Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra 2025, Trek, Itinerary, Route

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, also known as Shrikhand Kailash Yatra. In this article, we’ll share information about the 2025 Shrkikhand Mahadev Yatra route, trek itinerary, altitude, distances, and other important things.

Shrikhand Mahadev is a mountain peak in the Nirmand region of District Kullu Himachal Pradesh. Shrikhand Mahadev is third in Panch Kailash, after Mount Kailash and Adi Kailash. Whereas Kinner Kailash and Manimahesh Kailash are third and fourth.

31°39’34.6″N 77°38’44.0″E

Embarking on a spiritual journey is a transformative experience that allows individuals to connect with their inner selves and explore the depths of their spirituality. One pilgrimage that holds immense significance for devotees is the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.

Shrikhand Mahadev or Shrikhand Kailash is also known as the hardest Kailash and also one of the hardest treks in India.

• Route for Shrikhand Mahadev

We’ll consider Our country capital Delhi as a starting point.

1. Air – Delhi Airport → Bhuntar Airport → Jibhi → Rampur → Nirmand → Jaon(trek starts here) → Singhgad → Thachru → Parvati Bagh → Shrikhand Kailash.
2. Train – Delhi → Chandigarh → Kalka → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Nirmand → Jaon(trek starts here) → Singhgad → Thachru → Parvati Bagh → Shrikhand Kailash.
3. Bus – Delhi → Ambala → Chandigarh → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Nirmand → Jaon(trek starts here) → Singhgad → Thachru → Parvati Bagh → Shrikhand Kailash.
4. Bike – Delhi →Ambala → Jirakpur → Panchkula → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Nirmand → Jaon(trek starts here) → Singhgad → Thachru → Parvati Bagh → Shrikhand Kailash.

How to reach Shrikhand Kailash

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra will start at the end of July to the end of August 2025. You can make your itinerary or follow this one.

There is a small mountain village named “Jaon” in the Nirmand region of the Kullu valley which acts as the base camp for the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra. 

Rampur is the closest town/city which is easily accessible from the capital city of Himachal Pradesh “SHIMLA”.

Day 01: Arrival in Jaon Village.
Elevation: 6400 feet.

Day 02: Jaon Village sightseeing.
Jaon is a small village that acts as the base camp for the Shrikhand Mahadev trek. There is a temple of Goddess Katyayani, and visiting Mata Katyayani temple is mandatory for the pilgrims who are going to Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.

Day 03: Jaon Village to Singhad.
Singhad is a spot that comes in the Shrikhand Mahadev trek only 2.5 km from Jaon village. Singhad is also used as the base camp by many pilgrims, officials of the Shrikhand Mahadev committe will check the registration and medical certificates here. Sometimes instead of staying at Jaon village pilgrims who come from Shimla or Rampur stay at Singhad after visiting the Katyayani Mata temple.

Elevation: 6873 feet

Trek Distance: 2.5 km

Day 04: Singhad to Thachru.
The trek from Singhad to Thachru is a steep trek around a 60 to 70-degree slope for 12 km which may feel hard in the rain, so try to start early because the whole area is well known to have rain after noon.

Elevation: 11320 feet

Trek Distance: 12 km

Day 05: Thachru to Kunsha.

Thachru to Kunsha is kind of a mixed terrain where the first part of 5 km from Thachru to Bheem Talai is easy and smooth trekking but after Bheem Talai the trek of 2.5 to 3 km is a vertical climb.

Elevation: 12200 feet

Trek Distance: 7.5 to 8 km

Day 06: Kunsha to Parvati Bagh.
Kunsha to Parvati Bagh is a moderate-difficult trek, there is a place called Bheem Dwar(12170 feet) which is 3 km from Kunsha but takes almost 2 to 2.5 hours because of ups and downs and rocky terrain. This trek will offer views of some of the biggest waterfalls on the Shrikhand Mahadev trek. Parvati Bagh is also 3 km from Bheem Dwar but it is a vertical climb that takes more than 3 hours this area of Bheem Dwar and Parvati Bagh looks similar to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand that have some of the rarest flowers like Brahm Kamal.

Elevation: 13660 feet

Trek Distance: 6 km

Day 07: Parvati Bagh goes to Shrikhand Mahadev and returns to Parvati Bagh or Bheem Dwar.
After Parvati Bagh, there is no greenery and the whole trek is done on moraines, glaciers, ice, and snow. The trek from Parvati Bagh to Shrikhand Mahadev peak is a very steep and vertical climb that gains 3500 feet in just 6 km, and of course, the trek starts from 13660 feet.

