Shrikhand Mahadev Trek
About Shrikhand Mahadev
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek takes you to one of the most sacred adobes of Lord Shiva. There is a 75 feet high Shiva lingam situated at the top of the peak. There are no trees or any plants and the area is mostly covered in heavy snow throughout the year. The peak is accessible only for 20-30 days in the the months of June and July. During this time, the local authorities conduct and maintain the official Shrikhand Yatra.
Shrikhand Mahadev trek is considered as one of the most difficult pilgrimages in India, because of the difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions. Hundreds of devotees perform this trek each year. We have tried to provide the best possible information on this trek in this post. Please go through the available Photo Gallery and other details below.
Photo Gallery
Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Registration
s registration for the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra necessary ?
During the Yatra period, registration is mandatory.
If you do this trek before Yatra period, you should enter your name in a register maintained by the Sadhus at Bharatinala. The official registration is not available during this period.
Why register for this trek ?
Registration is recommended for this trek as it helps track the number of pilgrims going up and thus necessary steps can be taken to support them in case of an emergency.
How do I register for the Shrikhand Mahadev Trek ?
Online registration is not available for this trek. You have to register with the authorities at Singhad. The authorities set up camps at Singhad during the yatra period.
Is a medical certificate necessary for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra ?
Yes a medical fitness certificate is necessary to perform this trek during the yatra period. Some devotees do skip the registration, however it is not recommended. This is a tough and dangerous trek and you should be physically and mentally strong to complete it. Also, there is a low oxygen level at the top, and some pilgrims do fall ill due to lack of oxygen. Therefore, please keep it in mind while planning for the Shrikhand Mahadev Trek.
Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Route
Although there are other routes towards Shrikhand Mahadev, however the official Yatra starts from Jaon Village. Starting from the first, we have listed the main stops during this trek below.
Jaon Village
Jaon Village is where the motorable road for this trek ends. Jaun village is 170 Kms from Shimla via Bagipul and Nirmand. From Jaon, you’ll have to walk on a Jungle trail towards Singhad.
Singhad
Distance from Jaun to Singhad is approx 3 Kms. Singhad is the last village on the Shrikhand Mahadev Trek. A Shiva temple with a beautiful idol of Lord Shiva is situated in Singhad Village. The authorities setup camps in Singhad for registration purposes. Starting from Singhad till Bhimdwar, you’ll find various camps setup offering free food/ bhandara to the pilgrims.
Bharatinala
The next stoppage is Bharatinala which is 3 Kms from Singhad. At Bharatinala, there is an Ashram of Juna Akhada where the the Sadhus maintain the record of the Yatris. They also offer accommodation and food to the pilgrims.
Please refill your water bottles in Bharatinala as there is no source of water before Kali top. However some dhabas on the way might offer some water to you if available.
From Bharatinala, the steep climb also known as Danda Dhar starts. Danda Dhar goes all the way till Kali Top. The next stop would be Thachru, however there is a spot before Thachru where people have camps setup for trekkers.
Thachru
Thachru is approx 5 Kms from Bharatinala. Thachru is the last place where you’ll see trees in this trek. After Thachru, the tree line starts decreasing and totally ends when you reach Kali top.
Kali Top
Kali Top is 3 kms from Thachru and it is the highest point in the area. Named after goddess Kali, it has a small stone temple dedicated to goddess Kali. You’ll get the best view of the Shrikhand peak and Shivalingam from Kali Top. The whole view from here is totally mesmerizing and makes you realize the grandness of the Himalayas. Although there are some camps at Kali top, but most trekkers prefer to continue further for overnight stay either at Bhim tal, Kunsha or Bhim Dwar if time allows. However, if you reach Kalitop in the evening, we would recommend you to stay overnight here only.
Bhim Tal or Bhim Talai
From Kali top, there is a trail downwards to Bhimtalai which is 2 kms approx. It is said that Bhim (Bheema) created the small pond situated here, hence the name Bhim taal. The next stop would be Kunsha which is another 2 Kms from here. There are 4 small glaciers formed on water streams, on the way till Bhimdwar which you have to cross very carefully.
Kunsha
Kunsha is unarguably one of the most beautiful spots during this trek till now. The distance between Bhimtal to Kunsha is 2 Kms approx. This place is extremely beautiful and very photogenic. After Kunsha, you’ll have to walk another 3 Kms towards Bhim Dwar. The trail between Kunsha to Bhimdwar is narrow but easy to walk.
Bhimdwar
Bhimdwar is the place which is said to be inhabited by the Pandavas for some period. Bhim Dwar is treated as a base camp for Shrikhand trek, as there is no accommodation options as you go up further except Parvati Bagh.
Parvati Bagh
Distance from Parvati Bagh to Bhimdwar distance is around 2 kms and it also has a few accommodation options during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra. However stay at Bhimtal is preferred by most pilgrims as Parvati Bagh has a very few camps available. If one does not find accommodation there, then the only option left would be to come down 2 kms to Bhimdwar. It has happened to people many time, thus plan accordingly.
Nain Sarovar Lake
Now after Parvati Bagh, the next waypoint is the Nain Sarovar Lake. The distance from Parvati Bagh to Nain Sarovar lake is around 2 kms. This lake is considered as a very holy lake and some people even take a dip in the icy cold water of the Nain Sarovar lake for blessings. From Nain Sarovar the terrain gets tougher and the trail gets narrow. This is where the trek gets toughest. Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is approx 6 kms from here.
Bhim Bahi
Just before the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak, you’ll find huge boulders known as Bhim Bahi. There are very distinct marks on these stones, which are said to be written by Bhim while he was building a stairway to heaven.
The Shrikhand Mahadev Peak
After crossing the Bhim Bahi, you’ll finally reach the magnificent Shrikhand Mahadev Peak. The view from up here would be absolutely amazing if the weather allows you to see anything. People usually take off their shoes out of respect, when approaching the 75 feet Shiva Lingam(approx) to take blessings. The trek downhill is equally challenging if not more.
Please note that if you have any respiratory problems, please consult a doctor before attempting to do this trek. This is because the oxygen levels are low at the top. Due to this, it is also recommended to start the climb downwards as soon as possible and not to stay at the top for long.