Shrikhand Mahadev Pilgrimage
The Shrikhand Mahadev trek is a pilgrim trail that leads to the Shrikhand Mahadev peak (5227 meters/17150 ft.) named after Lord Shiva. The key attraction of this trek is the breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges from Parvati valley of Kullu, Jorkandan, Rangrik ranges of Kinnaur and Hansbeshan and other surrounding peaks in the south east of Satluj river. The trek can be done either from Nirmand side or Arsu side. The popular and widely travelled route is from the Nirmand – Jaon village side. To reach the base camp, you have to drive from Shimla towards Rampur and cross the river Satluj to enter Niramand region of Kullu district and drive till Jaon Village. Shrikhand Mahadev, one of the toughest pilgrimages in India, is known for Lord Shiva in Hindu Mythology. It also makes a thrilling and adventurous trek in Himachal. It takes you amidst the lavish and beautiful setup of mighty Himalayas to the top of the Shrikhand Mahadev peak. The trek ascends through the alpine meadows to a 72 feet pinnacle of rock called Shivlinga. A few glaciers also have to be crossed before reaching the majestic peak of Shrikhand.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 - Shimla-Bagi Pul-Jaun
Shrikhand trek starts from Jaun village which lies in Kullu district at 6397 ft. It is a small village on the right bank of rivulet Kurpan which originates just from the bottom of Shrikhand Mountain Range. This is a fast flowing rivulet with white water. During monsoon this small rivulet Kurpan looks like a treacherous river. Jaun is a small village of around 50 houses and a temple dedicated to Mata Katyayni. From Baagi Pul to Jaun there is a Kuccha road of 8 Kms. Jaun is a village in the midst of great himalayan range. One can admire the beauty of mother nature sitting amid mountains, rivulets, small houses, temples and most important and pleasant fully developed apple orchards of Jaun. Jaun provides a clear and beautiful view of Shrikhand Mountain. If weather is clear you can get a glance of holy Shrikhand peak from here. Jaun is the last place from where you can buy few necessary goods for the trek. We stay at guest house tonight.
Day 2. Jaun to Taacharu (11318 ft)
Next day we start our trek besides the right bank of Kurpan. On the way we will cross several apple orchards, some small streams and a village with old beautiful houses – most of which are two storied. Shingaarh is a place where we will take rest. It is a holy place; people regularly pay rituals here for the completion of their trek. One can visit temples here at Shingaarh. It is a place surrounded by lush green forests. The next step is towards Barathi Nalah , which is the place of the confluence of two small rivulets that make Kurpan. The trek upto Barathi Nalah is breathtaking. On the way to Barathi Nalah sometime you have to cross the Kurpan through wooden bridge which are just a rip of Deodar tree. It creates excitement and thrill among the trekkers for being so near to nature. We take a rest at Barathi Nalah. Form Barathi Nalah to Taacharu there is a vertical climb of 6 Kms of Danda Dhaar which takes around 6-8 hours. This climb requires good stamina and is through the dark forests of deodar where because of the dense nature of the forest nothing is visible. We can hear the sound of rivers, streams and waterfalls clearly from here. There is no source of water on the way to Taacharu so it becomes essential to carry more water for the trek upto Taacharu. On the way we will find some big Deodar trees which are centuries old and some beautiful birds here on the way. Taacharu at 11318 ft is a place where tree line ends and herbs and shrubs remain for the next patch of the trek with beautiful views of Sarahan and Kotgarh region towards Southern side and Shrikhand peak towards Eastern side and Kullu Himalaya at Westerns side. Taacharu is the best place for night stay after a long and tiring day as well as the 6km vertical climb. We stay here tonight.
Day 3 - Taacharu-Parvati Baag (13622 feet)
Next days start early in the morning, so that you can reach at Parvati Baag with ample time to spare. On the way one can find some rare flowers and 360 degree view of the Himalayas. A small temple dedicated to Maa Kali is here. Bhim Talai is a place where according to legends Bhim one of the Pandava brothers used to take bath. This is a place surrounded by high peaks, bugiyal and tiny waterfalls. Just after crossing the Grass Grounds, we will have to cross a glacier around 500 meters long and 80 meter wide. From this glacier to Kunsa there is a vertical climb with rocks. Kunsa at 12746 ft is a place surrounded by big waterfalls. It is a place of breathtaking scenery. Nature is splendid here. One can spend hours here just by admiring nature with waterfalls, clouds, flowers. This is the best place to take some rest and rejuvenate with nature. From Kunsa there is a level walk with small ups and downs. and is filled with rare Himalayan flowers and different shrubs. This place is like the valley of flowers in Uttrakhand. One can find very rare flower here easily. This place is so wide and it provides a panoramic view of deep valleys, deep gorges, big waterfalls and some small streams flowing on the way. Kunsa valley provides gorgeous view of clouds, mountains, small patches of snow and the sweet sound of fast flowing streams just one after one like a beautiful scenic dream. After that we reach Bheem Dwar. It is said that during Pandavas exile they stayed here. This is a big Bugyal (grasland) surrounded by big waterfalls and a numbers of glaciers. On the way to Parvati Baag you have to cross the biggest waterfall on this trek. Shepherds’ use this place to graze their sheep and goats. One can stay at Bheem Dwar in nature cave here. Most of the pilgrims use these for rest purpose. The beauty of this place is terrifying. One can easily spend hours here admiring the beauty of mother nature. Parvati Baag is just 3 Kms from Bheem Dwar. Up to the big waterfall the trek is gentle. Just after crossing the waterfall there is a vertical climb of 2.5 Kms up to Parvati Baag. Parvati Baag is a beautiful place for night halt. According to legends it is said that Mata Parvati used this place for their stay. This place is full of rare flowers of higher himalayas and famous for rarest Brahma Kamal. One can easily find this rarest flower here at Parvati Baag. This place is just below the Holy Shrikhand Mountain. At night it feels like you can touch the sky with your hand. We camp here tonight.