It is recommended that you don’t stay at the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak for more than 30 minutes because the high altitude may affect your body after a long trek.

Elevation: 17150

Distance Covered: 12 km

Day 08: Bheem Dwar/ Parvati Bagh to Jaon village.

After submitting the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak and getting back to Parvati Bagh or even Bheem Dwar you can directly come down to Jaon village which is 26 km from Parvati Bagh and 23 km from Bheem Dwar. The whole trek from Parvati Bagh to Jaon village is 26 km long but doable because 90% of the trek is descending.

Elevation: 6400 feet

Distance Covered: 26 km

Travel Permit, Registration, and Medical certificate for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

Pilgrims and tourists who wish to take a journey on this magical tour require a valid Registration and Medical Fitness certificate.

After the necessary paperwork on the official portal and getting the proper medical checkup and medical fitness certificate you can go to the Shrikhand Mahadev trek. The officials of the Shrikhand Mahadev committee will check the registration and medical certificate at Jaon village or Singhad campsite that you have to present, incase of not having the valid paperwork the Yatra officials may turn you back.

Shrikhand Mahadev Altitude

This is a table of the altitude of Shrikhand Mahadev and other surroundings.

 

S.No.	Name	Altitude
		In Meters	In Feets
1	Shrikhand Mahadev	5227	17150
2	Nain Sarovar	4429	14530
3	Parvati Bagh	4164	13660
4	Bheem Dwar	3709	12170
5	Kunsha campsite	3719	12200
6	Thachru	3450	11320
7	Singhad	2095	6873
8	Jaon village	1951	6400

 

What to Pack for Shrikhand Kailash Yatra

Warm clothes, waterproof layers, and basic medicine are essentials what you pack for the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.

There are not so many things that you need to carry for the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra because The Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is a high altitude mountain and the Yatra is very long. If you book the Yatra with a tour company they will take care of most of the gadgets, gear, accommodation, transport, and food preparation so you won’t have to manage these things. 

Although the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is a high-altitude pilgrimage you may need some things like:- 

1. One or two good Warm Jacket (some travel organizers may provide jackets)
2. A Good quality pair of trekking shoes.
3. Thermals and layerings.
4. Rain gear.
5. Warm cap.
6. Gloves. 
7. Scarf.
8. A hat.
9. Water bottle.
10. Goggles for snow blindness protection.
11. 5 or 6 pairs of socks (2 Warm for night and 3 to 4 normal for trekking).
12. Waterproof slippers for the night.
13. Petroleum jelly and lip balm.
14. Basic medicine if you are on any type of medication.
15. Documents.

 

Things to keep in mind

Shrikhand Mahadev is a high-altitude trek and the hardest in Panch Kailash. The high altitudes of Shrikhand Mahadev are the reason that you should follow some do’s and don’ts while going on Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.

 

Do’s	Don’ts
Stay hydrated.	Avoid smoking, drinking, and other unnecessary things.
Bring Your basic medicines.	Don’t try to eat any plants.
Establish good communication with the guide.	Don’t try to eat snow when feeling thirsty.
Proper stretching every day.	Don’t shout in the meadows.
Eat enough dry fruits and avoid junk food.	Don’t litter.
Keep an eye on the heart rate and other Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms.	Don’t disturb the wildlife and Shepherds.
Keep your walking pace slow but steady.	Don’t leave any live fires.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra trek Distance, Altitude, Registration, Medical certificate 

Full Name	Shrikhand Mahadev/ Shrikhand Kailash
Location	31°39’34.6″N 77°38’44.0″E Nirmand Region, district Kullu, state Himachal Pradesh, India.
Altitude/ Height	17150 feet
Trek Distance	32 km ( One Side )
Trek category	Difficult
Trek duration	6 to 7 days
Yatra opening	Between the end of July and to end of August
Yatra type	Pilgrimage
Deity	Bhagwan Shiva
Registration needed	Yes
Medical examination needed	Yes
Parent mountain range	Himalaya
Pilgrimage category	Third in the Panch Kailash series
Nearest bus station	Rampur Bus stand
Nearest railway station	Shimla
Nearest Airport	Bhuntar(Kullu) and Shimla

Who can go to Shrikhand Mahadev

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 the Shrikhand Mahedev trek. 

Medical certificate – You have to carry your medical certificate and get yourself checked again at Singhgad campsite, 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 Shrikhand 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 250 rs per person.

Stay and food

There are many Cities, towns, and villages on the route of Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra. It doesn’t matter which route you take whether it is via Shimla the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, or via Bhuntar of Kullu district. All the big and small cities, towns, and villages on these routes are typically traditional and independent, especially the small villages that may surprise you in so many ways and give you life-long memories.

