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Manimahesh Lake (also known as Dal Lake, Manimahesh), situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, is a high altitude lake. The Kailash peak stands high close to the lake.

The Manimahesh Lake is situated Twenty-six kilometers from Bharmour in the Budhil valley , one of the chief pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the foot of the Kailash peak (18,564 ft). Every year, on the eighth day of the light half of the moon in the month of Bhadon, a fair is held at this lake, which attracts thousands of pilgrims who assemble here to take a dip in the holy water.

Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this fair / jatra. He is believed to reside in Kailash. A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailash is considered to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snowfield at the base of the mountain is called Shiva’s Chaugan by the local people.

Mount Kailash is considered as invincible. No one has so far been able to scale this peak despite the fact that much taller peaks, including Mount Everest have been conquered many times. One story goes that once a Gaddi tried to climb the mountain alongwith his herd of sheep. He is believed to have been turned stone alongwith his sheep. The series of minor peaks below the principal peak are believed to be the remains of the ill-fated shepherd and his flock.

There is yet another legend according to which a snake also attempted to climb this peak but failed and was turned into stone. It is also believed that the devotees can have a view of the Kailash peak only if the Lord is pleased. Bad weather, when the peak is hidden behind clouds, is a sign of the Lord’s displeasure.

At one corner of the Manimahesh lake is a marble image of Shiva which is worshipped by the pilgrims who visit this place. After bathing in the holy waters, the pilgrims go around the circumference of the lake three times. The lake and its surroundings present a majestic view. The quiet waters of the lake carry the reflection of snow capped peaks that carry over the valley.

Manimahesh is approached from different routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul-Spiti come through Kugti pass. Some from Kangra and Mandi come via Kawarsi or Jalsu passes. The easiest route is from Chamba and runs through Bharmaur. At present buses ply upto Hadsar via Bharmour. Beyond Hadsar, the pilgrims have to trek for 13 kms to reach Manimahesh.Between Hadsar and Manimahesh is an important halting place known as Dhanchho where pilgrims usually spend a night. There is a beautiful waterfall.

About one and half kilometers short of Manimahesh lake fall two religiously important water bodies called Gauri Kund and Shiva Krotri where as per popular belief Gauri and Shiva bathe respectively. The women pilgrims do take holy dip in Gauri Kund and the men pilgrims in Shiva Krotri before proceeding to Manimahesh lake.

 

 

Itineraries

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 01: Mcleodganj – Kareri village (1900m)…13km

The first 6km of the trek passes through a small lake. Tibetan children village and satobary village. From satobary village a wide trail descends to Ghera through thick jungle the cross Gaj river and Karari stream. From Ghera is a steady climb to Kareri village. Night stay in tents.

Trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 02 : Kareri village – Kareri Lake (3200m)…12km

Trek goes along Kareri nullah. It is 3 to 4 hours to Kareri Lake. The lake is situated at the base og Minkiani Pass. Kareri lake has beautiful high altitude meadows and big pastureland.

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 03: Kareri Lake – Minkiani Pass-Minkiani Got (3500m)….10km

Four to five hours steed asent takes to the top of the pass. In early summer one has to walk over snow and ice and needs good technical skill. After the monsoon there is no snow and the trail is visible. The weather is unpredictable here. From the Pass the trail descends down to the Minkaiani Got through big boulders.In early summer months these boulders remain covered by deep snow. The track terminates at Minkaini Got where few rock caves and a beautiful camping ground will take care of night stay.

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 04 : Minkiani Got – Lam Dal Lake (3900m) – Minkiani got….11km

Lam Dal the biggest lake in Dhauladhar range is considered as the abode of Shiva and is sacred. On the way to Lam Dal is kali Kund shaped like a well and surrounded by rising hills.

Trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 05 : Minkiani Got – Drakund (1800m)…..15km

From Lam Dal the trek descends down the valley along Lam Dal stream Night stey at Drakund.

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 06 : Drakund – Dunali ….9km – Bharmour (2195m)…..45km

It takes about two hours to reach Dunali on the main Chamba – Bhamour road. The villages are scattered but linked with each other.

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 07 : Rest day in Bharmour

Located at the confluence of Ravi and Lam dal stream. (Dunali to Bharmour – 40 km) Night stay in a guest house inj Bharmour visit ancient Chaurasi Temples Re-supply for the trek.

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 08 : Bharmour – Hadsar – Dhancho (2440m)

Bharmour to Hadsar is 13Km motorable. Hadsar to Dhancho is about 7km steep ascent. Dhancho is the base camp for the trekkers enroute Manimahesh Lake. Gauri nullah (stream) forms a huge waterfall at Dhancho. Night stay in the tents.

tour

Time : 8:30 am

Day 09 : Dhancho – Manimahesh lake (4115m) – Dhancho

From Dhancho a big trail steep up 5km to Gauri kund is gradual ascent for 2.5km to Manimahesh Lake. Manimahesh is a small glaciar lake in Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Thousands of people go on pilgrimage to this lake every year in August. Lunch at the lake and to Dhancho for the night stay.

trek

Time : 8:30 am

Day 10 : Dhancho – Bharmour

Night stay in the guest house From Bharmour bus/ jeep are available for Chamba, Dharamsala, Pathankot.

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