An enriching spiritual trek – Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is one of the most difficult yet most poignant treks you will ever embark on. The trek is as strong as the Lord that it hosts. Lord Shiva, who is said to have made Himalaya his abode, has led to several spiritual Shivlingas to pop up in some scenic places on top of many Himalayan Ranges.
These places have given rise to the number of pilgrims and tourists that visit these holier than thou sight in order to pay respect and also bathe in the breathtaking views from the top. Places like Kailash Mansarovar, Kinner Kailash, Amarna have provided some of the most enchanting sights an experiences.
The Shrikhand Mahadev Peak trek or pilgrimage is said to be one of the toughest in India, and the total distance itself is 70 km. This trek is only open for about 20 to 30 days in the months of July and June, and during this time the local authorities also conduct the annual Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.
The Journey to Shrikhand Mahadev
Shimla
The journey starts at the popular hill station of Shimla, from where you have to take a bus or any vehicle to reach Rampur. From Rampur take a bus to the quaint town of Jaon, from where the real trek starts.
source: Travellingmonty.com
Jaon
This little village is the starting of the trek. It is an essential village since this is where you need to buy your necessities like water, snacks or any other requirements from. The village is filled with tall trees and never-ending fields. A serene place, which has the power to put your mind to a relaxed kind of mood.
Singhad
From Jaon, you need to take a path straight through the jungle to reach the village of Singhad. The jungle trail is charming and will make you want to get lost in the woods and spend your life living with nature and birds that fill your trek with their melodious chirping. Singhad is basically the last village on your trek. This is the perfect place to take the night off and pitch your tent. The village also has a small yet sacred Shiva temple which you can visit.
Bharatinala
Next morning after a delicious breakfast head over to Bharathinala which is a comfortable 4 km trek from Singhad. This short distance trek is more like a trailer as to what will come when the main trek starts. The path is beautiful with several little hills which run along the river, making them look pretty as a picture. This lovely place also has an Ashram from pilgrims who take this trek. They can eat here, rest and then continue on to their yatra.
From here there is an excruciating vertical climb of 10 km, and usually, people stop at the Thachru to rest.
Thachru
On your way to Thachru, the climb gets exceedingly steep and first-time trekkers will experience some pain in their legs. There is hardly any level ground. However, this beautiful stretch takes you through the forest covers. You will find yourself walking in the midst of a drizzling and peaceful forest. However, the path gets slippery because of this continuous drizzle and you need to be extra careful about that. At times you will get small glimpses of mountains so mesmerising that you will find yourself wondering- “Can it get better than this?”
Make sure you keep drinking water and carry enough water.
Once you reach Thachru, you need to walk another 3 km to reach Kali Top, which is named after the Goddess Kali. The panoramic views from this peak are amazing. You can see the Himalayan Range, the Shrikhand peak and Shivalingam from here in all their grandeur.
If you reach Kali Top in the evening then spend the night here by pitching a tent, but if you reach here during the afternoon, then walk a little and reach Bhimdwar and spend the night there.
Kalighati to Bhimdwar trek | source: The OK Travel
Bhimdwar
From Thachru to Bhumdwar the route starts getting more like a roller coaster ride with so many ups and downs. You will be crossing innumerable small hills that spring up from nowhere and green valleys that will redefine the word serene for you.
You must stop at Bhimdwar since this will be your last night halt before going for the big main event.
Bhimdwar is a place which has the power to make you fall in love with it the moment you enter. Everything is picture perfect here. This place is essentially a Vally flanked by two waterfalls on the sides and clouds that descend down to touch you gently. It is like a being in a dream with fluffy clouds and tranquil surroundings.
Make sure to get good rest and some sleep here since the next part will not be easy and will certainly challenge you to the core.
Shrikhand Mahadev
Wake up as soon as the sun peaks into the horizon and get ready after having some good and filling breakfast.
Bhimdwar is located at an altitude of 3800m, and the top of Shrikhand Mahadev is at 5300m, making the altitude change a serious factor.
Parvati Bagh | source: amarujala.com
Your first point from Bhimdwar is Parvati Bagh which a steep climb for 3km. This vertical climb usually takes around 2 hours and can get tiring. But, Parvati Bagh itself is so beautiful brimming with flowers, bushes, shrubs and green fields sprawled over acres and acres of land. The moment you reach your pain and exhaustion will disappear and you will be once again motivated to resume your climb.
After Parvati Bagh, continue on to reach the magnetic glacier called Nain Sarovar. This part of the trek is actually difficult, as the trail includes traversing through large boulders.
Nain Sarovar is said to have been formed from a teardrop of Goddess Parvati. While the lake is small, it still had some kind of charisma which pulled the trekkers to it. You will also find the Bhim Bahi, which is a stack of boulders on top of each other. Locals believe that the mythological character Bhim had stacked these stones to reach heaven. It literally looks like a stairway to heaven.
From the angelic Nain Sarovar, the trek gets really challenging as there are boulders all over, and you have to really watch your step to make it. The path also gets narrow and slippery.
It should take about 4 km to reach the astounding 75 ft tall Shiva Linga located at the peak. As you keep walking you will be able to see the Shrikhand Mahadev, which is bound to fill you with seal everyone you feel like giving up.
As you near the top you will find many saffron-clad pilgrims walking around with utter dedication and chants that echo and create a magical atmosphere.
As you reach the top, you are sure to be mesmerised with the beauty that surrounds you. The huge Shiva Linga stares right back at you and fills you with an unexplainable positive vibe, and you will feel all your tiredness and weariness going away. From the top, you can also see the other peaks which manage to dwarf this gigantic peak.
After spending some time and seeking blessings from the Lord himself, start your descent down.
You have to take the same enchanting yet challenging route and it is said the descent is actually tougher.
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