Every town and village offers stay and veg food at reasonable prices but when you are doing the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.

Spiritual Experience

Undertaking the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. The serene surroundings, the tranquil atmosphere, and the breathtaking views create an ambiance that allows devotees to connect with their inner selves and experience a sense of profound spirituality. The chanting of mantras, the recitation of prayers, and the participation in religious rituals further enhance the spiritual experience. Many pilgrims also engage in meditation and introspection, seeking solace and enlightenment amidst the divine surroundings.

Challenges and Preparations for Shrikhand Kailash or Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra 

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is not without its challenges. The trek is physically demanding, requiring a good level of fitness and stamina. The peak and trek itself are at a very high elevation and can cause problems related to AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) so devotees must keep that in mind and keep your body hydrated, avoid junk food and always stay in touch with your guide. The weather conditions can be unpredictable, with extreme cold and heavy snowfall in certain seasons. It is essential for pilgrims to be well-prepared, both physically and mentally, before embarking on this journey. Adequate trekking gear, proper acclimatization, and a positive mindset are crucial for a successful pilgrimage.

How to prepare for Shrikhand Mahadev yatra

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra trek is a difficult high-altitude trek, with high altitudes and long stretches. So it is recommended that you should prepare accordingly. You should start the physical exercise at least 3 months prior to your Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.

Here are some basic exercises that will be helpful.

1. Start jogging at least 2 to 3 months prior. Benchmark is 5 km in 25 minutes.
2. Keep an eye on your cardiovascular health and breathing and try to regulate them.
3. 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.
4. Stretching the hamstrings, quadriceps, back, and shoulder regularly can prevent strain and sprain on the trek due to the long distances.  

Why Shrikhand Mahadev is famous

There are so many reasons why the Shrikhand Mahadev is famous, I will not be able to explain them all. Some of them you already may know, but here are a few.

Spiritual significance – Shrikhand Mahadev holds immense spiritual value in the Hindu dharma as the abode of lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

One of the Panch Kailash –  Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the Panch Kailash series along with Kailash Mansarovar, Adi Kailash, Kinner Kailash, and Mani Mahesh Kailash.

Toughest Kailash –  Shrikhand Mahadev is the toughest trek and hardest to reach among the Panch Kailash.

72-foot-high Shivalinga – There is a 72-foot-high Shivalinga on the top of the mountain at 17150 ft above sea level. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated for a long time after getting disturbed by Bhasmasur’s treachery on this 72 ft Shivalinga.

One of the hardest treks – This trek also attracts so many tourists and trekkers because of the challenge it poses to the hikers and trekkers. Shrikhand Mahadev offers one of the highest altitude treks in India which is widely open for everyone.  

 

Best Time for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

The best time to visit Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is July to August, But there is a catch. Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is a Pilgrimage site and the official Shrikhand Mahadev committee and the Pujari in Jaon village decide the time by astrology when the Yatra should take place. The weather after mid October can be freezing cold and start snowfalls. 

The heavy snowfall in the area affects the Yatra and makes the conditions difficult even to get water around. In the snowy and off season you won’t even find any guides and porters.

Is a passport required for the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

No, no passport is required for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra for Indians.

Does Lord Shiva Live in Shrikhand Kailash

The Legend of Hindu Grantha Mahabharat and Shiv Puran explain Shrikhand Mahadev or Shrikhand Kailash as the peak where Bhagwan Shiva meditated for a long time.

n the Vaidik times (Satyug) there was a rakshas named “BHASMASUR” who did very hard penance and got a boon from lord Shiva that if he places his hand on anyone’s head he/she would burn immediately.

After getting the boon he went on trying it on lord Shiva to test the boon. Lord Vishnu came in the form of a “MOHINI” and hypnotised Bhasmasur with his tremendous singing and dancing that Bhasmasur started dancing with her, forgot about the boon, put his hand on his own head while dancing, and died right there.

But Lord Shiva got disturbed by the feeling of giving the boon to the wrong person and then he disappeared from there and hid in the area for a long time to meditate.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

As the popularity of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra grows, it is essential to emphasize the importance of responsible tourism and conservation. Pilgrims and visitors must respect the sanctity of the place, follow eco-friendly practices, and ensure the preservation of the natural environment. Local authorities and organizations are working towards sustainable tourism initiatives to protect the fragile ecosystem and maintain the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage.

Conclusion

The Shrikhand Kailash Yatra or Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is a journey that transcends the physical realm and delves into the depths of spirituality. It offers a unique opportunity for devotees to connect with their faith, immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, and experience a sense of divine presence.