Shrikhand Kailash Mahadev Trek, Himachal pradesh

Nestled in the beautiful hills of Himachal Pradesh, Shrikhand Mahadev Trek is a spiritual journey to the abode of Lord Shiva. It is one of the toughest and most challenging treks in India, taking you to an altitude of 17,500 feet. The trek is a perfect combination of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty.

About Shrikhand Kailash Mahadev

Shrikhand Mahadev is a sacred mountain peak located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of 5,155 meters (16,900 feet) and is one of the most challenging and popular treks in the region. The peak is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Shrikhand Mahadev Kullu is a sacred Hindu site revered as the dwelling place of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. Situated at an elevation of 18,570 feet, the mountain summit boasts a remarkable 75-foot-tall Shivling.

Shrikhand Mahadev Trek

Location : Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Trek Distance : 32 Kilometers (One side)
Trek Altitude : Approximately 18,570 ft
Trek Difficulty : Moderate to Difficult

The trek starts from Jaon village in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The trail takes you through dense forests, beautiful meadows, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers. The highlight of the trek is the view of the Shrikhand Mahadev peak, which is a natural Shiva Linga, standing tall at 18,500 feet. The trek is believed to be an ancient pilgrimage, with a mention in the Mahabharata and Puranas. It is said that Lord Shiva meditated here for thousands of years, and the peak is his abode. The trek is considered very auspicious, and it is believed that those who complete the trek get a glimpse of Lord Shiva himself.
The trek is challenging and requires good physical fitness and endurance. It is a steep climb, with rocky terrain and narrow trails. The trek takes about four to five days to complete, with campsites at various intervals. The trek is not just about the spiritual experience, but also the natural beauty it offers. The trail takes you through dense forests of deodar, pine, and oak trees. The meadows are covered with wildflowers, and the glaciers offer a stunning view of the surrounding peaks.

Best time to Trek

The best time to do the Shrikhand Kailash Trek is from mid-June to mid-October. This is the time when the weather is relatively stable, and the trekking routes are open. During this time, the skies are generally clear, and the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. However, you need to be prepared for the occasional rains and landslides.

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The Most Places on Shrikhand Mahadev Trek

This trek takes you to an altitude of 18,700 feet and covers a distance of around 72 km. Here are some of the most significant places you will encounter on the Shrikhand Mahadev Trek:

Jaon Village: The trek starts from the village of Jaon, which is located at an altitude of 8,500 feet. You will find several shops and guesthouses in Jaon where you can rest and stock up on supplies before starting the trek.

Singhad: Singhad is the first campsite on the trek, located at an altitude of 10,800 feet. From here, you will get your first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Thachru: Thachru is the second campsite on the trek, located at an altitude of 11,700 feet. The campsite is surrounded by lush green meadows and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Kali Ghati: Kali Ghati is a steep ascent on the trek that takes you to an altitude of 13,800 feet. The climb is challenging but offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.

Bhim Dwar: Bhim Dwar is a significant landmark on the trek, located at an altitude of 15,600 feet. It is believed that the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata visited this place during their exile.

Parvati Bagh: Parvati Bagh is a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of 16,200 feet. It is named after the goddess Parvati, and the meadow is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Shrikhand Mahadev: The Shrikhand Mahadev peak is the main highlight of the trek, located at an altitude of 18,700 feet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism, and many devotees undertake the trek to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

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Why should plan Shrikhand Mahadev Trek?

There are several reasons why you should plan a trek to Shrikhand Mahadev.

Tekking and Adventure :
Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas and is considered as a test of one's physical and mental endurance. The trek involves a steep climb of approximately 35 kilometers, with an altitude gain of over 5,000 meters. It is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek adventure and are up for a challenge.

Nature & Views :
The trek takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, including dense forests, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks. The trail is dotted with waterfalls, streams, and alpine lakes that add to the natural beauty of the region. The trek offers a chance to witness the magnificent beauty of nature up close and personal.

Ritual Belief :
Shrikhand Mahadev is a holy site for Hindus, and the trek is considered a pilgrimage. The trek takes you to the Shrikhand Mahadev temple, which is situated at an altitude of 18,000 feet. It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here for several years, and the trek is a way to seek his blessings.

Local culture and Traditions :
Lastly, the trek offers a chance to experience the local culture and traditions of the region. The trail passes through several small villages where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You can also sample the local cuisine, which is a unique blend of flavors and spices.

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How to Reach Shrikhand Mahadev Basecamp?

Here are the details on how to reach Shrikhand Mahadev:

Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Shrikhand Mahadev is the Bhuntar Airport, which is located in Kullu district. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From Bhuntar airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the base camp of Shrikhand Mahadev.

Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Shrikhand Mahadev is Joginder Nagar railway station, which is located at a distance of about 165 km from the base camp of Shrikhand Mahadev. From Joginder Nagar railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the base camp.

Nearest Bus Stop:
The base camp of Shrikhand Mahadev is accessible by road. You can take a bus from Delhi or other major cities in North India to reach the base camp. The nearest bus stop to Shrikhand Mahadev is Rampur, which is located at a distance of about 180 km from the base camp. From Rampur, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the base camp.

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Accommodation & Meals options on the Trek

Accommodation: On this trek, most trekkers prefer to carry their own tents and set up camp at various locations. There are designated campsites along the trail, which are equipped with basic facilities like toilets and water supply.

Meals: You can find some campsites on the trek that serve basic meals like rice, dal, and vegetables. These are mostly located in the villages along the trek route. Most of the trekkers prefer to carry their own packaged food like instant noodles, biscuits, and energy bars. These can be easily cooked at the campsites or consumed on the go.

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The Most Importent thing For Shrikhand Mahadev Trek

If you are planning to embark on the Shrikhand Mahadev Trek, it is important to be prepared with all the necessary documents and health checks. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Registration:
The first step to take is to register for the trek with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). You can either do this online or at their office in Shimla or Basecamp Singhad. You will need to provide your personal details, such as your name, age, address, contact number, and emergency contact information. You will also need to pay the trek fee, which includes camping, food, and other amenities.

Permission:
After registering for the trek, you will need to obtain permission from the forest department to enter the Shrikhand Mahadev Wildlife Sanctuary. You can obtain permission from the forest department office in Rampur or at the trek base camp in Singhad. You will need to show your registration details and a valid ID proof to get permission.

Medical Checkup:
The Shrikhand Mahadev Trek is a challenging and strenuous trek that requires a certain level of fitness. It is important to undergo a medical checkup to ensure that you are physically fit to undertake the trek. You can either get a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner or undergo a checkup at the base camp in Singhad.

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