Day 3- Parvati Baag to Shrikhand (17,195 feet) and back to Parvati Baag
Early in the morning we have to start towards Holy Shrikhand Peak as we have to reach back to Parvati Bagh on time. Parvati Baag is the last place where you can find Grass and some high altitude shrubs and herbs. After Parvati Baag we will trek on only moraines and snow. Shrikhand Peak is 6 Kms form Parvati Baag. On the way we will cross glaciers, streams and stone tunnels. First part of the trek upto Nainser Lake is gentle with snow and boulders. Nainser is a high altitude lake at 14527 ft surrounded by an area of about two football fields. It takes 1.5 hours to reach at Nainser. It is said that this lake was created with the tears of Maa Parvati when she was worshipping lord Shiva. It is said that if one prays here at Nainser his/her trek will be completed successfully. Trek to Shrikhand is very steep and vertical from Nainser Lake. First patch of this trek from Nainser Lake is a glacier of 200 meters. It requires a lot of endurance to complete this part. The next part on the trek is full of Moraines and snow at very few places. There are seven small peaks which you have to climb to reach Shrikhand. On the way you can feel that you are above the clouds as sun rises. On the way to Bheem Baiee you have to cross many small stone tunnels, glaciers and moraines. Bheem Baiee is a sacred place dedicated to Bheem at an altitude 15921 ft. You can find different marks on stone here. It is said that Bheem once constructing the stairs from here to Heaven, but it was not completed due to lack of time. You will find a number of stones one top of another which appears like a stairway. From Bheem Baiee we can see the holy Shrikhand Shila. It takes half hour to reach Shrikhand. We have to cross a big glacier to reach Shrikhand. This place provides endless view on Himalayas from three sides and from one side a magical look towards Rampur Sarahan and Shimla hills. Shrikhand is a place where you can feel the fragrance of nature everywhere. After Darshan and spending some time here we head back and attempt to reach BhimDawari or Parvati Bagh as the weather becomes unpredictable after noon. We halt here tonight.
Day 1 - Shimla-Bagi Pul-Jaun
Shrikhand trek starts from Jaun village which lies in Kullu district at 6397 ft. It is a small village on the right bank of rivulet Kurpan which originates just from the bottom of Shrikhand Mountain Range. This is a fast flowing rivulet with white water. During monsoon this small rivulet Kurpan looks like a treacherous river. Jaun is a small village of around 50 houses and a temple dedicated to Mata Katyayni. From Baagi Pul to Jaun there is a Kuccha road of 8 Kms. Jaun is a village in the midst of great himalayan range. One can admire the beauty of mother nature sitting amid mountains, rivulets, small houses, temples and most important and pleasant fully developed apple orchards of Jaun. Jaun provides a clear and beautiful view of Shrikhand Mountain. If weather is clear you can get a glance of holy Shrikhand peak from here. Jaun is the last place from where you can buy few necessary goods for the trek. We stay at guest house tonight.
Day 2. Jaun to Taacharu (11318 ft)
Next day we start our trek besides the right bank of Kurpan. On the way we will cross several apple orchards, some small streams and a village with old beautiful houses – most of which are two storied. Shingaarh is a place where we will take rest. It is a holy place; people regularly pay rituals here for the completion of their trek. One can visit temples here at Shingaarh. It is a place surrounded by lush green forests. The next step is towards Barathi Nalah , which is the place of the confluence of two small rivulets that make Kurpan. The trek upto Barathi Nalah is breathtaking. On the way to Barathi Nalah sometime you have to cross the Kurpan through wooden bridge which are just a rip of Deodar tree. It creates excitement and thrill among the trekkers for being so near to nature. We take a rest at Barathi Nalah. Form Barathi Nalah to Taacharu there is a vertical climb of 6 Kms of Danda Dhaar which takes around 6-8 hours. This climb requires good stamina and is through the dark forests of deodar where because of the dense nature of the forest nothing is visible. We can hear the sound of rivers, streams and waterfalls clearly from here. There is no source of water on the way to Taacharu so it becomes essential to carry more water for the trek upto Taacharu. On the way we will find some big Deodar trees which are centuries old and some beautiful birds here on the way. Taacharu at 11318 ft is a place where tree line ends and herbs and shrubs remain for the next patch of the trek with beautiful views of Sarahan and Kotgarh region towards Southern side and Shrikhand peak towards Eastern side and Kullu Himalaya at Westerns side. Taacharu is the best place for night stay after a long and tiring day as well as the 6km vertical climb. We stay here tonight.
