<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/a-guide-to-chamba" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Manimahesh Kailash trek</a> is more than a Himalayan trek. It's a pilgrimage in the serenity of nature. Manimahesh Kailash trek is in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh and is an experience once in a lifetime where adventure blends with divinity.Trekking to Manimahesh Lake, the holy residence of Lord Shiva, you'll be walking through gushing streams, old forests, and tiny mountain villages. The view of the Manimahesh Kailash Peak reflected in the pristine waters of the lake is said to be an instant blessing of Lord Shiva himself. Whether you are seeking spiritual comfort or you are a fan of some of that adrenaline-fueled excitement, the Manimahesh trek is where you should be.

Manimahesh yatra is not just a pilgrimage trek but a rich personal experience in one of India's most magical areas. If you are looking for divine blessings, adventure, or a combination of the two, the Manimahesh Kailash trek will have you recalling for all time in your heart.

June to October is the ideal time for the Manimahesh Yatra. The weather is good during the months when trekking conditions are ideal, and the climate is secure. Grand Manimahesh Kailash Yatra is usually undertaken in these months, on Janmashtami and Radha Ashtami, when thousands of devotees travel and are a part of this holy trek.

Before embarking on the tour, it is necessary to know the Manimahesh trek distance and the Manimahesh trek route.Manimahesh trek is around a 34 km round trip from Bharmour with Dhancho and Gauri Kund in between before finally reaching the sacred lake. The Manimahesh trek route is mostly of a moderate level, with steep ridges and boulder stretches in between. Picturesque waterfalls and greenery-filled meadows interrupt the path, with each bend providing panoramic views. The Manimahesh yatra distance from Hadsar to the lake is approximately 14 km one way.

The Manimahesh Kailash trek is not only scenic but full of myths and legends. <ul><li>The locals believe that Lord Shiva formed the Manimahesh Lake when he married Goddess Parvati.</li><li>The Manimahesh Kailash mountain summit is so steep that nobody has even tried to climb it, leaving it sacred and mysterious.</li><li>They tell us that anyone who attempts to climb up is turned to stone.</li><li>It is said that during a black moon night, you can observe that you can spot a glinting jewel or a "mani" on top of the hill, hence the name Manimahesh, or the "jewel of Shiva."</li></ul>

You need to reach Bharmour, the base of the trek, before you embark on the Manimahesh Kailash trek. <ul><li>By Air: Closest airport Gaggal Airport (DHM) at 190 km is the closest airport.</li><li>By Rail: The closest railway station is Pathankot (180 km from Bharmour).</li><li>By Road: Private taxis and HRTC buses also run from Dharamshala, Chamba, and other towns.</li></ul> We will schedule the rest of your tour when you arrive in Bharmour. You will be picked up from the predetermined place and will be transported to the destination of the Manimahesh trek. <h4>Suggested Read : <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/things-to-do-at-dharamshala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Top 10 Things to do at Dharamshala</a></h4>

Worried about the accommodation &amp; meals during the trek? Accommodations can be homestays or tents. Dal, rice, and sabzi constitute the typical food served. Langars also offer free food to pilgrims who are performing the Manimahesh Kailash yatra.As there would be a lot of tourists during tourist season, pre-booking your trek packages with meals, tents, and road journeys from Bharmour to Hadsar would be a good idea. The affordable packages include: <ul><li>From Bharmour, ₹10,499 Includes: Accommodation, camps in Hadsar &amp; Manimahesh, all meals (Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast), expert guide &amp; staff, all necessary permits &amp; entry fees, Bharmour local sightseeing, and basic first aid kit with oximeter &amp; oxygen.</li></ul> <ul><li>From Pathankot, ₹12,499 Includes: Comfy stays, camps in Hadsar &amp; Manimahesh (Day 02 &amp; 03), all meals (Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast), expert guide &amp; staff, all necessary permits &amp; entry fees, transportation from Pathankot to Pathankot with en-route sightseeing, Bharmour local sightseeing, and basic first aid kit with oximeter &amp; oxygen.</li></ul> <ul><li>From Amritsar, ₹14,499 Includes: Accommodations, camps in Hadsar &amp; Manimahesh (Day 02 &amp; 03), all meals (Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast), expert guide &amp; professional staff, all required permits &amp; entry fees, transportation from Amritsar to Amritsar with en-route sightseeing, Bharmour local sightseeing, and basic first aid kit with oximeter &amp; oxygen.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Day 1: Drive to Bharmour → Explore the old Chaurasi Temple complex → Acclimatization trek to Brahmani Mata Temple (6 km).</li><li>Day 2: Drive to Hadsar → 7 km trek to Dhancho → Overnight camp.</li><li>Day 3: 7 km trek to Manimahesh Lake → Holy bath and prayers → Camp near Gauri Kund.</li><li>Day 4: Back trek to Hadsar → Drive to Bharmour → Overnight stay.</li><li>Day 5: Eat breakfast and depart.</li></ul>

To prepare yourself best for the Manimahesh Kailash trek, some travel and fitness tips are as follows:<ul><li>Stamina Building: Upper-body exercises every day, cardio, and leg exercises.</li><li>Acclimatization: An overnight stay at Bharmour would acclimatize you to high altitude.</li><li>Hydration: Take plenty of water and no alcohol or heavy food.</li><li>Clothing: Layer and pack thermals, jackets, and wicking clothes.</li><li>Essentials: A good backpack, hiking boots, a first-aid kit, and energy bars are essentials for the trek to go as planned.</li></ul>

<h3>Q: What Are The Activities I Can Perform During the Manimahesh Yatra?</h3>Apart from trekking, you can perform sacred rituals at Manimahesh Lake, observe religious celebrations, and see the unique grandeur of Himalayan scenery. <h3>Q: What Do I Need To Bring?</h3>Trekking shoes, rucksacks, headlamps, sunscreens, bottles, energy bars, first-aid kits, and warm clothing are essentials. <h3>Q: Are We Required To Have Permits For The Manimahesh Kailash Trek?</h3>Yes, permissions are typically required for people on the Manimahesh Kailash trek. However, if you are on a trekking package, the permissions are typically part of the package. The permit charges also differ based on whether you are Indian or a foreigner; foreign nationals typically pay a little extra. <h3>Q: How Strenuous Is The Hike?</h3>The trek is moderately challenging, with the rocky landscape and high altitude demanding good physical health and acclimatisation. <h3>Q: Is Kailash Parvat Visible From Manimahesh?</h3>No, Mount Kailash is not visible from Manimahesh. While both are sacred and associated with Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash (in Tibet) and Manimahesh Kailash Peak (in Himachal Pradesh, India) are completely separate peaks, located hundreds of kilometers apart. <h3>Q: What Is The Story Behind Manimahesh?</h3>Manimahesh was considered the abode of the three Lords of the universe, namely – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Manimahesh is said to be the heaven of Lord Shiva. As per the legends, Lord Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Goddess Parvati, so it is spiritually and religiously important for the pilgrims.

Manimahesh Yatra: A Complete Guide

India > Himachal Pradesh > Chamba

Siya Garg 19 Feb 2026

Explore in Chamba

Table of Content