starts here) → Dhanchho(waterfall) → Sundrashi → Gauri Kund → Mani Mahesh Lake.
Who can go to Mani Mahesh Kailash
It is an open pilgrimage site, anyone who can climb and can tolerate or tackle the high altitude complications such as lack of oxygen levels, headache, and nausea can go on Mani Mahesh Kailash trek.
Here are some things to consider before going
How to prepare for Mani Mahesh Kailash
This trek is difficult to moderate, with high altitudes and long stretches. So it is recommended that you should prepare accordingly.
- Start jogging at least 1 to 2 months prior. Benchmark is 4 km in 25 minutes.
- Keep an eye on your cardiovascular health and breathing and try to regulate them.
- Do some strength training as well, because you would have to carry your basic luggage(water, rain gear, basic medicine, phone or camera maybe). Strength training like squats, plank, and pushups.
- Stretching the hamstrings, quadriceps, back, and shoulder regularly can prevent strain and sprain on the trek due to the long distances.
Medical certificate – You have to carry your medical certificate and get yourself checked again at Hadsar, and it is recommended that you should not trek if you are not fit. Most trek-organizing companies have this rule and a medical certificate is mandatory.
Registration – You have to register yourself to visit Mani Mahesh Kailash or the officials may get you deported from any base camp. You can register for the yatra on the official Himachal Pradesh portal, the fee to register is only 20 rs per person.
Mani Mahesh Kailash trek
- Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Chaurassi(84) temple and Trek from Hadsar(3200 ft) to Dhanchho water fall (7546 ft)
Day 2: Dhanchho waterfall(7546 ft) to Mani Mahesh Lake (13000 ft)
Day 3: Stay at Mani Mahesh Lake to see the sunrise behind the Mani Mahesh Kailash peak and Mani.
Day 4: Mani Mahesh Lake (13000 ft) to Kamal Kund (14000 ft)
Day 5: Kamal Kund (14000 ft) to Hadsar (3200 ft)
How difficult Mani Mahesh Kailash trek is
How difficult Mani Mahesh Kailash trek is, totally depends upon the climate, weather conditions, and climbers and as well. The trek is categorised as easy to moderate by some of the well-known trekking companies and hikers. This is a high-elevation trek that gains almost 10000 ft in height in two days of trekking.
How long Mani Mahesh Kailash trek is
The trek of Mani Mahesh Kailash starts from Hadsar town(3200) and gains around 9800 ft in 13 km to the Mani Mahesh lake(13000 ft).
Mani Mahesh Kailash Trek opening
Officials of the Mani Mahesh Kailash committee in Himachal Pradesh decide and declare the time for the opening of the yatra which depends upon weather and snow on the path and the mountain peak area. Usually the ideal time is around the end of August.
The yatra starts around at end of August and to the middle of September.
Mani Mahesh Kailash Weather
Summer – The summer season is April to June but the condition is not suitable for trekking because the ice and snow of previous winter starts melting and creates slush on the path.
- Winter – November to February is the winter season when the snowfall and chilly weather at the Lake make the environment harsh and impossible to climb even for the locals and professional trekkers.
- Rain – Rain usually pours in June and July mainly although the mountains are known to have unpredictable rain that can fall at any time throughout the year but June and July are more prone to rain.
While August and September are the only time for the yatra to happen when the snow of last season has been washed away in the rain and fresh snow hasn’t come yet.
- Spring – February to March is the spring season but due to the high altitude it snows here just like the winters.
Why Mani Mahesh Kailash is famous
There are so many reasons why Mani Mahesh Kailash is famous, that I will not be able to explain them all. Some of them you already may know, but here are a few.
Spiritual significance – Mani Mahesh Kailash holds immense spiritual value in the Hindu dharma as the abode of lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
One of the Kailash – Mani Mahesh Kailash is one of the Panch Kailash series.