Day 3 - Taacharu-Parvati Baag (13622 feet)
Next days start early in the morning, so that you can reach at Parvati Baag with ample time to spare. On the way one can find some rare flowers and 360 degree view of the Himalayas. A small temple dedicated to Maa Kali is here. Bhim Talai is a place where according to legends Bhim one of the Pandava brothers used to take bath. This is a place surrounded by high peaks, bugiyal and tiny waterfalls. Just after crossing the Grass Grounds, we will have to cross a glacier around 500 meters long and 80 meter wide. From this glacier to Kunsa there is a vertical climb with rocks. Kunsa at 12746 ft is a place surrounded by big waterfalls. It is a place of breathtaking scenery. Nature is splendid here. One can spend hours here just by admiring nature with waterfalls, clouds, flowers. This is the best place to take some rest and rejuvenate with nature. From Kunsa there is a level walk with small ups and downs. and is filled with rare Himalayan flowers and different shrubs. This place is like the valley of flowers in Uttrakhand. One can find very rare flower here easily. This place is so wide and it provides a panoramic view of deep valleys, deep gorges, big waterfalls and some small streams flowing on the way. Kunsa valley provides gorgeous view of clouds, mountains, small patches of snow and the sweet sound of fast flowing streams just one after one like a beautiful scenic dream. After that we reach Bheem Dwar. It is said that during Pandavas exile they stayed here. This is a big Bugyal (grasland) surrounded by big waterfalls and a numbers of glaciers. On the way to Parvati Baag you have to cross the biggest waterfall on this trek. Shepherds’ use this place to graze their sheep and goats. One can stay at Bheem Dwar in nature cave here. Most of the pilgrims use these for rest purpose. The beauty of this place is terrifying. One can easily spend hours here admiring the beauty of mother nature. Parvati Baag is just 3 Kms from Bheem Dwar. Up to the big waterfall the trek is gentle. Just after crossing the waterfall there is a vertical climb of 2.5 Kms up to Parvati Baag. Parvati Baag is a beautiful place for night halt. According to legends it is said that Mata Parvati used this place for their stay. This place is full of rare flowers of higher himalayas and famous for rarest Brahma Kamal. One can easily find this rarest flower here at Parvati Baag. This place is just below the Holy Shrikhand Mountain. At night it feels like you can touch the sky with your hand. We camp here tonight.
Day 3- Parvati Baag to Shrikhand (17,195 feet) and back to Parvati Baag
Early in the morning we have to start towards Holy Shrikhand Peak as we have to reach back to Parvati Bagh on time. Parvati Baag is the last place where you can find Grass and some high altitude shrubs and herbs. After Parvati Baag we will trek on only moraines and snow. Shrikhand Peak is 6 Kms form Parvati Baag. On the way we will cross glaciers, streams and stone tunnels. First part of the trek upto Nainser Lake is gentle with snow and boulders. Nainser is a high altitude lake at 14527 ft surrounded by an area of about two football fields. It takes 1.5 hours to reach at Nainser. It is said that this lake was created with the tears of Maa Parvati when she was worshipping lord Shiva. It is said that if one prays here at Nainser his/her trek will be completed successfully. Trek to Shrikhand is very steep and vertical from Nainser Lake. First patch of this trek from Nainser Lake is a glacier of 200 meters. It requires a lot of endurance to complete this part. The next part on the trek is full of Moraines and snow at very few places. There are seven small peaks which you have to climb to reach Shrikhand. On the way you can feel that you are above the clouds as sun rises. On the way to Bheem Baiee you have to cross many small stone tunnels, glaciers and moraines. Bheem Baiee is a sacred place dedicated to Bheem at an altitude 15921 ft. You can find different marks on stone here. It is said that Bheem once constructing the stairs from here to Heaven, but it was not completed due to lack of time. You will find a number of stones one top of another which appears like a stairway. From Bheem Baiee we can see the holy Shrikhand Shila. It takes half hour to reach Shrikhand. We have to cross a big glacier to reach Shrikhand. This place provides endless view on Himalayas from three sides and from one side a magical look towards Rampur Sarahan and Shimla hills. Shrikhand is a place where you can feel the fragrance of nature everywhere. After Darshan and spending some time here we head back and attempt to reach BhimDawari or Parvati Bagh as the weather becomes unpredictable after noon. We halt here tonight.
