Mani Mahesh Lake - The Chamba Kailash

Manimahesh Lake is situated at 27Km from Bharmour at the foot of Manimahesh Kailash. Lord Shiva is believed to reside on this snow-covered mountain.  The lake and peak are considered sacred and a fair called as Manimahesh fair (Manimahesh Yatra) is held at the lake each and every year in the month of August and September; the Yatra starts from Janamastmi to Radhastami each and every year. It is believed that on this occasion both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gets the bath in the Lake. For this holy moment lacks of peoples comes from the country and abroad to take holy bath in the Manimahesh Lake. Providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people. And the glorious view of Manimahesh Kailash touches the hearts of visitor in the morning and at the time of sun rising. Regarding Manimahesh Kailash it is said that no one has been able to climb to the peak. Local legends clarifying that people point out rock projections, human-like in appearance, and say that one is of a hermit, the other of a shepherd, frozen stiff during their futile effort to reach the top. Many holy places come in the way to Manimahesh, at the distance of 6 km from Hadsar, a Dhancho famous for water fall and after 5km from Dhancho Gaurikund come. Gauri is another name of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.  A dip in this lake is considered sacred because it is believed that Parvati used to bath in this lake. About one kilometer ahead is the Shiva Kalotri spring-said to have its source in Lord Shiva's feet. After a short run reaches the Manimahesh Lake in this shallow circular lake gives it an enchanting appearance.  A roofless temple, conspicuous with many iron trinkets, is seen on the opposite side. As per legends it is necessary to take bath in Brahmani’s pool before Manimahesh Lake.Manimahesh Kalah Trek is another trek starts from Holi valley via Kalah. The trek is tough and adventures for visitors but suitable to trekkers. The trek meets at Manimahesh Lake from west side. 

The Trek Detailed is:

DAY-1   Welcome to Bharmour   

Bharmour is also popular because of its proximity with Manimahesh Lake, Manimahesh Kailash and Chaurasi (84) ancient temples, which are reflecting the glorious past of this hidden town. Bharmour is also known as the Abode of Shiva as there are numerous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in and nearby regions The whole region around Bharmour is considered to be under the control of Lord Shiva, hence is also known as the Shiva Bhumi..This place besides being an aesthetic and scenic beauty is also spiritual in essence. After reception and welcome drink we take you to the Hotel for some rest. In evening we take you to 84 Chaurasi ancient Temples for evening Aarti then back to accommodation for dinner and night stay.  

DAY-2  Bharmour –Brahmani Temple - Bharmour

Early in the morning troop will move to the Brahmani temple. Brahmani Mata temple complex is at the top of the ridge, three kilometers away from the Bharmour. The place is mainly known for Goddess Brahmani Mata. According to a local legend and people believe that the Bharmour was called Brahmpura after Brahmani Devi. When Lord Shiva went to Manimahesh Kailash granted a boon to goddess Brahmani Devi that all persons intending to go on pilgrimage to Manimahesh must have a dip in their holy pool. Failing this, their pilgrimage would not be acceptable to Lord Shiva. That’s by every visitor firstly take bath in Brahmani’s holy pool before Manimahesh Lake. and will enjoy the beauty of Bharmour town from the top of the ridge, a trek of 3 kms and 2 hours will reach you at Brahmani Temple through village Malkauta. After holy dip in pool and passing some time lunch will be provided to the troop. After lunch troop will move to Bhim Godda and Ghararu to watch more natural and scenic beauty of Bharmour. In evening troop will back to Bharmour. After spending the whole day at Brahmani and Ghararu return back to Bharmour in evening. 

DAY-3   Bharmour –Nayagram - Holi

Early in the morning troop will move to the Holi through vehicle and will reach within two hours from Bharmour, After going from Bharmour a small destination Kharamukh will come after 14 kilometers, Kharamukh is joining point of Both the rivers i.e. Ravi and Budhil. After crossing Ravi River through a RCC cantilever box type bridge troop will reach destination Holi through small villages such as Garola, Machetar, and Dalli. Staying while at Holi, troop will move to next destination Laakewali Mata through vehicle via Deyol, Gadoh and Nayagram. There is a famous Temple of Goddess generally known as Laakewali Mata after taking lunch and seeing the Ways of Jaalsu and Thamsar Passes from the temple troop will return to Holi. Enjoy the beauty of small beautiful town Holi and their small villages. Dinner and night stay in tents will be provided at the Bank of Ravi River.  

DAY-4   Holi - Kalah

Holi to Kalah is 12 kms trek. After taking breakfast early in the morning troop will move through the gradual and steep trek involving several ascents and descents to the Kalah village climb for one hour to reach Tiari village. Tiari is big village and consist of two villages upper Tiari and lower Tiari. After taking small rest troop will move to steep climb for half an hour along the small ridge. Going gradual up and down will reach at a final destination of the day Kalah village 6 kilometer from top of the ridge. Enjoy the beauty of Kalah village and spend the left day in the village. Lunch and dinner will be provided at destination Kalah.   

DAY-5   Kalah – Manimahesh lake - Gaurikund

Kalah to Manimahesh Lake is 14 kms trek is totally depending upon the weather and physical condition of trekker. Generally Travelling Guide will not take the risk or allow to cross the ridge in bad weather conditions and will wait for clearing the sky. If sun shine then after taking light breakfast and packed lunch start moving ahead very early in the morning around 6:00 am to ensure that the snow is frozen for easier walking and if fails to cross the ridge before 12 - 1:00 pm otherwise will create big problem as heavy snow winds, rainfall even snow fall can be happen.. After taking light breakfast and packed lunch early in the morning at Kalah troop will move to Manimahesh Lake through steep climbs and will reach at lake after a run of 6 – 7 hours from Kalah. Troop will reach on the west side of the top of the Manimahesh Lake after taking small rests and refreshments. The path is steep and tire and required motivation to trekker. After reaching at the top of Lake gradual path of up and downs in boulders for half an hour troop will reach destination Manimahesh Lake. Manimahesh Lake is this shallow circular lake gives it an enchanting appearance and gives the pleasant view of Manimahesh Kailash. After bath lunch will be provided, so spend and enjoy the whole day at Manimahesh Lake. In evening troop will move downhill to Gaurikund last destination of the day.  

DAY-6    Gaurikund – Hadsar - Bharmour 

Last day of trek was so tired so after breakfast trek downhill toward Sunderashi via Bhairoghati from Gaurikund around 10:00 Am. At Bhairoghati you will find a Gaurikund glacier, so cross the glacier very carefully. Sunderashi is famous for medicinal plants and unseen flowers. From here Dhancho is four kms away, so go downhill via Banddar Ghati or other way. Trek of one hour will reach you Dhancho. This place is famous for water fall. It is believes that the peoples who wish to execute their own home, construct a home with small stones at Dhancho and pray to Lord Shiva to have their own home before next visit. After lunch troop will move to Hadsar. Dhancho to Hadsar is six kilometer trek and will be covered in two hours very easily if you are not so tired. After reaching Hadsar move to Bharmour via taxi last destination of the trek. After reaching Bharmour check in to hotel for dinner and night stay.

DAY-7    Departure Day

Next day after long trek, take breakfast in hotel with our outdoor team. Our outdoor team will depart the troop here with good wishes, remember able memories and with hopes to visit again and again for more trekking in unexplored Himalaya.