Shrikhand Mahadev - toughest trek in india

Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva and is considered as a pilgrimage place for Hindus. 

It is considered to be one of the toughest treks in India.

The 75 feet Shivalingam at the top of the Mountain is at the height of 5227 Meter.

Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Yatra' is a Pilgrimage trek in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. 

There are various spots that pilgrims take before reaching Jaon, some of them include 

in decreasing order of their distance from the peak)

Shimla, Nirmand, Jaon. It's a 32 km (from one side) trek from base village Jaon to the Shrikhand top which is approximately 18,570 ft above the sea level. 

From Jaon the journey begins, and after 3 km of walking reaches Singhaad, the first Base camp where Langar (free meal for the pilgrims) is available alongside some paid food services. After that there is a 12 km straight uphill stretch to Thaachru, also known as 'Dandi-Dhaar' (roughly translating to Stick-Height), because of the stretch being a very steep slope with an elevation angle of approximately 70 degrees. 

One gets to see lush green Deodar trees & Streams while enrouting towards Thaachru and after the long trek of 15 km, there's a recommended halt, where one can opt to stay in tents.

Thaachru is another base camp, surrounded by lush green Deodar trees and Streams, where meals and tents are available. The journey begins with a 3 km uphill trek to Kali Ghati, which is supposed to be abode of the Goddess Kali. The Shiva-Linga can be seen from this point, given the weather is clear. From Kali Ghati, there is a 1 km downhill stretch towards Bheem Talai. Departing from Bheem Talai, there is a 3 km stretch to Kunsa Valley, a green valley with Himalayan flowers surrounding it. After another 3 km stretch from here, there is the next base camp Bheem Dawaar, having all the usual services. Just 2 km ahead is another base camp, Parvati Bagh (Parvati's garden), supposedly a garden planted by Hindu Goddess Parvati. 

The garden has flowers like Brahma Kamal, also known as Saussurea obvallata, which supposedly was used by the Hindu deity Shiva to plant an elephant's head on Ganesha, the god of New Beginnings. 2 km from there, is the next spot Nain Saravor (meaning, Eye's Lake), and revered to be a holy lake, and numerous people reporting physical healing of old diseases, and impairments after dipping in the lake. After this, is the final stretch of approximately 3 km to the peak, through rocky terrains, to the peak, where the lingam is situated. The peak, alongside having Shiva's lingam also has a mountain for Lord Kartikeya, behind the main Shiva mountain.

SHREEKHAND MAHADEV TREK details

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HEIGHT

(Above Sea Level) 5200 M

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PLACES TO BE VISITED

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Rampur - Jaun village - Singaarah - Bhim Talai - Paravati Bagh - Man Sarovar - Shree Khand Mahadev - back

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DURATION

6 Days to 7 Days

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BEST SEASON June to September

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DIFFICULTY ABOUT TREK

The Shrikhand Mahadev trek is a pilgrim trail that leads to the Shrikhand Mahadev peak (5227 meters/17150 ft.) named after Lord Shiva.

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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.

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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.

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 Precautions - 

Difficult gradients. Steep incline trek going through rough glaciers covers, rocky moraine path. People with no or less High altitude trekking experience should not attempt this trek.

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Base Camp: Jaon Village or Singhgad

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Rail advice : Shimla is the nearest rail head to Jaon village – 170 Km. Shimla is connected with narrow gauge line with Kalka.

Road advice : Buses are available from Shimla ISBT. Take a cab/ local bus from Shimla to Rampur 130 km, then to Jaun village via Nirmand (Kullu). Finally , the last 8 km from Bagi pul to Jaun is a kuccha road..

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SriKhand Mahadev is a very beautiful trek- full of adventure and devotion.

Benefits of doing the trek during the trip time - as it is a long trek of approx 35 km on a very rough terrain (difficult) and one need a place to stay & eat in the night which will be easily available during the period only. Also number of pilgrim is rising every year, so during the trip time you will find every help you need as their will be lot of devotees doing this pilgrimage tour 

Advantage of doing trek during Yatra :

No need of guide or porter (as lot of people will be going )

Free food & accommodation available at various location during the yatra organised by Shrine board & Himachal Pradesh government.

One can not expect any kind of emergency service or Medical facility on this trek. 

However it might exist at minimal degree only during the yatra as it is organised by Himachal Government. This is the major reason this trek is called one of the most difficult (dangerous) pilgrim trek/yatra beside it’s difficult terrain.

Recently one major & a much needed step was taken by Himachal Government. 

At Parvati Bagh there was a rescue team available as above Parvati Bagh (to Shrikhand peak) the trek become more difficult and vulnerable. Hence more chances of mishap 

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find eating spots in Kunsa & Bheem Talai , basically after every 2–3 km.

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Bheem Dwar : A large landscape with beautifull grassland. The deep valley is surrounded with waterfalls, mountain peaks, vast grassland and small water streams. No time is enough to enjoy the panoramic view and ever changing weather. It is said that this is the place where Pandavas stayed during their exile.

Also, one can find langar seva (free food) here all time. This place is the base for camps & tents. So, If want to stay here for the night book your shelter as soon as you reach because as the night approaches many people wanting to stay and price start rising.

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On the way to Nainser lake (Nain Sarovar) one can find boulders and water streams. Also, the altitude reaches to approx. 14500 ft, so one can start feeling the lack of oxygen here. Legend says that the sarovar is created by the tears of Mata Parvati when she was worshiping lord Shiva (while Bhole was doing tapasya on the peak). This makes the water holy , so people generally take a dip in the water and re-fill their water bottles and continue.

Special tip 

: One should re-fill their water bottles here because after Nain Sarovar their is no water.

Once you see the Shivling , every part of your body will feel light and you will be enjoying the sudden energy in your blood. It’s a feeling that can’t be expressed and only can be felt.

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Once you see the Shivling , every part of your body will feel light and you will be enjoying the sudden energy in your blood. It’s a feeling that can’t be expressed and only can be felt.

____  om namah shivaya  ______

Advice from tours on holiday

Don’t hesitate to seek help from others if needed or at some point your courage take a hit, their is no shame in it. You are going to the lords house.

Take glucose (Glucon -d, ORS etc) , dry fruits & chocolate bars etc. Anything with the quick energy source because it will be much needed on this trek.

Don’t forget to get yourself registered with the Yatra Mandal while starting the yatra. You will find the spot in Singhar for registration with the nominal fee of Rs.100 . It is for your safety in case any mishap.