The Himalayas - land of Gods, are truly blessed with extraordinary charm to mesmerise everyone’s wandering soul. Adorned with the beauty of snow-peaked mountains, gurgling rivers, massive glaciers, shimmering lakes and verdant valleys, this majestic mountain range is highly revered by Hindus and Buddhists for various devotional and spiritual factors.
According to Shivpuran (a holy text in Hinduism), this snow-clad mountain range is the abode of Lord Shiva - the destroyer of this world. Interestingly, there are 5 holy peaks in the upper reaches of Himalayas that are blessed by the holiness of Lord Shiva and considered being his mystic abodes. Collectively, these 5 Himalayan peaks are known as ‘Panch Kailash’ and highly revered by both pilgrims and adventure buffs.
These fascinating and challenging Himalayan treks are considered being the ‘gateway to salvation’ and will take you to a mesmerizing journey amidst mighty Himalayas.
Kailash Mansarovar
The celestial abode of Lord Shiva, Kailash mountain in Tibet region is revered by four religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. This symmetrically cone shaped Himalayan peak is located at an altitude of 21,778 ft above sea level. Overlooking stunning Mansarovar (the highest freshwater lake), a month-long journey to this sacred spot amidst Himalayas will not only treat you with gorgeous landscapes but also diverse cultures, languages and of course spiritual bliss. It is believed that walking around Kailash peak once will clear away lifetime sins. An official Govt. permit and complete health checkup is required to go for Kailash Mansarovar trek keeping in mind the harsh weather conditions.
Where: Tibet
How to get there-
Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), Kathmandu (crossing Nepal-Tibet border) and Nathula Pass (Sikkim) are main starting point for Kailash Mansarovar trek.
By Air: Nearest airports are Pantnagar (Uttarakhand), Bagdogra (West Bengal) and Tribhuvan (Kathmandu).
By Train: Nearest railhead is at Kathgodam (Uttarakhand) and Laukaha Bazar (Bihar).
By Road: Govt. of India & private tour operators organizes trek to Kailash Mansarovar from Delhi by road followed by 26 days trek.
Best time to visit-
Trek to Kailash Mansarovar is only accessible during the months of May and June. Monsoon and Winter season makes it difficult to be on this trail.
Nestled in the Kinnaur Valley of devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, trek to Kinnaur Kailash (19,850 ft) is a challenging yet rewarding experience for trekkers. The term ‘Kinnaur or Kinner’ means angelic demi-gods who resides here because of region’s likeness to heaven. As per Hindu texts, Kinnaur Kailash is considered being the meeting place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. While trekking, one can feel the power and spiritual vibrations this holy spot in Himachal Pradesh has. Since the trek is steep and there is low oxygen on the top, therefore it requires expertise level of trekking.
Where: Kinnaur
How to get there-
Chail near Shimla is the starting point for Kinnaur Kailash trek.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jubbarhati Airport near Shimla. Take an interstate bus or taxi till Chail.
By Train: Nearest railhead is at Kalka. You can take a toy train from Kalka to Chail (if time permits). Interstate buses or cabs are available from the railway station till Chail.
By Road: Chail is well connected by motorable roads. Interstate buses are available from Delhi to reach Chail. You can even hire a taxi towards Chail.
Best time to visit-
The best time to visit Kinnaur Kailash is from September to October. Avoid going during Winters as the trail remains covered with heavy snow thus making it difficult to climb.
Nestled at an elevation of 16,913 ft, Shrikhand Mahadev is considered being another abode of Lord Shiva. According to legends, Lord Shiva took a form of 70 ft stone Shivling (presently known as Shrikhand) when a demon namely Bhasmasura wanted to test if the boon really works by testing it on the Lord. Interestingly, snow falls thick throughout the year but does not cover the Shivling. Trek to Shrikhand Mahadev passes through mist-laden forest and challenging Himalayan terrain. Since the trek is steep and there is low oxygen on the top, therefore it requires expertise level of trekking.
Where: Kullu
How to get there-
Jaon Village near Shimla is the starting point for Shrikhand Mahadev trek.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jubbarhati Airport near Shimla. Take an interstate bus or taxi till Jaon Village via Nirmand (Kullu).
By Train: Nearest railhead is at Kalka. You can take a toy train from Kalka to Shimla (if time permits). Interstate buses or cabs are available from the railway station till Jaon Village.
By Road: Jaon Village is well connected by motorable roads. Take a bus from Shimla towards Rampur then to Jaon Village via Nirmand (Kullu). You can even hire a taxi towards Jaon Village.
Best time to visit-
Trek to Shrikhand Mahadev is open only between July to August. Heavy snowfall and storms makes it difficult to reach here during rest of the months throughout the year.
Attracting thousands of pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts to take a dip into the holy waters, Manimahesh (also known as Chamba Kailash) is one of the important pilgrimage spot in Himachal Pradesh and great trekking trail for beginners. Positioned at an elevation of 13,000 ft above sea level, Manimahesh Lake is highly revered by the Hindus. It is believed that this sacred spot in Himalayas is very close to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Every year, on 8th day of the half moon in the month of Bhadon (August-September), a vibrant fair is held here.
Where: Chamba
How to get there-
Chamba is the starting point for Manimahesh Trek.
By Air: Nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra. Take a local bus or cab to reach Chamba.
By Train: Nearest railway station is at Pathankot. Take an interstate bus or cab towards Chamba.
By Road: Chamba is well connected by motorable roads. Interstate buses are available from Delhi to reach Chamba. You can even hire a taxi towards Chamba.
Best time to visit-
The best time to visit Manimahesh Kailash is from mid-May to mid-October as the weather is pleasant and perfect for trekking.
Adi Kailash, also known as Chota Kailash; is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and divinity and situated close to Indo-Tibetan border in Uttarakhand. While trekking towards Adi Kailash, you will come across stunning vistas of Annapurna Peak, gushing Kali River and lush forest area. Located at an elevation of 15,510 ft above sea level, Adi Kailash finds mention in various Hindu scriptures.
Where: Pithoragarh
How to get there-
Saung Village is the starting point for Adi Kailash Trek.
By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar. Take a local bus or cab till Bageshwar.
By Train: Nearest railhead is at Kathgodam. Take a local bus or cab till Bageshwar.
By Road: Bageshwar is well connected by motorable roads. Take an interstate bus towards Bageshwar. From here reach Saung Village via Bamsera.
Best time to visit-
The best time to go for Adi Kailash trek is from mid-May to September as the weather is pleasant.
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