Manimahesh Lake: A Spiritual and Adventurous Destination in India
Manimahesh Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the best pilgrimage site for Hindus, surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. If you’re planning a visit to Manimahesh Lake, here is All you need to know to make the most of your trip.
How To Reach Manimahesh Lake
The Manimahesh Lake is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh and can be reached by road, trekking, or helicopter. The nearest town to the lake is Bharmour, around 80 km away. From Bharmour, you can take a taxi or a bus to Hadsar, the starting point of the trek to Manimahesh Lake.
By Road
You can reach Bharmour by road from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities in North India. The nearest airport and railway station are in Pathankot, which is around 180 km away from Bharmour.
Trekking
The trek to Manimahesh Lake is a popular pilgrimage route around 14 km long. The trek starts from Hadsar and takes 6-8 hours to reach the lake. The trail is well-marked and passes through beautiful meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrain.
Helicopter Ride
You can also take a helicopter ride to Manimahesh Lake from Bharmour. The helicopter ride takes around 15 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The helicopter service is only available during the pilgrimage season, which starts in August and ends in September.
Manimahesh Trek
The trek to Manimahesh Lake is a popular pilgrimage trek that attracts thousands of devotees yearly. The trek is considered moderate and can be done by anyone with basic fitness levels.
The trek starts from Hadsar and passes through beautiful meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrain. You will also cross several streams and waterfalls on the way. The last leg of the trek is a steep climb of around 1 km to reach the lake.
Pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake
Hindus consider Manimahesh Lake as a holy lake and believe that it is the dwelling place of Lord Shiva. Beautiful snow-capped mountains surround the lake and offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The pilgrimage season to Manimahesh Lake starts in August and ends in September. During this period, numerous devotees visit the lake to immerse themselves in its sacred waters and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.
Best Time To Visit Manimahesh Lake
The optimal time to plan a visit to Manimahesh Lake is during the pilgrimage season, which commences in August and concludes in September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the lake is accessible by road, trekking, and helicopter.
The winter months (November to February) are not recommended for visiting Manimahesh Lake as the area receives heavy snowfall and is inaccessible.
Tips For Visiting Manimahesh Lake
Below are some tips to remember while visiting Manimahesh Lake:
- Carry warm clothes, as the temperature can drop to sub-zero levels, especially at night.
- Carry enough water and snacks, as limited options are available on the trek.
- Hire a guide if you’re trekking to the lake, as the trail can sometimes be confusing.
- Please do not litter and ensure to maintain the sanctity of the lake while visiting.
- Do not disturb the wildlife in the area.
Where is Manimahesh Lake located?
Manimahesh Lake is located in the Bharmour region of the Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at 4,080 meters (13,390 ft) in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.
Is Manimahesh Yatra difficult?
The Manimahesh yatra is a difficult pilgrimage due to the steep and rocky terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. Trek for several kilometres and reach the sacred lake requires physical fitness and stamina. Pilgrims are advised to prepare themselves accordingly and seek medical advice before embarking on the yatra.
Why is Manimahesh Lake famous?
Manimahesh Lake is famous for its religious significance among Hindus. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and every year, thousands of devotees pilgrimage to the lake during the holy month of August/September. The Yatra is considered a test of faith and devotion, and pilgrims offer prayers and perform rituals to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
क्या मणिमहेश यात्रा कठिन है?
Is the Manimahesh yatra difficult? Yes, the Manimahesh yatra is considered a difficult pilgrimage due to its steep and rocky terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. Trek for several kilometres and reaching the sacred lake requires physical fitness and stamina. Pilgrims are advised to prepare themselves accordingly and seek medical advice before embarking on the yatra.
