Manimahesh yatra is held from Janamastmi to Radhastami every year. It is believed that on this occasion Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take a bath in the Lake. For this holy moment more than half a million people come from the country to take holy bath in the Manimahesh Lake.

A trip to  Manimahesh Lake (4115m) is of 3-4 days. Manimahesh Lake is 27Km from Bharmour.  Lord Shiva is believed to reside on this snow-covered mountain.  The lake and peak are considered sacred and it is said that no one has been able to climb to the summit. People point out rock projections, human-like in appearance, and say that one is of a hermit and other of a shepherd, frozen stiff during their futile effort to reach the top.  A fair is held at Bharmour in August every year, providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people.

Schedule for Manimahesh Yatra 2016

Manimahesh Yatra Chota Snan Will be held on 24th August  ( Janamastami)

Manimahesh Yatra Bada Snan will be held on 9th September (Radhastami)

Every Year after Krishna Janma-asthami, the yatra to Manimahesh Yatra starts and ends on Radha Asthami.

Manimahesh yatra

DAY-1

Bharmour-Chaurasi temple-Bharmani -4 Km- Visit to Bharmani temple can be taken either by taxi or by walking. It is believed visit to Bharmani temple before visiting Manimahesh Lake is mandatory and without visiting Bharmani temple, Manimahesh yatra is not considered complete.

DAY-2

Bharmour-Hadsar- Bharmour-Hadsar (2100m) 13 Km- By Taxi, Bus or by foot.

Hadsar-Dhanchho (2900m) 6Km – Just beyond Hadsar, their is a trail that  climbs along the Gauri stream coming from the Manimahesh lake.  The path ascends in dense forest for about 3Km.  As height is gained the tree line is left behind and the trail works through birch trees and bushes up to the alpine meadows of Dhachho. The camp ground is seen across the Gauri stream, near a fine waterfall.  There is a corrugated shelter and one or two small rock shelters around the site.

DAY-3

Dhanchho-Manimahesh Lake (4115m)-Dhanchho 14Km – Two routes lead to the lake.  The old one, up the left side of the stream, is steep and tiring.  A new mule track has been constructed which is a little longer but less steep.  This climbs to the right and traverses a ridge for about 1.5Km.  It then turns left, crosses the Gauri stream (bridge) and mounts steadily for another 1.5.  After that a more gradual ascent along the rocky path passes near cliffs seen to the left.

After another 2 Km the trail again climbs steeply for 30min and reaches Gauri Kund.  Gauri is another name of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.  A dip in this kund (pond) is considered sacred because it is believed that Parvati used to take bath here.  A few 100 meters ahead is the Shiva Kalotri spring-said to have its source in Lord Shiva’s feet.  The trail once again crosses the Gauri stream and after a short ascent reaches the Manimahesh Peak in this shallow circular lake gives it an enchanting appearance.  A roofless temple, conspicuous with many iron trinkets, is seen on the opposite side.  A cave shelter can be found in one corner.  An encampment for accommodation is prepared at the during the August fair.

Starting point of Manimahesh Yatra is Pathankot / Chakki Bank Railway Ahead or Pathankot/ Gaggal Airport. one shall reach there and the onwards journey is described as under.

Manimahesh Yatra by Helicopter

For Helicopter Services: on Arrival at Pathankot/Chakki Bank/ Gaggal shall continue journey for Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh, Overnight stay at Bharmour. Next Morning board a helicopter flight from Bharmour to Gauri Kund and then leave for Darshan have holy dip and Darshan and then back to the Helicopter boarding point and fly back to Bharmour.