Easiest Kailash – Mani Mahesh Kailash is the easiest and fairest enough trek to reach among the Panch Kailash.
Mani Mahesh Kailash Mani
Mani is a Hindi word that means jewel, in the morning time when the sun rises behind the Manimahesh Kailash peak the reflection in the Lake seems like the jewel on Shivalinga’s head this phenomenon attracts so many pilgrims, devotees, tourists, and adventure seekers as well. Mani Mahesh Kailash is also the easiest to reach among the Panch Kailash.
One of the most preserved treks – This trek also attracts so many tourists and trekkers because of the challenge it poses to the hikers and trekkers. Mani Mahesh Kailash offers one of the most beautiful, easily accessible high-altitude treks in India which is widely open to everyone. On this trek, you can see old-timer “Gahrat”(a Flour Mill that runs with a water stream) that hasn’t been changed or even touched since it was made like a time capsule.
History of ManiMahesh Kailash
Local gaddi people(Shepherds) of Chamba district believe that lord Shiva himself created this lake after lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Some people say that Lord Shiva did penance here and then made Gaddi tribe his devotee.
Some people say that one day lord Shiva went out and got late coming back so Mata Parvati got angry and hid in a cave behind the Dhanchoo waterfall, so lord Shiva decided to stay at Manimahesh Lake for penance that’s why this place is so sacred for pilgrims to attain moksha.
It is also believed that Manimahesh Kailash is invincible as no one has so far scaled it, despite claims to the contrary and the fact that much taller peaks have been scaled, including Mount Everest. According to one legend, a local tribe, a Gaddi, tried to climb along with a herd of sheep and is believed to have been turned into stone along with his sheep. The series of minor peaks around the principal peak is believed to be the remnants of the shepherd and his sheep.
Another legend narrated is that a snake also attempted to climb the mountain but failed and was converted into stone. Devotees believe that they can view the peak only if the Lord wishes so. Bad weather covering the peak with clouds is also explained as a displeasure of the Lord.
Significance and importance of ManiMahesh Kailash
There are several Geographical and natural properties as well as the spirituality that Mani Mahesh Kailash Holds which play a significant role in the importance of this mountain.
One Of Panch Kailash – In Hindu dharma the Panch Kailash is considered to be the abodes of Lord Shiva and Mani Mahesh Kailash is one of the Panch Kailash. Present in various old scriptures and folk tales throughout the time.
Glaciers and River – The pilgrimage of ManiMahesh Kailash Kailash starts from the small town of Hadsar which is a small village in the Chamba district.
Tourism – The Hadsar village is a very small mountain village with few basic shops and the Hadsar village is also a kind of dead end of the road. Hadsar village is the base camp for two treks one is Mani Mahesh Kailash and the second is Kugti pass.
So if it was not for ManiMahesh Kailash’s yatra that happens here every year, the area would be miserable and could be escapade like most of the small mountain villages.
This is why Mani Mahesh Kailash not only provides an unmatched experience to tourists but also a way of income for the local porters, guides, shopkeepers, and everyone else.
ManiMahesh Kailash and Kailash Mansarovar
ManiMahesh Kailash and Kailash Mansarovar are different but both are devoted to lord Shiva and have the same spiritual value and history.
ManiMahesh Kailash is situated in the Budhil Valley of Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh India. Mani Mahesh Kailash is related to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage.
While
Kailash Mansarovar is situated in the Burang region of Tibet(China).
Kailash Mansarovar or Mount Kailash is a Mountain peak in the upper Himalayan region in Tibet(China). Mount Kailash is believed to be the home of the mighty Hindu lord Shiva and it is believed that lord Shiva lives here with his wife Goddess Parvati Devi, his sons lord Ganesha, lord Kartikeya, his beloved Nandi, and all the Ganas( mystical beings who are devotees of lord Shiva).
Mount Kailash does not only hold spiritual significance in Hindu Dharma but in other religions also like Jainism, Buddhism, and Bonism.
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