Manimahesh Kailash Yatra – Trekking Guide for Backpackers

📍 Location 

Manimahesh Kailash, also known as Chamba Kailash, is a sacred peak in the Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh, India, standing tall at 5,653 meters (18,547 ft). The Manimahesh Lake (4,080 m) at its base is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and a pristine trekking destination.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

• Mid-July to Mid-September (Peak Season during the Manimahesh Yatra)
  
  

• Avoid during monsoons (June–early July) and winter (October–May) due to heavy snow and landslides.
  
  

🥾 Popular Trek Routes

1. Hadsar–Manimahesh Trek (Traditional Pilgrim Route)

• Duration: 2–3 days
  
  

• Difficulty: Moderate
  
  

• Starting Point: Hadsar village, 14 km from Bharmour
  
  

• Route: Hadsar → Dhancho → Gauri Kund → Manimahesh Lake
  
  

• Total Distance: ~13 km (one way)
  
  

• Highlights: Waterfalls, Gauri Kund (where women bathe), Shiva Kund (for men), stunning views of the Kailash peak.
  
  

2. Kugti–Manimahesh Trek (Offbeat Adventure Route)

• Duration: 6–7 days
  
  

• Difficulty: Challenging
  
  

• Starting Point: Kugti village, near Bharmour
  
  

• Route: Kugti → Duggi → Alyas (Base Camp) → Kugti Pass → Manimahesh Lake
  
  

• Highlights: Less crowded, alpine meadows, glacier crossings, high-altitude pass, raw beauty.
  
  

🧭 How to Reach

✈️ Nearest Airport:

• Kangra (Dharamshala) – ~180 km
  
  

• Chandigarh – ~350 km
  
  

🚆 Nearest Railhead:

• Pathankot (Broad gauge) – ~170 km
  → Then bus/taxi to Bharmour via Chamba.
  
  

🚐 Road Connectivity:

• Chamba to Bharmour (~60 km) by local or private transport.
  
  

• Bharmour to Hadsar (~14 km) by shared taxi or trek.
  
  

🏕️ Accommodation Options

• Bharmour: Guesthouses, budget hotels, campsites.
  
  

• Dhancho: Tented accommodations and langars (during Yatra season).
  
  

• Manimahesh Lake: Camps or tents (carry your own in off-season).
  
  

🧳 What to Pack

• Trekking shoes with good grip
  
  

• Thermal wear, down jacket, rain poncho
  
  

• Sleeping bag (if camping)
  
  

• Power bank, headlamp
  
  

• Dry fruits, energy bars, reusable water bottle
  
  

• First aid kit (Diamox, ORS, bandages)
  
  

• Trekking pole (recommended)
  
  

• ID proof, cash (ATMs only in Chamba/Bharmour)
  
  

⚠️ Tips for Trekkers

• Acclimatize in Bharmour (2,195 m) for at least a day.
  
  

• Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol.
  
  

• Mobile network is patchy after Bharmour (BSNL is most reliable).
  
  

• Respect local customs—no swimming in Manimahesh Lake.
  
  

• Carry back your trash; the route is ecologically sensitive.
  
  

🙏 Cultural Significance

• Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, Manimahesh is one of the Panch Kailash peaks.
  
  

• Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Manimahesh Lake, especially during Janmashtami and Radhashtami festivals.
  
  

🧭 Trek Grade Overview

Route

Grade

Altitude Gain

Duration

                                       Hadsar Route  : Moderate

2,195 m → 4,080 m

2–3 days

                                          Kugti Route  Difficult

                                          2,500 m → 4,800+ m

                                                   6–7 days

🛑 Permit & Guidelines

• No special permit needed for Indian citizens.
  
  

• Foreign nationals may need inner-line permissions—check with local authorities.
  
  

• Respect the sacred nature of the place and avoid loud music or inappropriate clothing.